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db-reviews · 2 years

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#138 - Two For The Show - Kansas (1978)

I was originally gonna get this review out on Thanksgiving, but due to family and stuff I couldn’t. That being said, better late than never ‘ey?

Prog Rock in the 70s was definitely dominated by Europe with King Crimson and or Gentle Giant raging through, though in the American continent there was still some hype around a good amount of bands. In South America there are bands like Bubu from Argentina, and Os Mutantes from Brazil. Canada got its fair share of Prog too with Harmonium and the well beloved Rush. In between them with America, most progressive acts were very centered on Jazz, most likely due to it being a big cultural thing in the 70s and 60s with acts like Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Return To Forever supplying the more jazz focused music in the American region. Though for more general rock fans that want the more harder side of the genre were still in luck, especially in the Heartland area in states like Ohio, Indiana, and of course Kansas. The more American focused Prog in the Heartlands were less reliant on European classicalism and symphonics but more on a harder rock and even slightly country sound, though bands like Styx would sprinkle in some Euro influences in their music from time to time. These tropes and characteristics of American styled Prog can be seen most prominently with Kansas.

To me Kansas has never been my favorite band in my country, but that is compared to modern acts around my banks of expertise. Even though they may not be my favorite, they still have made some very amazing albums like Song For America and Point Of Know Return, and some very classic songs that I think even non Progheads love like Carry On My Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind. As an American I find Kansas to hit pretty close to home since I live in the Western Heartland area of the USA, though I was born in a coastal state. So with that being said, I absolutely adore this live album they put out in ‘78.

Two For The Show is one of Kansas’ expertly crafted musical ventures, featuring songs from their first five records (Kansas, Song For America, Masque, Leftoverture, and Point Of Know Return.) and they picked out the best of the best for this live show in those respective albums, beginning with the awesome Song For America from its titular album and ending with the big 11 minute suite Magnum Opus from Leftoverture, with the songs in between containing amazingly placed numbers like Icarus and Journey From Mariabronn. No song here is bad, not even close, and for me a good live album should, for one, bring out new experiences to songs, and create for a lively and fun atmosphere. This album does not only do both, but exceeds my expectations in how live albums should be. The big and grand sound the band raises in this live performance in each song allows them to constantly feel fresh even after multiple listens with me noticing new things each time, especially with headphones.

I think the best version of the album to listen to is the 30th anniversary edition with another hour worth of content that continues the streak of amazing songs from Kansas’ lineage. Not only do you get a mouthful of music from this edition, but so much good material that, even with its long 2 hour length, you cannot help but love it even more.

I just love the big and super radical sound Kansas exudes on this live venture, that I just want more of what they have to offer in this big adventure they set out on stage. The violin work of Robby Steinhardt is the soul part of the album for me, working hand in hand with Steve Walsh’s keyboard works and Kerry and Rich’s guitars. But, they do not compare with the immaculate bass work of Dave Hope. Again, listen to this with headphones and just listen to Dave’s bass. It is so meaty, powerful, and poignant that it is a crying shame he doesn’t get the spotlight in comparison to other bass legends like Geddy Lee and Les Claypool.

I also really like how sometimes the band would sprinkle in a bit of a melody in some cases where they interconnect the songs they are playing. You can see that with Portrait to Carry On My Wayward Son and Excerpt from "Lamplight Symphony" to The Wall. It just makes the album so much bigger and better, really solidifying the band’s Prog status while retaining their hearty sound of music.

Pretty much all of this album, front to back, is a gemstone just waiting to be cracked into. 14 songs of pure progressive stasis, and 11 more just waiting to be eaten up in the anniversary edition. If you haven’t heard this live album, do yourself a favor and listen to it since this album should be one everyone at least in some point should look into as it is one of the best live releases in my opinion. Such an amazing work of art from this band.

5/5

#music review #album review #progressive rock #rock #Happy Late Thanksgiving

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bobdylanrevisited · 3 years

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The Basement Tapes

Released: 26 June 1975

Rating: 10/10

Following the motorcycle crash in 1966 that put an end to his ‘electric era’, Dylan and his new family moved to Woodstock, outside of the public eye. So to did his backing band, The Hawks later known as The Band, and during Bob’s recovery the musicians would meet up and record songs nearly every day for almost a year. Though recorded in 1967, there was no official release until 1975, when Bob finally gave permission to Robbie Robertson (guitarist for The Band), to select and mix tracks from these sessions. This review will be different to my others, as many of the songs do not require individual analysis, but rather I want to focus on three specific areas: the recording, Robbie’s choice of songs, and the highlights. The Basement Tapes is not only one of the best albums of the 20th century, strangely enough it’s also one of the most frustrating, due to an apathetic Bob and outside influence.

The Recording: I believe the recording sessions came about due to two very different reasons. The first is because Bob used it as his therapy. The motorcycle crash put his lifestyle into perspective and he morphed into a brand new man, as discussed in my ‘John Wesley Harding’ post. Gone were the days of acid and avant-garde, hanging out in New York’s high society art scene and facing down an audience of former fans and folk fanatics. He now chose anonymity, a simpler family life, and a return to less ‘controversial’ music. You only need to see his physical change from 1966 to ‘67 to see that this is not the same person who was booed at the Free Trade Hall. By ‘67 Bob has recorded seven albums in just five years, being laid up after the crash must have been hell for a young artist who had always stayed constantly moving.

The second reason is almost the antithesis of Bob wanting to record to stay creative and play with his friends. The crash had taken a high earning artist off the tour circuit and, as is often the way things go, some fat cat was losing revenue and wanted to recoup losses. Dylan stated in 1969 that he was being pressured into writing songs that could be sold and recorded by other popular acts, therefore still making him a valuable asset for record labels. Although it only seems like a handful of songs were actually recorded purely as demos to produce covers, and the majority of the songs do seem to be the musicians playing only for themselves, it is still a grim indictment on the industry that Bob was hounded to still produce hits after nearly dying just a few months prior.

The Band bought the now famous house ‘Big Pink’ very close to where the Dylan’s now resided, and according to Rick Danko (the bass player), Bob would constantly come round either with a new song ready to go or they’d all sit around and improvise until they’d figured out the words. This is the beauty of The Basement Tapes, it’s less about the individual songs, it’s more about the way it perfectly captures a feeling. That feeling of being with friends and having a laugh. That feeling of synchronicity you have with those closest to you. It also oozes Americana, an alluring mix of folk and country, with acoustic guitars and pianos creating lively songs about everything and nothing. Bob’s voice is relaxed and effortless, a million miles away from ‘Blonde On Blonde’. The tunes are slower and often happy, and it’s almost like the jaded beatnik of the prior three years had let all ill-will go. It’s somehow the perfect album for all seasons, whether it be a summers evening in the garden with a drink, or a winters evening wrapped up on the sofa, it’s perfectly evergreen. Despite my love for the album and the Bob we encounter on this record, there is an unavoidable problem with this release, and that problem is Robbie Robertson.

The Tracklist: Following ‘Blood On The Tracks’ and his critical standing seemingly returned to his mid ‘60s high point, Bob finally gave permission for the long bootlegged basement recordings to be made public. However, he wasn’t really interested in how these recordings were released, so Robbie Robertson took the task upon himself. This leads to the biggest problem with the album and the legacy of the recordings: the songs that were left off, and the songs Robbie faked to replace them.

Many classics were written and recorded during the legendary sessions. ‘Quinn The Mighty Eskimo’ had been a huge hit for Manfred Mann and had been performed live by Bob. Similarly, ‘Minstrel Boy’ had been part of his Isle Of Wight set in 1969. ‘I Shall Be Released’ had also been a staple of live shows, as well as appearing on Bob’s Greatest Hits Volume 2 in 1971 (albeit a different and better studio recording). So why the fuck were these omitted from official release?! Who could possibly hear the pure genius of ‘I’m Not There’ or ‘Sign On The Cross’ and decide the public didn’t deserve to fall in love with its weird and mysterious ramblings. Of course with The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Complete Basement Tapes eventually being released in 2014, everyone finally got to hear a properly mixed catalogue of these amazing months of musical perfection, yet it may have been 39 years too late thanks to Robbie’s bizarre song choice.

Of the 24 tracks on the album, 8 do not feature Dylan nor were recorded during the basement period. These are unreleased The Band songs which Robbie added to the album. Now, I want to make it clear that after Bob, The Band are my favourite musical artists, but there is something very disingenuous of Robbie to pretend that these songs were anything to do with Bob and the mythos of his reclusive year. Their studio recordings were even mixed to sound more raw, to match the rest of the album. It’s honestly mind blowing that a third of the album is taken up with these tracks, when the aforementioned classics were saved just for bootleggers and collectors. Whilst I still adore the album, Robbie’s ego and self promotion leaves a bitter taste.

The Highlights: As previously mentioned, the songs themselves are often short and simple, and they don’t require lyrical analysis. However, there are 3 tracks I did quickly want to mention.

12. Tears Of Rage - One of the darker songs on this otherwise happy album, Dylan’s singing here is incredible, as are his harmonies with The Band’s Richard Manuel. It’s one of my favourites on the album.

19. You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere - A happy song of love and unity (remember this was recorded during Bob and Sara’s happy days despite being eventually released during their break up). The recording on this album is great, however I urge you to listen to the 1971 studio version found on Greatest Hits Vol. 2 as it’s one of my favourite Dylan songs from the Woodstock period.

24. This Wheel’s On Fire - Similar to ‘Tears Of Rage’, this is dark, weird, and infinitely more memorable than most of the album. By far the best track, Dylan was still at his songwriting best when tackling metaphor and challenging imagery.

Verdict: As I previously said, this album is a cultural document of legendary artists essentially messing about. It’s a truly fantastic record, in spite of Robertson’s best efforts, and each song from the basement sessions makes you wish you could have been there, chilling amongst mates and being ludicrously creative every single day. However, this album is only a great introduction to these mesmerising recordings, it is essential you listen to The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Complete Basement Tapes. It is a joy to listen to the 138 tracks and find your new favourite, or find a hidden gem that Dylan likely forgot the second he stopped singing it. That being said, if you don’t want to sift through that many tracks, many of which are admittedly nonsense or badly recorded, then the 24 track album is still a brilliant overview which you’re sure to fall in love with. Following this release, we go back to Bob during his tumultuous marriage breakdown, his carnival live shows, and an album filled with mystique and violins.

#bob dylan #the basement tapes

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porcupiney · 4 years

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ok fuck this. musical artists that i listen to that the various foreign kids also listen to

damien: two door cinema club, and he will not admit that to you in a MILLION YEARS. he will not admit to you that he has spent full evenings putting on concerts to the entirety of gameshow in his bedroom. he will not admit to you that he is proud of himself for his ability to hit the high notes in the chorus of je viens de la. he will not admit to you that he loves their sweet sweet disco sound, perfected with a peppering of garageband and indie rock. but he does. he loves it SO MUCH. his favorite songs are dirty air, sucker, wake up and undercover martyn

pip: cavetown ... it’s the softness and the melancholy is what it is . pip wouldn’t ever admit how much he relates to some of the songs because he doesn’t want others worrying about him but. some of them do hit close to home for him... beyond that i think he would really enjoy the downtempo tenderness of cavetown’s music !!! his favorite songs would be banana bread, i’ll make cereal, hazel, and devil town (sorry for my inability to get over robbies first album it’s so fucking good)

pocket: jack stauber !!! this one is a no brainer !!! pocket is so weird and eccentric and fun and silly..... he would adore jack stauber’s art and music and the nonsense of it all !!! and he would try to get pip into it and it wouldn’t really work . but it’s ok because pocket still loves it :) his favorite songs would be theres something happening, inchman, keyman and the ballad of hamantha !!!

estella: florence + the machine AND NOT JUST BECAUSE SHE IS A LESBIAN but that is definitely part of it! florence just has such a sophisticated intelligent sound and voice, i think estella would connect a lot with her messages (esp in songs like ‘what kind of man’ whose message is just ‘men aint shit’) while having a huge respect for her as an artist (and as a strong woman). her fave songs would be queen of peace, kiss with a fist, which witch, and what kind of man

gregory: glass animals. he is a god damned theater kid. you cannot tell me he wouldn’t love glass animals. this pretentious son of a bitch listens to season 2 episode 3 on repeat and lip syncs dramatically like he’s living through the song and christophe has probably recorded this and will use it as blackmail in high school. his faves are season 2 episode 3, hazey, take a slice and your love (deja vu)!

christophe: gorillaz. he’s been listening to them since he was like 4 cause he loves their apocalyptic aesthetic (not to mention stophe would look FANTASTIC in the gorillaz art style... someone talented pls get on that) I MEAN COME ON have you people seen the dirty harry music video??? it’s molecore. complete and total molecore do not @ me . his favorite songs would be dirty harry, plastic beach, 5/4, and last living souls

#im losing my wig #tuesday talks #south park #sp foreign kids #damien thorn #pip pirrup #herbert pocket #estella havisham #gregory of yardale #christophe delorne #long post

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hlupdate · 4 years

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The 26-year-old pop star, who fixes an adoring gaze on Stevie Nicks whenever in her presence and flashes those pearly whites as he shimmies alongside Lizzo, is also an exceedingly polite flirt.

After expressing my appreciation of the rather grand music video for his latest single Falling, which had dropped a couple of hours before our chat, Styles thanks me “very much” and then returns the compliment.

“You have a fantastic phone voice … it’s beautiful,” he says.

All the best male pop stars across the ages – from Elvis to Prince, George Michael to Robbie Williams – have wooed female fans with songs of seduction balanced with heartfelt ballads exposing their vulnerability.

Styles learned the power, and the art, of pushing those buttons serving his pop apprenticeship with boy band One Direction, striking superstardom with the debut single What Makes You Beautiful through 16 other hits until they released their unofficial goodbye with the heartache-tinged History.

He kept that pop yin yang going on his 2017 self-titled debut solo album which featured the overtly sexual innuendo of Kiwi and the lament of a relationship in decline that was Two Ghosts.

Fine Line, his second record released in December to critical acclaim and chart domination, continued his exploration of the sex and sadness tropes and was hailed as a more confident pop album than his first.

Styles agrees, saying he wasn’t so much trying to find something new to say about something old but felt more comfortable in his songwriting skin.

“I wanted it to be free … having those kind of goals usually push towards making something exciting. At least exciting to me,” he says.

“When you make a new album and people say it doesn’t sound like the last one it’s yeah, it wasn’t supposed to sound like the last one. I think the goal on this one was to have no goal and just to see what would come out in the end.”

The videos for Fine Line’s singles also reflect the confidence Styles has developed in the decade since One Direction was formed via UK’s X Factor in 2010.

The sexually-charged Lights Up video featured a topless and sweaty Styles cavorting with likeminded party people while the aching piano ballad of Falling finds him drowning in a flood of “tears” from his instrument. The clip for another single Adore You is also water-logged.

Styles runs with it when I joke about the videos forcing him to face a fear of water.

“I do tend to end up somewhat damp in any video or shoot I’ve been doing in recent times. Maybe one day soon I’ll do something dry but for now, I guess not,” he says.

There is no doubt after five years in the One Direction camp where perhaps the five young men – Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik – didn’t have as much freedom as perhaps they would have liked, that Styles in coming into his own as an artist with Fine Line.

It was made with a closeknit group of creative friends including British artist and producer Kid Harpoon, American studio guru Tyler Johnson and one of his best mates Mitch Rowland.

He describes the making of the record – and everything that has followed from the artwork to the videos and now the world tour – as being “free” and “joyful”.

“Obviously I love the first album. I think when I listen to it now I feel like I was a little bit scared of getting it wrong … and played it safe in a lot of places,” he says.

“And I think with this one, it sounds so much more free and the making of it was more joyous and that’s been from the music to the videos, the album cover and all the artwork and stuff.

“That I guess has been the best part for me, that I’ve probably just been having more fun and having that freedom. And obviously standing behind the music you are putting it out makes it more enjoyable.”

Styles has also learned valuable lessons about what he doesn’t want after his One Direction experiences. He’s adept at evading paparazzi or hysterical fans who don’t respect boundaries, as evidenced by his recent brush with muggers while walking home one night in London.

No one caught that on cameras – and the opportunistic thieves who stopped him with an offer of weed before demanding his phone and cash clearly didn’t recognise the pop star in the hoodie as they threatened him with a knife. He managed to break away from the group and make it home safely.

Watching the Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber documentaries and witnessing the cyber bullying of successful artists including Australia’s chartslayer Tones and I provokes the question whether being a pop star in the digital age is now as much about navigating trauma as it is creative expression.

Styles credits the tightknit group of friends, family and co-workers for his mental health.

“A lot of the times when people have a song that blows up, it’s quite instant and I don’t know really what there is that can prepare you for that. But obviously there’s so many positive things about it. For the most part the pros outweighs the cons but for some people, they don’t,” he says.

“I think for me, I feel really lucky because I feel like an important part of it all is just having good people around you and I’m very lucky to have a great friend group and people I work with and my family really support me. That makes it a lot easier.

“It’s always been really important for me to separate my personal life from my working life and I think that helps me compartmentalise things to make it easier.

“But yeah, it can be difficult for some people … it’s just one of those things where it’s not really a normal thing and it can be quite strange. But it is also great.”

Styles will head back to Australia for his third solo run of shows with the Love On Tour in November.

With two albums – generating more than 3.6 billion streams – now to his solo credit, he’s loving the challenge of creating the perfect setlist, one that satisfies both the artist and his adoring fans.

On his first world tour, he covered Ariana Grande and Fleetwood Mac – and One Direction – and with his recent bust-outs of Lizzo’s Juice, may consider weaving that awesome track into the repertoire.

“Maybe, maybe … I’m sure it will make an appearance at some point. Maybe Watermelon Sugar Juice?” Styles says, before signing off with wishes to take care and telling me to “get yourself a radio show.”

Tickets for the Love On Tour concerts go on sale from 2pm on March 20.

Harry Styles plays Qudos Bank Arena on November 20, Brisbane Entertainment Centre on November 26, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on November 28 and RAC Arena, Perth on December 2.

#harry styles #articles #daily telegraph australia #140320

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dailytomlinson · 5 years

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Louis Tomlinson may be one-fifth of one of the biggest boybands in the world, but there's so much more to know about the singer than the fact he was in One Direction. Now that he's getting on with his solo music career - AND just dropped his amazing new single 'Two Of Us', Louis is a major household name across the world.

Louis William Tomlinson was born on Christmas Eve in 1991, making him 27-years-old at the time of writing. Louis is the oldest member of One Direction, being 13 months older than second eldest Zayn Malik.

Louis Tomlinson's star sign is Capricorn. Apparently, typical Capricorns live by the motto, ‘Slow, steady and win the race.’ Where is Louis Tomlinson from? Louis was brought up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Other famous people who hail from the town include Jeremy Clarkson, Kevin Keegan and Brian Blessed! Louis Tomlinson on The X Factor Louis first auditioned for The X Factor in 2009 but didn't get through the producer's audition, but that made him more determined to return in 2010 as a solo artist at the age of 19. He then met his future bandmate Harry Styles in the toilets at The X Factor auditions in Manchester.Although he made it through to bootcamp after singing a version of Plain White T’s ‘Hey There Delilah’ and getting a clean sweep of yeses from the judges, he wasn't able to progress as a solo artist.However, judge Nicole Scherzinger suggested that he go through in a group with some other rejected solo boys, and he was put together with Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles. They went through to Judges' Houses, singing an acoustic version of 'Torn' by Natalie Imbruglia with Simon Cowell himself commenting that the group "were confident, fun, like a gang of friends and kind of fearless as well."They were Simon's last act standing on the series, but finished in third place behind Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson.When One Direction formed, Louis’s big ambition was to go "straight to the top." Proof that dreams come true! He also once said that if he could give anyone a tip when auditioning for The X Factor it would be "just be yourself and really try and get your personality through in your song choice and interview." Although Louis has returned to The X Factor as a performer, he took part in the show in 2018 as part of a brand new line-up alongside Robbie Williams - coincidentally, someone who Louis once called his 'man crush'.He also once said that Robbie is his biggest role model, telling KISS, "I’ve got a massive musical icon and that’s Robbie Williams. We actually got to sing with him on The X Factor and it was absolutely amazing." Louis Tomlinson in One Direction After coming third on The X Factor, the boys were signed to Simon Cowell's label Syco in a reported £2 million contract and immediately started working on their debut album. They took part in The X Factor Live Tour in 2011, and released their debut single 'What Makes You Beautiful' in September that year, which debuted at Number 1.The debut album 'Up All Night' was released in November 2011, and Louis’s favourite track on ‘Up All Night’ is the Ed Sheeran-penned track ‘Moments’. The track appears on the deluxe version of the record.They released second album 'Take Me Home' exactly one year later. Their documentary and concert film One Direction: This Is Us was released in August 2013 and grossed $68.5 million worldwide.Third album 'Midnight Memories' was released in November 2013, and fourth album 'Four' came out in November 2014. Just prior to the release of their fifth album 'Made in the A.M.' in November 2015, the band announced in August that they would be taking a hiatus, following the departure of Zayn Malik in March.

What was Louis Tomlinson like in One Direction?

According to his bandmates, Louis has the smelliest feet in One Direction! Niall once said, "Louis wears plimsolls with no socks so his feet get very sweaty and the sweat is captured. If we are on a bus or something and he takes them off we all pretty much start gagging." Despite having smelly feet, Louis is a big fan of shoes! His favourite types are chinos and Toms and he's a size 10.

Louis also revealed in an interview with us that Niall is the one person in the world he would swap bodies with, "I’ll go close to home Niall Horan, he doesn’t worry about anything in the world, Irish accent I’m not too bad I spend a lot of time with Niall."

Louis was given a telling off by police when filming the ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ video Los Angeles in July 2011 for his erratic driving. Afterwards, he explained, "I got pulled over by the US police. They thought I was all over the place. The officer goes, 'Listen, man, I can shut this thing down if you carry on driving like this. You're driving like a maniac.' And I was like, 'Man, put the gun down. I don't want no trouble.'"

He also says that he and his 1D bandmates are like brothers. Admitting that they occasionally bickered in the band, Louis told Digital Spy, "Because we're around each other so often it's like arguing with your siblings. You fall out with them, go away and have a bit of a paddy, then come back and get over it."

Louis once said that he likes snuggling up in bed with one of the One Directioners... HARRY! He said, "A few weeks ago I made a cup of tea, then went and got in bed with Harry and we watched a show called something like The Top 50 Boybands Of All Time." Nice!

Louis has approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds of solos on ‘Up All Night’ – the second least behind Niall Horan. Louis says he’ll "never get used to" the adoration he receives from fans. He once said, "At the end of the day we’re doing something that we really love and to be appreciated for that is really nice."

Louis hates rumours, especially when they involve Harry and himself. In a Tumblr interview he explained, "Me and Harry are best friends, people look into our every move. It is actually affecting the way me and Harry are in public, We want to joke around but there seems to be a different rumour every time we do anything."

Louis told us the one thing he misses about being in One Direction, "Probably touring, that’s why I’m excited to perform today and excited to get out and spent time touring the world as that’s probably the best thing about being an artist."

Louis Tomlinson's new music

After his successful solo performance on The X Factor in 2018, Louis delighted his fans in March when he dropped his amazing new single 'Two Of Us'.

The song, which is adored by fans, is a tribute to Louis' late mum Johannah Deakin. Johannah left behind seven children, including Louis, at the end of 2016, when she lost her battle with an aggressive form of leukaemia at the age of just 42.

Louis' track 'Two Of Us' features the lyrics, 'I know you'll be looking down/Swear I'm gonna make you proud/I'll be living one life for the two of us.'

The heartwarming music video saw Louis team up with 83-year-old Richard Green to complete a bucket list of adventures that he'd been trying to complete after losing his wife Pat in December 2016 - the same month Louis tragically lost his mother, Johannah Deakin.

Thanks to the success of the video, Louis has helped to raise a whopping £10,000 for the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice with the music video, which encourages fans to donate to the Sheffield-base charity in a call to action on his music video, which also promotes the Alzheimer's Society and Cancer Research UK.

He told us about the video, "He is, honestly, one the most amazing men I’ve ever met. Probably the most amazing man. I was so in awe of him, you know. Eighty-four, and to have that outlook on life. He was an amazing guy. Really funny as well.

"Just his outlook in general was what I took from that whole experience. You know, he recently had lost his wife but his outlook was so positive and a lot of people are entitled to dwell and be sad about those kind of things. But he was the exact opposite. He was so upbeat, so fun, and up for anything."

Louis Tomlinson's family

Louis' parents are Johannah Deakin and Troy Austin. In 2011, his mum Johannah and stepdad Mark split up and he took on his stepfather Mark Tomlinson’s surname. Speaking about his mum, Louis said, "It must be so much harder for her because I’m living this fantastic life and being so busy every day whereas she’s still in the old life I was in but without me... It must be really difficult for her not to get upset."

Johannah sadly passed away in 2016, and Louis paid tribute to his mum on the anniversaryof her passing.

Louis was incredibly close with his mum, and she once told Sugarscape that Louis is a giver and not a taker. In fact, there’s nothing he enjoys more than giving his friends and family presents, "He’s not a materialistic person himself, but he likes to give people things. He spoils me and the girls and he's happiest doing that."

He also has five younger half-sisters - one on his father's side (Georgia), and four on his mother's side (Charlotte, Félicité, and twins Daisy and Phoebe). Sadly, it was announced in March 2019 that Louis' sister Félicité tragically passed away after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest, at the age of just 18.

Just days after the release of his brand new single 'Two Of Us' in memory of his late mum, Louis' 18-year-old sister Félicité Tomlinson tragically died after she suffered a cardiac arrest.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed, "Police were called by London Ambulance Service at 12.52pm on Wednesday, March 13 to a residential address in SW5 following reports of a female in cardiac arrest. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Enquiries continue."

What did Louis Tomlinson do before The X Factor?

Louis had a number of part-time jobs before The X Factor, including working at a local cinema and as a hospitality waiter at Doncaster Rovers Football Club. When he was younger, Louis wanted to work on a farm.

He also once revealed that if he wasn’t a multi-million selling pop megastar, he reckons he’d be training to be a drama teacher.

Where did Louis Tomlinson go to school?

When he first auditioned for The X Factor, Louis was a sixth form student at Hall Cross School in Doncaster. Louis also attended The Hayfield School in Doncaster, but dropped out when he failed his first year of A-levels.

Has Louis Tomlinson ever acted?

When he was just 11-years-old, Louis had a role as an extra on ITV drama Fat Friends. His newborn sisters Daisy and Phoebe starred as babies on the show. Spurred on by his appearance on Fat Friends, Louis attended acting school in his spare time and eventually had small parts in 2006 ITV drama If I Had You! and Waterloo Road.

As a student, Louis played the lead role of Danny Zuko in a high school production of Grease. He says playing the part gave him the confidence to audition for The X Factor.

Does Louis Tomlinson have hearing problems?

Louis suffers from a ringing noise in his right ear. Although yet to be officially diagnosed it’s thought it could be tinnitus which can lead to deafness if untreated. He once said, "I am going slightly deaf in my right ear. It’s tinnitus, something like that," before joking that it was because of screaming fans.

Is Louis Tomlinson good at cooking?

Louis admits he’s a really bad cook. Speaking to us in May 2019, Louis admitted that whilst he's very romantic, he's not great in the kitchen! "I am a horrific cook, a very, very bad cook. I give it a go, you know what I mean, I’ll try.

Despite his lack of skills, he appeared alongside Harry in a cooking segment on This Morning in September 2011.

Can Louis Tomlinson play any musical instruments?

When he was 14, Louis played lead guitar in a band called The Rogue with his schoolmates.

Louis is also pretty decent on the piano and he loves to play ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers. Louis is a big fan of Las Vegas rockers The Killers. After seeing them perform at V Festival, he tweeted, 'Watching Mr Brightside live last night was unbelievable. LOVED The Killers!!'

Unfortunately, Louis was fined £80 for speeding on the way to V Festival in 2012. It’s reported that he was going 48mph in a 40mph zone, which means that he may also have had three points on his licence. Ouch!

What are Louis Tomlinson's favourite TV shows?

His favourite TV shows are Misfits and One Tree Hill. In a recent interview with us, Louis revealed that he also loves Westworld and Black Mirror.

Louis Tomlinson's other favourite things

Louis once said that he is a big fan of girls who eat carrots.

The two traits Louis looks for in a girl are confidence and a good sense of humour.

If Louis had a superpower, he would want to be able to fly.

Louis’s favourite band is The Fray, and his favourite song of all time is ‘Look After You’ by The Fray.

Louis’s favourite colour is dark red.

He once said that if he could visit any planet it would be... Narnia. Erm, it’s a fictional place Louis!!

Apparently, Louis said that if a movie was made about his life, he’d like Leonardo DiCaprio to play him.

Just like Zayn and Harry, Louis supports Manchester United Football Club.

One of Louis's favourite mottos is, "Live life for the moment because everything else is uncertain."

Louis loves Marmite and has big dollops of it on his toast.

Louis’s celebrity crush is Natalie Portman.

Louis is an avid fan of surfing. In fact, he loves the beach so much he says he’d like to get married on one.

Louis once said his favourite country is France.

Other Louis Tomlinson facts

A man who works in the music industry once tried to have a snog with Louis! "It was a press guy.... he just started going in for a kiss!" said Louis.

Louis once owned a Porsche Boxster and sold it on eBay in 2012 for £30,000.

Louis would love to copy Michael Jackson and have a pet monkey. He said, "I'd like to adopt a chimpanzee and build an eternal friendship, that would be amazing."

Louis admits that he’s a messy person. In fact, he hasn’t met anyone who’s messier than him!

Louis’s pet hate is when people chew their food too loudly.

In August 2012, Tulisa prank called Louis during a live webchat. When Louis answered she spoke to him in a Donald Duck voice in front of thousands of viewers. The N-Dubz star tweeted afterwards, 'soz babe we had 2 get ya! Thanks 4 being a laugh n entertaining us!'

Louis is prone to sleepwalking and once tried to get into Niall’s bed!

Louis is a big fan of silly string! He’s sprayed it on stage at gigs, press conferences and even at a security guard who refused to let him speak to fans.

Louis loves to party! He once told TOTP magazine, "To be honest, I’m sure the majority of 20-year-olds go out and party. I’m not going to feel oppressed."

It takes over 30 minutes for Louis to get his hair ready in the morning.

Apparently, Louis has revealed that his least favourite food is baked beans.

Louis once said that, if he was Simon Cowell for the day, he says he’d go on a date with Susan Boyle.

#planet radio #kiss fm uk #press #080519 #louis tomlinson #unwanted question but nothing about love life

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nacey-drews · 5 years

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Tagged by my lovely partner in fic -rec crime @sullypants

nicknames: To anyone who knows me irl Mariale, to everyone here Maria (and to the one person who forgot my name once, Indie, lol)

zodiac sign: taurus, baby

height: 5 foot 2 (and sometimes a half) inches or you know, around 164 cm for those of us who cannot understand feet and inches

hogwarts house: proud Hufflepuff! (used to wanna be a Gryffindor SO BAD cause you know, you grow up kinda wanting to be Hermione and all, but then i said fuck it and welcomed the badger-loving!)

last thing i googled: 164 cm to feet and inches (again, i do not understand this system, america, explain)

fave musicians: uh toughest question ever, but the following people would never dissapoint me so, David Bowie, Carole King, Elton John annnnnnnd hm, you know what, let’s be honest here, ABBA forever (bonus modern round: Thom Yorke, Matt Bellamy,José González).

song stuck in your head: listen, you know that scene in the best movie ever made aka about time starring domhall gleeson aka bill weasley and rachel mcadams aka you know who she is duh where domhall wants to be more than friends with margot robbie? mhm, mhm, that freakingly delicious song. i cannot get over it. the trombone, enough said. imma stop now.

following: 721

followers: 956

do you get asks: sigh, i ussssed to, wah-wah. when i was, you know, an active writer and such.

amount of sleep: too many to tell you without feeling a bit embarrassed let’s be real i sleep way too much.

what are you wearing: a black cropped t-shirt and a pair of dark blue cropped flare jeans aka culottes and black ankle socks which used to be inside white tennis shoes but those are long gone, school is over for the day.

dream job: editor of something that allows me to point out mistakes and get both the satisfaction and the money, but life isn’t perfect

dream trip: i am really into turkey at the moment so imma put it out there into the universe, pls whoever allows me to have money, allow me to have money

instruments: listen, i’m not gonna drop an album or anything but i’ve heard my rendition of twinkle twinkle little star on the piano is really just next level

languages: spanish, english, french (very basic), portuguese (more than a little basic)

favorite songs: abduced- cults; only to live in your memories- night moves; pain- the war on drugs; it all feels right - washed out; saint ivy - beach fossils (whoever is reading this, pls do yourself a big favor and listen to this band. i adore them) annnd beach comber- real estate (also check them out if you wanna feel like you’re living in the garden state universe, highly rec’d).

random fact: central america and centroamerica are two different concepts that many people take as just one but nooo, one is geographical and the other political but you know what? all of this fact is lost on 99% of the people reading this cause i can bet you everyone’s just going, “uh, the fuck is central america?” truly, a shame.

aesthetic: glittery eyelids, denim jacket, trusty, worn longchamp bag, bright pink sunglasses, tangled earphones, and to kill the “i wanna sound cool” vibe, let’s finish with 69 (ha) open tabs on my phone’s browser, ALL FANFICTION , i have zero regrets

tagging: whoever wants to wax poetic about themselves, so you know, my better half @thetaoofbetty ily

also all my dear friends and people who i’d love to hear more from @sleuthingbetty @ithoughtyoulikedmereckless @greywind--stark @lovedinapastlife and everyone who wants to join in, tag me!

#tag thing #tag game?#unknown #not well versed in this kinda thing #but really fun to do

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rogersdrumkit · 6 years

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i’m with the drummer - part 7

summary: reader is pregnant! also as a heads up, veronica is john’s wife and their first kid is robert.

I’m going to start linking the previous chapters so you don’t have to dig through my blog but I didn’t have time tonight. I’ll do it tomorrow after school. Hope you enjoy!!

previous parts:

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6

+++

“No Deacon! I don’t want the lyrics ‘happy at home’ on a rock album!” You heard Roger practically shouting into the phone as you walked inside his flat after a class. He held up a finger as to silence you, since this was a ‘very important phone call’, he had told you later. “Of course I’m happy with y/n at home but there’s more ways to sing about it!” He paused, listening to his friend. “No! ‘I’m in Love With my Car’ is not about her! I told you, it’s a metaphor! I do not fuck my-”

You grabbed the phone out of his hand and said, “Sorry about him, Deaks. You know how sensitive he is about that song,” and Roger’s jaw dropped.

In the background, he could be heard mumbling about how no one appreciated that song enough. “So is it okay if we’re at Rog’s when we babysit today? Brian didn’t handle the sight of us with a kid too well,” you said, and it was true. The first weekend after the tour, you and Roger took Robert to yours and Brian’s apartment, but Brian came home from a date early, while you all were baking cookies, and he had been pissed that you brought Robert over.

“Yes you’ve done it before, but now you’re bringing Roger?” Brian had asked with a disgusted tone.

“Yeah, sounds good, I wouldn’t want you getting in trouble. So V and I are gonna drop him off in a bit, then we’ll see you at your apartment tonight for that dinner Brian insisted on having? You can just give Robbie back to us then,” John said.

“John, that dinner isn’t until next week, on the 26th.”

“Look at your calendar. Today is the 26th.”

You glanced over at the fridge, where Roger kept his calendar, that had dates of your exams, tests, and assignments written on it so that he could make sure to help you whenever you needed the assistance. You saw red x’s on each of the days, leading up until today, which was really Thursday the 26th. But that meant...

No...your period was a week late.

You paused and John asked if you were still there. “Yes, uh, yeah...we’ll see you in a bit to get Rob.”

You contemplating hiding your suspicions from Roger for a while, but you know that would hurt him, and most likely you as well, so you decided that you should be honest with him.

“Roger?” You called, and he came downstairs from his bedroom, kissing your cheek when he reached you. “We need to talk.”

This sent him into a tizzy. “Love, did I do something? Is it Brian? School?”

You gave him a sad smile and said quietly, “Roger, please just listen. This is my fault, and it’s okay if you yell at me, I won’t be upset. You have every right to be mad-”

He cut you off by scooping you up and sitting you down on the counter. “Hey, hey, you’re scaring me. What's wrong?” You looked down at the counter. “Come on, baby girl,” he said, sticking out his pinkie, “I won’t get mad.”

You shook his pinkie with your own, and then he interlaced your hand with his, trying to calm you down. “I think I’m pregnant,” you whispered.

After a moment of no movement, he tilted your chin up so you would be looking at his eyes. Roger said with a small smile on his face, “That’s what you were worried about?”

You nodded, confused at to why he hadn’t blown up at you yet.

Roger pushed your hair back behind your ear. “Doll, that’s not your fault. You know it takes two to tango,” he said smirking, and you giggled. “I already knew you were going to have my kids, and this is just...speeding up the process a little bit.”

You let out a sigh of relief and wrapped your arms around his neck. “I thought you were going to leave me,” you said, mumbling into his neck.

He rubbed your back and whispered, “Never.”

You pulled away, your hands shaking, so Rog grabbed them and pressed them to his cheeks, like always. You sniffled and asked, “What about Brian?”

“Let’s get a test and figure out for sure, then we can deal with him. Surely he’s going to be excited to be an uncle, right?” Roger said, trying to convince the both of you. Then you heard the doorbell ring, and you hopped off of the counter, rushing to the door. You opened it and Roger immediately heard you laughing as you picked up little Robert.

His heart melted at the thought of you with your own kids. Sure, the two of you had talked about having kids before, but you had planned for it to be a while down the line. Roger was nervous, but seeing your face lit up as Robbie waved his parents goodbye washed all of his thoughts away. He knew he wanted you, and absolutely wanted this baby. But he knew that Brian wouldn’t.

“Bye you two! We’ll see you tonight!” you called as John and his wife walked out the door.

Robbie practically leaped out of your arms when he saw Roger. “Uncle Roggie!” the almost 3 year old called and ran over to your boyfriend, hugging his leg.

Roger picked the boy up by his legs and dangled him upside down, making him giggle like crazy. “Down! Down!” Rob squealed.

You walked over to the pair and started tickling Robert, then grabbed him from Roger, jokingly scolding him, “Roggie!” He hated being called that by anyone except John’s son, and he rolled his eyes at you.

The rest of your time together was spent playing hide-and-go seek and tag, which wore Robbie out, and he fell asleep in Roger’s arms on the couch. “So precious,” you said, sitting down next to them and resting your head on Rog’s shoulder. You peeked at his wrist to see that it was almost 7:30, and you were supposed to be back at your place around 8. “If we’re going to go get that test, we better head out now,” you whispered, trying not to wake the little boy.

He groaned and whined, “But I’m comfortable!”

“You can be comfortable with your own kid one day, but first we have to figure out if I’m actually pregnant...Roggie.” You smiled sweetly.

He shook his head in disapproval of the nickname, but complied, his stomach full of butterflies while he was anticipating the verdict of the test you would be getting soon. You picked Rob up from him and whispered for Roger to get the car seat, which John had left for you, and headed for the car.

+++

You quickly went into the drugstore just down the road from yours and Brian’s apartment, dressed in one of Rog’s hoodies and a pair of his sunglasses, so that no paparazzi had the chance of telling the world you were pregnant before you could. “Is this it?” the cashier asked, scanning the pink box.

“Yes, thank you very much,” you said as your handed her the money and took the change, then the bag with the test. There was a pit in your stomach as you walked outside, and you thought you were going to throw up. You and Roger loved each other very much, but you were unsure of how the fans were going to react, and you knew that Brian would not be happy.

You climbed back in the car to see that Robert was up again, clapping and smiling because Roger was singing his famous car song. “See? At least someone appreciates it,” he said.

“Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.”

You turned on the radio to hear the song, ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, the song that made you first notice Roger. “I’m so, so lucky,” you said with a grin on your face, lacing your fingers with Rog’s free hand.

“Because of me?” he asked, almost surprised.

“Yes, you goof,” you said, watching a smile grow on his face, even though you told him this all the time. “You’re the best thing I‘ve ever had.”

“I’m the lucky one, baby girl,” he said, kissing the palm of your hand. He was being truly amazing about this whole ordeal. You really expected him to want nothing to do with this baby, but he couldn’t have been happier

You were smiling as you pulled up to the parking lot for your apartment. After grabbing one of the tests from the box and scooping Robbie up from the back seat, you and Roger walked hand-in-hand into the building.

As you opened the door, John said, “There they are! We were getting worried.”

“Sorry, we had to stop at the store really quickly,” you apologized to Ronnie and her husband, handing her Robbie.

The boy was smiling and he giggled, “Bought a test!”

Roger was busy helping you get your coat off, but when he heard that, he stopped dead in his tracks, and your eyes went wide and you gasped.

“A test, huh?” Deaky said, poking his son in the stomach, and thankfully neither him nor his wife realized what kind of test Rob was talking about.

“Okay, I have to go to the bathroom, but I’ll be back soon and then we can eat!” You said.

“I’ll be there soon,” Rog whispered into your ear before you scampered off.

After making a bit of small talk with John about the day, Rog hurried upstairs to go find the bathroom you were in, then locked the door behind him. You were pulling up your skirt, having finished with the test. “Now we wait,” you said as you hopped on the bathroom counter.

Rog was tracing shapes on your thigh, nervous for the outcome, while he was reassuring you that this baby would not be a burden to his career. “Baby, I adore the band, but I love you more. We’ll figure it out.”

Time was finally up and you said, “I can’t look, Rog.”

He took the test from the back of the toilet and slowly turned it over, your hand in his the whole time. He let out a sigh and started tearing up, “I’m going to be a dad,” he whispered.

You gasped and practically leaped into his arms, laughing. “I love you, Taylor.”

He twirled you around as you wiped off the tears from his face.

“And you’re sure that you’re happy about this?” you asked as he set you down.

The big grin on his face gave you your answer. “Yes,” he pressed a kiss to your face in between each word as he said: “I. Love. You. And. Our. Baby. More. Than. You. Could. Know,” then stopped to gaze into your awestruck eyes as he put a hand on your stomach.

Your moment was interrupted by a knock at the bathroom door. You opened it to see, Deaky (thankfully), and when he saw you two smiling, he said, thinking you two had just had snuck up here to have sex, “Gross. Get out and come eat. Wash your hands first, though!”

You did as you were told, then headed downstairs to eat dinner. The food was extraordinary, thanks to your brother (he actually learned his cooking from you). Everyone was complimenting him and you chimed in to tease, “Bri, I wonder where you learned how to cook like this?” And you saw him smile at you for the first time in a while, and you enjoyed the moment, especially since he wouldn’t be looking at you the same way when he found out about the baby.

You and Mary offered to clean up the dishes while Veronica put the rest of the food away, and the boys all joined in the living room with a beer each. “So, Mary...have you and Fred considered having kids yet?” you asked.

She chuckled and said, “No, I want to wait until we’re married. Why?”

“No reason,” you said, hoping she wouldn’t press more into the subject.

After you finished cleaning, you joined the boys on the couches. Freddie offered you a beer, but you politely declined, and he cocked an eyebrow at you. He knew you loved to drink, but you insisted you just were too full from the dinner. He thankfully dropped the topic and started telling everyone about how extravagant his and Mary’s wedding would be.

Right as he was starting to explain the alcohol choices, you heard Brian yell from upstairs, “Y/n May!”

You turned around and stood up to see him storming into the room holding a white plastic stick.

He found the test.

“Brian, what-” you started.

“Save it! You’re pregnant aren’t you?” He yelled at you, and you couldn’t help from taking a step back, afraid of what he would do next, and you bumped right into Roger.

Roger stepped in front of you and said, surprisingly calm, “I’m sorry. We made a mistake, Brian, but we are going to keep the baby.” He was stopped by Brian punching him right in the nose, knocking him flat.

Deaky and Freddie rushed to break the fight up, throwing Brian across the room, and helping Roger up to his feet. Roger completely ignored that fact that his nose was bleeding when he saw that you were tearing up. He rushed over to you and embraced you. “Shhh, it’s okay, I’ll take you home.” he whispered in your ear.

He grabbed your hand and started heading towards the door, but you turned around to face your brother one more time. “I’m just going to stay with Roger for a little bit, okay?”

No response, so you turned back around, where Roger was waiting for you with open arms, like always. You would be fine with Roger. You didn’t need Brian.

“Wait,” you heard a soft voice call. You saw Brian walking over, and you let go of Roger’s hand and gathered yourself, determined not to break down.

“I won’t come back if you don’t want me to, Brian. I really don’t want you to-” you said, staring at the ground, but Brian just wrapped his long arms around you and pulled you in for a hug. After a moment of confusion, you hugged him back, and you could hear your brother mumbling, “I’m so sorry,” over and over.

Everyone watched in surprise at the turn of events, but Roger was the only one smiling. “Took you two long enough,” he said.

Brian turned towards the drummer, and you held your breath, but your brother just stuck his hand out, ready to shake Roger’s.

Roger had other ideas and hugged Brian with such force that he almost fell backwards. “Missed you, mate,” your boyfriend said happily.

After they pulled away, Brian brought you back into the living room, still apologizing, and you still forgiving him, because that’s ‘what family does’, you explained. Brian held a hand close to your torso and asked, “Can I?”

You nodded, smiling along with everyone else, as you watched him hold a hand to your belly. “There’s really a baby in there?” your brother asked.

Roger put an arm around your shoulder and said cockily, “Thanks to me. We have had a lot of practice...” and winked.

Your brother glared at Roger and said with a vile tone, “If you hurt her, Taylor-”

“I’m dead, I know, I know,” Rog finished and gave you a peck on the cheek. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

John laughed, holding his wife around the waist, and said, “Oh, you ever heard of labor? Technically that’s your fault too.”

And much to your amusement, Roger asked, “Labor can’t be that bad, right?”

Oh baby. He had a lot to learn in the next nine months.

+++

tags: @16wiishes @cheyismaxi @ohfxxkitsme @excusememecouldyoupleaseleave

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alicelong · 3 years

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2.) A person who you admire

I adore my parents. They have given me their unconditional love and support from day one. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. They’re both now in retirement, both took it ‘early’ which I love, they now have more time for them. With Dad previously working as a fireman he was always on shifts and did very physical tasks and labour, working a range of different jobs from his teens and early twenties too. Mum was in banking, fought cancer off like a warrior in her early forties and then opened her own catering business. They’ve both inspirations and have shown what hard work and determination can achieve. When I was at school I was unsure about college and university, I got myself into a bit of a state worrying and stressing about the next steps and future. I think that happens to a lot of teenagers though, the pressure of having a five-year plan, all ‘your ducks in a row’ ready to go. That’s without the other pressures from their peers, raging hormones, battles with body image, sex (having it or lack of) relationships (again trying to keep one or trying to be in one,) searching for a part time job, learning to drive and the rest! They calmed me down and got me to take just one step at a time. Not to think too far ahead, we went to open days, I talked to my sister more about college life and went from there. Not to sound smug or like a show off but now I have three A levels, 2 AS Levels, a foundation diploma in art and design and a Frist for my BA Hons Degree. Pretty proud of that (gives self a small pat on the back.) My parents encouraged me then and still do now to be happy. Genuinely happy. Not ‘oh I’m fine’ plods along then cry behind closed doors, as I’ve done that. I had real low points at work, it made me stronger and more resilient, I learnt a lot about what not to do and what makes a toxic work environment, I know now more about the warning signs, little or large. I think back at the angry rants and late night tears I had, they would listen and offer advice and kind words, I know they wanted me to leave and be happy. I ended up having three months off and changed locations/teams which did the world of good. My final year at work I kept thinking about other avenues, other jobs, going back to university, learning more...just doing something different. I felt very stagnant where I was before I quit, ground hog day mode. I love to learn. To challenge and push myself. I loved that feeling of being top of the class at school and in the ‘upper/top’ sets. Considering I was a little hesitant with college and university (oh the joys of teenage and hormonal angst and worry) I thrived when I was there. My strong work ethic comes from my parents, but also knowing that they will love and support me no matter what I decide to do. My sister is a real fire cracker, she has a BA, MA and PGCE degree, super smart, kind with a heart of gold. I joke and call her a ‘proper adult’ as she has a house, mortgage, 2 dogs and a partner of 9 years (see proper grown up!) She loves to learn too, with all the degrees! She talks so passionately and would love to study a PHD as well. She’s always there for me at the end of the phone, we both talk in the same fast paced and loud way. We have big personalities and matching values and core of family, love and loyalty, J-Lo is just amazing, I started watching her films and listening to her music back in primary school and have loved her ever since. She’s 51 and looks ABSolutley phenomenal (note at the emphasis on ABS.) I admire her and have a big crush, so it’s a mix really of admiration and looking up in a ‘oh wow’ mindset. She’s had a blossoming career or over 30 years, a triple threat. It’s great to see more women on the screen over the age in forty in different roles – not simply Mum, Grandmother or witch. I love Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Margot Robbie, Viola Davies, Phoebe Waller-Bridge – the list can go on and on, that’s just for a handful from film and tv. Big love for Ellie Goulding, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Taylor Swift. All unique and brilliant in their own way, song writers and performers. I have some nostalgia (of course) as their early albums remind me of my teen years, then later albums are gym and night out songs. I just saw online today that Ellie Goulding is releasing a fitness, lifestyle book later on this year. That’ll be on the Christmas list. Taylor Swifts documentary from 2020 was really eye-opening showing how she has grown up over the years but felt she was ‘frozen in time’ particularly with the press and production companies. Katy Perry has just had her first baby at 36 after six albums, four massive tours, fragrance releases, stints on American Idol along with a concert movie. It’s refreshing to see women having children later and below they have all achieved so much, only listing a handful of factors below - that’s without philanthropy, charity work, political activism along with other endorsements and partnerships. All four women below are successful, hardworking women without children. Ellie – 34 – four albums, four tours and onto more ventures. Gaga (Stefani) 34 – six albums, six tours, Vegas residency, Academy, BAFTA, Golden Globes. Rihanna - 32 – eight albums, seven tours, Grammy awards, acting credits and a lingerie and make up line. Taylor – 31 – nine albums, five tours, Grammy and Emmy awards, They’re all up to more projects and exploring new avenues in the thirties, doing things for them! It’s what I like to see and makes me think of age as less of a number. I feel more excited now at 26 knowing I’m starting something new with my degree and the move. I don’t think about marriage or children really, I see a lot of that happening on my social media and it’s nice if that’s what is right for that person but not yet for me. I’ve still got so much I want to do! Oh Gloria Steinem! As I’ve been reading her books and watch her live talk with the British Library recently! What a career and journey she has had over the past sixty years and still going!

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lyndsey-parker · 6 years

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Watch 20 Oscar-winning actresses in music videos

Hale Berry and Fred Durst in “Behind Blue Eyes” (Photo: YouTube)

Sure, we all know Angelina Jolie won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted, or that Halle Berry made history Oscar history when she became the first African American to win a Best Actress trophy (for Monster’s Ball). But did you know that Angelina and Halle respectively starred in videos by… Meat Loaf and Limp Bizkit?

In honor of this weekend’s Academy Awards, here’s a look back at 20 music video cameos by Oscar-winning actresses. For some, these videos were career stepping-stones, or mere detours; for others, they were career lows. But all of them are recommended viewing.

20. Mecano, “La Fuerza del Destino”

No one could have predicted when 15-year-old Penelope made her acting debut, in this 1989 Spanish pop video, that she’d win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar 19 years later for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Incidentally, Mecano broke up in 1992.

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19. Parachute, “The Mess I Made” (starring Jennifer Lawrence, 2009)

Silver Linings Playbook Best Actress winner J.Law was a total unknown when she starred in the 2009 video by these Virginia pop-rockers. Parachute frontman Will Anderson later told TeenMusic.com: “She was amazing… We could tell when we met her that she was going places. Here was this amazingly talented actress, and just an incredible person who also happened to be gorgeous. How could we not ask her to be in the video? Seeing her get nominated for the Oscar was amazing. No one deserves it more than her and it’s awesome to see her getting casted in such rad roles!”

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18. Robbie Williams, “Something Stupid” (starring Nicole Kidman, 2001)

Robbie’s 2001 album of standards, Swing When You’re Winning, featured duets with Rupert Everett, Jane Horrocks, and Jon Lovitz, but its centerpiece was this adorable collaboration with Nicole — who’d win a Best Actress Oscar a year later for The Hours. Nicole held her own against the British pop star, which makes us wonder, when is her album coming out?

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17. iRAWniQ, “ALIENPU$” (starring Tatum O’Neal, 2014)

Tatum holds the record as the youngest thespian to win a competitive Oscar (she won the Best Supporting Actress award in 1973, at age 10, for her role in Paper Moon). The former child star has had her career ups and downs, but has continued to take on challenging roles. Case in point: this dazzling 2014 clip, in which she danced alongside an “alien Rosa Parks” played by rapper iRAWniQ. Tatum even dissected the bizarre, JB Ghuman Jr.-directed video in a play-by-play article for Vice.

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16. Roy Orbison, “I Drove All Night” (starring Jennifer Connelly, 1992)

This video starred not only the A Beautiful Mind Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner, but also Beverly Hills, 90210 heartthrob Jason Priestley. It’s a true ’90s classic if there ever was one.

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15. Dave Matthews Band, “Dreamgirl” (starring Julia Roberts, 2005)

The Erin Brockovich Oscar-winner and longtime DMB fan made her music video debut in this Alice in Wonderland-meets-Fringe clip; it was first acting job after giving birth to her twins. “I just need the work,” Julia joked to People magazine at the time of the video’s release. Dave Matthews added, “We thought we’d politely give her a hand up.”

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14. Will Butler, “Anna” (2015)

Stone won an Oscar last year for the musical La La Land, but we think her casting may have been inspired by her star turn in this elegant Old Hollywood clip by the Arcade Fire multi-instrumentalist.

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13. Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval, “The Spoils” (starring Cate Blanchett, 2016)

The two-time Oscar-winner shapeshifted from gorgeously dewy SK-II skincare spokeswoman to freaky decomposing zombie robot in this disconcerting clip. Imagine Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” mashed up with Lou Reed’s “No Money Down” for some idea of this video’s creepy impact. We need Blanchett to star in a horror flick!

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12. Jenny Lewis, “One of the Guys” (starring Anne Hathaway and Brie Larson, 2014)

The former Rilo Kiley frontwoman convinced Les Miserables‘ Hathaway and Room‘s Larson (along with Kristen Stewart) to dress up in male drag for this colorful clip… but we’re more impressed by the Gram Parsons-inspired, red-carpet-worthy rainbow tuxedo that Jenny is wearing.

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11. Limp Bizkit, “Behind Blue Eyes” (starring Halle Berry, 2003)

Halle made some major career mistakes following her Best Actress win for 2001’s Monster’s Ball. And making out onscreen with Fred Durst, in a video for a terrible Who cover from the Gothika soundtrack, may have been her most Razzie-worthy misstep — even if Durst, who directed the clip, told MTV it was “the greatest kiss you’ll ever see.” A decade later, this admittedly makes for fascinating viewing.

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10. Renee Zellweger with Ewan McGregor, “Here’s to Love” (2003)

The Cold Mountain Best Supporting Actress winner showed off an entirely different side of herself in this playful ode to the great cinematic era of Doris Day and Rock Hudson, from the retro rom-com Down With Love. Here’s to Renee!

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9. Meat Loaf, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Dreams Come Through” (starring Angelina Jolie, 1993)

The Girl, Interrupted Oscar-winner has also made appearances in music videos by the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, Korn, and the Lemonheads. But her most epic (and cinematic) music video appearance of all? The one in which she co-starred with Meat Loaf and played a teen runaway, of course!

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8. The Rolling Stones, “Like a Rolling Stone” (starring Patricia Arquette, 1996)

Patricia won Best Supporting Actress honors for Boyhood and gave one of the most memorable acceptance speeches in years. Also memorable? Her harrowing depiction of a strung-out party girl in this Michel Gondry-directed, fisheye-lensed clip for the Stones’ fantastic Dylan cover.

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7. David Bowie, “The Next Day” (starring Marion Cotillard, 2013)

Marion displayed her own musical chops portraying Edith Piaf in 2007’s La Vie en Rose, for which she won Best Actress honors. She has concurrently pursued a musical career, including an artsy collaboration with John Cameron Mitchell, Villaine, and Metronomy’s Joseph Mount titled “Snapshot of L.A.“ But her best music video cameo was in this controversial, banned-from-YouTube Bowie clip, in which she played a stigmata-stricken prostitute cavorting in a church brothel with a wayward priest played by Gary Oldman. This video definitely deserved an R rating!

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6. Tom Petty, “Into the Great Wide Open” (starring Faye Dunaway, 1991)

The Network Oscar-winner joined an all-star cast that included Johnny Depp, Chynna Phillips, and, um, Richard Grieco to play an evil rock ‘n’ roll Svengali. It was clearly the role Faye was born to play. Just call this one Manager Dearest.

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5. Devendra Banhart, “Carmensita” (starring Natalie Portman, 2007)

Back before she was a crazy Black Swan, Natalie was dancing in this crazy, Bollywood-inspired video by the eccentric singer-songwriter, who soon became her boyfriend. The relationship didn’t last; maybe Natalie was jealous that Devendra almost looked as pretty in sparkly Bollywood makeup as she did. A pregnant Portman starred last year in James Blake’s “My Willing Heart.”

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4. Brandon Flowers, “Crossfire” (starring Charlize Theron, 2010)

This badass, action-packed video, in which the Monster actress rescued the Killers frontman from ninja kidnappers, was soooo much better than Aeon Flux.

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3. Tom Petty, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” (starring Kim Basigner, 1994)

Ah, the creepy “love story” between a morgue assistant and the beautiful corpse girl of his dreams. We’re still trying to decide who was the better actor here: Kim, or Tom himself.

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2. Jay-Z, “Many Faced God” (starring Lupita Nyong’o, 2017)

The 12 Years a Slave Best Supporting Actress winner and Star Wars/Black Panther action heroine gave another awards-worthy tour de force performance in this stunning clip from 4:44.

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1. David Bowie, “The Stars Are Out Tonight” (starring Tilda Swinton, 2013)

In a bit of inspired casting on the part of director Floria Sigismondi, this video by the late Thin White Duke co-starred thin white duchess Tilda Swinton as his dutiful wife. For years, the uncanny resemblance between Bowie and the Oscar-winning actress had been noted by observers — so much so that an entire Tumblr site was devoted to their separated-at-birth similarity. In 2003, fashion photographer Craig McDean orchestrated a shoot with Tilda during which she dressed up as Bowie, and in 2012, Hint Fashion magazine even published a rather convincing compare-and-contrast blogpost titled “Visual Proof That David Bowie and Tilda Swinton Are the Same Person.” The fact that Bowie and Tilda appeared onscreen on the same time here refuted Hint’s theory, of course.

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Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

Mary J. Blige, Common, Sufjan Stevens, more to perform at Academy Awards

The 15 all-time biggest movie snubs in Oscar history

2018 Oscars: Our insta-predictions

Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Amazon, Tumblr, Spotify

#_category:yct:001000080 #Oscars #_revsp:yahoo.music.hk.omg #lists #awards #_author:Lyndsey Parker #_uuid:0975087c-6c08-388a-b3cc-eedada93e490 #_lmsid:a077000000CjJDNAA3

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bobdylanrevisited · 3 years

Text

Blonde On Blonde

Released: 20 June 1966

Rating: 10/10

The finale of the electric trilogy, another masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of Dylan’s singing and penmanship. He described this album as the closest he’s ever gotten to the noises in his head, a thin mercury sound, metallic and bright gold. It was also the first double sided rock album, and his first without an acoustic track, with Dylan continuing to blaze a trail in popular music. Although this album may not be as ‘deep’ as its predecessors, it’s still a thrilling musical adventure that again makes you forget his folk origins, and embrace his role as the leader of a new style of ‘pop’ song.

1) Rainy Day Women No. 12 & 35 - The look on people’s faces when the album opened with this must have been one to behold, it sounds nothing like the Bob we know and love. It’s more like a Mardi Gras parade, with trumpets blaring and the band’s joyous screams, all revolving around a pun on the word ‘stoned’. It’s a brilliant opener, both upbeat, funny, and unlike anything that came before it. Whether the song refers to weed, hedonism, his pious status, or the ancient punishment, it’s hard to argue that ‘everybody must get stoned’.

2) Pledging My Time - A severe change of gear for this track, a much slower blues number, which reworks a number of older blues lyrics, to describe the promise to a lover in the hopes that they will reciprocate the feeling. It’s a fine song, though it does get somewhat lost on the album due to the longevity many of the other tracks have endured.

3) Visions Of Johanna - Generally agreed to be one of the finest songs ever written, it’s no wonder this has remained one of Dylan’s favourites ever since. It’s a colossal piece, proving that no matter what instruments are on the track, the writing is still the soul of what Dylan is doing. Not only are the vocals among the best he’s ever recorded, the song weaves a vivid picture of his strive for perfection. Much like the previous two albums, Bob uses metaphor and surreal imagery to express personal emotion and you can’t help but hang on his every word. You are transported into a dreamlike state, also searching for Johanna and your own personal idea of flawlessness, though for me that may very well just be this song.

4) One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later) - A song about the ending of a relationship, which should be a bleak affair, but I can’t help but singalong and grin as I listen to this brilliant tune. Although it dissects and defends bad behaviours that caused the couple to sour, the instrumentation and the rousing chorus are a joy to hear, and it’s easily one of my favourite tracks on the album.

5) I Want You - At odds with the previous track, this a sweet love song, once again populated my characters and imagery that only Dylan could conjure up. Much like the rest of the album, the tune and melody of this song are remarkably beautiful, and this is certainly Dylan’s most musically ambitious, yet accessible album so far, with this track being another highlight. The song has also been reworked a lot live, and sounds just as beautiful as a ballad, which Dylan played a lot in the late 80s/early 90s.

6) Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again - I think this may be my favourite song on the album, with apologies to Johanna. Whilst it’s simply just another surreal story with a mad cast of people, I absolutely adore it. Again, the tune is catchy and fun, the singing is perfect, and the whole thing comes together to be a track that fills me with indescribable happiness. The live Hard Rain 1976 version is also phenomenal, it’s impossible for this song to sound anything other than amazing.

7) Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat - A satire on fashion, and a lover continuing to wear her new hat in increasingly compromising situations, this is another blues song with a great guitar arrangement and sounded brilliant on the 1966 Live tour. It’s not one of my favourites on the album, but it’s a good song that talks of jealousy and materialism, with the bluesy sound being the main attraction.

8) Just Like A Woman - Potentially written about Edie Sedgwick, this sounds like one of Dylan’s tenderest songs, but the lyrics are actually full of vulnerability and regret. One of Bob’s most popular songs, possibly due to the gentle tune and the grounded imagery, I’ve personally always found it a tiny bit overrated in comparison with the rest of the album, though I understand it is an easy introduction to Dylan for the average listener. However, I will admit that the song is spellbinding when performed live, particularly on the 1966 tour.

9) Most Likely You Go Your Way And I’ll Go Mine - A very literal tale of a breakup, this is again another song that feels joyous despite the content. The guitars and drums add a very fun layer to the tune, and it’s another track that hasn’t got a deep message, but is just a brilliantly sung rock song that helps make this album the most musically enjoyable yet.

10) Temporary Like Achilles - Another blues number about a breakup and a new lover. There’s not much to write about this one, other than it’s again a fun tune, this time revolving around a double entendre: ‘honey, why are you so hard?’

11) Absolutely Sweet Marie - This is another catchy tune, and whilst it’s still influenced by the blues, it is more upbeat. Much like the previous track it’s full of innuendo, but it sounds like a ‘pop’ song that you may hear on the radio, with a more restrained style of singing from Bob. It’s another fine song which would be considered more a filler track, if not for the line ‘to live outside the law you must be honest’, which is one of his most quoted lyrics. It shows that even when he’s not telling a mad story or protesting injustice, he’s still the world’s best songwriter and can toss legendary lines into a largely throwaway song.

12) Fourth Time Around - Written as a response to The Beatles ‘Norwegian Wood’, Dylan uses this dark tale of a lover’s fight to take aim at John Lennon’s ‘new’ style of writing, that sounded an awful lot like it had been stolen from Bob. Musically, it is the same as ‘Norwegian Wood’, with the last line warning ‘I never asked for your crutch, now don’t ask for mine’. Basically, Bob’s telling John not to take his style, whilst also perfectly showing the world that he’s still the best at storytelling and his brand of unique phrasing. This song would haunt John Lennon for some time, as he was paranoid about Dylan’s feelings towards him, but in the end Lennon went in a new direction and Bob remained friends with The Beatles, so any beef seem to be short lived.

13) Obviously Five Believers - Much like previous tracks, another bluesy tune with lyrics about a relationship and wild backing musicians, this is a good little song to dance and singalong with. Robbie Robertson’s guitar playing is particularly impressive on this track, and his playing throughout the whole album is one of the highlights.

14) Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands - Bob had married Sara Lownds three months earlier, and this 11 minute poem of love, beauty, strength, and heavenly romance is an incredible tribute to her. Though much of the album is filled with sombre lyrics about relationships ending and striving for a perfect woman, the closing track is all about how Bob has found what he has been searching for. It’s a gorgeous song that is not only some of his most heartfelt writing, it’s a uncompromising wedding vow that is full of genuine emotion and is brimming with positivity, something Dylan doesn’t often write about. It’s an incredible conclusion to the album, and to this period of his career.

Verdict: Once again, my hyperbolic words can’t do this album or career period justice, for a 25 year old to release three culture changing masterpieces in the space of 15 months is unfathomable. Whilst it could seem somewhat ‘sell out’ with the more radio friendly songs, the whole album is just a thrillingly perfect journey through Dylan’s emotions and experiences, relationships ending, searching for meaning, and finally finding happiness. This album once again includes some of the best songs and singing of his entire career, and the overall sound throughout the record is much more mature and composed. Even the tracks that seem a little more filler are still brilliantly written songs that eclipsed the popular music that was being released at the time. The album is my (joint) second favourite thing he’s ever released, and sadly it would be the last of this particular ‘Bob Dylan’, as he was once again about to cocoon and re-emerge a new man. Following a motorcycle accident in 1966, and his settling down with his new wife and children, the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle was about to be abandoned for a more mellow, more relaxed, and more ‘country’ sound.

#bob dylan #blonde on blonde

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turntnip · 7 years

Note

for the RPDR meme, ALL OF THEM

you’re evil (thank you)

i’ll put this behind a read more so i don’t clog anyone’s dash

1. Best and worst season of all time?

Best is a tough one but all in all i say season 4, worst (this is controversial but) season 3

2. A double elimination or double save you believe should have happened?

tbh i think aja and nina could have been double saved this season

3. Most underrated runway look?

literally EVERYTHING TRINITY K BONET WORE ON THE RUNWAY

4. Most overrated contestant?

sorry bout it but valentina, she’s great but she only won one challenge and it was mostly because she smiled a lot, i was shocked that eureka wasn’t in the top for the split that literally got her injured to the point of removal from the competition

5. Most unjustifiable sashay?

ACID BETTY not because she won the lipsync but because robbie shouldve been in the bottom with naomi for that shit diana vreeland impression

6. Your ideal top 3 for each season?

Season 1: Bebe/Ongina/Nina

Season 2: Tyra/Raven/Juju

Season 3: Raja/Manila/Yara

Season 4: Sharon/Chad/Phi Phi (she was a bitch but she earned that spot)

Season 5: Jinkx/Alaska/Detox

Season 6: Bianca/Adore/Ben

Season 7: Katya/Ginger/Max

Season 8: Bob/Kim/Chi Chi

Season 9: Shea/Trinity/Peppermint

7. A queen you love but everyone hates?

despite the drama i still have a strong appreciation for tyra sanchez just on a level of talent, attitude aside she was eons ahead of raven in that season

8. A special guest you’d love to see on the show?

let’s get cupcakke and laverne cox on that judges’ panel already goddammit!!!

9. If you could choose a permanent judging panel who would they be?

tbh i think the one we have now is great

10. Queens you would like to see on S10?

Misty Eyez, Aquaria, Evah Destruction, Millennia Decade (when she’s ready), Monet XChange, etc.

11. Queen with the best makeup?

Kim Chi hands down

12. Funniest queen?

Bob tbh

13. Top 5 favorite queens?

Bob, Katya, Trixie, TKB, Trinity Taylor

14. A queen you would have rather seen win a season?

As much as she has proved herself I would’ve loved to see Katya or Ginger win season 7

15. A LSFYL song you would choose?

Anything by Beyonce or Marina and the Diamonds

16. A queen you love outside of the show but didn’t love on the show?

i think i appreciate violet a lot more now that she’s been able to do more, and roxxxy’s looks are always appreciated

17. Your ideal AS3 cast?

OOOh ok

Ongina/Chi Chi/Nina Bo’nina/Valentina/TKB/Ivy Winters/DeLa/Morgan McMichaels/Trixie Mattel/Kennedy Davenport/Laganja Estranja

18. Who do you want to see someone pick for Snatch Game?

any of the classic ballroom queens so any of the LaBeijas/Xtravangzas/etc.

19. Most improved queen?

Tie between Chi Chi and Phi Phi

20. A queen you think redeemed herself?

From a moral standpoint Roxxxy, from a talent standpoint TKB

21. Favorite Rpdr meme?

I SAID I FELT

22. Queens you would love to meet?

So so many, basically all of the season 9 girls and all the ppl i mentioned for the AS3 cast

23. A queen you’d want to make you over?

still Kim Chi tbh

24. A queen’s wardrobe you would steal?

again, Kim Chi tbh

25. Best drag queen album?

rupaul’s most recent one? i don’t listen to too many of the contestants’ albums

26. Favorite winner?

Jinkx Monsoon

27. A queen you’d want to hangout with?

bob seems like he’d be fun to hang around

28. Who should win MC this season?

Peppermint deserves it (but we know the val stans will make sure valentina gets it)

29. Who should win this season?

It’s a toss-up between Shea and Trinity

30. A makeover challenge you’d like to see?

Makeover teens from an lgbt+ homeless shelter or smth, inspire the next generation and all that

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cambriomusic · 4 years

Text

Rainbow Sun Francks Interview

Rainbow is an actor, musician, and former MuchMusic VJ (2001-2003). CamBrioMusic.com is delighted to present the following interview. It has been condensed for length considerations.

Cam Brio (CB) = Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any general memories from your time as a MuchMusic VJ?

Rainbow Sun Francks (RSF) = It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I grew up watching MuchMusic and walking by 299 Queen Street West, and then got the opportunity to be a VJ. It was much different than what I thought, and it was an incredible new skillset that I had to learn. I’m very grateful that I got to do it for years.

CB = Was Strombo (George Stroumboulopoulos) around at that time?

RSF = Yes. It was me, Rick the Temp (Rick Campanelli), Jen Hollett, Amanda Walsh, Bradford How, Namugenyi Kiwanuka. When I first started Master T and Sook-Yin Lee were there, but they were leaving as I was coming in.

CB = I’ve heard Strombo say that he felt MuchMusic VJs, at that time, didn’t get enough credit for the important issues that were covered daily.

RSF = Absolutely. I don’t think we got enough credit for anything we did. After I left and the next generation came in, it was more highly produced, and had way less free flow. The VJs had less airtime and there were more promos. It was just more corporate. When we were there, there were no teleprompters. All of it was us. During the day with the video flow, there was no one there. We were doing our own segments and doing everything ourselves. We weren’t just talking heads. I was working 85-90 hours a week. When I wasn’t on air, I was researching on how to do better interviews. We really were conquering topics that were not poignant in the mainstream media at the time. There were so many great shows like The New Music and The Wedge that were breaking bands who would have never gotten a shot otherwise. Now that it’s gone, I miss it. I really realize how wonderful and worthwhile it was.

CB = Do you think that type of originality in media has mostly gone online?

RSF = Yeah, some definitely has gone online. I think there was something that Moses Znaimer created (at MuchMusic) that was so special because he allowed young people to talk about the music they loved. The environment was open to the public, and we were able to speak to people on the street at any moment if we wanted to. I went to Silver Snail and bought a light saber one time when they first came out and did a whole segment with the light saber. We were able to do something original within the corporate structure. It’s something you don’t see anymore. Anyone can have their voice online, but honestly, there’s a lot of followers. There’s very few leaders, like in the real world and art imitates life. Social media is a wonderful thing, even if it is oversaturated.

CB = What were some of your best interviews on MuchMusic?

RSF = I always loved when Swollen Members came to town. We were friends, and my band was signed to their label Battle Axe EMI later. I got to interview Basement Jaxx, that was great because I was such a huge fan of them. I did one of Hot Hot Heat’s first ever TV interviews. I became friends with their singer Steve Bays years later. I loved interviewing people on the street. When we would go on trips, I loved interviewing anyone around the event we were covering. It’s been twenty years since I started at MuchMusic and it all rolls into one amazing memory. The individual moments fade.

CB = Did you host Electric Circus as well?

RSF = Yes, I was the last host. I hosted it for almost two years. Amanda Walsh and I were the last two hosts, it was incredible. I interviewed Kylie Minogue on Electric Circus and that was great. I had such a crush on her. Electric Circus made no sense, but made all sense of the world. It was such a magical, weird, voyeuristic show that played great music and broke artists. There was no real exposure for EDM (electronic dance music) at the time. And no term “EDM” either. We were the only people bringing in ground-breaking music makers and DJs in the electronic format and giving them a chance to shine.

CB = One of the greatest Electric Circus clips is a Corey Feldman performance from the early ‘90s.

RSF = Oh my God, yes! (laughs) The Corey Feldman “Michael Jackson” performance on Electric Circus is something people need to YouTube. If you’re ever feeling down or unsure about moments in your life, just Google Corey Feldman on Electric Circus.

CB = Do you have any favourite EDM artists right now?

RSF = Well, now that we have such an abundance of music, I create these playlists on Spotify. I don’t remember the artists. We have gone into a world of singles instead of artists. Massive Attack is one of my favourite bands in the world. (Their album) “Mezzanine” changed my life, and the lives of many others that heard it. The “Heligoland” record is massively underrated as far as everyone just talks about “Mezzanine.” Portishead is my favourite band of all time. They changed how I made music. I make hip hop music, but it always has an air to downtempo stuff that Portishead and Massive Attack were doing. All that music that was coming out of the UK in the late 90s was incredible.

CB = Who are your top five Canadian bands?

RSF = I absolutely adore The Arkells. Bedouin Soundclash are my best friend’s band; I have toured with them many times. I was always a Metric fan. Broken Social Scene, for sure. It’s so hard, how far back can I go? Sam Roberts is one of my favourite dudes. In the late ‘80s I was a Pursuit of Happiness fan.

CB = What were some of your first concert experiences?

RSF = In 1989 or ‘90 I was in LA visiting my sister and I got to go to the Soul Train Music Awards. I was outside waiting to go in the back. I looked like I was a part of Arrested Development, or some sort of De La Soul, I don’t know what. I had a big African medallion and beads on, I had a shirt that was way too big, and a jacket that was even bigger. I looked amazing, and was just a little kid. I looked beside me, and Eazy-E was having a cigarette. He said, “what up little man.” I freaked out; my little kid brain couldn’t take it. Later on that night I met Heavy D & the Boyz, I met Big Daddy Kane, who was my favourite rapper at the time. I met LL Cool J, I hung out with Queen Latifah. It was just the craziest night I ever had. I don’t remember myself, but my sister recalls that after that night, I went home and was in the kitchen doing the running man for like four and a half hours (laughs) until I passed out.

CB = Do you have any favourite concert films or documentaries?

RSF = At Hot Docs I went to see “Echo in the Canyon.” The documentary about Laurel Canyon in the ‘60s. I went to see that with my mother, because my sister was born in Laurel Canyon at Lookout Mountain. That’s where my parents lived in the ‘60s. My mother talked about seeing Frank Zappa at the bottom of the hill because his house was there. I saw the Robbie Roberson movie “Once Were Brothers.” I thought that was wonderful because I didn’t know in-depth the history about The Band. Ava DuVernay did a documentary called “This is the Life.” It’s about the “Good Life Cafe” in Los Angeles. Artists featured in that documentary like Freestyle Fellowship, Volume 10, and others are the guys who made me want to rap. That’s one of my favourite ones.

CB = What was the name of your group?

RSF = We were called The Oddities. We had lots of underground releases. Our one commercial release was on EMI and called “The Scenic Route.” We did the record in 2001, and we had a sound that was different than other things coming out at the time.

CB = It seems now that rap has taken over popular music entirely.

RSF = Yeah, but it’s not good.

CB = Do you think the quality has gone down because so much rap comes out now?

RSF = Honestly, rap has controlled music since the early 2000s. I’m disappointed with rap right now. I don’t know what any song is about, no one is saying anything. These people are making so much money, and rappers didn’t used to make that much. It’s always been about chains, but there was some kind of class to it before. It’s all very tacky now, in my opinion. I would love for a resurgence in rappers saying important things, there’s so much more to it.

CB = It seems like a lot of rap follows the same general sound now.

RSF = Historically you couldn’t be a “biter,” and have the same style as someone or you would be ostracized. Now, if you sound like Drake, people like you. Migos came out and did that little triplet flow, and now everyone sounds the same. It’s just 808s, and weird hi-hats that are going too fast. I think everyone jumps onto it because it’s easily digestible.

CB = Are you a video game guy?

RSF = Yes. I’ve been playing games since I was a little kid. In 2001 when MuchMusic started Much On Demand (MOD), Alex Sopinka, the producer, and I had the idea to play games on the show. It was a way to get free games (laughs). On Thursdays I would play the brand-new game that came out on Wednesday, live on MOD. I went on a 57-week winning streak; I played people and never lost. At the beginning I was playing people who didn’t know what they were doing. But by the end my streak caught wind and we had people coming in with signs. I started to have some valid gamer challengers; it was very fun.

CB = Do you have any favourite video game music?

RSF = The theme song from Final Fantasy VII. I love that a remake was just released. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, that’s epic for music. All of the EA games had great music curation. They had custom music. A new NBA Live would come out and Fabulous would do the song. It would be a song you could only get on that soundtrack. A Jay-Z song would come on that I’d never heard, and it would be for the NBA.

CB = Anything you want to plug or put out there?

RSF = Watch the new TV show that I’m on, High Fidelity. It’s an incredible music-based drama. Zoë Kravitz is the lead. I play her brother. Questlove is our music supervisor. The soundtrack is amazing, it is available on Spotify. It’s a great show. Also, I’m working on some music that I might at put out at some point.

#Rainbow Sun Francks #MuchMusic #Eazy-E #Bedouin Soundclash #Strombo #Swollen Members #Migos #Final Fantasy VII

0 notes

doodleywhack · 4 years

Text

Music things i will never get tired of

When going through the songs, u might wanna just lay down on your bed and like, *really* listen to them w/o rushing

They all make me feel some type of way

The beginning of nico and the niners by tøp. It makes me nostalgic?

"i don't know where i am, i don't know where i am" in the first verse/chorus/thing at least in "anarchist" by yungblud

The part where "A version of Romeo and Juliet" in i love you will you marry me (also yungblud)

"i am huUUman and i need to be loOoved" (how soon is now - the Smiths)

bIGMOUTH ladadadadadaa bIGMouth ladadadaaa (Bigmouth strikes again - the Smiths)

2:19 in im not okay by mcr: i'm okay, im oKAAAAYYYYYY

Trust me, im NOOOOOT OKAAAAY

The opening verse and bassline of 'looking at me' by brina (her voice is so FIERCE) believe me when ive many girl power dance battles w myself at night w this one

The whole three cheers for sweet revenge album really

Cemetery drive is just so good and the 'i miss you' into the chorus ohmygod

Also i really love "the jetset life is gonna kill you" shitt it's too good

The "I MISS MY MOM " part in the verse or idk (it's at 1:11 i think ) in you know what they do to guys like us in prison at like

Run by ff: between ca 1:40 og 1:55 there's a transition around i think 1:47 or smth that i really love. And when it gets harder again if u know what i mean

^^also the guitar is this whole song ESPECIALLY from 4:07 and onward (and waaay back at the very start of the song) and then also in the ending of the song and you know what, just this whole sack of music is heavenly

The part where the drums come in and then the guitar in "dom som forsvann" by kent

^^AND THE REALLY SHORT PART OF GUITAR IN THE BACKGROUND AT 3:37 GOSHHH it makes me so nostalgic

^^also 'lifesavers' and 'vi är för alltid' by Kent is just so good

When the bassline kicks in in fine mess by interpol

^^as well as "the rover", "rest my chemistry", "Evil" and a couple of others by Interpol is also good

Daft pretty boys by bad suns it just has this really really specific feel to it (at least in the beginning of the song) with just the guitar and then the BASS

^^ALSO "even in my dreams i cant win" is just.. It just has this feeeeeeling to it u know? Like an alternate universe or parallell universe or somethingg

2:38 in sweather weather tnbh OH OMG the rhythm changee!

1:13-1:37 in talk fast live 5sos GOD BLESS (the WHY so complicated (...) part Is my fav)

3:30-4:21 in alentine live 5sos ffffff (and 0:12 when calum uses his magic voice on us and says "london let's fucking dance"+the whole first verse. +the shole second verse. Og my god.)

Okay the ups and Downs in the vocals like everywhere but especially in the chorus of "drug" by simple creatures. Also after the bridge when it all comes crashing down again. And like his voice is so attractive

All the parts where it's like aah Aah aah AaAah in boulevard of broken dreams by green dayyy

El matador by the Smiths - i LOVE IT it gives me this kind of really beautiful nostalgia feel yk?? And just the opening singing melody or like the first verse where he goes up in tone kinda + the relaxing guitar and aaaaaaaaaaan idk if u understand but iii just love it sm

The beginning of just like heaven by the cure. Like the bass introduction or something. So good

Hhkdkdkd 'the sound of war' by Susanne sundfør is SO. GODDAMN. BEAUTIFUL.

Music. I can't fathom how us humans can create so beautiful melodiesEven if it's just a split second

Related, here are a list of songs that just like, MMMM they're just SO good. Crunchy good. Like snack bars

Like idk you might not even like them but i do so that's good enough for me

World party ext by the waterboys. Oh my god. I was it live once and holy fuck

Still loving you - scorpions

Angels (live at knebsworth, not the original studio version) by Robbie Williams. Shitttt

I wanna be adored - the Stone roses

Reise reise - rammstein (Just the like second half of the song is just so good imo)

Grand pappy du plenty ('02 digital rem) - rchp

Oblivion - Susanne sundfør + m83

Watching over - greta van fleet

Come as you are - nnnnirrrrvvvanaa

Dirty Diana (2012 rem) - good ol' mj

The chain - Fleetwood Mac (SHIT, the bassline at like 3:04) oh my. Idk, it might not mean anything to u or u might even think, uuuuh nah that's not even that hard or complicated heck idk. But for me aaaah ive danced so much to this song in my room at like 2 am

December - all about eve (I've Grown up w this song and 'gold and silver' playing at full volume downstairs and they hold a special place in my heart

Feel free to add whatever

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