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lovejustforaday · 8 months

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Shoegaze Classics - Going Blank Again

Going Blank Again - Ride (1992)

Main Genres - Shoegaze, Indie Pop, Alternative Rock

A decent sampling of: Baggy, Britpop, Dream Pop, Jangle Pop

We're already halfway through this series on classic records from the first wave of shoegaze in the 90s. Likewise, it was only a matter of time until I decided to hone in on any of the "Big 3" with one of these pieces.

For the uninitiated, shoegaze fans have long recognized a trio of bands all coming from the Creation Records label that are considered either the greatest, most formative, or most influential bands of the subgenre. Those bands are (usually in this order), My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride.

In practice, this label is contentious. The so-called "Big 3" represents a general consensus within the community, but do not mistake it for gospel. Plenty of folks disagree on these bands, and often argue in favour of replacing at least one of them with a supposedly more deserving band (though My Bloody Valentine's place at the top of the shoegaze canon is virtually undisputed).

We'll get into my own personal opinions about the validity of this concept shortly. But for now, let's take a closer look at the band I'll be reviewing today. Let's talk about Ride.

The Band

Ride was formed in 1988 in Oxford, arriving onto the scene as one of the early comers, just after Lush and Pale Saints.

The original lineup was (and continues to be) Laurence "Loz" Colbert on drums, Steve Queralt on bass, Andy Bell on guitar and vocals, and Mark Gardener also on guitar and vocals, with his signature messy medium length hair and soft pretty boy features that was no doubt the platonic ideal of what the male shoegazer looked like in the 90s. Seriously, the man was a twink icon, just look at him.

AHEM, moving along.

Ride are probably the quintessential early 90s U.K. rock band. They represent the clearest through line between the baggy "Madchester" scene of the late 80s, the emerging sound of what would soon come to be known as britpop, and of course shoegaze itself, which is the genre label that people still associate most with this band. You can definitely hear a lot of Stone Roses in the band's sound in particular.

Ride was also arguably the first wave's greatest commercial success. They were basically the darlings of the Creation Records label, at least until Oasis came around and changed everything (for the worse). Their rise to indie fame was likely the most pronounced at the time, and this record in particular is one of only two shoegaze records to be certified Gold by the BPI (I'll let you guess the other one).

The key to Ride's success was likely in the band's very immediate sound compared to other shoegaze bands (plus being in the right place at the right time). They were more uptempo and LOUD, with keen pop melodies and a generally bombastic sound that lends itself to absolutely tearing up live shows.

I imagine that a good chunk of the fans of Ride in the 90s were people who had little to no investment in the emerging shoegazing scene, and would probably go on to be much bigger fans of bands like Blur and Radiohead than the likes of, say, Curve or Flying Saucer Attack.

If you've been following this series since I started than you've already read this a dozen times now so I'll do the sparknotes version: Yadda yadda dropped a few EPs in 1990 yadda yadda debut record the same year. But let's discuss that debut briefly.

Ride's 1990 LP Nowhere was a shoegaze record that harnessed the chaotic energy of the broader early 90s alternative rock movement. The album fuses little bits of neo-psychedelia, indie pop, and noise pop with a very solid foundation of constant shoegaze brick walling blasting against the backdrop, refusing to let up. It's a roller coaster ride (hehe) from start to finish.

It is Nowhere that's most often cited when discussing a "holy trinity" of records by the "Big 3", along with Loveless and Souvlaki.

I suppose now is a good time to say that personally, while I really enjoy the record, I don't really think it holds a candle to the other two canonized records. And I know I'm not alone in this. In fact, my opinion is largely reflected by the general trend in online circles over the last decade, wherein Ride's place in the 90s shoegaze rankings has slowly fallen to the definite third place spot.

Where Ride were arguably the most commercially successful shoegazers at the time, and second in critical acclaim only to My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive's re-appraisal in the 21st century has been overwhelmingly more favourable, while Ride has lost some of their relevance to the younger shoegazers of today.

There could be many reasons for this. Some argue that Ride's discography sounds a lot more dated, and/or hasn't aged well. Personally, I love the "dated" sound of early 90s U.K. indie; nothing wrong with being an era-defining record if it's a good era. That being said, I just think it comes down to MBV and Slowdive both having a larger catalogue of what is consistently brilliant music to my ears.

I do have my own alternative choice for third member of the Big 3 in my personal canon, which you'll soon find out about at the end of this series, but for now I digress.

I don't want you to come away from this review thinking I hate Ride or that you shouldn't listen to them. Many folks still love this band, and I am definitely a casual fan myself, so let's cut the crap and talk about what I like about their sophomore record.

The Record

Going Blank Again is a slightly more palatable and expanded version of the Ride that can be heard on their early EPs and debut LP. It's a hardened blend of smothering shoegaze and anthemic alternative rock riffs making it perfect for blasting out of car stereos while flying down desert highways. Like Split, this was also a transition record for the band's sound before britpop took over the British airwaves.

Firstly, I want to say that I chose reviewing Going Blank Again over Nowhere for a few reasons. Both records have their strengths and weaknesses; Nowhere packs more punch with less filler, while Going Blank Again has more versatility and arguably better songcraft, though "Seagull" remains as my favourite Ride song.

But my main reason for choosing Going Blank Again is that Nowhere already receives most of the love and attention. It's also not lost on me that I've pretty much only written about debut records for the series so far, so naturally I've been wanting to write about another sophomore LP. If I'm being honest though, Ride's first two LPs are roughly neck and neck, my preference depending on the day more than anything else.

The record bursts open with the simply gorgeous "Leave Them All Behind", a massive song that largely encapsulates everything Ride excels at: cool, massive hooks, loud guitar walls, blissful disengagement, and the sense of standing atop a really giant hill and being carried away by a gust of wind. This is how you should start your 90s alt rock record.

"Twisterella" is pure jangly, early britpop goodness. It's what Oasis would sound like if they were a better band. A completely sugary, dizzying riff that I never get tired of.

"Chrome Waves" is a chill baggy track with windswept string pads and Andy and Mark's signature melodic "ahhs" creating a bed of breeziness in the backing vocals. Very mellow vibes. And drums are a big standout on this track, kudos to Loz.

The LP finishes off with "OX4", a warm shoegazing ode to the band's hometown of Oxford. I'm actually reminded of Kiss Me era Cure, what with the bright, bittersweet synthesizer melody and dreamy feel-good essence of it all.

Again, there's a little more of what I'd consider filler on here than Nowhere, and it's definitely front-loaded. But for what it's worth, this was definitely one of the most celebrated shoegaze records of the first wave, and it's not hard to see why with its clear crossover appeal and hooks upon hooks. I think we could all stand to go a little blank again sometimes (just full of crap puns today).

What Came After That?

Ride alienated their fanbase.

No really. After this LP, Ride made the full switch and put out two britpop records, including the very lukewarm reception of Carnival of Light and the openly disdained Tarantula. Most britpop really isn't my bag, so I've yet to check out either of these projects, and their reputations sure aren't helping to convince me otherwise. The band doesn't even really seem to like that fourth record.

Ride disbanded in 1996 after having had a pretty good run as the top superstars of their somewhat niche scene.

Like Drop Nineteens, Slowdive, and MBV, the band got back together some time from the 2010s onward. The original members have been going strong, becoming the most prolific of the 90s shoegaze veterans in the 21st century, with two new records since they reunited, and a third one slated to come out some time in the next year.

I checked out the first record of their reunion 2017's Weather Diaries, while working on these reviews, and I gotta say that I have mad respect for the band sounding that energized after all these years.

Ride are shoegaze legends, and regardless of whether they're Big 3 material in my own personal canon, their significant role in spreading the popularity of shoegaze and solidifying its legacy in the 90s as a movement that mattered is more than enough reason for you to check them out. So, ya know, do it already if you haven't.

8/10

Highlights: "Leave Them All Behind", "Twisterella", "OX4", "Chrome Waves"

#Ride #Going Blank Again #Nowhere #1992 #90s #alternative rock #shoegaze #indie pop #Mark Gardener #Andy Bell #Loz Colbert #Steve Queralt #album review #shoegaze classics #music review #list

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neocitycafe · 3 months

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Home After the Holidays (Mark)

♡ genre: hot cocoa - fluff, sweet and steamy hehe; a bit smutty with too many thoughts; i guess "new year’s time pensive cheese" is a theme for me (here’s haechan’s version from last year) ✎ words: 2.1k ✓ summary/notes: busy idol husband Mark finally returns home :’) and you’ve missed each other. a trope that i love lots. @d-nghy-ck to bronwyn, here’s a slice of pensive cheese(cake), especially for you! this cafe would probably not be here if not for this first customer who came by and said hi! wishing you all the love in the world~

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It’s that awkward time in late January when you’re not sure whether it’s still socially appropriate to include “Happy New Year” in your greetings. Mark had told you not to come to the airport. The weather was frigid all week and it’d be way past midnight by the time he got out of customs, and then there was the long cab ride home.

But he missed you.

Closing the front door gently, he looks down to find his old lace-ups where he usually left them, as if he were home this whole time. Your favorite pair is set neatly next to his, and a smaller set of shoes next to those. Ones with velcro and lights that he bought a couple months back, but it felt much longer ago so quickly. You’d replaced the original laces with neon green ones, and all of Mark’s teammates cooed at how cute that was.

The lights are dimmed and Mark finds you on the couch in a pile of blankets, where you cozied up while waiting. His heart suddenly aches thinking of you with only a little cup of chamomile tea to warm yourself and get to bed.

He had been so busy working lately, loving what he did, creating music, making crazy new connections, show after show, press conferences, collaborations. Had he done anything for you lately? His mind races.

From where you’d dozed off, you find Mark frozen by the door. After years of knowing him, you could see his raised brows and the running thoughts behind them. His lips pressed into a thin line and his eyes shifting to the side meant self-doubt. You want to erase those worries and pour love into all the spaces where he thought he was not enough.

“I wanted to get you flowers.” His voice cracks and you get up to close the distance between you.

“Oh Mark... I have you now.” The cold from outside has clung on to his coat, but you ignore it and wrap your arms around him more tightly. “It’s the middle of the night, silly. I don’t need flowers.”

You feel him shake his head against you, “And I wanted to be home for the holidays,” he says with a bit of a whine.

“You’re here now.”

Looking into his eyes, you brush the hair away from his forehead and peck him on the nose. The end of the year meant holiday tour stops, special shows, concerts, and awards nights. The holidays meant the opposite of holidays for entertainers like Mark. It meant he couldn’t really be with family until afterwards. He follows you into the kitchen where you set your mug in the sink.

“Did you miss me?” You turn when he wraps his arms around you from behind.

You’re momentarily caught off guard by his boyish smile and a pang of longing wells up, an emptiness in your chest that had been there behind your smiles when he had video called. The answer is a thousand times yes, but you bite back the truth in favor of not worrying him. You shake your head playfully. “I don’t have to. I get to see your features in our son’s face every day.”

Mark breaks into a grin that you can’t help but match. “Is he asleep?”

“Yeah, but he sure begged to stay up! He can be a little headstrong sometimes. Like someone.” You give Mark a long look and he pouts in response. “But he finally fell asleep a couple of hours ago.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being my home.”

“You’re sappy, Mark Lee.” Nonetheless, you’re more than willing when he tilts your head for a deeper kiss. He runs the tip of his tongue along the seam of your lips and you part them to let him taste you. A familiar heat stirs in your belly, and you reach your hands up to tangle them in his hair and pull him closer. He groans into your mouth and presses you back into the kitchen counter. From this position, he places pressure where your bodies are connected, where you want it. He rocks against you once, twice, slowly, fluidly, and you pull him even closer.

Mark’s hands knock into the stacked pots and pans behind you on the drying rack, and you’re grateful for your husband’s quick reflexes. He steadies a pan, preventing what would’ve been a huge clatter. You both freeze for a moment.

“Easy, tiger,” you tease while throwing him a wink. “Or baby lion or cheetah or whatever small big cat you are.”

He responds with a playful growl that is both adorable and sexy, his nose scrunching up.

A delicious thrill runs through you as his gaze locks on you again. Knocking your legs apart and then lifting you onto the counter, Mark reminds you of how he wanted you everywhere when you were newlyweds. A tender bite between your neck and shoulder reminds you of how he wants you now. You make a mental note to call Jaemin for some babysitting this coming weekend, because you wouldn’t mind some more alone time like this.

You tug on Mark’s hand and he knows what you mean. You slip off the counter and try not to trip over each other as you eagerly make your way to the bedroom. It’s a familiar but exhilarating path, like a choreography that your bodies move to automatically once the music starts playing.

When he finds a towel already laid out on the bed, he raises a seagull of a brow, and you can’t help but laugh. He teases, “Oooh, so you were prepared!”

You lean in to whisper in his ear, feeling cheeky and bold, “Well, my husband gets messy.”

The look in his eyes and how he kisses you next is the response you were hoping for. When you fall back into bed, it’s easy and slow. You take your time wriggling out of your clothes, and you laugh at his cute shimmy while pulling his jeans off. The both of you sigh in content when his body is above yours, skin to skin.

Mark’s fingertips trail patterns along your sides, his left hand’s calluses from guitar playing are a little rough, but soothingly so. You map out the constellation connecting the mole on his neck, on his cheek, the tiny one on the corner of his mouth. He spends his time with his lips on your neck where you crave them, wet kisses with a slight bite that have you feeling hot all over and in want, and then you’re grateful they’re chasing paths over the crests and valleys of your body.

Mark travels down until his face is settled between your thighs, his warm breath causing you to shiver in anticipation. He takes your hand and kisses your wrist, your palm, your fingertips, slowly and thoughtfully. He moves to do the same with your other hand. The love in his gaze staring up at you is too much for you to handle, so you close your eyes and lay your head back. And then he’s lacing your fingers together, holding your hands as his perfect mouth dives in eagerly.

Mark isn’t shy about playing with your wetness and giving you what you crave. He laps at you with the intent of pushing you to the edge, like there’s nothing else he wants but for you to feel good, and you can’t help but arch up towards him.

When he tires, he keeps stroking your clit with his fingers, keeping the contact consistent and insistent, and then switches back to working you with his tongue. He keeps going even when you cry out his name, your thighs close around his head, and your hips lift off the mattress as you succumb to the overwhelming pleasure.

When he comes back up to face you, he’s surprised to find the tears falling down your cheeks and into your hair. You don’t notice it yourself until he starts worrying.

“You okay? Did I hurt you?”

You shake your head. “No, that was amazing.”

He rolls to his side and pulls you into his chest carefully. His eyes search your face.

The words are tumbling out before you can stop them: “I missed you. Mark… I missed you.”

You finally let yourself go.

Going to your son’s first winter concert at his school alone. You’d even saved a seat for Mark, but his filming schedule got delayed that evening. Opening holiday presents with Mark’s parents at their home, without him there. Counting down to the new year by yourself while his team celebrated their album of the year win. How you never wanted to burden him. How you understood his career and wanted to be his steady support, and yet... “I missed you so much.”

“You know you can tell me that. I’m not afraid of how you feel.” He pauses to dry your tears with gentle hands and a kiss on your cheek. “I want to know. I want to love you better.” He holds you tighter, as if capturing every bit of the emotion pouring out of you. It’s like Mark knew the exact words you needed to hear. While being laid bare and vulnerable, you feel safe and known, and now, ever grateful that your relationship is one you are both committed to growing and working out together. “Let’s talk more in the morning after some rest, yeah?”

“Thank you, Mark.” You gaze up into his shining eyes.

“For what?”

“For being home.”

“Look who’s being cheesy now,” he teases back.

You tug on him beneath the covers in response and Mark lets out a surprised moan.

“Mmm, in the morning’s okay too… ah, babe. I mean, do you still want to make love now?”

You nod against his chest and laugh at his insistence on calling it lovemaking rather than sex or anything else. “Do you?”

He nods too and the boyish grin you love so much is back. You push at his shoulders and move so you’re seated above him, your thighs settled over his.

I love you, I love you, I love you. He seems to say, and you feel it in your soul.

When you sink down onto him, you fill his presence with your closeness, as he fills yours with his. And it’s like the time and space between you disappears. All you hear is Mark, whispering sweet nothings in your ear as he loses himself in loving you, and you him. He aids with your rhythm with his hands holding your hips, and then makes the switch so you’re under him.

There’s the softness of the sheets, his lips, your fingertips, the moonlight shining in, the sound of rustling and sighs pulled from deep within. The flush of his cheeks, your parted lips, the thrum of beating hearts, and later, the patterns slowing steadily into dreams together.

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You’re gladly surprised by the warmth in your bed when you wake up in the morning. Mark kicked off his side of the covers in the middle of the night as usual, leaving a mountain of blankets on top of you, so you pull them up to cover his bare chest. You probably should have showered after last night, but it was too comfortable being cuddled up. Mark’s discarded shirt is closest, so you pull it on, mind reveling in everything for a moment: his scent, his return, his closeness, your shared love.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the bedroom door swinging open. Little hands, messy morning bed head, and eyes shining as they peer in. (You’d have to remind your son about knocking on the door again.)

He’s quick to spot the lump next to you under the blankets. “Dada!”

You smile and hold a finger to your lips.

“Mm-hmm, yes dear, come here.” You sit up better and he clambers into your lap. “Shhh. He’s sleeping.”

His eyes are wide and he whispers rather loudly, “He’s snoring.” You cast a wistful gaze over the relaxed expression on Mark’s face, not knowing when the last time it was that he slept well.

“Let’s let him sleep more.” You ready yourself to sneak out of bed. Your son was really getting too heavy to carry. He’s squirmy and ticklish, and of course he starts giggling almost immediately when you try to lift him, the sound bubbling out uncontrollably. Someone else you knew laughed just like that. You’re trying to get up quickly when you feel Mark’s arms wrap around you from behind.

“Come back....”

The way he holds you tickles, and the added weight of your son makes you lose balance, so you fall back onto Mark’s chest, effectively making your family a little sandwich. Mark lets out a small grunt from the weight but he doesn’t really mind. His heart is as light as can be. His eyes are bright and his smile mischievous. He wriggles around and declares, “Love attack!!!”

There are lots of kisses and shared silliness, and you laugh until there are tears in the corners of your eyes, little crystals breathlessly kissed away too in the moment.

—

"And at last, I open my arms wide again to give you warmth. I'll do anything to make it right. Those stars are shining on us. I'll cherish this moment, all of it, my baby. I’m gonna love you… Love doesn't come easy, girl, but loving you is easy. Every day without you feels hollow. Because our memories refine even our imperfect moments into treasured times, I reflect, calling love a beauty."

#mark lee x reader #mark lee smut #mark lee fluff #mark lee scenarios #mark lee imagines #mark lee fanfic #nct smut #nct fluff #nct imagines #nct fanfic #nct scenarios #nct 127 smut #nct 127 fluff #nct dream fluff #nct dream smut #happy new year~ and…“I’ll be your home” 💗#wishing you love even when it doesn’t come easy #hot cocoa w/ sea salt foam top--the kind where you get cream on your upper lip when you take a sip and reenact the scene from secret garden

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