#merry christmas juli fans <3

[ofmdrecaps]

07/04/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi & Rita Ora; Con O'Neill; Nathan Foad; Samba Schutte; Disability Pride Month; Fan Spotlight; Love Notes; Daily Darby / Today's Taika

== Rhys Darby ==

Yet another FFXIV Tural Commercial! Please keep them coming!

Rhys was also out on July 4th for his son Finn's Great Big Cow Band's concert! He was heard saying "Merry Christmas everbody!". You can watch the whole video Finn shared on Great Big Cow Band's Instagram

Source: Great Big Cow Band's Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Out at a celebration of Maria Sharapova with Aman Essentals as well as at the Girls Aloud Concert with Rita!

Source: krisroma's Instagram

Source: amanessentials Instagram

Source: RitaOraHun Instagram

Source: Instagram

Source: kyaora29 on Twitter

Source: YulYY4 on Twitter

== Con O'Neill ==

Con's been asking everyone to #VoteTheFuckersOut and here he was reminding everyone to go out and vote in the UK! (Hey good news, they "voted the fuckers out"!

Source: Con O Neill's Instagram

== Nathan Foad ==

Our friends over at @adoptourcrew wrote up a very lovely dedication to Nathan being one of the Hot Shots 2024 Top Writers and Script editors! Nathan loved it! You can read the article here!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba sent some love and PSA for July 4th <3

Source: Samba Schutte Instagram

== Disability Pride Month ==

Did you know July is Disability Pride Month? I know many of our crewmates are disabled and so I wanted to highlight this pride month in honor of them. Below is a wonderful video by ChronicallyJenni on instagram. I'm including the transcription of the video as well below. Found via the lovely @a-little-revolution here on tumblr.

"It's July & that means it's Disability Pride Month! But what actually is DPM?! I didn't know until a few years ago either so here's the run down!

Disability Pride Month was born out of the disability rights movement in July 1990 to commemorate the passing of the Americans with disabilities act (ADA). It has since become a global celebration, as well as an act of protest in order to campaign for the world to be more inclusive of disabled people. The first Disability Pride Parade in the UK was held in Brighton in 2016. Whilst we love our LGBTQIA+ friends & community members, #DisabilityPrideMonth has nothing to do with LGBTQIA+ Pride, they just happen to be next to each other.

The 3 main goals of Disability Pride Month are: ✨ To change the way people think about & define disability. ✨ To break down & end the internalised shame felt by people with disabilities. ✨ To promote the belief in society that disability is a natural, beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

All of these things are so incredibly important & change needs to be made in wider society in regards to ableism, accessibility & representation. Especially as being disabled is one of the only minority groups anyone can find themselves in overnight. Things are improving but I long for more disability representation in the media & in governance.

It's taken me a long time to discover my self worth as a person with a disability. And, don't get me wrong, being disabled is really tough But my disability has made me stronger, more resilient , more adaptable & has helped me find myself and the things that are important to me in a way I wouldn't have experienced otherwise. It's also helped me find the most incredible friends & community across the world.

I am disabled and I am proud." Happy Disability Pride Month Lovelies! I hope you have many many good days <3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jenni | Chronic Illness Hacks (@chronicallyjenni)

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Cast Cards =

More cast cards from @melvisik! Thank you as always hon! Today's cast cards are Jochen FitzHerbert who is "another Emmy submission 'for Outstanding Picture Editing in a Comedy Series for The Innkeeper' - AdoptOurCrew" annnnd, Pancho Cardena was a patron of Spanish Jackie's establishment in "A Gentleman Pirate"!

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies! It's, well, now it's Friday cause I'm a bit late, but Happy Friday and early Saturday to the folks on the other side of the world!

I truly hope that you are doing well at the end of this week. It's been a long one to be sure, even if you've had a holiday. Remember that you are doing the best you can-- don't let anyone tell you anything different <3 Love notes are gonna be short today since I'm so late, just know we're thinking of and rooting for you <3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katie Abey 🌈 (@katieabey)

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

Tonight's theme is nose scrunches <3 Gif Courtesy of our darling Jodi! @saltpepperbeard

[masterwords]

blue christmas

Summary: Spencer finds the perfect opportunity to show Luke that he'd like to kick their relationship up a notch.

Pairing: Luke Alvez/Spencer Reid

Words: 1.4k

Warnings: references to Spencer's time in prison, PTSD mention, reference to Spencer's mother's illness, loneliness and Christmas...that being said, this is a happy love filled romantic comfort story.

Read on AO3: blue christmas

Author's Notes: This is my discord Secret Santa gift for @merpancake! It took me out of my comfort zone and I hope I did them justice. You asked for Spencer being the one to make a gesture and boy did he ever! Thank you for challenging me, and thank you for being you. I know you've had a rough year and I hope that this brings at least a small smile to your face. Much love to you my friend! <3 Merry Happy Winter Holidays!

**

It was Penelope’s idea. He kept telling himself that as he stood surveying his apartment, the vintage garland strung up over his prized bookshelves and a small, somewhat bare tree lit up in the corner where his favorite chair should have been. Spencer didn’t like change, and the tree had caused some considerable change but it was the only place he could put it. A lit tree needed to be near a window, on display, and he had to admit that it did look very pretty from the street. Inviting. Warm. Festive. Things that didn’t usually describe his apartment this time of year.

“You don’t have to decorate,” Penelope had said with a smile. “It’s just...you have room, your place is bigger than mine. And we always do this stuff at Rossi’s.”

“Because he has a mansion,” Spencer pointed out with a smirk. She nodded.

“Sure, and that’s fun...but sometimes it’s nice to be a little more cozy.”

What she really meant, he realized, was that his apartment was quiet and sad and more of a place for him to close himself off than anything else. It had always been that way, perhaps, but it was definitely worse since he’d been in prison. She wasn’t wrong.

So, it was Penelope’s idea, and she planned the food and drinks and the Secret Santa exchange...all he had to do was open his door and let everyone in. The decorations came from a box he’d had stashed in his coat closet, way up high, gathering dust. Decorations from when he was a child, things he thought might be lauded as containing poison nowadays but brought back good memories. His mother would put them up even after his father left, she would deck their halls to make him feel something good for the season. And she managed it during the good times and the bad times, it was always something she insisted on. Even if she had never been a fan of the holiday herself, and even if it was the wrong time of year when she did it. More than once he’d woken to Christmas garlands and a full stocking in the middle of July, that was just how it was. And it was okay by him, he’d learned to accept that time didn’t move the same for his mother as it did for everyone else.

And now he was following in her footsteps, throwing decorations over his belongings for the benefit of other people. The garland was shedding all over his floor, scraps of silvery tinsel on hard wood.

Surprisingly, once the apartment was full of twinkling lights and silver garland, it made him smile too. Even the mess was festive.

“Oh, Boy Wonder, you did so good!” Penelope gushed when she walked in, her arms full of bags.

That was how it started, with her oohing and aahing over all of his vintage decorations, over how much space he had, over how many books he had. She’d only been here once or twice before and every time she managed to forget how lovely his place was. Not that she was surprised in the least. It suited him in every single way. “People will be here soon! Are you excited?”

“I uh…” he started, eyes darting over all of the once empty surfaces she’d covered with punch bowls and food trays almost instantly. His apartment looked like a party now. “Yes. Actually. I am.” He was a little surprised to admit that, a little surprised that it wasn’t a lie.

By the time his apartment was full of people, he was regretting it. Just a little. After spending nearly a year locked up, he didn’t do crowds well. They set his nerves on fire and he found himself looking over his shoulder anxiously whether it was warranted or not. In this case, it wasn’t, not even a little...these people were his family...but every movement out of his periphery made his heart jump. He was wishing the party was over and it had barely even begun.

“Secret Santa time!” Penelope exclaimed, waving her arms in the air to get everyone’s attention. “Everyone go find your gift on the table and open them.”

Spencer watched the crush of bodies headed for the little table and waited patiently until it cleared before going and grabbing his, the only one left. He held it close to his chest , unopened, while watching everyone else tear into theirs. Luke in particular.

He’d manipulated his way into being Luke’s Secret Santa, and while that wasn’t strictly against any rules Penelope had laid out he had felt at least a little guilty for ruining the sanctity of random. It was just...they’d been seeing each other casually for a few months, and he’d found himself more than a little bored by it. Not in a way that meant he wanted to stop, but in a way he hadn’t ever really felt before...he was ready to kick it up a notch. Luke looked into the box full of dog toys, little stuffed elves and reindeer and coffee cups and smiled that bright, intoxicating smile that said Spencer had done well. Very well. When their eyes met he mouthed thank you and Spencer could feel the butterflies in his stomach, a warmth that spread from his chest down into his pants. If they were alone right now that smile would be enough to make him drag Luke into the bedroom, it held that much power over him. Instead, Spencer inclined his head briefly, nodding for Luke to meet him in the kitchen.

There, he presented Luke with another gift, one not intended to be opened in front of a crowd. Just a small box he’d been holding in his pocket. An unmarked little white thing with a bright red bow wrapped around it, simple and elegant. “You proposing to me, Agent Reid?” Luke asked with a smirk and a wink. Spencer flushed. That didn’t help that growing warmth in his belly.

“Just open it before I regret it.”

“You never asked my ring size…”

“You know what? I’m taking it back.” Spencer reached out for the box and Luke playfully batted him away.

“Mine,” Luke huffed, delicately untying the bow and popping the lid open. Inside, nestled in a cloudy bed of cotton, was a gleaming silver key. Brand new, freshly cut. Luke grinned. “I’ve always wanted a key,” he said, always the jokester. Spencer reached into his pocket and procured his own keychain, holding up one that matched the key in the box. A little worse for the wear, a little worn down, but a perfect match.

“I’m not sure we’re ready to move in together,” Spencer started, the flush rising from his neck into his cheeks. His skin prickled beneath his wool sweater. “But I thought maybe you’d like to have a key to my place. It’s closer to work, so if you leave late and need a place to crash...or you know...you can just come in. Anytime.”

“Spencer Reid…” Luke said, stepping closer. “Are you sure?” He knew how Spencer felt about his privacy, and how he’d struggled against the PTSD prison left him with. Sharing his apartment in this way felt...well...huge. Unbelievably huge. Luke almost couldn’t believe it.

“I um, yeah. I’m sure. Come here…” he said, grabbing Luke by the hand and dragging him out into the hallway and toward his bedroom. Everyone was so occupied by their gifts and the music that they didn’t seem to notice the two of them had gone missing. “I got you a toothbrush to keep here...and…” he opened a drawer on his dresser, empty where it hadn’t been the day before. “And your own drawer. If you want it.”

“If I want it?” Luke asked, cocking his head to the side. “Spencer…” But he didn’t know the words to adequately sum up how he felt, so he just reached up and hooked Spencer by the back of the neck before pulling him in for a kiss. Spencer tasted like candy canes, his lips sticky from the candy he’d been nervously eating since the party started. Luke had been watching him with the candy cane in his mouth since he’d come in, it was driving him absolutely insane with want. “I love it.”

“You do?” Spencer asked cautiously. “Really?”

“I do. Merry Christmas Spencer,” Luke whispered into another peppermint sugar kiss, this time deeper, hungrier. He was craving candy canes now too.

“Merry Christmas Luke.”

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Christmas in July 2004 - Week 1 (Fan Favorites Marathon)

Friday, June 28 8pm/7c: An Unexpected Christmas 10pm/9c: Haul Out the Holly

Saturday, June 29 6am/5c: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe 8am/7c: Christmas By Design 10am/9c: A Cozy Christmas 12pm/11c: Christmas Getaway 2pm/1c: Flipping for Christmas 4pm/3c: Crown for Christmas 6pm/5c: The Sweetest Christmas 8pm/7c: Falling Like Snowflakes - Hallmark Channel Premiere 10pm/9c: Cross Country Christmas

Sunday, June 30 6am/5c: The Christmas Cottage 8am/7c: Next Stop, Christmas 10am/9c: A Royal Christmas 12pm/11c: Christmas Made to Order 2pm/1c: Coyote Creek Christmas 4pm/3c: Picture a Perfect Christmas 6pm/5c: Falling Like Snowflakes 8pm/7c: A Biltmore Christmas 10pm/9c: Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater

Monday, July 1 9am/8c: Sense, Sensibility & Snowman 11am/10c: A Very Merry Mix-Up 1pm/12c: A Magical Christmas Village 3pm/2c: The Holiday Sitter 5pm/4c: A Fabled Holiday 7pm/6c: The Secret Gift of Christmas 9pm/8c: Christmas at the Plaza 11pm/10c: Checkin' It Twice

Tuesday, July 2 9am/8c: The Christmas House 11am/10c: Where Are You, Christmas? 1pm/12c: Christmas with a Kiss 3pm/2c: Christmas Class Reunion 5pm/4c: The Most Colorful Time of the Year 7pm/6c: The Santa Summit 9pm/8c: Catch Me If You Can 11pm/10c: Holiday Road

Wednesday, July 3 9am/8c: Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses 11am/10c: Ghosts of Christmas Always 1pm/12c: My Southern Family Christmas 3pm/2c: Christmas with the Darlings 5pm/4c: The Royal Nanny 7pm/6c: Christmas Island 9pm/8c: On the 12th Date of Christmas 11pm/10c: Christmas by Starlight

Thursday, July 4 9am/8c: A Nashville Christmas Carol 11am/10c: Christmas Waltz 1pm/12c: Long Lost Christmas 3pm/2c: Small Town Christmas 5pm/4c: A Veteran's Christmas 7pm/6c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 9pm/8c: The Nine Loves of Christmas 11pm/10c: A Christmas Melody

Friday, July 5 9am/8c: The Nine Kittens of Christmas 11am/10c: My Grown-Up Christmas List 1pm/12c: The Perfect Christmas Present 3pm/2c: Seals with a List 5pm/4c: A Very Merry Bridesmaid 7pm/6c: Christmas at Castle Hart 9pm/8c: Falling Like Snowflakes 11pm/10c: Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas

Saturday, July 6 6am/5c: It's Christmas, Eve 8am/7c: Jolly Good Christmas 10am/9c: Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up 12pm/11c: My Christmas Family Tree 2pm/1c: Magic in Mistletoe 4pm/3c: Write Before Christmas 6pm/5c: One Royal Holiday 8pm/7c: Three Wise Men and a Baby: Extended Cut - Hallmark Channel Premiere 10:15pm/9:15c: Everything Christmas

Sunday, July 7 6am/5c: Christmas in Tahoe 8am/7c: Snow Bride 10am/9c: A Kiss Before Christmas 12pm/11c: Letters to Santa 2pm/1c: Take Me Back for Christmas 4pm/3c: Mystery on Mistletoe Lane 6pm/5c: A Merry Scottish Christmas 8pm/7c: To All A Good Night 10pm/9c: Miracle in Bethlehem, PA

[itsdelicate]

Merry Christmas Eve! 🎅

How have you been? Are you with family? I'm with my in-laws still today, and then we are heading to my family later tonight to spend actual Christmas there.

To answer all of the questions I asked, let's start from the top.

Favorite Holiday for years was the fourth of July because to me it was like Christmas (without gifts) where you get to spend all day with your family, but the weather is actually nice and usually we would go boating.

I am a cat person! I have a cat and I love him so much, he is just a giant goofball.

Baileys in coffee is good! I am a wine fan, so if I want a cocktail, I like getting a sangria.

Also rep fan!! Rep is number 1! Did you get to go to the tour?

I eat popcorn all the time, it's easy and filling.

My favorite subject was probably anatomy. I just was a really big science girl.

I've enjoyed being your secret Santa these last few weeks 😀! I had a great time getting to know you.

Much love!

Santa

hello!! merry christmas! 🎄

i’m good! yeah im out with my family today we’re going for a christmas walk 🥰 that sounds lovely i hope you’re having fun!

ooh i’ve obviously never celebrated the 4th of july since i’m not american but that sounds like a great summer holiday for sure 😌 omg what’s his name!! pls send cat pics

i’ve tried a non-alcoholic sangria it was very good so 10/10, SO TRUE rep album of all time and i did hehe i got to see it in melbourne i was studying there at that time so it worked out perfectly

that just reminded me i can’t rmb the last time i had popcorn but i did try popcorn ice cream mochi the other day it was very good i didn’t have high expectation tbh, oooh anatomy is very cool i love science too except for chemistry which for some reason my brain genuinely just cannot Understand idek why it was the subject i struggled with the most back in school and both my parents have done their masters in diff aspects of chemistry 💀

thank you so much for all your asks!! i found myself looking forward to them and i really appreciated it <3 it was so fun talking to you ily 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 happy holidays!!

[chorusfm]

‘Punk Goes Christmas’ Comes to Vinyl

Punk Goes Christmas is getting a vinyl pressing. Craft Recordings is celebrating Christmas in July with a highly anticipated vinyl reissue for the seminal Fearless Records holiday compilation, Punk Goes Christmas. The release is the 14th compilation album in the celebrated Punk Goes... series, originally released in November of 2013.   Punk Goes Christmas stands out within the eclectic Punk Goes… series thanks to it being one of the only compilations that features original songs and covers alike. A deluxe edition, featuring four additional tracks, was released in November 2015. This latest reissue, which returns the project to its original 12-song format, marks its first availability since that limited run almost a decade ago.   The release is set to arrive on October 11 and available for pre-order today, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for punk, emo and vinyl fanatics worldwide. Craft is offering this special release in two distinct vinyl formats, the wide Translucent Ruby Red vinyl and a Green Smoke variant exclusively via Craft Recordings. The collection is also available to stream/download now.   ***   Upon its initial release in November of 2013, Punk Goes Christmas helped completely reimagine the concept of the holiday compilation, letting the generation-defining acts included on the album dictate the direction of Fearless Records’ celebrated series.   The album kicks off with New Found Glory’s heartfelt original “Nothing For Christmas,” a warm ode to true love and a B-side that quickly became a fan favorite at New Found Glory shows before finding a large and eager audience on Punk Goes Christmas.   Other highlights include Man Overboard turning the Kinks’ “Father Christmas” into a cynical and sneering anti-capitalist punk anthem. Yellowcard take on Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights,” tapping into the same catharsis harnessed by the UK band but spinning the bubbling tension in a stadium-ready climax. Punknews.org lauded the track, noting that: “It is a beautifully written tune about lost love, opening with a subtle croon from Ryan Key before giving way to a powerful, almost anthemic last two minutes.” All Time Low contributed another original to the collection in the form of “Fool’s Holiday,” which Substream Magazine included on their list of best Punk Goes…songs and said “might be one of their best songs written—period.”   The album closes with a triumphant version of “Do You See What I See?,” vulnerably and confidently performed by William Beckett, singer from The Academy Is… The track begins with bold piano chords and the occasional timpani roll accompanying Beckett’s voice, before erupting with a grooving drum beat and triumphant final chorus. It’s a perfect send off to another Christmas season, less a “goodbye” than “see you next year”!   From front to back, Punk Goes Christmas showcases the unbridled excitement that a well-executed and thoughtfully curated compilation album can create. Bands and artists work outside of their traditional comfort zones, creating a truly one-of-a-kind tribute to the holiday spirit.   The collection is the perfect antidote to the same old Christmas songs, a tradition that wears itself thin each year. As The Young Folks wrote in its original review of the project, Punk Goes Christmas blends “aspects of rock and modern music with a Christmas theme. Who doesn’t want to give the holidays a little edge after hearing ‘The First Noel’ and ‘White Christmas’ for the tenth time in three weeks?”   Click here to pre-order or stream/download Punk Goes Christmas   Track Listing:   SIde A: 1. New Found Glory – Nothing For Christmas 2. All Time Low – Fool’s Holiday 3. Real Friends – I Had A Heart 4. Man Overboard – Father Christmas 5. The Summer Set – This Christmas 6. Crown The Empire – There Will Be No Christmas   Side B: 1. Yellowcard – Christmas Lights 2. Issues – Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays 3. Jason Lancaster – All I Can Give You 4. The Ready Set – I Don’t Wanna Spend Another Christmas Without You 5. Set It Off – This… https://chorus.fm/news/punk-goes-christmas-comes-to-vinyl/

[iamgillians]

julieta nair calvo + las estrellas bts (selfies)

[demisexualnathanvuornos]

RULES: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your up to 10 favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works.

Got tagged by a couple of people/saw a mutual do it

Multitudes of (A)bsence / Monimuotoiset puutteet

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24717583/chapters/59745241

This is my one and only original work. It's a short poem with an English and Finnish versions, about being aroace, demigender and atheist.

I was inspired to write it when I was reading Jenna Clare's poetry book, she's ace and Finnish American, so I decided to get her book because I am also two of those things. It's a beautiful book but at one point it talked of god in a way that it really hit, all the things I'm lacking.

I Never Really Let You Go

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28260108

Just before Xmas, me and Grey-Haven (not on tumblr anymore) where talking about Lucas Bryant I guess and I lamented how impossible being able to watch Playing House (2006) has been. She, being in the UK, was able to purchase it on youtube and we watched it through some microsoft thing.

It was super funny and Lucas was absolutely perfect. So perfect that I wanted to write fic even after only one watch. I've since ordered both the book the movie was based on and a region free dvd from Australia, both of which I am still waiting for but should get them quite soon.

Also, this fic was more popular than I expected, I have lots of fics that struggle to reach 10 hits and this one has almost 40. Tagging the female lead maybe helped? Idk

Drabbles on Touch

I managed to write 9 chapters for Drabbles on Touch which I think is pretty good :

31. Dance (3x12 Reunion) (2020-03-30)

32. Fur (2020-08-14)

33. 1x8 PDA with Jess 1 (at the station) (2020-09-06)

34. 1x8 Almost sex with Jess (2020-11-02)

35. 1x8 PDA with Jess 2 (goodbye) (2020-09-07)

36. 1x8 Audrey's Cheek kiss (2020-09-12)

37. He Should Have Known (1x9) (2020-09-26)

38. Hands (1x9/1x10) (2020-11-01)

39. Accidental Touches (1x12 Resurfacing) (2020-10-04)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11000235/chapters/24503604

It's Only Touch (All He Has Left)

I wrote an extra chapter for this that actually touches on a lot of the ideas I had about the fic but didn't end up including when I first wrote this.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13596324/chapters/58917880

What a Waste of a Good Boner (4x7 AU)

Some fun little Nathan/Audrey smut fic I thought should exist.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24738766?view_full_work=true

Next up are a couple of fun multi-chapter fics I'm delighted that I managed to write and finish within 2020:

East Haven Seadogs vs West Haven Cutters

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23750812/chapters/57042253

4 chapters of various stories about this silly little small town little league baseball rivalry. First Nathan pov in 2x4, then Audrey learns to appreciate baseball through Lexie and then James Wuornos' first game with his little sister in attendance and finally, I hit the 2020 pandemic, includes Nathan's childhood memories, including James Garrick and Duke.

Heir to the Herald

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22099819/chapters/52743043

I started 2020 by properly reading The Colorado Kid. I was really taken with Stephanie McCann and rereading the pilot script inspired me to write a combination of all 3. Post canon, someone needs to run the Herald and Stephanie is perfect for the job.

Christmas Party in July

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27899377/chapters/68318356

I know there were some prompts about this in July bcus Haven's 10 year anniversary but I wasn't inspired to read or write about this then. Because I don't even like this episode much. But rewatching it on its anniversary, I did find myself inspired to write about the aftermath of the party. Heavy still-one-sided Nathan/Audrey.

And then I thought about that calm bit in s5a and how that was probably in July. And the Paige is not as different from Audrey as one might think. It was fun to write these as almost advent thingies.

----

Moving on from fic, I absolutely loved Lucas' Country at Heart movie and especially the song, A Life in a Love, that he performs. I couldn't help but notice how well some lyrics with Haven, so I did graphic for all the lyrics. It's in many parts and I still think I might do Jennifer/Duke graphic for the last chorus, but that's not happening too soon. But I'm very happy with these and that I managed to do the Audrey pov before the year ended.

https://demisexualnathanvuornos.tumblr.com/tagged/a-life-in-a-love

Ever since it was established that Nathan was a Pet Shop Boy fan, I wanted to do a graphic about it. I even researched ages ago that in 1983/4 West End Girls would be the most likely song he had heard from them and it mentions 'Finland station', so it was perfect. But I then never really started to properly work on it and then I almost forgot it. Until I made those ALiaL graphic and I managed to finish these ones two. Needed to do it in two parts because it works better that way.

https://demisexualnathanvuornos.tumblr.com/tagged/pet-shop-boys

All in all, 2020 wasn't too bad a year for me, creatively. I could give special shoutouts to my Duke Sterling fic (now with a wip sequal), and fics for Lucas' two earlier Xmas movies, Merry In-Laws and A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride. Links available upon request or I might add them myself later.

[oldhollywoodfilms]

Here's our top five TCM picks for the week of July 13: 1. My Journey Through French Cinema (1958) at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT Tuesday July 14: If you've always wanted to get into classical French cinema but haven't had the time, then I highly recommend this loving and thorough tribute from director Bertrand Tavernier. This documentary is a good choice to DVR and then watch in parts along with the films Tavernier discusses. 2. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) at 10:30 pm ET/7:30 pm PT Wednesday July 15: This nostalgic MGM musical about a close-knit Midwestern family remains one of old Hollywood's best comfort movies. There's nothing more joyous than Judy Garland singing "The Trolley Song" or more touching than the holiday standard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." 3. Bachelor Mother (1939) at 6:30 pm ET/3:30 pm PT Thursday, July 16: Celebrate Ginger Rogers' 109th birth date with this fan favorite rom-com about a department store clerk who ends up adopting a baby. David Niven is also wonderful as the store owner who falls for Ginger. 4. The Grapes of Wrath (1940) at 10:15 pm ET/7:15 pm PT Friday July 17: Director John Ford's drama about the plight of a displaced Oklahoma family is perhaps the starkest screen depiction of the Great Depression's impact on ordinary Americans. Henry Fonda's performance as Tom Joad has become an iconic part of American pop culture. 5. The Maltese Falcon (1941) at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT Saturday, July 18: There's no better way to spend a Saturday night than with this essential noir about a disparate gang of crooks who are in search of a priceless objet d'art. Humphrey Bogart's literate, cynical turn as detective Sam Spade launched him into stardom. FYI: I'll be live-tweeting about this film on Saturday night. Join in or follow along at https://twitter.com/oldhollywood21

[cocklescooperative]

Fic Masterpost

We asked Cockles writers to submit a new work every day throughout December until the 25th, and this is what they came up with! 

  Find the full challenge works on AO3 here

1. Is it still a secret if only one person doesn’t know, by Anon

Danneel, Jensen and Jared POV on the same 15 minutes of Jensen and Misha in a convention Green Room. Words: 2412  Rating: Teen+

2. Naughty, by nhpw

Jensen and Misha establish a Christmas tradition that's anything but traditional. Words: 899  Rating: Mature

3. All our own, by Zoelily

A quick break in Whistler is what everyone needs to recharge before the holidays. Words: 3764   Rating: Explicit

4. Highly recommended, by nhpw

For a guy who just put out his first music album, Jensen hasn't been doing much to promote it. Misha helps. Words: 1078   Rating: Teen+

5.  Our fave cockles things, by WickedNerdAngel

What do you get when you cross Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music with Cockles? Words: 261   Rating: G

6. The journals, by mymishaandjensenfic (ljunattainable)

The year is 2072 and JJ finds her mother's old journals. Words: 1925   Rating: G

7.  Sir, I demand more cockles content, by mymishaandjensenfic (ljunattainable)

Misha replies to a fan tweet. Words: 209   Rating: Teen+

8.  Come scratch my itch, by Anon

Misha's got an itch. He texts Jensen to come and scratch it for him. Words: 191   Rating: Teen+

9.  The Marks I leave, by Anon

Even Jensen and Misha are completely soft sometimes. Jensen and Misha catalog the small marks Jensen has made on Misha's body over a week together. Words: 331   Rating: Mature

10.  The Last day, by mymishaandjensenfic (ljunattainable)

Ten years ago, Misha had announced he didn't have sex with co-workers. Obviously, they'd worked around that, but they just filmed their last scene so technically they're no longer co-workers. Which would be very good except that they haven't talked about this and Jensen has no idea if Misha still has any interest in having sex with him. Words: 736   Rating: Teen+

11.  Merry and bright, by nhpw

"Everything about this made him feel warm and fuzzy and turned his insides to mush and butterflies and just about every other romantic feel-good-movie-of-the-year cliche he could throw at it. It all fit." Words: 1043   Rating: Teen+

12.  To: Someone special, by DeansHotDogPajamas

Jensen and Misha enjoy a December evening alone at Jensen's apartment in Vancouver, each wearing a Christmas gift from the other's wife. The holidays really are magical. Words: 4580   Rating: Explicit

13.  The Show, by mymishaandjensenfic (ljunattainable)

“I’ve wanted to do this, in this hotel, since we stayed here last year,” Jensen says. “I’ve been planning this for a year so … say you’ll do it?” It goes against Misha’s every instinct to agree. He’s as happy as the next person to get naked. Happier even. But in some kind of privacy, please. Plus he’s got a fucking hard-on for God’s sake. Jensen’s got a hard-on. How far is Jensen going to want them to go for this show he’s got lined up? “Isn’t this taking your exhibitionism kink just a bit too far?” Words: 3288   Rating: Explicit

14.  Ten years, by Anastiel

10 years. Same bar. Same table. Same company. Same good times. A story about Jensen's and Misha's anniversary. Words: 1953   Rating: Teen+

15.  The Start of winter, by Tennyo

Just a small, fluffy moment in time between Jensen and Misha before they go their separate ways for Winter Hiatus Words: 666   Rating: G

16.  Sexo de Vacaciones en La Playa (Holiday Sex On The Beach), by WickedNerdAngel

It's just enough rolling turquoise waves crashing into powdery shores and salty sea air to give one a visceral sense of romance that doesn't seem to be felt the same anywhere else. Except maybe Rome. Words: 2994   Rating: Explicit

17.  Socks, by Zoelily

Jensen is missing a gift. Words: 1201   Rating: Teen+

18.  We’ll get through this together, by Anon

Misha and Jensen both have insecurities, but they'll work through them together.   Words: 2173   Rating: Mature

19.  Precipice, by Serenhawk

Misha knocks determinedly on Jensen's hotel room door. He's jetlagged. And wired. He may also have downed the entire bottle of vodka he plucked from the minibar as he left his own room. He doesn't know what will happen when the door opens. But he’s ready. Words: 5937   Rating: Explicit

** Happy New Year from the Cockles Co-operative!! **

[captaine-carter]

Christmas LoVe fics

So last year I spent a significant amount of time basically finding all of the Christmas fics I could on Archive, this is the result of those months. Feel free to add any I’ve missed or from other sites!

A little Hope for the Holidays

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8868433

All I want for Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9332450

Silver and Gold

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13342770

The Gift

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13540230

The Christmas Spirits

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17244746

You And Me And Christmastime

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17209652

A Wish (or Two) for Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17208974

The Cynic’s Guide to Merry Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17189534

Waiting for Santa

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17161334

A Very Dick Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17132888

Merry Christmas Logan Echolls!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17131319

The Gift of Paternal Sincerity

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17122832

A Cinderella Moment

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17117363

Snuggled Up Together

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17117285

No Returns or Exchanges

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17093342

Christmas Miracles

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17085578

Our Hallmark Ending

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17001771

A New Path

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17001666

Promptober Chapter 25-27, 29 (Turned into the Christmas Spirits above)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16169168/chapters/38425151#workskin

The Island of Misfit Toys

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16590818

Somethings Gotta Give

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13537503/chapters/31058046

 If The Fates Allow

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/13135497

I Puzzle You

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13260225 

Wrapped Up In a Bow

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13172823

Merry Christmas Darling

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13138776

Baby It’s cold outside

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13128924

Should Have Told Me

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13121982

Christmas Reunions

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13119771

I’ll be home for Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13115721

Merry Little Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13115406

Sinterklaas on Deck

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13114293

Happy Holidays

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13113258

Last Christmas I gave you my heart

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13095138

Santa Baby

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13023027

Gifts of Time and Love

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12910332

Everything’s Bigger in Canada

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12839460

Logan and Veronica’s Christmas in July

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9208697

Traditions

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9056002

Magic of Mistletoe

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8964364

We’re No Angels

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8816845

First Time for Everything

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8798509

All is Calm, All is Bright

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8796244

Christmas Stockings

https://archiveofourown.org/works/6287386

A merry Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5596717

You Got Me Good

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5578599

Annoy with Caution, Tiny Blonde One

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5581714

It’s Bound to be Jolly

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5540387

A Mars Family Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5508644

Have Yourself a LoVely Little Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5507180

All the days and nights that we know

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5443700

There’s A Light On This Tree

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3123392

Delay

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3098108

A funny things…love is

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3010484

Her Heart Drinks Wine

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2858546

Light Show

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2852900

All I Want

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2792282

Nearing Permanence

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2821949

Snow and Mistletoe

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2805617

All I Want is You

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2456579

The Gift of Friendship

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2292554

Veronica’s Twelve Days

https://archiveofourown.org/works/859631

All is Bright

https://archiveofourown.org/works/817699

If the Fates Allow

https://archiveofourown.org/works/752002

mistletoe is deadly (or at least evil)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/419841

Along the Climbing Way

https://archiveofourown.org/works/300467

In a Winter Wonderland

https://archiveofourown.org/works/423401

Joy to the Girl

https://archiveofourown.org/works/177060

The Secret Language of Cookies

https://archiveofourown.org/works/247429

Christmas on Mars

https://archiveofourown.org/works/158190

Peace on Earth Good will toward Men

https://archiveofourown.org/works/47484

An Adopted Family Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2810942

The Secret Santa Series I. Logan & Veronica

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12110142

Merry Christmas, Veronica Mars

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16224

Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot

https://archiveofourown.org/works/196229

atmosphere

https://archiveofourown.org/works/499159

All I Want For Christmas Is You Baby!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/258374

The Mistletoe Effect II Veronica & Logan

https://archiveofourown.org/works/499159

December For Cynics

https://archiveofourown.org/works/163025

Home for the Holidays

https://archiveofourown.org/works/196209

Twelve Days of Christmas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/196208

Come, They Told Me..

https://archiveofourown.org/works/196217

Promptober 2018 (ch3)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12652734

Promptober (ch8, 12)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12295437

 Longer fics that mention Christmas

Slides of Cosy Lives (ch 3, 18,19)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12724485

Veronica’s Creek (ch 6)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15203696

The Casablancas Legacy (ch 26)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10952238

Dissolutioned Moments (ch 1)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8803288

As everything in return (ch 9)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9287741/

Slipstream (ch 6, 7, 48)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3873007

Impossibly (ch 10)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/6110704

Postcode Envy (ch 16)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/1803160

With Me (ch 2, 8, 11)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2391080

 Trading Places (whole fic leading up to Christmas Eve 2004 and ends with some future Christmases)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5333030

 I Know That Face (Takes place on Christmas Break from college ch 22 is Christmas)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/1953321

 When Fan meets Fiction (ch 9, it’s a stretch but I love this fic)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/4716575

 Of Bloodshed and Babies (ch 12,13)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2456450

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Fan Favorites Marathon all holiday weekend, as voted by Hallmark Channel viewers.

Saturday, July 1

10am/9c - Christmas at the Plaza  12pm/11c - My Christmas Family Tree  2pm/1c - The Nine Lives of Christmas  4pm/3c - The Sweetest Christmas  6pm/5c - My Southern Family Christmas  8pm/7c - Three Wise Men and a Baby  10pm/9c - My Grown-Up Christmas List 

Sunday, July 2

10am/9c - Christmas with the Darlings  12pm/11c - Christmas Waltz  2pm/1c - 'Tis the Season to be Merry  4pm/3c - An Unexpected Christmas  6pm/5c - Christmas by Starlight  8pm/7c - Haul Out the Holly  10pm/9c - Christmas Made to Order 

Monday, July 3

10am/9c - Check Inn to Christmas  12pm/11c - Inventing the Christmas Prince  2pm/1c - A Kiss Before Christmas  4pm/3c - The Holiday Sitter  6pm/5c - Christmas in Tahoe  8pm/7c - A Very Merry Bridesmaid 

Tuesday, July 4

10am/9c - Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater 10a/9c 12pm/11c - Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen 12/11c 2pm/1c - We Wish You a Married Christmas 2/1c 4pm/3c - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 4/3c 6pm/5c - Noel Next Door 6/5c 8pm/7c - A Cozy Christmas Inn 8/7c

[theunpopularopinionbymmc]

Blog 1: Not the Biggest Fan of Christmas

Date: December 25, 2020 (Friday)

Ahh..Christmas Day...Christmas Day, as they say, is the time for the family, and as much as a lot of people are excited, the breadwinners, providers and big-earners deeply and secretly detest this day. This blog is based mostly from my experiences and from a few insights shared by friends.

Christmas is a holiday celebrated by most people. For Children, they are looking forward to receive toys, for teenagers, they are in favor of getting envelopes containing money, for the grandparents, they would be happy to have some company, given that most of their children or grandchildren are already busy with their own jobs, families or other acitivities. But how about the working adults? What is their take on that? ‘

To answer this question, it solely depends. Some adults who value their families “too much,”tend to be happy during the holidays. Others, may see this as more of a burden. Some families may be nice, sincere, kind and the like, but more often than not, most relatives turn into a walking resume’ during Christmas day. What do I mean? They keep bragging what they have, or rather, “want to display” a certain persona.

For instance, I would like to share my last Christmas celebration with my Mother’s side. Once upon a time, it was a typical festive day. I got married that year in July 2017 and was looking forward to bring my husband to introduce him to the rest of the family. By that time, our business was in full blast since December was a good time for most companies. The first question upon greeting my uncle was, “are you now a millionaire?”I experienced a vast surge of mixed emotions, and I felt angry, ashamed, embarrassed, and, most of all, uncomfortable. I wasn’t able to respond and just stood there smiling. I simply...froze. As if this wasn’t enough, I was, later on, asked by another uncle of mine, “give all the others some money. I’m sure you are earning big.”Again, this further damaged my day, and from that point, I realized that this was the point of social gatherings with family members. The reason for the inquiry would only serve as a basis for : (1) being a money tree, (2) talk of the town with additional information that was formulated without any cause, (3) while listening, it would be an excellent opportunity to either bring you down or set another means to surpass what you’ve just mentioned. I may have an idea before, but as a typical person, I would think, “it might be different this year...” However, as you grow older, your bank account gets fatter, and you can acquire more remarkable things or have access to more beautiful places. People would tend to be lookouts and, like vultures, waiting for your death or downfall. This is a sad point of view, but unfortunately, this is the truth for most people. Many people may claim that they may be pleasant or care for you, but in reality, all they are after is your downfall. A lot would also butter up their relationship with you so that in the long run, they could make use of you or your assets.

Christmas should be celebrated out of sincerity, out of love and enjoyment. If you are planning to have a hidden agenda or know that others only see you as a walking ATM, please, do yourself a favor and celebrate elsewhere.

Merry Christmas from the Modernized Maria Clara ❤️

[independentartistbuzz]

Good Music, Good News 3.0

We continue to be touched and moved by the depth of sharing and Good News that is coming from the Cyber PR Music camp.  Nd we are not surprised.  Ariel and her team have sent us some of our favorite gems over the years. We are pleased to bring you part 3 of our 4 part series.

Please Follow the Spotify Playlist below to hear all of these amazing tracks.

[HERE]

Thanks to all of the artists who shared their music AND their good news.

Mara Measor | “Love Will Find You”

Is Now An Expectant Mother During A Global Pandemic

I had a miscarriage back in February, right before the pandemic hit. Then was able to get pregnant again a few months later! We had another scare at our first ultrasound and was flagged with a higher risk of our baby having chromosomal abnormalities, but upon further tests the concerns were cleared. And I'm finally getting used to the idea of having a baby boy next year. It's been such a roller coaster, but I'm riding it. :)

John Ellis on behalf of Val Starr & The Blues Rockets | “Whether Blues (2020)”

Experienced Loss, Family Members With COVID & Made Music To Heal

Our daughter-in-law came down with Covid and is still fighting it, and our granddaughter Ariella tested positive as well, but being eight years old, she didn't really exhibit any symptoms.  Lost a couple of friends to pneumonia and strokes, cancer in some other friends, car accidents wracked up a good friend, and then the election happened.  Life rolls on, faith in our Higher Power keeps us sane, and had a lot of time to work on recordings this year. Val Starr, my wife and bandmate, has written a great blues song that we'd like to share with you about all of us pulling it back together again.  Called "Whether Blues" , whether you're right, whether you're wrong, don't mean a thing till we get along"

Tabitha Chapman | “Celebrity Boyfriend”

Got A Publishing Deal

I am immensely grateful to God that despite the hardship, sorrows, pains and restrictions that typified the year 2020, I was able to release 3 singles, and I also got myself a publisher.

Valerie Romanoff | “Pink Skies over Still Water”

Created An Online Music Festival About Mindfulness & Meditation

Without the hustle of preparing and traveling for my live events with the Starlight Orchestra, I stayed home and developed a way to share the energy and messages in my Healing Music albums. I came up with an online show called "Groove Into Bliss: Musical Meditation & More" where my guests and I talked about the benefits of relaxing and releasing stress, the power of music to open the channels to well-being, and offered guided meditations.  We spoke of tips and tools for positive thinking, manifesting the life we desire, and the many ways we can use music to boost our joy! Through the online show I made many connections and was invited to be a guest on many high-vibe broadcasts and events, and I was invited to wrote a chapter in an upcoming book titled “The Wellness Universe Guide To Complete Self-Care: 25 Tools For Happiness.”

Apostrophe Music | “Keep the Hope Alive!”

Released Home-Recorded Music During The Pandemic

I released whilst we were in the heart of the lockdown during the month of April. As India went into a historic lockdown with over 1 Billion people being asked to stay indoors, the air of anxiousness and uncertainty brought out this song called Keep The Hope Alive! The only feeling we all had at that moment in time. 

I felt like it was a message that needed to get out there and once we recorded it out of my home studio (no access to studios because of the curfew lockdown situation) I posted the song on to Youtube and Facebook with a video and subsequently after that we did an official audio release in July. So this is the story about this song I released as the whole world went into lockdown.

Len Seligman

Turned The Tragedy of Losing His Mother Into Beautiful Songwriting

Like a lot of songwriters, I was moved to write a song about COVID-19. While neither my health nor economic situation suffered, the pandemic made it so that I could only visit my mother a couple of times in the last 6 months of her life, despite her living just 20 minutes away. She died in September at the age of 97.

When I looked inside to see what story I wanted to tell about the pandemic, I quickly knew that it would be about the beautiful ways people have shown up for one another. Yes, there's been enormous suffering, but it's also been extraordinary to see the tremendous upwelling of compassion that the suffering has brought out. That is what inspired this song.

Steve Andrews | “Where Does All The Plastic Go?”

Had A Successful Release That Led To Idea for Ocean Aid Concerts

My song “Where Does All The Plastic Go?” is getting included on playlists on Spotify, getting great reviews, and opening doors for me in unexpected places. This is wonderful because I'm thinking big and also came up with the idea for Ocean Aid Concerts to raise awareness of threats to the oceans. I am leading the way with songs on the subject of plastic pollution and my song could be included in any concerts that happen.

Richard Strange | “Christmas of Hope”

Used Hopeful Christmas Anthem To Fundraise for Charity

We (Musicians Together & Sweet Charity Choir) released Christmas of Hope, a single produced in aid of Help Musicians UK, last Friday December. We are donating the proceeds to Help Musicians UK, a charity that you may be aware of, specifically to their 3rd hardship fund. Some quotes from the charity's CEO, James Ainscough: “Music has been a unifying force that’s supported and entertained us all this year, more than ever before.” "But for tens of thousands of music creators across the UK the impact of lockdown and social distancing on their ability to earn, to create and to connect, has been disastrous for their finances and mental health.” "This 99-year-old charity has been in the privileged position of financially supporting over 21,000 musicians this year and we couldn’t have done it without the generous help of music lovers across the length and breadth of the country.”

Jody Whitesides | “A Perfect Man”

Created Deeper Relationships With Fans

I have been changing my approach to music this year. In doing so it increased the response I got from people on social media and via email. The most powerful thing was having a female fan tell me that the song “A Perfect Man” had brought her to tears. The reason, she could feel the love of the person singing to his counterpart and how he didn’t want to be put on a pedestal to fail the love of his life. Which is the main theme of the song. It was great to hear it hit home with a fan.

Andrea Kremer (The Aeon Wanderers) | “Don’t Say Anything”

Formed A Musical Duo via Facebook Groups

After 20 years promoting other people's music for a living, I partnered with a multi-instrumentalist/songwriter that I met in a Facebook music group, and we formed a musical duo called The Aeon Wanderers. My bandmate lives in Scotland and I live in Boston, so even before COVID-19, we were working remotely, collaborating on lyrics in a Google doc and doing videos "together" using green screens. We started by recording covers, but soon we were working on originals, and in August 2020 we released our debut album, "Fictional Histories." Being on the artist side of the equation rather than the marketing side has been eye-opening and fun!

Barbara J. | “Merry Christmas, Darling”

Has A Holiday Release Airing on World Indie Network Radio

My Christmas cover single, "Merry Christmas, Darling," has been selected to air on World Indie Network Radio's (WNIR) Holiday Spectacular Radio Special! This song, a holiday classic from The Carpenters, also serves as the pre-release to my Carpenters cover album, which I plan to release early next year.

Raphaela Gilla | “Michael’s Mantra”

Guided A Troubled Fan Through Meditation And Towards Healing

One of my fans wrote me a message that she was not feeling well and asked me if I could help her. I felt that the really needed help and gave my phone number immediately. In our conversation she told me that it was hard for her to breathe, and she felt a lot of fear. I could hear her breathing heavily.

I guided her into a meditation – I guided her to consider her breathing as an angel's feather. This opened her breath tracks to the earth and to the sky. I noticed how she slowly began to relax and began to breathe deeper. She cried out of relief, thanked me and asked me about my fee. I told her that this is a gift from me to her. It was a very touching moment.

We stayed in contact. Since then, she grows and feels better.

John Mueller | “I’m Doing Fine”

Brought Joy With His Latest Release

My fave moment of this challenging year was when a complete stranger wrote to me that they heard my new track "I'm doing fine" and how it was uplifting to them and brought some joy. I appreciated they took the time to notify me and to bring joy with my music is my ultimate goal. Getting this release out there and the entire album "You are Here" its included on during this year made a positive note for 2020.  

Nia Ocean | “This Christmas”

Channeled A Christmas Song To Help Us All Shine Our Inner Light

About two weeks ago, I saw an insta story from a dear friend of mine which literally “woke me up”! I got so inspired that the next day I had written a whole song, a Christmas song that is. The song is called “This Christmas'' and I made it really to remind us that WE make Christmas what it is.. our spirit, our love, our cheer, it’s OUR light that gives it all meaning. So even though 2020 has been a tough year, we can still choose how to end it. It’s easy to expect and allow for Christmas 2020 not be special because it will be so different due to quarantine, limited travel and lost loved ones, but this song is a ray of light in these times of darkness and difficulty, reminding us of what matters most and that we all have a light within us to shine and share with our ourselves , our dearest ones, and the world...especially this Holiday Season.

Stay tuned… There’s more Good News Coming!

[lovemesomesurveys]

1 - When was the last time it snowed where you live? Do you like snowy weather or is it just a pain? It doesn’t snow here. I wish it did.

2 - Are you expecting any parcels in the mail right now? Yeah. 

3 - How long is it until your birthday? Do you have any plans for the day? This question has come up a lot in the surveys I’ve done recently. My birthday isn’t until July, I’m really not thinking about it right now.

4 - What was the last thing you had to drink? Starbucks Doubleshot energy drink.

5 - Do you need to do any laundry right now? No.

6 - Who was the last person you got a notification from on social media? Is this person a close friend of yours? Someone from the Bible study group I’m in on Facebook.

7 - Do you regularly buy things on credit? If so, how much do you owe on credit cards right now? I try not to, but it’s so easy to fall into the trap and it quickly catches up with you. You think, “oh, I’ll just here it here and there” and here and there easily becomes a lot. :X Unfortunately, I owe a lot between the credit cards I have.

8 - When was the last time you got a call from an unknown number? Did you answer or call them back? I saw I had a missed call from one yesterday. I never answer or return unknown calls.

9 - When was the last time you got off work early? What was the reason and did you do anything fun with your extra free time? I don’t have a job.

10 -  What do you typically eat for Christmas Dinner? Are you the one who cooks or does a family member do the cooking? Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls, homemade mac and cheese, and some appetizers. Ha, the only thing I do is make some simple appetizers. I don’t cook. My mom does the cooking for Christmas dinner, but my brother makes the mac & cheese cause that’s his thing.

11 - What time did you wake up this morning? Did you get out of bed right away? I got up around 11:45ish today, which is really early. I never get out of bed right away, but lately it takes me hours before I finally drag myself out.

12 - Do you have any plans for the weekend? Are these plans typical for a weekend or are you doing something different? Same stuff I do everyday.

13 - Would you like to work a job that involves going in and out of other people’s homes all day? (Like care work, painter, decorated etc.) No.

14 - When was the last time you had an injury? Was it a minor cut/scrape or something more serious? What happened? I haven’t had a serious injury in a long time. The most I’ve had recently is just hang nails that bleed, nails too short and bleed, or biting my lip too much causing them to bleed. 

15 - Do you ever watch movies or TV shows that require you to read subtitles? Not usually.

16 - What accents are your favourite? British and southern.

17 - How many people have you texted today? Are these people friends, family members or something else? I haven’t texted anyone thus far.

18 - Are you any good at DIY? What was the last DIY project you finished? I don’t dabble much with DIYs. I’m not the crafty, artsy person. 

19 - When was the last time you had a haircut? When was the last time you dyed your hair (if you ever have)? I had both done back in February. 

20 - Do you prefer wearing tight-fitting or loose-fitting clothes? Loose. That didn’t used to be the case, but now I’m just about comfort.

21 - Are you currently warm, cold or just right? Is the heating or air conditioning on to contribute to that feeling? I’m just right. I have my fans on and a blanket wrapped around me.

22 - What was the last piece of good news you received? Was it expected? I don’t recall.

23 - What colour socks are you wearing right now? They’re a cream color and have the little red truck you often see for Christmas decor with the Christmas tree in the back and all over and says, “Merry Christmas, ya’ll” on them.

24 - Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee? What about hot tea or iced tea? Hot for both.

25 - What are some of your favourite Christmas songs? What time of year do you start listening to Christmas music? I love Christmas music. All the classics are nostalgic and bring me joy. I like some newer renditions as well, but the classics are really where it’s at.

26 - If you see cats wandering about in the street, do you stop and fuss them? No.

27 - Speaking of cats, do you own a cat? Are they a particular breed or just a moggie? Would you ever want a specific breed of cat at all? Nope.

28 - When was the last time you moved furniture around to clean behind or underneath it? Do you need someone’s help in order to do that? I personally don’t do that, it would be difficult for me. My mom does that stuff.

29 - Do you have any medications that you need to take daily? Is this something you’re going to have to do for the rest of your life? Yes, most likely.

30 - Do you know how to start an open fire and keep it burning without using loads of wood? Is this a skill you use on a regular basis at all? Nope. I’ve never tried. I’m also a scardy cat when it comes to handling fire (and a lot of things).

[evak-fic-rec-turtleanon]

Evak Fics - Enemies to Lovers

Enemies to lovers, Enemies to friends to lovers. Hate/angry. Smut and no smut. And WIPs. Under a read more:

********** SMUT **********

The lie I didn't have to tell. by verlore_poplap (orphan_account) (925 words) - Isak has an adultery kink that Even is happy to oblige. 

Chapter 2 of Smutty Tumblr Prompts and Drabbles by isaksforelsket (2k words - It’s not that Even hated Isak Valtersen; he just strongly disliked him and his face, his attitude, his personality, and… okay so maybe he does hate him. Whatever. 

I'm all yours by Skamtrash (2.7k words) - hate/jealous. - bad boy even+ rough sex. 

Blood Rushed by folerdetdufoler (3.6k words) - Linn moved out of their flat a couple of months ago, and Isak and Eskild have been looking for someone to replace her. They were running out of money and options, so Eskild made a decision for the both of them. Isak was not happy when Even showed up in his hallway with five suitcases and his own key. 

a little something (to make me sweeter) by verlore_poplap (orphan_account) (4.5k words) - I wouldn't call it a feud exactly," Isak says and tries not to shift uncomfortably in his seat. It's one of his obvious tells and one that Sana has been trying to train him out of for quite some time. 

lucky strike by Skamtrash (5.5k words) - Isak has hated Even the first day he met him on campus. And apparently Even is the new kid his friends are obsessed with.

New Perceptions by Skamtrash (9k words) - Isak hates frat boys. Even is in a frat and wants Isak. 

A Thin Line Between Hate and… Other Stuff by TheFilthWithin (Flatfootmonster) (14k words) - Isak is studying while working at a coffee shop. His life is Ok... ish. Filled with lies, mocchiato's, and hook ups, fate storms in and lends a hand in the shape of Mr Spielberg, AKA film director Even. 

I call'em as I see'em...But Sometimes I Don't See So Well by HazyCosmicJive (16k words) - Isak just wants to study, he doesn't want a new roommate who walks around naked all the time and constantly tests his patience 

take my hand, take my whole life too by shadesofcool (16k words) - "Isak Valtersen?" Even snorts, shaking his head. "He's the most arrogant asshole I've ever met." 

Hail Mary Pass by thekardemomme (20k words) - the term hail mary pass has become generalized to refer to any last-ditch effort with little chance of success. sleeping with isak valtersen until time starts running out is what causes even to realize just how vital these passes can be. 

I Can't Fall In Love With Him, Stop Me From Falling by bashfulisak (25k words) - Prince Isak of Norway is set to be married to Princess Eva in three weeks time, with the proposal happening only days after the announcement. When Princess Eva and her family arrive with their gardener, Even, Isak can barely stand him strutting around his palace, getting in the way of the gardening work his friend Jonas has already done. 

Not in the stars to hold our destiny by Stria (Asia117) (30k words) - “What the fuck,” Even murmurs, and Isak almost wants to mock him, but he refrains. He’s not 16 anymore. “Everything okay, Isak?” “Peachy.” Isak doesn’t look at him. “Go find someone else to talk to.” 

An Officer And A Gentleman by Jamz24 (34k words) - Isak Valtersen and Even Bech Naesheim are the two best cadets at Oslo Military Academy - but they hate each other's guts. When they're stranded together in a snowy wilderness they have to work together to survive - but CAN they? 

what i like about you by cammm (44k words) - might be mild smut. Insane infatuations turns into a short lived mutual distaste. Until that mutual distaste quickly shifts into something more. 

For His Love to Flee by wyoheartsmusic (48k words) - in a world where vampires hide, two lost souls find each other. 

Masquerade by Sabeley (53k words) - Isak and Even were best friends before one botched mission tore them apart. When they are assigned to go undercover as newlyweds at an oceanside resort where couples are going missing, can they put their differences aside for long enough to solve the case?

Red roses & cotton candy by dantetrieswriting (56k words) - A rose. He gave Isak a fucking red rose. Doesn't matter, Isak was still not interested. Or at least that's what he kept telling himself. 

Legitimate Expectations by champagneleftie (57k words) - might be mild smut. It's a good time to be Isak Valtersen. The up-and-coming Norwegian authority on matters of freedom of press, several Supreme Court wins already on his resume - and still barely thirty. He's carved out a place in the world that he never thought he'd reach, but sometimes that place just feels a little too small and rigid. Enter Even.

mørketid by panshambles (61k words) -  DELETED

717 Miles by MermaidsandMermen (SophiaSoames) (114k words) - Isak Valtersen has 3 weeks left of school. He has to survive 3 more weeks. Make it through 21 more days of hell. Then he is going to hide out in his room for the rest of the summer until he can figure out how to get his life back on track. Find a school far far away where he can start over. Not make mistakes. He doesn't need a fucking babysitter. He just doesn't. His life is fucked up enough as it is.

The trip to you by charlyflowers (148k words) - Isak hates Even. He hates him with all his heart. What a pity the art class is also coming to the trip to Germany.

Checking From Behind by DickAnderton (156k words) - Isak is to captain his hockey team this season which means he has to somehow learn to cooperate with the newest addition to their team: Even Bech Næsheim. This proofs to be impossible, especially when nothing about Even's mysterious transfer adds up and his moods are just too frustrating. 

(WIP - Smut)

Magic Eight Ball by folerdetdufoler (22k words) - first update in Aug 2019. His cubicle is in the bullpen, but at the edge, across from the offices along one wall. When the Chief makes his announcements Isak stands near the middle, leaning against someone else's cube, reading emails on his phone instead of paying attention. This time, though, the Chief is introducing some new hires to the office: a sports editor, a city editor, and a marketing head. When Isak looks up to finally acknowledge the new team members, he gets a good look at the guy who is going to make his life a living hell. 

.. to the next universe. by xoxoxo333 (27k words) - last update Sept 2019. Isak thinks Even is just a stupid bad boy until they meet more often and each of them tells the other more about his life, his secrets and fears. 

The Naked Cleaner by MermaidsandMermen (SophiaSoames) (38k words) - last update July 2019. It’s always been a thing, the gag joke gift Isak’s so called friends present him with on his birthday. Not that people care much about birthdays these days, all of them being all grown up and sensible and mature and…. Adult. Isak hates that word. The not so Adult story of when Isak get's a cleaner. 

I Want To Love You But I Don't Know How by Skamzombie (41k words) - 11/12 chapters posted. Isak and Even do not get along. In fact they hate each other. But when Even finds dirt on Isak, well it is almost too good to not use it to his advantage. And then somehow Isak finds himself in the drama club...with Even where drama is definitely promised.  

put me in a movie by Evenbechbaesheim (42k words) - last update Jan 2018. Isak wants to be an actor, Even wants to be a director and they don’t quite get it right the first few times, but , like any good NRK drama- they can’t keep away from each other for very long. A story told through the months of the year. 

If You Don't Love Me, Don't Tell Me by orphan_account (44k words) - 4/5 chapters posted. Even's two sided personality is what drives Isak's hatred towards him. An asshole frat boy at night while he parties, then a top student by day who charms everyone with his bright smile. Except, Isak doesn't believe that Even has any good intentions. 

If You Love Me, If You Hate Me by MacksDramaticShenanigans (44k words) - last update March 2018. Isak could be chill. He was the chillest. He was a mature, reasonable adult that was perfectly capable of controlling his emotions. Not even Even could ruin that. 

take me to the stars by iriswests (230k words) - last update Aug 2017. Isak thinks Even is pretentious and impractical. Even thinks Isak is arrogant and uptight. They’re not each other’s biggest fans, even if they do happen to have spectacular sex on a very, very drunken night. And Isak doesn’t mean to do it again, but he does, anyway, so now they’re establishing ground rules and deciding that maybe they can keep doing this, no strings attached, no commitments, no feelings, and, most importantly, no need to stop disliking each other. And then it’s not quite that simple anymore. 

********** MILD or NO SMUT **********

Waking Up with Your Enemy by evak1isak (1.6k words) - Isak can't remember what he did last night, but he's woken up with a hangover, in his underwear and in the bed of the boy he loathes the most: Even Bech Næsheim. 

black hearted angels sunk me (with kisses on my mouth) by traumatic (1.8k words) - A costume contest goes horribly, horribly right. 

When I Kiss Your Soul by jinglebin  (2.5k words) - Even's soulmate wasn't who he had expected or hoped it would be. 

I like my sugar with coffee and cream by imminentinertia (4k words) - 5 times Even buys a coffee +1 time Isak buys a shirt. 

Handcuff Your Way To My Heart by sugarbeat24 (4.3k words) - Isak and Even work at Buzzfeed and are roped into doing a video together. Lots of "oh my gods" and eyerolls ensue. 

How Gay Culture Liberated the Modern World by panshambles (6k words) -  DELETED

I'm Stuck on You by Twinklylightseverywhere (6k words) - Jonas lets out another nervous laugh. Isak wishes his best friend would shut up. “You two will take the spare room. Uh… with one bed.” “ONE BED?” Isak and Even both shout at the exact same time. “Merry Christmas!” 

Hjerterum by littlemovie (Lejla) (6.3k words) - Isak cleared his throat. “Hi,” he tried again looking at who, he gathered, was the ever-elusive third roommate. Even walked to the fridge, keeping his eyes glued to his feet. He took two cans of coke from his shelve and a bag of chips from the counter before making his way down to the basement again, shutting the door behind him. Isak huffed out a breath. “Well, that’s rude,” he mumbled to himself.

thought i had you in the palm of my hand that night by hippopotamus (6.6k words) - They're roommates, and they don't get on at all. Until they do, at which point Even decides to develop a useless crush. 

you call me lavender, you call me sunshine by aestheticzjm (8.4k words) - the one in which isak is forced to look over a friend's tattoo parlor and even works at the flower shop across the street. 

Good Roast by lovelycarcass  (9k words) - Even is a rising filmmaker and Isak is a cynical, sharp-tongued film critic. 

Is This What You Wanted? by cuteandtwisted (10k words) - Isak is filthy rich and Even is a hardworking male model who just got signed to his father's agency. Even gets an awful offer from Isak: one night with him in exchange for money, and begins to despise him. 

in the morning you'll dance with all the headache by bluesterek (19k words) - “Why do you hate me? Is it still about that kiss in first grade?” “You kissed my crush in front of me, Even.” “Yeah well, sorry about that, but that was like a century ago. Besides, you don’t even like girls.” “Excuse me, what?” 

en passant by peachbombs (21k words) - The first time Isak and Even had gone up against each other at a competition, the judges had declared a tie. Newspapers covered the occurrence as an unusual feat—it was a debate competition; one side had to win over another. That was the whole point. But it kept happening. Candy jar au. 

i didn't mean to kiss you (you didn't mean to fall in love) by shadesofcool (24k words) - football/cheerleader au with not much football and cheerleading because i only know the basics 

Dear Friend by bri_ness (26k words) - Isak and Even work together in a failing video store, and they cannot stand each other. Isak and Even both signed up for the Love Letters dating service, and they’re both falling for their anonymous pen pal. She Loves Me AU 

through these dark days by hippopotamus (29k words) - This is the world Isak lives in, half dead, half empty, half wild. A makeshift camp in a dying forest with twe- eleven other people, salvaging anything they can to make it easier, hunting any animal they can find to make it survivable. 

hearts a mess by slvtherxn (31k words) - Jonas takes the new kid at school under his wing, and everyone instantly loves him... everyone but Isak. He’s cool, and older, and funny, but whenever he talks, Isak gets the weirdest nauseating feeling in his stomach. He thinks he might hate him. 

Come On, Set the Tone by boxesofflowers, Eeyoreneedsahug (57k words) - Isak is a recently out popstar who wants to prove that he is not just another pretty face in pop music. Even is a self contained, indie singer songwriter who takes shit from nobody. Shortly after a public feud between the two begins, they’re forced together for a nationwide tour. 

Blood vs. Water by bri_ness (100k words) - Survivor au. Isak and Even become become rivals very early on and they constantly mess with each other. 

You Don't Even Know Me! by cuteandtwisted  (101k words) - "Let's keep our daddy issues out of work," said Even. "Excuse me?!" The one in which Isak and Even are interns who got off the wrong foot and don't like each other at all (except that they do). 

(WIP - No smut)

I hate that I want you by daisysmalia (17k words) - last update Jan 2017. Isak hates Even. He hates him so much that he even wrote a list. A list of everything to hate about the idiot. From his stupid smile to his windswept hair. From his random flirting with everyone to the fact he knows his name. To that feeling Isak gets when Even is around. 

i hate your face, it makes my heart skip a beat by Bellakitse (20k words) - last update Sept 2017. Isak is failing History and his friends have the great idea that their new friend Even should tutor him. It's perfect except Isak doesn't like Even or the way his stupid face makes his stomach flip. 

helium hearts (we're on fire) by itjustkindahappened (27k words) - last update May 2019. 10 Things I Hate About You!AU. Eva enrolls at Hartvig Nissens VGS in Oslo and falls headfirst for the popular and pretty Vilde Lien. Vilde, however, is not allowed to date until Isak—her sarcastic, misantropic introvert of a step brother—does. Together with her new group of friends, Eva comes up with a plan to set Isak up with the school's rumor-ridden bad boy Even Bech Næsheim so she can take her crush out.

we are made up of love and hate by everythingislove (straykid), puddingandpie (42k words) - last update July 2018. the one where Isak joins his best friends on their first North American tour and definitely does not fall for Even Bech Næsheim, their infuriating(ly handsome) opening act. 

a careful hypothesis of the heart by StMisery (87k words) - 12/13 chapters posted. "The boss' fucking son got the job. Out of a pool of dedicated applicants. You can't just deny nepotism like that," he said. "I'm Isak, by the way. I didn't catch your name?" Leaning against the metal banister in the elevator, the other man was the picture of calm. "I'm the boss' fucking son," he said. 

[newmusicmonthly]

2019

Hello,

Missed me?

No longer a monthly mailer – just another end of year round up.

On reflection, perhaps I’ve played it a bit safe this year, but I didn’t feel there was as much great music out there as in previous years.

Yes, I too use Google, so I have listened to all the end of year Best Of lists online, and so those artists not included just didn’t resonate with me this year.

I maintain ‘bad guy’ off Billie Eilish’s record sounds like a Super Mario bonus level (probably in a spooky dungeon)… which I suppose isn’t a bad thing. And I love Lana, but I just didn’t think the latest record was all that. And the same was true of Angel Olsen, Nick Cave, Kanye, Hot Chip… but don’t get me started on Bon Iver: avant-garde “Kum ba yah” at best (sorry Rob).

But then that’s part of the joy of music, variety and differing opinions… so please share yours! What have I overlooked? What should be revisited? Where in the depths of streaming services is that killer track from 2019?

For now, here is my list of songs, somewhat crowbarred into the monthly format (as mentioned, this email was once called New Music Monthly Mailer with five tracks a month, and surely we need some level of constancy and accountability this year).

Enjoy, or not – but please do share your own choice picks.

Merry Christmas.

R x  

NEW MUSIC 2019

JANUARY

Sharon Van Etten - Seventeen Just go and watch her performance from Glastonbury: https://youtu.be/BM6jn891seU Seriously, from 2:45, just fucking brilliant.

J.S. Ondara - Saying Goodbye Lovely acoustic number and a great voice that evokes Tracy Chapman. 

Basekou Kouyate, Ngoni ba - Kanto kelena (feat. Habib Koite) Malian ngoni master returns to acoustic roots.

Delicate Steve - Selfie of a Man Synthy silly catchy instrumental pop-rock.

Steve Gunn - Vagabond Guitar troubadour telling stories of solitude with unostentatious guitar tones.

FEBRUARY

Mara Balls - Ikävä ikävää Driving Finnish Doom-lite.

Julie Jacklin - Body A narrative masterclass, sombre and brooding, but also simmering and pulsating.

Strand of Oaks - Weird Ways Big widescreen rock, which builds into a gorgeous swirl of sound, with Timothy on fine yet reflective form, backed by the band of My Morning Jacket.

Crows - Hang Me High Long awaited debut from Idles approved band, loud fuzz Mary Chain / Dom Keller vibes.

Kel Assouf - Fransa Desert blues, with all the best Tuareg styling, but added beefy production.

MARCH

Nick Waterhouse - Man Leaves Town Mr Waterhouse and band well in the pocket.

Dave - Streatham Heavy beats and piano lines soundtrack story of growing up in SW16. 

Karen O, Danger Mouse - Turn The Light Danger Mouse brings the gentle disco grooves underneath Karen’s swooning vocals.

Small Feet - The Lake Down tempo reverb and echoes float throughout this woozy directionless jam. 

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Tombes Oubliées BJM do what BJM do best... in French. 

APRIL

The Comet Is Coming - Summon The Fire How can you not move to this?!

W.H. Lung - Empty Room Great new band (c.f. mailer 2017!), and as I already included ‘Inspiration!’ this is my second favourite cut from a top album.

Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation - Feel The Sun Another great artist (championed back in 2016 I think you’ll find), spectral psych grooves.

Weyes Blood - Mirror Forever Great opening line, there’s a coldness but also strangely comforting.

Foxygen - News Now a lot people had fallen off the Foxygen wagon recently, including me, but this is catchy melody filled vibes, with a completely unexpected stonking T-Rex style groove that kicks in around the 3:30 minute mark

MAY

Lizzo – Juice Speaking of good vibes… I mean, again, just go watch the Glastonbury set: https://youtu.be/R9CTs1NsZRI.

Tyler, The Creator - EARFQUAKE Production values: A*, chances of not leaving… C-

The 100 Knights Orchestra - Soul Fugue Celebrating Daptone Records 100th RPM single, this special features every horn player the label has ever worked with, and it is glorious.

Death and Vanilla - A Flaw In The Iris Devendra Banhart vibes to begin, fazing in Mazzy Star style reverb and guitars.

Desert Sands - Are You There The best psychedelic space rock released… ever! 

JUNE

Rose City Band - Fog of Love Warm tones and laid back ambles, which has producer Ripley Johnson’s stamp all over it.

Madonnatron - Goodnight Little Empire Disco ditty extraordinaire.

The Black Keys - Lo/Hi Have you heard of ZZ Top? You have?

The Amazons - Doubt It Future rock heroes get dark.

Fat White Family, Parrot and Cocker Too - Feet - Parrot and Cocker Too Remix Gone for the remix version of this great track: what isn’t improved by added shakers and throbbing techno?

JULY

Michael Kiwanuka, Tom Misch - Money (with Tom Misch) The first of two Kiwanuka tracks in this list, but this was a standalone single, and has all the bubbly bass groove it was impossible not to include.

Drake, Rick Ross - Money In The Grave (Drake ft. Rock Ross) Speaking of money… bounce!

DOPE LEMON - Salt & Pepper Weird keys give way to J.J. Cale style guitar noodles, whilst Angus heaps on the druggy references adding to the meandering stoned atmosphere.

The Quiet Temple, Moon Duo - The Last Opium Den On Earth (Moon Duo Remix) Speaking of druggy… 12 minutes of acid psych jazz in the last opium den on earth.

Nev Cottee - Hello Stranger Cinematic and pastoral, but also searing

AUGUST

Palace - Running Wild Top class indie pop nugget with great simple guitar solo to end.

Kandodo 3 - Everything Green's Gone This definitely isn’t for everyone: think Nine Inch Nails soundtracks at their most impenetrable, if you can make it two thirds of the way through this 13 minute wig out, there are some great slide guitars.

Clairo – Bags Breakout bedroom pop with one of the hookiest melodies all year.

Mini Mansions - Works Every Time Behind the beat smooth grooves.

Death Hawks - Whisper Squelchy over produced 80s style pop bananas,

SEPTEMBER

Native Harrow - Can't Go On Like This Inevitable Laurel Canyon / Joni Mitchell comparisons on this retro analogue sound ballad.

Ty Segall - The Arms Ty does a rare acoustic number, and even throws in a rather tasteful mandolin line.

Pixx - Funsize Synth bleeps and beats disguise a Radiohead-esque creeping guitar line.

Sleater-Kinney - The Future Is Here Love the motorik dirge vibes here, underpin lovely vocal lines and melodies which remind us: the future is here, and we can’t go back.

Marika Hackman - i'm not where you are Great pop hooks and guitar lines.

OCTOBER

Dylan LeBlanc - Renegade I’m a big fan of LeBlanc and his retro stylings, and this track is super lilting 80s driving rock.

TOOL - Pneuma I struggled to get TOOL for a while, but this record and this track in particular is fucking phenomenal.

Lightning Dust - Devoted To Amber Webber and Joshua Wells’ solo project (previously of Black Mountain), conjure spectral dreamscapes.

Sturgill Simpson - Remember To Breathe Sturgill goes electronic rawk – and Tomoyasu Hotei wants his production back.

Michael Kiwanuka - Hero Here he is again, with the standout track from a truly brilliant album.

NOVEMBER

Kelsey Waldon - White Noise, White Lines Kentucky country groove rock.

WIVES - Waving Past Nirvana Churning fuzz rock underpins laconic loose vocals, cool.

Pumarosa - I See You Tense synth verses give way to soaring superb choruses.

Jaako Eine Kalevi - Dissolution Finnish synth pop architect doing a very good Matthew Dear impersonation. 

Warmduscher - Midnight Dipper “The offspring of a match made in hell between Fat White Family and Paranoid London” – full-on sleazy glam.

DECEMBER

Pond - Don't Look at the Sun (Or You'll Go Blind) – Live My favourite track the band perform live, now finally available on streaming.

Staff Benda Bilili - Jamais de la vie The famous Congolese street band return with tight uplifting grooves.

Khruangbin, Leon Bridges - Texas Sun Sit back, open a cold one, and enjoy (when summer comes back around).

Jimmy "Duck" Holmes - Catfish Blues Mississippi delta blues from the 72 year old Holmes, produced by Dan Auerbach.

Mikal Cronin - Show Me Long-time Ty Segall collaborator serves up some Tom Petty-esque soft rock.