#most haunted forests in uk

[varunrajkalse]

Cannock Chase: UK’s Most Mysterious Forest Area Explained

[nevesmose]

When I was a kid, there was a hill overlooking our little town with a mysterious concrete structure at the top. To get there you had to go over the old canal, through the abandoned quarry filled with unidentifiable rusted-out equipment scattered around, and then past the creepy broken-down barn where some comedy genius had written "INSERT DICK HERE" next to a suspiciously-positioned hole in the wall.

The whole place was forested over thickly enough to muffle most sounds, and every so often you'd tread hollowly on discarded shotgun cartridges from farmers and/or farmers' mums sneaking out to shoot rabbits at night.

It was also haunted by the ghost of a drunk horseman, but being drunk we decided his actual ability to inflict harm on us would be fairly limited.

In any case, having avoided tetanus, gunshot wounds and catastrophic dick chafing, you'd reach a small sunlit clearing right at the top of the hill. The views were truly spectacular - to the north, fields. To the east, fields. To the south, fields. To the west, fields. The benefits of a rural childhood.

Right in the middle of the clearing was a kind of rectangular metal hatchway set low into the ground. Looking at it you could tell it had been opened up and filled in with concrete at some stage, and needless to say our little minds ran rampant trying to guess what was down there. For about fifteen minutes anyway, and then we'd wander off and smack the shit out of each other with tree branches - we were only kids after all.

The main theory, settled on with all the gravitas and judiciousness we could muster, was that it was some kind of Cold War era nuclear bunker. Not that we really knew much of what that meant, all being members of the first post-Soviet generation who didn't have to grow up with ideas like the four-minute warning or Protect & Survive knocking about inside our heads.

Somebody remembered seeing War Games on Channel 4 one weekend afternoon so we based our mental image on that and conjured up a miniature Scottish version of NORAD sitting empty under our feet, all big maps and flashing lights drowned forever in grey concrete.

And then we grew up a bit and thought, nahh, there's no way it was a bunker. It was a radio tower platform or a power substation or something, right?

But it was a bunker though. I looked it up years later and it was a two-person Royal Observer Corps fallout monitoring station to be used for keeping track of the devastation of our closest city, about 20 miles away. The entirety of the UK is hoaching with these things and I can guarantee you if you grew up anywhere in Britain you were much, much closer to them than you might expect.

Not just close to the bunkers but to the people who would have crewed them in the event of armageddon. That's the thing about the ROC, as I've found out since - it was a voluntary service operated by people living nearby.

So who, I wonder, were the unsung unknown uncalled-upon heroes who'd be there when the end came? Who in my sleepy little village with one school, one church and one main street would have had to leave their families to their fate and spend their next, and probably last, two weeks of life in that tiny concrete cell eating strictly rationed food, breathing strictly filtered air, and working out just how many kilotons had been expended on our little corner of the world?

I have my suspicions, but it's not the kind of thing you can just ask your old neighbour out of nowhere. Would they even have gone if they had to? I wouldn't blame them for a second if they chose to stay home instead. I imagine it was something they all had to decide for themselves and no one, least of all the happy beneficiaries of a better world than the one they lived in, has any right to judge.

I feel as though I'm dragging myself to a Meaningful Conclusion here. Oh boy. The past is always closer than you might think, I suppose. Just around the corner, just out of reach, but always there wherever we happen to be.

This post was mainly motivated by reading the excellent Attack Warning Red: How Britain Prepared for Nuclear War by Julie McDowall, who also does the Atomic Hobo podcast which is well worth a listen if you have any interest in this kind of thing. Don't have nightmares.

[jgthirlwell]

2022 Year In Review

This year once again I invited some friends and colleagues to reflect on 2022

JG Thirlwell

Composer Foetus Xordox Manorexia Steroid Maximus Venture Bros Archer www.foetus.org

2022 was a marathon year. I took on too much work, but somehow got through it. It challenged me. I played some excellent shows in Woodstock, Los Angeles, Orlando and NYC. Reconnected with Soft Cell at the Beacon. Reconnected with Sarah Lipstate. Wrote a ton of new music for Archer and a Venture Bros movie. Taught a class on film scoring at the New School. I still woke up 5am in a panic on too many occasions. And I saw some great concerts.It was difficult to whittle down this list but here are a lot of albums I enjoyed in 2022, in no particular order.

Tyondai Braxton Telekinesis (Nonesuch) Zeal & Ardor Zeal & Ardor (MVKA) Papangu Holoceno (Bandcamp) Extra Life Secular Works Vol 2 (Bandcamp) Carl Stone Wat Dong Moon Lek (Unseen Worlds) / Gall Tones (Unseen Worlds) / We Jazz Reworks Vol 2 (We Jazz Records) Louis Cole Quality Over Opinion (Brainfeeder) Ben Frost 1899 OST (Invada Records) Loraine James Building Something Beautiful For Me (Phantom Limb) Persher Man With The Magic Soap (Thrill Jockey) Anna Meredith Bumps Per Minute (Moshi Moshi) Sault Air (Forever Living Originals) The Smile A Light For Attracting Attention (XL) Shamblemaths Shamblemaths 2 (Apollon Prog) Julia Wolfe Oxygen (Cantelope) Heiner Schmitz’s Symprophonicum Sins & Blessings (Big Band Records) Burial Antidawn EP / Streetlands EP (Hyperdub) Gotho Mindbowling (Controcanti Produzioni) Oliver Coates The Stranger OST Gilla Band Most Normal (Rough Trade Records Ltd) Blanck Mass Ted K OST (Sacred Bones) Arcade Fire WE (Interscope) Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cool It Down (Secretly) Catarine Barbieri Spirit Exit (light-years) Felicia Atkinson Image Language (Shelter Press) Netherlands Kali Corvette (Three One G) Kemper Norton estrenyon (Zona Watusa) Elysian Fields Once Beautiful Twice Removed (Ojet) Simon Hanes Hurricane Salad Two Fingers Red Bass DJ Mix 22 (NoMark) Backxwash His Happiness Shall Come…(Ugly Hag) Bob Vylan The Price of Life (Ghost Theater) John Elmquist’s Hard Art Groop Stars and Bells / Zero Rest Mass / Trip Up reissues (Bandcamp) Dan Deacon Hustle OST (Netflix Music) Bent Knee Frosting (TTTH) Boris Heavy Rocks 2022 (Relapse) Wet Leg Wet Leg (Domino) Author and Punisher Kruller (Relapse)

Honorable mentions Hudson Mohawke Cry Sugar / Rival Consoles Now is / Haunted Horses The Worst Has Finally Happened / Sirom The Liquified Throne of Simplicity (Tak:Til)/ Meshuggah Immutable / Ani Klang Ani Klang / Pimpon Pozdrawiam (Pointless Geometry)

Shows

The Smile at Kings Theater Julia Wolfe Steel Hammer Carnegie Hall The Protomen LPR Tristan Perich St Thomas ChurchSparks Town Hall Anna Meredith Elsewhere Lingua Ignota LPR Royal Blood Terminal 5 Kraftwerk Radio City Hiro Kone Pioneer Works RATM / RTJ MSG Matmos LPR Rammstein MetLife Stadium Yeah Yeah Yeahs Forest Hills Stadium Melvins Irving Plaza Roxy Music MSG Sean Lennon Stone Elysian Fields The Owl The Comet Is Coming Bowery Ballroom Child Abuse TV Eye Fennesz Pioneer Works Helm Elsewhere

Film / TV

The Stranger All Quiet In The Western Front Dont Worry Darling Moonage Daydream The Velvet Underground Elvis Men Northman Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent White Lotus

Books

I read a ton of memoirs this year. Standouts were

Kid Congo Powers Some New Kind Of Kick Danny Sugerman Wonderland Ave

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Kemper Norton

LISTENING

My favourite album of the year was the dayglo psychedelic joy of Panda Bear/ Sonic Boom’s Reset , with honourable mentions for the amazing Aethiopes by billy woods and Alison Cotton’s beautiful The Portrait You Painted of Me. Also, must mention the massive , varied and crucial Rental Yields compilations on Front and Follow /Gated Canal Community in aid of homeless charities in the UK.

GIGS

Didn’t get out much this year but live events I loved this year here in Brighton, UK included the blasted joy of deafkids at The Hope, the final gig of the mighty Slum of Legs at The Green Door Store, and playing alongside Alexander Tucker’s Microcorps and Opal X at The Wire’s 40th anniversary shows at The Rosehill as part of the reanimated Outer Church.

In terms of radio, as well as Elizabeth Alker’s essential breakfast and Unclassified shows on Radio 3 there were loads of great shows on the fantastic Repeater Radio ( many previously on the mighty Neon Hospice) including Afternoon Delight by Ix Tab and the best of Eastern Europe showcased on Slav to the Rhythm by Catherine and Iris.

READING

Apart from the works of nonconformist Cornish poet Jack Clemo and American novelist Pete Dexter ( Deadwood and Paris, Trout ), new discoveries were thin on the ground this year. I read and reread a lot of old favourites ( Ray Bradbury, Cormac McCarthy, Pat Barker , Elmore Leonard ) and finally fell in love with Jane Austen.

WATCHING

My film and TV viewing in 2022 was largely informed / enforced by my 5 year old daughter, and the essential texts we rewatched repeatedly were the lively and proactive Gaby’s Dollhouse, multi-species global explorers the Octonauts , surreal UK gem Sarah and Duck and of course, the inspirational Aussie masterpiece Bluey. I did manage to catch a few films either new or new to me in 2022…

Wake in Fright ( 1971) : another Australian key text ( although less adorable than Bluey ). The horrors of closed environments, toxic masculinity and continuous drinking.

Enys Men (2022) : Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin’s spooky and minimalistic follow-up to his incredible Bait (2019) , a wonderful drama of local economic realities and identities. Would love to score one of his films but unfortunately he does an excellent job of this himself.

Stalker (1979) : As good as everyone said it would be.

EATING

Chorizo with honey Chinese black fungus

DRINKING

Everything by Burning Sky brewery ( Sussex, UK)

CREATING

I managed to churn out two tape releases in 2022 in between all the watching, listening, eating, drinking etc.

Estrenyon was released on tape and download with the Barcelona label zonawatusa and was inspired by historical UFO sightings throughout Cornwall from 1888 to 2021. Rife is the story of a Sussex Spring day and was released via Woodford Halse, who have released loads of great electronic and folky music by the likes of Xylitol and Sairie. On top of that , our first volume of download-only pay-what-you-like winter tunes Montol Melodies is available on our bandcamp until the traditional English old ‘ twelfth night ‘ ( January 12 2023).

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Lee Ranaldo

2022 LIST

I’m terrible at lists like this, and usually don’t keep track towards such a year-end summary. Pardon the self-focus, this is my year-in-review accounting, mostly just remembering to myself.

August in Vienna Leah and I spent the month of August in Vienna, creating a public artwork, sound+image, called Fermata. I discovered the world of small-body, near century-old, German + Austrian guitars. I wrote the main melodic material one one of these tiny, wonderful instruments,. At one point we had 3 of them in the apartment down in the MuseumQuartier. A whole new world of sound to explore. Side trips to Berlin and Prague. (https://tonspur.at/soundworks/lee-ranaldo-leah-singer/?lang=en) Exhibitions in Berlin and Eupen, Chile Media Arts Biennial, Covid Flowers online Exhibitions of my Black Noise record print editions in Berlin, Lost Highway road drawings in Belgium, and watercolor covid-flowers online. In Chile Leah and I created an outdoor sound/art work, Do You Read Me?, in a field of trees surrounding an observatory above Santiago. Sounds were generated from signals collected from deep space by another observatory in the Atacama desert. A sound displacement work.

Medicine Singers in Brasilia, Montreal, NYC Had fruitful wanderings this year with Yonatan Gat, working with indigineous players from the USA, Brasil and Canada. Recording sessions in Montreal at fabulous Hotel2Tango studio, and in a splendid house set on the edge of the city in Brasilia, one of my favorite places. Happy to have been invited along for this most interesting ride.

Touring resumes Mostly in Europe, mostly quite wonderful. After 2 years at home it felt good to stand up in front of audiences again. Lots of solo acoustic shows playing In Virus Times and singing songs, but also interesting collaborations with Yuri Landman; My Cat Is An Alien, Jean-Marc Montera and Sophie Gonthier, and a special ‘Velvets Suite’ with French legend Pascal Comelade in Banyoles, Spain. Also the beginnings of a new collaboration with Chicago guitarist Michael Vallera, in a great new space in NYC for experimental music, 411 Kent (aka Shift). Leah and I premiered the new version of our Contre Jour performance with suspended guitar and films, in A Coruna, Spain and at the Three-Lobed Fest in Durham, North Carolina – which was an amazing three days of music. Also a short NorthEast tour with Jeff Parker in May.

London/Paris/Leah/ Catpower My touring year ended with a month split between Europe and the UK. A friend-lent apartment in Paris as base, with shows and lectures in Nantes, and Brittany. Five shows in the UK, the most I’ve played in some time there, including a free-ranging set with the Pop Group’s Mark Stewart and an eclectic band. Wild night! Leah flew over to celebrate her birthday, with CatPower at Royal Albert Hall (first time there for us both) recreating Bob Dylan’s legendary show there – both acoustic and electric sets – from 1966. What a great night, and our time together, in London, Paris and Brittany, was splendid.

Hurricane Transcriptions This year I played solo keyboard shows for the first time ever – the solo-for-Fender-Rhodes performance of my Hurricane Sandy Transcriptions, first at Karma Gallery in NYC, accompanied by films from LA Artist Mungo Thomson, and also at a Xenakis celebration in Vienna and at the opening of my exhibition of Lost Highway drawings, ‘The Road Is Like The River, Constantly Changing Yet Ever The Same’ – at IKOB Museum in Eupen, Belgium. (ikob.be)

Circuit des Yeux at Green-Wood Cemetery I think my favorite gig of the year was Circuit des Yeux in Green-Wood Cemetery on a rainy night in June. The weather threatened the show all evening, which made this incredible performance – just Haley and Whitney Johnson (Matchess). Just a magical, powerful night.

Godard’s King Lear In late August I committed to introduce Jean-Luc Godard’s King Lear, which I’d never seen, at TriBeCa’s Roxy Cinema, which has been doing terrific programs organized by Illyse Singer. I love Godard’s films, they are an important touchstone for me, and I took this as an opportunity to discover both the film and Shakespeare’s play; my Shakespeare knowledge is terrible, so I boned up on the play. Four days before the screening, the great master died, which cast the whole night in a new light. The film has been described by Richard Brody of the NY’er as ‘one of the best films of all time’ – wow. Burgess Meredith, Molly Ringwald, Norman Mailer, Julie Delpy, Leos Carax, and Godard himself center-stage and the plugged/unplugged oracle Professor Pluggy. What a film. As usual with a Godard film: what a sound mix!. See it in 35mm.

Broken Circle / Spiral Hill I have had a long fascination with the work of Robert Smithson, since discovering the book of his writings in the 70s. In the early 80s on the first few SY tours, I ‘coaxed’ the band into visiting one of his 3 still existing artworks – Broken Circle/Spiral Hill – in the countryside of northern Holland. Back then it was like a treasure hunt trying to find it, in the dark, late on the way to Club Vera in Groningen. In 2020 I visited it for a third time w friend Carlos, in the week before the world shut down. It had been totally restored and ready for it’s moment – just at it’s 50-year mark. In 2022 the site-an old, long-unused quarry – was opened to the public for the first time in ages, across 8 weekends. This year I narrated a podcast for the Holt/Smithson Foundation and the Netherland’s Land Art Contemporary, about Smithson and the work, which went live in November. (brokencircle.nl)

Birdsong Project I worked on this project, as both producer and performer, to raise money to benefit the Audobon Society for the preservation of avian habitats. Over 200 musicians contributed to this 20-LP set, as well as writers, poets and artists. Uplifting and surprising. (https://www.audubon.org/birdsong-project)

James Jackson Toth In the early 2000s I produced an album – James and the Quiet – with Mr. Wooden Wand, who’s music I love. This year a group of friends organized a birthday tribute to James, with 33 of us recording versions of songs from his vast catalog. I recorded ‘Wired to the Sky’, a favorite from the album we made together, recorded in our Viennese apartment in August, which closes this Birthday Blues collection. (https://aquariumdrunkard.com/category/jamesjackson-toth/)

Some Music/Art/Books etc:

Lou Reed – Words + Music, 1971 RCA Demos David Bowie – Divine Symmetry Catherine Christer Hennix – Selected Early Keyboard Works (https://blankformseditions.bandcamp.com/album/selected-early-keyboard-works) Plus Instruments, Februari-April ’81 (first record I was ever on) on Domani Records, NYC. In/Out/In, Sonic Youth. So cool to see this release welcomed so warmly! Cecilia Vicuña, Tate Modern Turbine Hall Venus of Willendorf, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna Matisse: The Red Studio, Museum of Modern Art, NYC Claude Monet – Joan Mitchell, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris Marco Fusinato, Desastres, Venice Biennale Family Affair, a 20-minute short film included in the Criterion Collection edition of Josh & Benny Safdie’s 2009 Daddy Longlegs, outlining our two families intertwined involvement in the making of the film. The most glorious home movie ever. The Double Life of Bob Dylan: A Restless, Hungry Feeling, Clinton Heylin. First of a 2-part bio of the (other) Bard, making first use of all the new material out from Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center archive. Loved: Olivier Assayas’ Irma Vep mini series. He’d used SY’s ‘Tunic’ in his original 1995 film, and we became friends and occasional collaborators. The new limited series mines the story anew, meta-mixing in his 1995 film and Louis Feuillade’s 1915 original, Les Vampires. The most contemporary piece of ‘television’ I’ve seen in ages, just wonderful, with fantastic cast including a spot-on stand-in portrayal by Vincent Macaigne as the director, Alicia Vikander as Irma Vep, and Lars Eidinger as Gottfried. Also Devon Ross, Carrie Brownstein, many other great performances. Loved it. Still watching: Westworld, Handmaid’s Tale. Hal Willner Memorial, St. Anne’s, April. Miss Hal all the time…

---LR, Winnipeg, December 2022

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Brian Chase

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Brian chose to write about one album that impacted him in 2022

This write-up is in no way meant to be a formal review - I don’t deem myself qualified for that task here - rather, this is meant to share personal enthusiasm and bring an album to light - like, "Have you heard this, it's really really amazing and inspiring and why isn't there more talking about it, and…" As a musician working within a greater community, I am acutely aware of the creative drive to continually uncover new modes, methodologies, practices etc. of expressing our chosen art form - each performance and each album serving as an instance of discovery and offering new perspectives on old conundrums. Whether the genre is rock, jazz, noise, free-improvisation, modern classical etc. the relationship of discourse and dialogue is still the same. At the forefront of this dialogue is John Zorn, as he has been for decades, and a major contribution to the conversation is the 2022 album Incerto - Existentialism, Psychoanalysis, and the Uncertainty Principle. Here, Zorn is the composer and the performing ensemble consists of some of Zorn's tightest in recent years: Brian Marsella on piano, Julian Lage on guitar, Jorge Roeder on bass and Ches Smith on drums. As Zorn says in the liner notes, "Incerto is about possibilities, probabilities, inevitabilities and improbabilities." Formal logic for musical structure is considerably expanded with these compositions and never before have I heard such new forms for improvisation. In these pieces, unexpected juxtapositions and superimpositions abound, as foremost examples of its many distinct features. The syntax of this music is beyond the scope of any previous way that I've conceived of music existing. Not only are harmonic and rhythmic conventions regularly reconstructed - often replaced with adjacent compliments and aggressive contradictions - but entire paradigms of improvisatory behavior are game as well. Shifts in genre/mood/tempo/texture/harmonic character/melodic personality place the improvisor in varying contexts - often in a short amount of time - and each context requires its own set of responses. The whole scope of musical history+trends+possibilities takes on a dynamic relational co-existence, in ways that I've never previously heard or thought possible - like when angular atonal lead lines enter on top of a serene ostinato, or impressionistic chords alternate between stillness and motion, or genre styles and idiomatic references collide, or gravelly density and noise build tension culminating into a placid release. Plus, so much of the composed material is really just so cool. Paramount to it all is the music’s immense depth of feeling. The moods on this album are evocative, romantic and ecstatic as much as they are revolutionary, kaleidoscopic and mystifying. As the music winds through its structural twists and turns, the key that holds it all together is sincerity of spirit - the performance of this music, as well as listening to it, is a literal experience. And within each singular track is the remarkable performance of the individual musicians themselves - each a respective master at the craft. Additionally, the album as a collective whole, being comprised of eleven very different tracks, functions as a macro-structure in itself which expands on the themes present in each individual track. So many new modes of music making are presented here - integrating them into current music making will take a while as more people discover its brilliance and begin to absorb the concepts and ideas it conveys. It is uniquely Zorn and there for us musicians to process and in turn produce that which is uniquely ours. Incerto is a gem in the conversation - we can listen and run with it how we like - but we have to hear it first.

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David T. Little

composer www.davidtlittle.com

MUSIC (new, revisited, & in rotation)

Vile Creature – Glory! Glory! Apathy Took Helm! Burning Witch – Crippled Lucifer tryphème – Aluminia Louis Cole – Quality Over Opinion KANGA – You and I Will Never Die DELANILA – Overloaded Amyl & the Sniffers – Comfort To Me Kae Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos Graindelavoix & Björn Schmelzer – Josquin, the Undead: Laments, Deplorations & Dances of Death Run The Jewels – 1, 2, 3, 4 The Cure – Disintegration, Wish, Show, Pornography Tenderheart Bitches – High Kicks George Walker – Piano Sonatas (Steven Beck) Rammstein – Herzeleid, Mutter, Sehnsucht, Untitled (in heavy rotation after the MetLife Stadium show) Living Colour – Vivid Utah Phillips – We Have Fed You All For A Thousand Years Tom Morello – Hold The Line (track, feat. grandson) ACRONYM – Oddities & Trifles: the Very Peculiar Instrumental Music of Giovanni Valentini Late Stravinsky (various) Son Lux – Everything Everywhere All At Once (ost) Harrison Birtwistle – The Moth Requiem Christopher Tin – The Lost Birds Karim Sulayman, Apollo’s Fire – Songs of Orpheus Hermann Nitsch – Symphony No. 9 “The Egyptian” Jay Wadley – Swan Song (ost) Herem – Pulsa diNura Danny Elfman – Big Mess / Bigger. Messier. (Deluxe.) Scott Walker – The Drift

FILMS & SERIES (new & rewatched) Hellraiser (Clive Barker) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Jim Sharman) Tetsuo: The Iron Man (Shin'ya Tsukamoto) Private Life (Tamara Jenkins) Double Take (Johan Grimonprez) After Life (Ricky Gervais) One Big Bag (Every Ocean Hughes) The Village Detective (Bill Morrison) Polia & Blastema (E. Elias Merhige) Sibyl (William Kentridge)

The Copper Queen (Crystal Manich) Wishes (Amy Jenkins) The Once and Future Smash (Sophia Cacciola & Michael J. Epstein) End Zone 2 (August Kane) All Quiet on the Western Front (Edward Berger) Everything Everywhere All At Once (Daniels) Russian Doll (multiple directors) Piggy (short) (Carlota Pereda) The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Michael Rianda & Jeff Rowe) WHAT DID JACK DO? (David Lynch) The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion) Pig (Michael Sarnoski) The Green Knight (David Lowery) The Northman (Robert Eggers) Muriel’s Wedding (P.J. Hogan) BoJack Horseman (multiple directors) Eyes Wide Shut (Stanley Kubrick)

BOOKS (some) Body Horror - Anne Elizabeth Moore Mrs. Dalloway - Virginia Woolf a ghost in the throat - Doireann Ní Ghríofa Cleanness – Garth Greenwell A Saint from Texas – Edmund White Out Loud – Mark Morris The Gastronomical Me – M.F.K. Fisher Agamemnon – Aeschylus (trans. Robert Fagles)

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Jonnine

HTRK

2022 good vibes - Hackedepicciotto tour photos such #couplegoals, kicking off the HTRK tour in Atlanta was exhilarating! Big hangs with my overseas buds Nathan Corbin and Yasmina Dexter, writing new songs with Nigel and keeping THE dream alive, my puppy Pali growing up into mumma’s good boy, instagram follows @the.holistic.psychologist (self healing)  @cracked.bolos (cakes), DJ Sundae, Amir Shoat, ‘Crush’ by Richard Siken (borrow from Nigel) writing bonkers dreams down again, Jonathan Richmond lyrics, tik tok #stayathomegirlfriend, jamming with Brother May in London and playing cafe OTO, second season Euphoria, White Lotus, Heartbreak High, rewatching Curb, Julia Fox’s eye makeup tutorial, films The Weekend and 45 Years by director Andrew Haigh, Charlotte Rampling interviews, fam long drives with Conrad and Pali finding songs for NTS <3 <3 Conrad got me into the Kinks!

Some music  i liked Actress — Dummy Corporation (Ninja Tune)  Autumn Fair - Autumn Fair  DALE CORNISH — Traditional Music of South London (The Death Of Rave)  Delphine Dora — A Stream Of Consciousness II (for piano solo) Coby Sey — Conduit (AD 93)  CS + Kreme — Orange (The Trilogy Tapes)  Harry Howard  - Slight Pavilions  Various / Kashual Plastik — Field of Progress Jonathan Richman - Jonathan Goes Country  Julia Reidy - World in World  Kitchen Cynics — Strange Acrobats Liz Durette - A Christmas Gift To You  Malvern Brume — Body Traffic (MAL)  Taylor E. Burch — The Best of Taylor E. Burch (Downwards)  The Incredible String Band — Wee Tam and the Big Huge  The Kinks - The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society  Thomas Bush — Preludes Warm Currency — Returns (Horn Of Plenty) 

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Lawrence English

(Room 40 Records)

This year was the first time I had travelled internationally since 2019. The thing I realised I've truly missed is seeing people. The opportunity to share ideas, to be curious with others and to just be in the world was, well, magical. I think if anything the past few years has reminded me (us?) not to take things for granted…especially each other. This year was also the first time I returned to making solo electronic works. It had been about six years since I had completed Cruel Optimism and, if I am honest, I wasn’t sure if I still had an appetite for making solo electronic works. Approach however proved, to me at least, I can still derive great pleasure from working alone. Unexpectedly, I found the whole process of the album very satisfying, like it was new all over again, not something I always feel.

There’s been a tonne of great input into the system this year. Ergo Proxy totally got me thinking. I was late to the party, but it was a party I am glad I did make it to. Puce Mary made some tapes back in April, both of them were totally ace, filled with an acute sense of heaviness. I very much enjoyed Boy Harsher’s work this year too, outside my usual orbit in some ways, but they are really onto something of late. I caught up with my old and dear friend Kate Crawford, and had a chance to read over he excellent Atlas Of AI book, she is a tower of radiance. Annea Lockwood’s, work occupied a great deal of my thoughts this year, realising her Piano Transplants all at once was quite simply a delight. Adam Curtis’s TraumaZone left an indelible mark in more ways than one. I returned to Vancouver to photograph the crows that started off my homage to Masahisa Fukase, perhaps that tract of work is done? Oh and thanks to a dinner with Atsuo from Boris, and the encouragement of my small humans, we all started down the pathway of the epic saga of Gundam too. I missed that when I was younger, so it’s a long road to catch up on….but I started.

Oh and on a purely personal note I was able to commission a shikishi from Yoshihisa Tagami. Seriously, my 12 year old self was reborn when it arrived. The world is so much bigger, and smaller, than that little human could ever have imagined!

Love to you all and here’s hoping 2023 is full of curious surprises and wonder.

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John Tottenham

author

A LISTLESS LIST

Best Books:   Woodcutters Concrete Extinction| Wittgenstein’s Nephew Old Masters 

Thomas Bernhard

A Father and his Fate More Women than Men Manservant and Maidservant A Family and a Fortune  -  Ivy Compton Burnett   Hawkwind: Days of the Underground  -  Joe Banks

Best Songs:   Eunice Collins  –  At the Hotel Gloria Barnes  -  Old Before My Time Sonia Ross  -  Every Now and Then Rozetta Johnson  -  A Woman’s Way Debbie Taylor  -  I Don’t Wanna Leave You Denise LaSalle  -  Trapped by a Thing Called Love Barbara Stant  -  Unsatisfied Woman Ann Alford  -  If It Ain’t One Thing Big Martha  -  Your Magic Touch Helene Smith  -  Sure Thing     Best Shows By Octogenarians And Nonagenarians:

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – Zebulon, LA  / Bob Dylan  -  Pantages, LA / Marshall Allen (Arkestra)  -  Zebulon, LA / Swamp Dogg  -  Teragram, LA / Doug Kershaw  -  Zebulon,  LA / Sonny Green  -  Barnyard & La Louisianne, LA / Tommy McClain  -  Stowaway, LA

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Brian Carpenter

Composer / Ghost Train Orchestra

My favorite recordings of 2022, in no particular order…also the most frequently played albums on my long-running radio show Free Association on WZBC in Boston. As I'm writing this I'm reminded that a lot of great records came out of bands from South London this year, across genres. 

The Comet is Coming - CODE Caroline - caroline Dry Cleaning - Stumpwork William Orbit - The Painter Akusmi - Fleeting Future

Electric Youth, David Sylvian, et al - A Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto - To the Moon and Back Portico Quartet - Next Stop The Smile - A Light for Attracting Attention Zola Jesus - Into the Wild Mary Lattimore and Paul Sukeena - West Kensington Lucrecia Dalt - Ay! Bjork - Fossora Tindersticks - Stars at Noon Original Soundtrack Kamikaze Palm Tree - The Hit Bitchin Bajas - Bajascillators Bill Callahan - YTILAER Thurston Moore - Screen Time Bill Orcutt - Music for Four Guitars Horse Lords - Comradely Objects Curha - Curha III

Sharon Van Etten - We've Been Going About This All Wrong Aldous Harding - Warm Chris Weyes Blood - Hearts Aglow Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You Oneida - Success Brandon Seabrook - In the Swarm Jacob Garchik - Assembly Oren Ambarchi - Shebang The Lord and Petra Haden - Devotional Roedelius & Tim Story - 4 Hands Brian Eno - Foreverandevernomore Steve Reich - Runner Moor Mother - Jazz Codes Makaya McCraven  - Dream Another Sun Ra Arkestra - Living Sky Danger Mouse and Black Thought - Identical Deaths A Far Cry - The Blue Hour Nils Frahm - Music for Animals Mary Halvorson - Amaryllis Kronos Quartet, Van-Anh Vanessa Vo, Rinde Eckert - My Lai Attacca Quartet - Caroline Shaw: Evergreen

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DJ Food

Music: Clocolan - Empathy Alpha LP (Redpan) Brian Eno - The Lighthouse (Sonos HD) King Gizzard &The Lizard Wizard - Omnium Gatherum LP (Flightless) Twilight Sequence - Trees in General: and the Larch 12" (Castles In Space) WTCHCRFT - Drugs Here 12" (Balkan Vinyl) Ghost Power - Ghost Power LP (Duophonic Super 45s) Dexorcist - Night Watch 12" (Yellow Machines) The Advisory Circle - Full Circle LP (Ghost Box) Fenella - The Metallic Index (Fire Records) S'Express & Daddy Squad - Music 4 The Mind (DL)

Podcasts: The Bureau of Lost Culture We Buy Records Oh God, What Now?

Gigs / Events: The Orb play U.F.Orb @ The Fox & Firkin, London Staying in a restored Futuro House, Somerset Fogfest @ Iklectik, London Funki Porcini's Lasarium @ Iklectik, London The Trunk Groovy Record Fayre @ Mildmay Club, London

Books / Comics: 99 Balls Pond Road - Jill Drower (Scrudge Books) Radio Spaceman - Mike Mignola & Greg Hinkle (Dark Horse) A-Z of Record Shop Bags - Jonny Trunk (Fuel) Mud Sharks - Dave Barbarossa Good Pop, Bad Pop - Jarvis Cocker (Vintage) House Music - Andy Votel (The Modernist) Defying Gravity - Jordan Mooney w. Cathi Unsworth 69 Exhibition Road - Dorothy Max Prior (Strange Attractor) Judge Dredd - Mike McMahon (Apex Edition) It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Universe - Zoe Thorogood (Image Comics) The Black Locomotive - Rian Hughes (Picador)

Films: Get Back (Disney+) Who Killed The KLF? (Chris Atkins) In The Court of the Crimson King (Toby Aimes)

[orrohbhutantravel]

A Birder's Paradise: Unleashing the Magic of Bhutan with Orrog

For passionate birdwatchers, the world holds few destinations as alluring as Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan boasts a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes – from subtropical jungles teeming with life to alpine meadows echoing with ethereal bird calls. With over 770 recorded avian species, Bhutan is a haven for bird enthusiasts from the USA, UK, Australia, France, and beyond.

Cultural Tours in Bhutan, culture trips in Bhutan, cultural activities in Bhutan, Cultural Sightseeing Adventures in Bhutan, Religious Heritage Tours in Bhutan

Orrog: Your Guide to Bhutan's Birding Symphony

At Orrog, your trusted Bhutan Travel Agency (Orrog.com), we understand the thrill of birdwatching. We curate unforgettable Birding Tours in Bhutan that cater to your specific interests and skill level. Our expert guides, many of whom are seasoned birders themselves, possess an in-depth knowledge of Bhutan's diverse ecosystems and the birds that call them home.

A Tapestry of Habitats:

Bhutan's diverse geography offers a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular range of birds. Here's a glimpse into some of the birding havens you can explore with Orrog:

Subtropical Paradise: The Southern Foothills:

Embark on a journey through the verdant southern foothills, where lush jungles teem with exotic birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Rufous-necked Hornbill with its vibrant casque, the dazzling Emerald Dove flitting through the foliage, and the melodic call of the Asian Fairy-bluebird.

Serene Valleys: A Symphony of Song:

Venture into the serene valleys, where shimmering rivers snake through fertile farmlands. Here, you might encounter the stunning Himalayan Bulbul with its vibrant plumage, the melodious call of the Grey-capped Prinia, and the majestic Brahminy Kite soaring overhead.

Cloud Forests: A Realm of Enchantment:

Ascend into the mystical cloud forests, where mist-shrouded trees create a magical atmosphere. Look out for the elusive Ward's Trogon with its dazzling red plumage, the Himalayan Cuckoo with its haunting call, and the enchanting Rufous-bellied Woodpecker with its distinctive drumming.

High-Altitude Meadows: Where Eagles Rule:

Hike to the breathtaking high-altitude meadows, where the air thins and the views become even more spectacular. Here, you might spot the majestic Himalayan Griffon soaring on thermal currents, the Golden Eagle with its piercing gaze, and the Blood Pheasant, a true avian jewel with its crimson plumage.

Tailored Birding Tours for Every Enthusiast:

Whether you're a seasoned birder with a keen eye for rare species or a beginner captivated by the beauty of birds, Orrog crafts Birding Tours in Bhutan to cater to your needs:

For the Rarity Seeker: Embark on a specialized tour focused on spotting elusive avian treasures. Our expert guides will lead you to the most promising birding hotspots, equipped with the knowledge and skills to help you identify these rare gems.

For the Photography Enthusiast: Capture the stunning beauty of Bhutan's birds with a dedicated photography tour. Our guides will take you to prime locations with optimal lighting and suggest techniques to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

For the Casual Observer: Embrace the joy of birding for leisure with a relaxed tour. Our guides will introduce you to a variety of birds, educating you on their calls, behaviors, and ecological significance.

Beyond the Checklist:

At Orrog, we believe in crafting experiences that go beyond simply ticking birds off a list. We integrate cultural encounters with your birding adventure. Witness traditional festivals where birds play symbolic roles. Learn about Bhutanese beliefs and folklore associated with specific birds. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this unique culture while honing your birding skills.

Unforgettable Memories Await:

Bhutan offers more than just a fantastic birding experience. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, delve into the rich cultural heritage, and experience the legendary hospitality of the Bhutanese people. With Orrog, your Bhutan Travel Agency, embark on a transformative journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon, where every sunrise promises a new birdwatching adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.

See more

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[thxnews]

UK Rare Fossils Find Sanctuary in New Nature Reserve

In a landmark move for conservation, a picturesque corner of the English countryside abundant with geological treasures and rich biodiversity will soon gain the prestigious status of National Nature Reserve. Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood in Leicestershire are set to become the nation's 220th protected area, permanently shielding a remarkable trove of ancient fossils that offer an unparalleled window into the primordial past of our planet.  

Ediacaran Marvels: A Missing Link Revealed

At the crux of this 439-hectare natural haven lie some of the world's rarest and most revelatory fossils from the enigmatic Precambrian Period – mysterious life forms over half a billion years old that predate the emergence of complex, multi-celled organisms. Indeed, the celebrated Ediacaran biota fossils preserved in Bradgate's ancient rocks proved pivotal in resolving a paradox that had long vexed Charles Darwin himself. "Bradgate Park is the only National Nature Reserve where you can find fossils of this astonishing age," notes Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England's governing body. "These fossils were pivotal in confirming Darwin's theory that the ancient seas hosted life eons before complex organisms appeared, finally providing the 'missing link' he suspected must exist."  

Uncovering a Prehistoric Past

The soon-to-be-declared reserve's profound geological significance stretches far beyond the famed Ediacaran imprints. The land itself is a palaeontological time capsule, with exposed rock faces revealing the sedimentary layers of bygone eras.  Juniper explains, "Bradgate Park's rich geological history makes it internationally important for scientific research and teaching of Precambrian palaeontology. It is a key site in the future plans for a UNESCO Global Geopark in Charnwood Forest."  

A Verdant Tapestry of Life

While its prehistoric wonders understandably grab headlines, the new reserve encompasses a mosaic of diverse habitats teeming with modern-day flora and fauna worthy of equal admiration and protection. From ancient oak woodlands dating back eight centuries to vibrant heathlands and wildflower meadows, the varied landscapes support an array of rare and remarkable species: Majestic oaks over 800 years old, home to deer, endangered spiders like the 'Charnwood spider', and birds like the striking green woodpecker One of the last remaining swaths of Leicestershire's traditional heathland, harboring uncommon flora like the small heath butterfly Medieval deer parks once roamed by herds of fallow deer, now cohabitating with their wild red deer cousins Steeped in layers of natural and human history, the area even holds ties to English royalty – it was the childhood home of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey and a favored childhood haunt of the world-renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. As James Dymond of the Bradgate Park Trust remarks, "For Bradgate to be part of His Majesty The King's series of National Nature Reserves is a real honor."  

Striking a Balance

Preservation Measure Public Benefit Protecting vital habitats and species Popular trails for hikers around Leicester Aiding recovery of rare biodiversity Opportunities for wildlife watching and learning Securing geological research value Connecting urban dwellers with local nature With its new status, a delicate balance must be struck between unfettered conservation efforts and ensuring the public can experience and appreciate the area's splendor. Tony Juniper believes the reserve "presents a reminder of how partnerships can drive nature recovery at scale while making it accessible for everyone to enjoy."  

A Resounding Call for Connection

To commemorate National Nature Reserves Week from May 20-31, over 80 public events will be held across England's protected areas this month – offering the perfect chance for people to immerse themselves in these irreplaceable natural gems. Juniper said, "It's vital that we protect nature sites like this which are accessible to people living in cities. Connecting more people from diverse backgrounds with our most important places for wildlife is key to developing a lasting appreciation for conservation."  

A Lasting Environmental Legacy

Bradgate Park's new designation is part of a broader national initiative by King Charles III to create an enduring "green" legacy. Through the King's Series of National Nature Reserves, five new reserves will be announced annually until 2027 with the goal of leaving "a lasting public legacy for people and nature." This crucial first step toward safeguarding an irreplaceable piece of England's natural heritage is being celebrated as a major win for future generations. "National Reserve status will help protect this site going forward," Dymond affirms. "We hope it raises the profile of our geological history and its importance worldwide." With its gnarled ancient oaks joining a national network of over 109,000 protected hectares, this historical haven will become an enduring bastion for biodiversity – and an endless source of wonder, education, and rejuvenation for all who visit. Stay informed on Bradgate Park's transition to National Nature Reserve status at www.bradgatepark.org.   Sources: THX News, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs & Natural England. Read the full article

[blogparanormalexpresso2stuff]

The Forest Poltergeist with Travis Watson - Dec 9, 2023

Seriah is joined by Travis Watson to discuss his latest book “The Forest Poltergeist” and numerous related subjects. Topics include research rabbit holes, psychic research, Animism, the concept of the wilderness poltergeist, class B Sasquatch encounters, Big Foot Research Organization (BFRO), the paradoxes of flesh and blood Sasquatch, Eric Ouellet’s book “Illuminations: the UFO Experience as a Parapsychological Event”, apports, the Enfield poltergeist case, the Black Monk haunting, loud sounds some people hear and others do not, a mysterious set of tracks in the snow in the UK, unexplainable pools of water, Sasquatch footprint casts, tree structures, Timothy Renner, an incident involving Bigfoot and a ghost, the “silo” effect in paranormal research, stone throwing, “Monster Quest” TV show, Guy Lyon Playfair, Spiritism, a poltergeist case in Brazil, Dogman, Linda Godfrey, the Black Stone Gap case in Canada, Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinetic Activity (RSPA), apparitions, wandering bits of consciousness, expectation and perception, one-off monster sightings, an encounter with a humanoid aquatic creature in Canada, the Loveland Frogman, the ubiquity of poltergeist activity in paranormal experiences, PK energy and mass sightings, energy lines connecting sacred sites, foxfire and will-o-wisps, earth energy, Mike Clelland and shamanic initiation, spirit animals, familiars, alcohol and its lack of hallucinogenic properties, Jeff Meldrum, Sasquatch track casts, most common experiences in a Class B encounter, wood knocking, tree shaking, strange smells, poltergeist activity compare/contrast with Sasquatch activity, bias in anthropology, the art of tracking, Colin Wilson, sulfur/brimstone, Loren Coleman, lake monsters, “Old Gods of Appalachia” podcast, Oz Effect silence, Jenny Randles, apex predators, a UK UFO experience involving strange silence, Carlos Castenada, magickal practice, consciousness and brain-wave states, Watson’s personal experiences in the Superstition Mountains, zones of fear, poltergeist sounds vs animal sounds, tree structures, poltergeist moving objects around and altering their environment, Olive Hill poltergeist case, William G. Roll, Lloyd Auerbach, furniture structures, fear and perception, a bizarre experience with eggs in the refrigerator, poltergeist disappearing/reappearing objects, a reporter hit with a lego, a 1980’s UK poltergeist encounter with multiple repeated witnesses, and much more! This is focused but riveting conversation!

- Recap by Vincent Treewell

[whitemagictravel]

Some underrated fall destinations around the world

Planning a fall getaway? While New England states such as Maine and Vermont may come to mind first, thanks to their stunning foliage, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches, there are plenty of places that make for a stellar visit in the fall months. Whether you're looking for fall foliage, Oktoberfest celebrations, or simply an affordable trip, we've got you covered

New Orleans, Louisiana

Take flights to Orleans from UK to revel in the Oktoberfest held there. There are lots of spooky activities for the Halloween-lovers, from cemetery, voodoo, ghost, and haunted tours to the family-friendly Krewe of Boo Halloween parade. Travellers should also make time to taste the city’s array of delicious eats, walk along Bourbon Street, hear jazz on Frenchmen Street, and stroll past historic mansions.

Memphis

There are some most scenic places to enjoy the fall foliage near Memphis at Meeman Shelby Forest state park, Memphis botanic garden, Reelfoot Lake State park, Natchez Trace State park, Wolf river greenway. These will provide a special serenity that will bring you a beautiful display of fall foliage, as well as much needed time in the calm of the natural beauty. Happy autumn! Take cheap flights to Memphis from London.

Dallas

Book cheap flights to Dallas from UK to enjoy the fall season there, which is arguably the best time of year. With cooler weather, tons of fall festivals and events like autumn at the Arboretum or Texas/O.U. Weekend, there’s so much to experience in Dallas this fall. Mask up and enjoy the season!

Detroit

Cheap flights to Detroit from London will bring you to corn mazes, petting zoos and pumpkin patches – oh my! The golden leaves won’t last long, so bring your kids out for some family-friendly fall fun in Metro Detroit. Wander into a corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some warm apple cider and donuts. Find an orchard near you, and make the most of it.

Source: https://whitemagictravel.home.blog/2022/10/29/some-underrated-fall-destinations-around-the-world/

[mainsdude]

Through the woods by emily carroll

#Through the woods by emily carroll skin

Agent: Jen Linnan, Linnan Literary Management.

#Through the woods by emily carroll skin

In the most explicitly gruesome story, a dowdy girl named Mabel is forced to stay with her prosperous brother and his perfect wife, who, Mabel begins to see, is a monster inhabiting the skin of a human: "I only wanted to wear her," the wife says dreamily of the housekeeper, whose bloodied wrist Mabel has spotted, "but when I tried her on, there was no stretch left." Instead of the gratifying defeat of evil, the gothic stories often leave off unsettlingly with a twist of the knife, just at the moment some fresh horror beckons. ANN BY THE BED, 2014, a short horror comic, published by Youth in Declin e as part of their award-winning Frontier series. If you loved reading Alvin Schwartz’ Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark when you were a kid, this is your book. THROUGH THE WOODS, 2014, a book of short horror comics, published in North America by Margaret K McElderry Books, and in the UK by Faber and Faber. Carefully drawn clothing and furnishings provide ironic backdrops for Lovecraftian revelations of parasitical possession and hideous evil. Friday, SeptemAlready well-known as a webcomic creator, Canadian author Emily Carroll makes her print debut with Through the Woods a collection of five short illustrated stories of horror. Sure in her handling of line, color, and sequential art techniques, she revels in period settings, placing her five stories in identifiable historical eras that include colonial North America and the Roaring Twenties. I loved it. See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab ISBN-13: 9781442465954 Author: Emily Carroll Type: Does not apply Book Title: Through the Woods. Canadian graphic artist Carroll uses familiar horror motifs%E2%80%94the first wife's ghost, the monster that dwells in the forest%E2%80%94to create fresh and disturbing tales. Collection of graphic art short stories, written / illustrated by the author, set off by a framing introduction and epilogue (each also illustrated). 'Emily Carroll's Through the Woods mesmerizes and inspires a Victorian gothic playground haunted by Mary Shelley & Edward Gorey, awash in the dream-like haze of Odilon Redon, and composed with the poetic elegance of Ukiyo-e. : Through The Woods (9780571288656) by Emily Carroll and a great selection of similar New, Used and Collectible Books available now at great.

[richincolor]

QPoC Reads of 2021

It's June! Which for me means Pride Month, staying cool with endless smoothies, and posting a round-up of LGBTQ PoC young adult reads. This year, let's take a look at some YA books centering QPoC characters that came out in 2021 so far... plus a couple launching this summer! Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list. With that said, here we go!

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo Acclaimed author of Ash Malinda Lo returns with her most personal and ambitious novel yet, a gripping story of love and duty set in San Francisco's Chinatown during the Red Scare.

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore When two teens discover that they were both sexually assaulted at the same party, they develop a cautious friendship through her family's possibly magical pastelería, his secret forest of otherworldly trees, and the swallows returning to their hometown, in Anna-Marie McLemore's The Mirror Season... Graciela Cristales's whole world changes after she and a boy she barely knows are assaulted at the same party. She loses her gift for making enchanted pan dulce. Neighborhood trees vanish overnight, while mirrored glass appears, bringing reckless magic with it. And Ciela is haunted by what happened to her, and what happened to the boy whose name she never learned. But when the boy, Lock, shows up at Ciela's school, he has no memory of that night, and no clue that a single piece of mirrored glass is taking his life apart. Ciela decides to help him, which means hiding the truth about that night. Because Ciela knows who assaulted her, and him. And she knows that her survival, and his, depend on no one finding out what really happened.

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan Zara's family has waited years for their visa process to be finalized so that they can officially become US citizens. But it only takes one moment for that dream to come crashing down around them.

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar Everyone likes Humaira "Hani" Khan—she’s easy going and one of the most popular girls at school. But when she comes out to her friends as bisexual, they invalidate her identity, saying she can’t be bi if she’s only dated guys. Panicked, Hani blurts out that she’s in a relationship…with a girl her friends absolutely hate—Ishita "Ishu" Dey. Ishu is the complete opposite of Hani. She’s an academic overachiever who hopes that becoming head girl will set her on the right track for college. But Ishita agrees to help Hani, if Hani will help her become more popular so that she stands a chance of being elected head girl.Despite their mutually beneficial pact, they start developing real feelings for each other. But relationships are complicated, and some people will do anything to stop two Bengali girls from achieving happily ever after.

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee Felix Ever After meets Becky Albertalli in this swoon-worthy, heartfelt rom-com about how a transgender teen’s first love challenges his ideas about perfect relationships.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Out now, as of yesterday! (or June 10th in the UK!) Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.

Love & Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiura Out June 8th! When Nozomi Nagai pictured the ideal summer romance, a fake one wasn’t what she had in mind. That was before she met the perfect girl. Willow is gorgeous, glamorous, and…heartbroken? And when she enlists Nozomi to pose as her new girlfriend to make her ex jealous, Nozomi is a willing volunteer. Because Nozomi has a master plan of her own: one to show Willow she’s better than a stand-in, and turn their fauxmance into something real. But as the lies pile up, it’s not long before Nozomi’s schemes take a turn toward disaster…and maybe a chance at love she didn’t plan for.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta Out June 29th Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they're fighting for a common purpose--and falling for each other--in Zoe Hana Mikuta's high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu's Legend series.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson Out July 6th! Three days. Two girls. One life-changing music festival. Olivia is an expert at falling in love . . . and at being dumped. But after the fallout from her last breakup has left her an outcast at school and at home, she’s determined to turn over a new leaf. A crush-free weekend at Farmland Music and Arts Festival with her best friend is just what she needs to get her mind off the senior year that awaits her. Toni is one week away from starting college, and it’s the last place she wants to be. Unsure about who she wants to become and still reeling in the wake of the loss of her musician-turned-roadie father, she’s heading back to the music festival that changed his life in hopes that following in his footsteps will help her find her own way forward. When the two arrive at Farmland, the last thing they expect is to realize that they’ll need to join forces in order to get what they’re searching for out of the weekend. As they work together, the festival becomes so much more complicated than they bargained for, and Olivia and Toni will find that they need each other, and music, more than they ever could have imagined.

Note: Images and summaries via Goodreads!

[ayamari-no-goshi]

DP - master list of various types of Ghosts

Why I didn’t make this particular post first is something I’ll probably never know. But time to break down the basic types of ghosts which will then be expanded upon in later posts. I know I’m missing things, so feel free to point them out. 

(Edit: I finally figured out how to fix the formatting)

Residual haunting - not intelligent. Just a snapshot or replay of sounds or images. Often associated with strong negative events, but that’s not a requirement.

Intelligent hauntings - hauntings that can interact with the living

Spirit – a supernatural entity. Sometimes a ghost, sometimes something else entirely. There is a lot of ambiguity

Orbs – balls of light associated with hauntings. Some believe they are ghosts, but many paranormal researchers associate them more with high energy expression than an actual conscious entity. It is very easy to mistake dust and bugs for them.

Poltergeist - from the German for ‘noisy spirit’. Ghost associated with loud noises and objects moving. Modern theories point to poltergeists being a type of psychic phenomenon.  a.     Wilderness Poltergeist – this is a newer phenomenon described in forests and other wilderness areas. More associated with areas with many cryptid sightings, but folks describe intelligent noises and purposeful movement of objects

Doppelganger - from the German for ‘double walker’. A ghostly double of oneself. Considered an omen of death if you see your own. A Fetch is the Irish equivalent.  a.     Vardøger - a related phenomenon to a doppelganger. Basically, hearing something a few hours prior to it actually happening. Mostly associated with household noises

Shadow Beings – dark humanoid looking shadows. Normally considered negative. 2 main types: a.     Actual ghosts that just appear as dark shadows b.     Entities that are something that’s not a ghost. Many consider them visitors from another dimension. (I talk about them more in this post)

White Ladies – spectral women who often appear in white dresses. There are different types: a. ones associated with castles b. ones associated with being along the side of the road (known to both cause accidents and hitchhike) c. vengeful. Mostly associated with Central and South America (I talk about them more in this post)

Radiant boys – spectral boys often between 8-14 of age. Usually appear in a radiant light, but some stories describe a bluish light. Usually considered an ill omen.

Vengeful spirits – the deceased has risen from the grave to seek revenge for a wrongdoing. a.     Spirits wanting body found – not necessarily vengeful but often lumped into the category b.     Spirits with unfinished business, which can be anything, also tend to get lumped into this category

Hungry Ghosts – unique to Buddhism. Entities with intense needs that are expressed in animalistic ways. Can be dangerous – food offerings are sometimes needed.

Summoned spirits – spirits that have been summoned in some way. Magic is often involved. Might or might not be willing participants.

Atmospheric light ghosts – possibly ghosts, but possibly natural phenomenon. Appear as wispy orbs or flames in the distance. Will-o-the-wisp are the most well-known. The Brown Mountain Lights are also fairly famous

Dark/Demonic entities – very dangerous and potentially destructive spirits. Appear to be the most likely to cause possessions. 2 main types: a.     Ghosts filled with so much hate and malice that they virtually become demonic b.     Actual demons – vary by culture and religion

Guardian spirits – entities that appear to help protect people. 2 main types: a.     Spirits of passed loved ones or locals b.     Other entities which vary in description, but are not recognized as a deceased person

Agents of Death – not necessarily evil, but often seen at or just prior to a death. Often viewed as taking a soul to the afterlife a.     Previous family members are often reported. There are touching stories about spouses returning guide their other half b.     The angel of death – usually described as a neutral entity, often described as a dark, mist-like figure. Seen most commonly in hospital settings

Vampire-like – entities (not just ghosts) that appear to feed on the life of the living or appear to reanimate. Various names exist for such things world wide a.     Revenants, Strigoi, Gjenganger, Nachzehrer, etc. are all examples

Animal spirits – spirits of animals. Sometimes appear as residual but sometimes interact. Ghost monkeys are horrifying a.     Black dogs – there are very famous legends about the dangerous black dogs of the moors of the UK b.     Church Grims – guards cemeteries – usually appear as dogs (I talk more about them in this post)

Elementals – not actually ghosts but often lumped into the description of spirit. Usually described as a spirit associated with nature. Usually neutral, but some have been known to interact negatively. The elemental of Leap Castle is probably the most famous

Created entities – various types can exist. Most commonly believed to be created from the collect unconscious, but there are ways of actively creating them

Night hags – spirits/entities believed to sit on the chest of a sleeping victim and slowly squeeze the life out of them. Various incarnations exist, but most are not considered to be actual ghosts

[missrandomdreamer]

How about this for a prompt or two (no pressure tho!) what circumstances brought Hope to the village in the Coiled And Cursed AU? And who was the first to find her- some villagers, a Lord, perhaps even some lycans? and maybe for Rusted Cages- does Chris get suspicious of how much time Heis is hanging around a civilian like Hope? Does he intervene, or does he sit back and watch to see what'll happen?

Thank you so much for these prompts! I love both of them! I will do both but will have to break it up into two parts cause it seems they have gone longer than anticipated XD So here is a story for the first one of Coiled and Cursed followed by some more detailed answers to it. I will do the Rusted Cages one in a separate post but link this back to it. I really enjoyed writing this and it has helped immensely so thank you so so much!

Coiled and Cursed: Cold Case   

    Hope shifted her black  bag on her shoulder while she held onto it’s strap her knuckles white. She had kept telling herself things would be fine, she was told to be adventurous and she was. To be fair, leaving her home back in the States to come visit a foreign country all by herself was adventurous enough she had thought but she was trying to step out of her comfort zone, and trust people.  As she fiddled with a pocket knife in her pants pocket, reminding herself it was there, as she heard the cab drive off. It left her at the entrance of the  silent wood, there were no other cars parked in the lot, she was alone-alone about to walk into a haunted wood.  A part of her thought briefly, maybe she should have gone with the others to explore the city. It would have been safe,  right? Safer than deciding to go to a haunted woods alone.  “No, not this time. It’s time for you to go on your own, and you have your phone to contact them and a knife if need be. You’ll be fine,  Hope.”  The others  happened to be her current flat mates while she was having her trip in Romania: Cassandra (or Cass as she liked to be called) had come from Russia  to study Starčevo–Körös–Criș culture,she was the oldest of their little group. Then there was Jamie and Amelia, a couple  from the UK who had both decided to do a backpacking trip across Europe.

    Despite just having met they all seemed to mesh really well together but just like with every group being around some people for too long can be taxing. Hope needed a breather and in all honesty, she did want to attempt to go somewhere alone by herself to prove to herself and someone else. “Not every place you go to  has shadows lurking to swallow you up. Not every stranger is a killer, a rapist or a pedophile. It’s important to be safe Hope, but you can’t keep thinking everywhere you go there is someone going to hurt you. That’s no way to live, in constant fear, you are gonna let things pass you by if you have that mindset. Just trust your gut-”

“How can I tell the difference between gut feeling and paranoia?”

“You can’t, it’s just something you will have to figure out for yourself and take the plunge. You can be careful and still be at ease, Hope. Don’t let fear run your life though, or things are gonna pass you by.”

“I don’t believe that.You cant be careful and at ease at once.” Hope thought back onto the conversation she had with a previous professor. It had been a missed opportunity for a study abroad when she was back in college those years ago. She missed the trip, she had let her fear stop her from going. He had been disappointed but somewhat understanding. However she still felt he was upset with her, she had let him down in some way. She had let herself down. It was true, fear did control most of her life now but she had made it this far hadn’t she? He would have been proud of her now, so would her therapist. “I did it. I traveled alone to a country not of my own and I’m going into a haunted forest all by myself. See?  I am not a failure after all.”  It was childish thinking but it was the voice that whispered and protested in her mind quite a lot. 

    Hope shivered, suddenly realizing that despite having done all of that, she hadn’t actually  gone into the woods yet. The young woman took in a breath:  four seconds, hold: four seconds,  release: four seconds. She could do this. She made it this far. The violet haired woman checked her pockets again for her knife, then for her phone that was in the back of her pants pocket, adjusted her bag on her shoulder then with another deep breath walked into the woods. Most people would have gone during the morning or day but not Hope. “It’s haunted, no ghosts are gonna come out during the day, you have to go at night to see anything.”  The sun was setting so she did have a bit of light but not much, there would be a full moon though tonight so she would have light. She wouldn’t be out here for too long anyway. It would all be fine. Hope double checked the map near the entrance of the forest for the path she would take. It would be a relatively shorter walk, a basic loop around and then she would be done. 

    A fog had already started to play at her feet while she walked. The woods themselves were silent of any creatures but the wind through the old gnarled branches created a haunting melody. Hope kept watching for movement around her and ears open to anything at all. Hope was aware of the stories, people coming in and not coming out for years, or coming out with rashes and even strange UFO sightings but the young woman wanted to check it out for herself. The fog was getting thicker around her feet, it was easy to see people getting lost in here and thinking they had seen ghosts. As Hope walked further into the woods , she noticed the trees were so close together blocking out the sky practically, some even bent or curved strangely, something unique to this forest she heard.  Hope shivered and brought her purple sweater around her more. 

    How long had she been walking? Not that long right?  Hope tried to hum to herself but her making any sort of noise felt like an insult to the forest.  The path winded in front of her and she followed it. She walked deeper and deeper into the haunted wood, the light was dimming. She turned on her flashlight now on her phone and did a sweep of the area in front of her. It was then just as the last light had ebbed from the sky that she heard it. A rustle of feathers, a distant caw of crows, which was strange. She hadn’t seen any wildlife at all, “Must be some birds resting up in the trees, maybe the light startled them?”  However as she thought that now craning her head above her,scared she might get shit on by birds she heard it. 

The sound made her stop dead in her tracks, her breath hitched and she went cold. It was a whimper, crying, from somewhere in the woods. She strained her ears, maybe it was the wind? No, it definitely wasn’t the wind. The crying seemed to fall and rise on the wind though, but it wasn’t the wind,  it couldn’t have been. Hope swallowed something, her whole body shaking. She looked this way and that flashing her light, but she couldn’t see anything. In any horror movie what she did next was a red flag, but at the moment she couldn't think about that,

“Hello? Is-is someone there?” Hope’s voice was a mere quiver and crack, hardly enough for anyone to hear her.

The crying continued but Hope couldn’t move. She just looked around frozen in place. Hope could feel her heart beating faster and faster, her breath already starting to shorten.A whole tremor went through her body, “Hello! Is someone there? Are you-are you hurt?” Her voice finally grew louder but it still cracked with fear. The whimpering immediately subsided, which caused Hope’s heart to fall. 

“Hello! Someone help me!” It was a young girl’s voice. “I’m hurt I can’-I can’t move, please, help me!”

 “Oh fuck!”   Hope cursed under her breath, her body and mind doing a total 180. Hope immediately started to move and look around more frantically. “Where are you? Keep speaking, I’ll find you!”  Something clicked in her and all self preservation went out the window. There was someone out there lost and hurt? A child possibly? No thought of it being a ghost at all came to her mind or her own mind playing tricks: mother bear mode came into play. 

    “I’m here! I’m here!”  The girl’s voice grew and quietened on the wind. Hope tried to keep to the path but the voice was pulling her from it. Shit! She couldn't leave the path or she would be lost for good. The violet haired woman quickly checked the compass on her phone. She would try to memorize the direction and then follow it out, that was the only thing she could hope to do now. She couldn't leave her flashlight as a guide or she couldn’t find the girl.  A mere flicker of Hansel and Gretel  flashed in her mind, she didn’t have bread crumbs but she did have a knife. She withdrew her knife and nicked the tree with an H then started off the path. Every few feet she  would mark the tree, that would be another indication of where she came from.

“Keep talking! I’ll find you!” Hope shouted her voice was wavering though. She was scared not only for the child but the intense situation was making her anxious. “What is around you? Any landmarks?” 

    “I-I dont know! The woods all look the same I-I… wait! Flowers? There are flowers here! I think I’m near a stream, I-I hear water I passed a well I think not to long ago.”  The frail voice spoke.  Hope nodded  eyes daring all over, marking a tree as she passed, okay flowers. Stream and a well she could work with that.  

    “Okay just-just keep talking!” Hope called out, it was as she said that the scent of flowers hit her nose. She was close but she still hadn't seen  the flowers. Her flashlight on her phone swept the floor of the forest until she suddenly heard a  crack.  Hope’s heart stopped again for the second time that night as she slowly looked around. 

Crack!

Hope picked up her speed and kept looking, the girl was crying again, she could hear her whimpers but that suspicious cracking noise followed behind her. “Shit! Shit! Shit!”  Her grip tightened on the knife, it was a pocket knife but she could still shank a bitch if she had too.  

Crack!

Crack!

It was then Hope started to hear howling, behind her or around her. She didn’t know anymore, she just kept moving forward then attempting to serpentine run. Hope had to find that little girl before those wolves did.  It was so dark now and the fog so thick, but she kept following the sound of the whimpers and the scent of the flowers but that howling was getting louder too. “I'm coming! I’m coming, hold on!”  She tried to scream but her voice felt so small and weak. She tried to remember to mark the trees still but the wolves kind of  distracted her.  Hope’s flashlight finally bathed in flowers, wild flowers it seemed. She might have been able to hear the stream that was close by too but her heart pounding in her ears seemed to be distracting her. 

Hope kept moving her flashlight this way and that, the flowers around her feet growing taller and taller till the plants were up to her knees. She felt something stick her in the leg, she winced but kept moving. The scen of the flowers was getting more and more intense as she walked deeper and deeper in.  The crying was getting softer and softer, was she losing this kid?  The flashlight again shone on a structure coming from the ground. The well. It looked like it was crumbling, falling apart. “I-I’m at the well! Where are you?” Silence. Hope was shaking, her ears ringing. She hated how the silence was so loud! Not even the cracking of nature was about nor the howl of the wolves. How could it be? The scent of those flowers was overwhelming, she felt nauseous. Hope gulped trying to breathe but she couldn’t.  Hope turned around, trying to see anything, the light of her flashlight shaking until it landed on the well in front of her . She peered down into it, darkness. Not even her flashlight could illuminate it. The girl had said she wasn’t in the well but she had to look anyway but she should be close. Hope was about to move but called out one last time, “Hey can you hear me ! I'm at the well, I’m gettin closer but you need to speak up, where are you?”

“Right behind you.” 

Hope spun around at the sing-song voice out of instinct,her blood froze and the ringing in her ears got louder, louder. A deep wave of nausea washed over her more about the need to vomit came fast at the sight that met her eyes. Black soulless eyes dripping a strange ooze,a gaping mouth and that’s all she saw before she felt her body being pushed backwards. She felt her body falling, falling down into the well. She opened her mouth to scream but did she scream? She didn't know. She couldn't hear it, just the sound of the wind rushing by her ears then a sharp slap. She felt it. She heard it accompanied by an explosion of pain firing through her whole body. She doesn't see the silhouette staring down at her body, nor does she hear the howling gathering around the well. All she feels is cold, pain and her mind screaming far too many things for her to process until finally she sighed and her world went black. 

—------

Hope felt pain, that’s the only thing she remembered in the darkness is pain. Her body torso felt exposed, cold yet inflamed while her lower half felt constricted, she couldn’t move her legs, it felt like something was wrapped tightly around them like a cold silk blanket and they felt heavy. Her face hurt too, especially her jaw right at the part going to her ears. The back of her head was throbbing and any attempt to move made her want to throw up. Her stomach felt empty but burning. Hope tried to open her eyes but they felt so heavy and hurt.  “Ah my dear you're coming too, what a good girl.” A voice whispered in her ear, soft yet cold like snow.  

    “Who's there?”  Hope tried to ask but it seemed her lips didn’t move, chapped and dried they hurt.  Who was there? Where was there, where was she? What had happened? She couldn’t remember. She felt so tired and so sick. She wanted a blanket, she felt so cold now.

    “You are recovering so well, soon you will be moving and on your feet again. For now rest my child, you will soon meet the others.” Hope felt someone brush her hair back from her head, damn if only she could open her eyes but they felt so heavy.

“I’m scared! I want to wake up! Where am I? Please-please someone help me!” Her brain screamed but it was only answered again by the strange cool voice.

 “Rest my dear, sweet dreams.”   A shiver raged through the young woman’s spine like an electrical current before suddenly she was hit with another wave of nausea and sleep. She once more passed out into darkness, the last thing she heard was the song of a woman humming and the clank of metals scraping one another before her world went silent again.

“It’s such a shame you couldn’t be a vessel for my Eva but perhaps you will be of other use to me, my little  Hope.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------

So the answer to your question is Hope deicing to take a trip to Romania to get away from her family life. She thought she could handle walking in a haunted woods alone of all things ( actually used the Hoia Baciu Forest for reference ;3 ) but it didn't plan out so well. Mother Miranda was the first one she encountered and some lycans. It was more of Mother Miranda luring someone into her world and that someone happened to be Hope. >< I honestly had thought of something different for the start of the story awhile back but it just didn't sit right with me so I changed it. However the second half of this story is the original first chapter opening but just added the first half to it now. : )

I will start writing the second half of this ask but wanted to post and share this first. It was really fun to write and it helped me out a lot with writing again so thank you so much @vodkafolie! <3

[mist-spectra]

LIST OF WITCH HOUSE / POST-WITCH HOUSE LABELS AND NETLABELS.

LABELS & NETLABELS (2005-2020)

List with labels & netlabels who released most of their catalogue in witch house & post-witch music. (written by Sábila Orbe, Witch Spectra netlabel founder) 

▲2005-2013: PENDU SOUND (US): 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendu_Sound_Recordings // https://pendusound.com/

▲2007-2013: Disaro (US): https://www.discogs.com/es/label/179188-Disaro (Only Registry)

▲2010---active: Phantasma Disques (Germany): https://phantasmadisques.bandcamp.com/ 

▲2010: Witch Trial (US):  https://www.discogs.com/es/label/283234-Witch-Trial  (Only Registry)

▲2010 – 2011: Haunted Cassette Tapes (US): https://www.discogs.com/es/label/229396-Haunted-Cassette-Tapes (Only Registry)

▲2010 – 2012: Cov3n ov Darkn3ss (Australia) /// [probably unofficial releases]: https://archive.org/details/@cov3n_ov_darkn3ss_witch_house_netlabel_

▲2010-2015: Robot Elephant Records (UK):https://robotelephantrecords.bandcamp.com/

▲2011--Active: Genetic Trance (Ukraine): https://archive.org/details/01_20220719_20220719_2300

▲2011-2011: ▲WI╪CHBØØK▲ (US): https://witchbook.bandcamp.com

▲2011-2013: Tundra Dubs (US): https://www.discogs.com/es/label/220139-Tundra-Dubs (Only Registry)

▲2011-2014: Black Bvs Records (Germany):  https://blackbvsrecords.bandcamp.com/ (full catalogue registry: https://www.discogs.com/es/label/233876-Black-Bus-Records )

▲2011-2014: ODDOT (Russia): Partial Catalogue: https://oddot.bandcamp.com/

// mirror: https://archive.org/details/@oddot

registry: https://www.discogs.com/es/label/441630-ODDOT

▲2011-2016: Aural Sects (US): https://auralsects.bandcamp.com  

▲2011--active: Witch-House (UK): 

https://witch-house.bandcamp.com/

▲2011 – 2016: Pale Noir (US): https://www.discogs.com/es/label/238479-Pale-Noir  (Only Registry)

▲2011 – 2014: ЩIZΛЯD ӨF DΛЯKПΣƧƧ (Alaska)[partially unofficial releases]: 

https://wizardofdarkness.bandcamp.com/ // mirror: https://archive.org/details/vapor-vault?&and[]=subject%3A%22fairbanks%22

▲2011-2012: Baku Shad-do (US) 

https://archive.org/details/baku-shad-do (Partial Catalogue)

https://www.discogs.com/es/label/385048-Baku-Shad-do (Only Registry)

▲2011-2016: ANIMA FARM AURAL (Sweden): https://gzmusic1.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2023: 💀▼💀 (Japan/Chile): 

https://skulltriangleskull.bandcamp.com/ // 

https://archive.org/details/fav-kawaii_witch

▲2012-2015: Post Religion (UK): https://post-religion.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2015: Wood & Wire (Australia): https://woodwire.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2012: I-IALSTEDS (?): https://halsteds.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2016: Cult Shit Media Blackout (Phillipines): 

https://cultshitmediablackout.bandcamp.com/

▲ 2012-2017: MALIGNA (Mexico): https://maligna.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2013: Owlcave Records (US): https://owlcave.bandcamp.com/

▲2012-2015: Teapression Waves Record Label (Russia): https://teapressionwaves.bandcamp.com/

▲2013-2015: Diabetic Koala (US): https://archive.org/details/diabetickoala

▲2013-2016: МYТАНТФАНK (Russia): 

https://mutantfunklabel.bandcamp.com

▲2013-2016: Equilateral Records (Chile): https://www.discogs.com/es/label/643471-Equilateral-Records-2 (only Registry) // partial catalogue only for personal usage: https://archive.org/details/equilateral-records

▲2013-2018: TATUANA PRODUCCIONES (Guatemala): 

https://tatuanaproducciones.bandcamp.com/

https://archive.org/details/tatuana-producciones-discography/

https://archive.org/search.php?query=subject%3A%22villa+nueva%22&and%5B%5D=mediatype%3A%22audio%22&and%5B%5D=collection%3A%22vapor-vault%22&sort=-date

▲2014-2016: Grace Promotion (Germany): https://gracepromotion.bandcamp.com/

▲2014--active: Dagger Forest (UK): https://daggerforest.bandcamp.com/

▲2014-2015: UNHOLY TRIANGLE (Russia): https://unholytriangle.bandcamp.com

▲2014-2016: YOUTH1984 (Russia): https://youth1984.bandcamp.com/

▲2015--2020: Hexx 9 Records (USA): https://hexx9records.bandcamp.com

▲2015---active: 93.93 (Serbia): https://9393.bandcamp.com/

▲2015---active: ۩U+06E9۩ (France): https://u06e9.bandcamp.com/

▲2016-2017: Haunted Mansion Netlabel (France):

https://witch-house-netlabel.neocities.org/

https://archive.org/details/haunted-mansion-netlabel-2016-2017

▲2016-2020: Trash Tears (Finland): https://trashtears.bandcamp.com/

▲2016---active: EK4T3 Collective (Italy): https://ek4t3.bandcamp.com/

▲2011---active: Monumental Netlabel (Russia):

https://archive.org/details/mnmnrecords?∧[]=subject%3A%22Witch%20House%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Witch%20Rave%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Cloudtrap%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Darkwave%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Cloudd%20Rap%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Post-WItch%22∧[]=subject%3A%22Wave%22 (partial catalogue with witch & similar genre releases)

▲2017---2020: Unnatural Vibes (Chile): https://unnaturalvibes.bandcamp.com/

▲2017-2019: Witch Dragons/Witchcore (Russia): https://witchcore.bandcamp.com/ 

https://vk.com/witchdragons

▲2018----Active: Lambent Indications (US): https://lambentindications.bandcamp.com/

▲2017-2021: Witch Spectra (Chile): https://witchspectra.bandcamp.com/ 

https://archive.org/details/fav-witch_spectra

▲2017-2023: POST-WITCH MUSIC (Chile): 

https://new-age-vapor-witch.bandcamp.com/

▲2018---active: NƎCЯʘMΛNCIΛ (Brazil):  

https://necromancia-darkmusic.bandcamp.com/

▲2020---active: Civic Duty Records (US): https://civicdutyhandshake.bandcamp.com/

LIST CLOSED!

[v171]

Midyear Freakout- book tag

I don't have a youtube or anything, but I like watching booktubers, and I like this tag, so I'm going to do it to dive into my thoughts about the books I've read so far this year.

I set a goal to read 60 books this year and I'm currently sitting at 35, so slightly ahead of schedule. But that's saying a lot considering I have only read one book during the months of May and June..

1. Best book you've read so far in 2021.

Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

I should have expected that he would top my list so far considering his The Buried Giant was my favorite book from last year, but this was so good in a completely different way. Haunting and captivating.

2. Best sequel you've ready so far in 2021.

Drowned Country - Emily Tesh

This would probably be considered more of a short story than a book, but I absolutely loved it. Fantasy cryptids, but make it gay? Yes please. It's a duology and they're both extremely short. I think both of them together would be novella length.

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

Rhythm of War - Brandon Sanderson

Whatever, I'm basic. But I love this series and I'm so excited to continue it. I have all the books, but because they're so long and come out relatively slowly, I like to take my time getting to them. I've only read the first two, but I really need to hop on the next two because its getting increasingly difficult to avoid spoilers.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

Under The Whispering Door - TJ Klune

Klune's first book, House in the Cerulean Sea, was a strong contender for my favorite book of last year, and that's why I'm SO EXCITED to finally get to read this, which looks to be similar in theme. I can't get over how great the cover art is, too.

5. Biggest disappointment.

Piranesi - Susanna Clarke

This book was single handedly responsible for forever making me skeptical of books that claim to be similar to Circe. People raved about this book so I had high hopes, but it was such a total letdown, and in my opinion, completely misleading in its advertising.

6. Biggest surprise.

The Municipalists - Seth Fried

I picked this up as a BOTM book and didn't really think anything of it. It actually turned out to be fantastic, chock full of action, commentary, and humor. I think this was the author's first book, too. I'm excited to see what else he comes out with.

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you).

Martha Wells

Yes. I've jumped on the Murderbot bandwagon and I'm obsessed. I have all of them. I could probably read them all in a weekend but I'm stupid and lazy.

8. Newest fictional crush.

Tobias - Silver in the Wood & Drowned Country

A stoic yet warm hearted forest spirit that looks like a brawny lumberjack? Need I say more?

9. Newest favorite character.

Brittle - Sea of Rust

This book was a total sleeper hit and the main character made it for me. She's the perfect mix of a lone wolf scavenger with a heart of gold.

10. Book that made you cry.

None yet! I bet y'all WISH that The Midnight Library made me cry but that book fucking sucked. The closest I came to crying was probably Never Let Me Go.

11. Book that made you happy.

This Is How You Lose the Time War - Amal El-Mohtar

Everyone loves this book, as they should. It's a total surreal science fiction that is squarely centered around lesbian love that is so strong it can't be bound by time or space.

12. The most beautiful book you've bought so far this year.

Circe - Madeline Miller (UK edition)

I literally only bought this because it is so gorgeous. I read it years ago. I think I might devote a couple of months next year to re-reading books I love. This will be top of the list.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of this year?

The Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon

I am so excited to pick this up, its sitting on my shelf waiting, but its like 1.5k pages so I'm nervous to start it. I think I'm almost ready though.

14. Favorite book to movie adaptation you've seen this year?

I don't watch movies.

And that's it! Keep an eye out for my end of year book stat wrap up. :) Credits for the book tag go to Earl Grey Books on Youtube.

[jgthirlwell]

2020 Year In Review

This year once again I invited some friends and colleagues to reflect on 2020

JG Thirlwell

Composer

Foetus Xordox Manorexia Steroid Maximus Venture Bros Archer

www.foetus.org

2020 was a troubling and disturbing year. I created a lot of music and experienced a lot of nights waking at 5am in a panic. I deeply missed the sacred experience of being able to see live music. In its absence of that I listened to a lot of music. It was difficult to whittle down this list but here are a lot of albums I enjoyed in 2020, in no particular order.

Le Grand Sbam Furvent (Dur Et Doux) John Elmquist’s HardArt Group I Own an Ion (900 Nurses) Roly Porter Kistvaen (Subtext) Liturgy Origin Of The Alimonies (YLYLCYN) Clark Kiri Variations (Throttle) Dai Kaht Dai Kaht I & II (Soleil Zeuhl) Chromb Le livre des merveilles (Dur Et Doux) Horse Lords The Common Task (Northern Spy) Ecker & Meultzer Carbon (Subtext) Insane Warrior Tendrils (RJ’s Electrical Connections) Jeff Parker Suite For Max Brown (International Anthem) Jacob Kirkegaard Opus Mors (Topos) Tristan Perich Drift Multiply (Nonesuch) Bec Plexus Sticklip (New Amsterdam) Vak Budo (Soleil Zeuhl) Merlin Nova BOO! (Bandcamp) The The Muscle OST (Cineola) Zombi 2020 (Relapse) Regis Hidden In This Is The Light That You Miss (Downwards) Rival Consoles Articulation (Erased Tapes) Sarah Davachi Cantus, Descant (L.A.T.E.) Sufjan Stevens The Ascension (Asthmatic Kitty) Idles Ultra Mono (Partisan) Daedelus The Bittereindeers (Brainfeeder) Boris No (Bandcamp) Aksak Maboul Figures / Un peu de l’ame des bandits / Onze Danses Pour Cobattre La Migraine (Crammed) Noveller Arrow (Ba Da Bing) Felicia Atkinson Everything Evaporate (Shelter Press) Ital Tek Dream Boundary (Planet Mu) Author and Punisher Beastland (Relapse) Sparks A Steady Drip Drip Drip (BMG) Corima Amatarasu (Soleil Zeuhl) Code Orange Underneath (Roadrunner) Deerhoof Future Teenage Cave Artists /Silly Symphonies / To Be Surrounded../ Love Lore(Joyful Noise) Sote Moscels (Opal Tapes) Run The Jewels RTJ4 (Jewel Runners) Oranssi Pazuzu Mestarin Kynsi (Nuclear Blast) Master Boot Record Floppy Disk Overdrive (Metal Blade) Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith The Mosaic Of Transformation (Ghostly International) / Ears (Western Vinyl) Michael Gordon Acquanetta (Cantelope) Neom Arkana Temporis (Soleil Zeuhl) Rian Treanor Ataxia / File Under UK Metaplasm (Planet Mu) Helm Saturnalia (Alter) Ivvvo doG (Halcyon Veil) Robert Normandeau Figures (Empreintes Digitales) Ben Vida Reducing The Tempo To Zero (Shelter Press) Beatrice Dillon Workaround (Pan) Dan Deacon Mystic Familiar (Domino) Sea Oleena Weaving A Basket (Higher Plain Music) Elysian Fields Transience Of Life (Ojet) Rhapsody Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret (Magic Circle) Duma Duma (Nyege Nyege) Ulla Strauss Tumbling Towards a Wall / Seed (Bandcamp)

Honorable mentions Carl Stone Stolen Car (Unseen Worlds)  Nazar Guerilla (Hyperdub) Iwo Zaluski with the Children of Park Lane Primary School, Wembley The Remarkable Earth Making Machine (Trunk) Nahash Flowers Of The Revolution (SVBKVLT) Cindy Lee Whats Tonight To Eternity (Bandcamp) Insect Ark The Vanishing (Profound Lore) 33EMYBW Arthropods (SVBKVLT) Declan McKenna Zeroes (Tomplicated) Layma Azur Zeii (Bandcamp)

FILM TV Succession ZeroZeroZero Escape at Dannemora 1917 Small Axe : Five films by Steve McQueen Pirhanas Monos The Hater Better Call Saul

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Drew Daniel

Matmos, The Soft Pink Truth

an alphabet of 2020 recordings

Arca “KiCk i” BFTT “Intrusive / Obtrusive” clipping. “Visions of Bodies Being Burned” Duma “Duma” Eilbacher, Max “Metabolist Meter (Foster, Cottin, Caetani and a Fly)” Forbidden Colors “La Yeguada” GILA “Energy Demonstration” HiedraH Club de Baile “Bichote-K Bailable Vol. 2” Ian Power “Maintenance Hums” Jeff Carey “Index[off]” Kassel Jaeger “Meith” Laurie Anderson “Songs From the Bardo” Mukqs “Water Levels” Negativland “The World Will Decide” O’Rourke, Jim “Shutting Down Here” Perlesvaus “These Things Below with Those Above” Quicksails “Blue Rise” Rian Treanor “File Under UK Metaplasm” Slikback “///” Terminal Nation “Holocene Extinction” Ulcerate “Stare Into Death and Be Still” Various Artists “HAUS of ALTR” William Tyler “New Vanitas” Xyla “Ways” Y A S H A “Summations” :zoviet-france: “Châsse 2ᵉ”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sarah Lipstate  (Noveller)

With all live performances canceled, this was truly the year of demo videos and home studio recording for me. These are 10 pieces of gear that came out in 2020 that helped keep me feeling creative and inspired during lockdown. In no particular order:

EHX Oceans 12 Dual Stereo Reverb - The Oceans 12 ticks all the boxes for what I’m looking for in a great soundscaping reverb. I used the Shimmer and Reverse algorithms in conjunction a lot when I was composing music for a film score.

Chase Bliss Audio Blooper - While I don’t actually own a Blooper, I had the pleasure of borrowing one from Mike of Baranik Guitars after NAMM this year. He made an incredible Blooper-inspired guitar and I was completely charmed by them both. Chase Bliss always delivers pedals that push me creatively and the Blooper truly hits the mark.

Cooper FX Arcades - I love everything Cooper FX has released to-date so the opportunity to access those sounds in one pedal via plug-in cartridges is just awesome.

SolidGoldFX NU-33 - I was asked to do a demo of this pedal for its release and ended up being really charmed by this box’s approach to lo-fi nostalgia. I’ve used it a lot for film scoring and highly recommend adding it to your collection.

Demedash Effects T-120 DLX V2 - I LOVE a good tape echo and the T-120 Deluxe V2 ranks up there with the best I’ve tried. This pedal made its way to me this Christmas and I look forward to making some beautiful sounds with it in the new year.

Hologram Electronics Microcosm - The Microcosm is one of those pedals where you should fully read the manual before diving in but once you put in that initial effort you’ve got a massively powerful tool on your hands. It does glitch like no other. Definitely worth the homework

Azzam Bells MP019 - I discovered this unique instrument through a post on Reverb’s IG page and immediately looked it up and ordered one. These experimental percussion instruments are hand-made in Italy and they’re as beautiful visually as they are sonically. I used it for bowed cymbal and daxophone sounds on a film score and it was absolutely haunting.

Echopark Dual Harmonic Boost 2 - I love the control you have over dialing in the perfect amount of grit with these dual boost circuits. I use it a lot as a textural tool when I’m laying down drones or bringing in big distorted swells. It’s one of the most versatile overdrives in my collection and I love that.

Fender Parallel Universe Series Volume II Maverick Dorado - I was smitten with the Maverick Dorado when I first saw it at NAMM. It has a lot of the specs that I look for in a guitar and the body shape with the Mystic Pine finish just blew me away. I hope that I get to use it live soon.

Polyeffects Beebo - The Beebo is one of those pedals that I genuinely feel is smarter than I am. It’s like an entire computer in one small touchscreen box. I can’t claim to have mastered using it yet but the sounds that I have managed to get out of it so far have been brilliant. I’m looking forward to spending more time with this box in 2021

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HELM 2020 REVIEW

Let's get the bad stuff out the way first, 2020 was undoubtedly an awful year. I'm still not sure how to really respond to seeing a global pandemic bring the capital to its knees and everything I love and hold dear to a grinding halt. Our government fucked it's response, putting profit before people and killing tens of thousands. The Labour Party descended into farce with the newly elected leader Sir Keith revealing himself as a bland centrist with no opposition or ideas. On a personal level it sucked not being able to travel or see my friends in different parts of the world - or even the same country - who I am starting to miss a lot. However, I was fortunate enough to get through the year with my sanity intact. Music, art and culture once again being my main positive. I think I listened to more music than I have in any year ever. I read more books than I have done since I was a teenager probably. I also re-discovered the joys of walking long distances and am extremely thankful for living near a lot of incredible green spaces: Epping Forest, Walthamstow Wetlands, Walthamstow Marshes, Wanstead Park, Wanstead Flats...

Music. My favourite albums of the year.

Oranssi Pazuzu - Mestarin kynsi Wetware - Flail Raspberry Bulbs - Before The Age Of Mirrors Necrot - Mortal Rope Sect - The Great Flood Private World - Aleph Oneohtrix Point Never - Magic Oneohtrix Point Never Pyrrhon - Abcess Time CS+Kreme - Snoopy Speaker Music - Black Nationalist Sonic Weaponry Drew McDowall - Agalma Regis - Hidden In This Is The Light That You Miss Nazar - Guerilla Zoviet France - Russian Heterodoxical Songs (and all the ZF reissues!!) Triple Negative - God Bless the Death Drive Permission - Organised People Suffer Actress - Karma & Desire Acolytes - Stress II The Gerogerigegege - >(decrescendo) Chubby & The Gang - Speed Kills Flora Yin-Wong - Holy Palm Eiko Ishibashi - Hyakki Yagyo The The - See Without Being Seen Prurient - Casablanca Flamethrower Henning Christiansen - L’essere Umano Errabando La Voce Errabando Subdued - Over The Hills And Far Away Rian Treanor - File Under UK Metaplasm Komare - The Sense Of Hearing Shredded Nerve - Acts Of Betrayal Jesu - Terminus Autechre - SIGN Hey Colossus - Dances / Curses Sparkle Division - To Feel Embraced Mark Harwood - A Perfect Punctual Paradise Under My Own Name Still House Plants - Fast Edit The Bug & Dis Fig - In Blue Kommand - Terrorscape Haus Arafna - Asche Khthoniik Cerviiks - Æequiizoiikum Worm - Gloomlord Kraus - A Golden Brain Faceless Burial - Speciation

A shout-out to Jon Abby's AMPLIFY series on Bandcamp / Facebook, which I contributed a new piece of music to.

A shout out to the labels where most of the music I listened to seemed to come from:

The Trilogy Tapes Iron Bonehead Penultimate Press Dais La Vida Es Un Mus

Gigs. Despite live music being destroyed in 2020 I still saw a few unforgettable performances at the beginning of the year.

Graham Lambkin @ The ICA, London Puce Mary / JFK @ The Glove That Fits, London Demilich @ Finnfest, The Garage, London Container / PC World / National Unrest @ Venue MOT, London S.H.I.T / Asid / Chubby & The Gang @ Static Shock Festival, ExFed, London

Books I enjoyed. Most not published this year, but all read in 2020.

Joe Kennedy - Authentocrats David Balzer - Curationism Tom Mills - BBC: The Myth Of A Public Service Simon Morris - Consumer Guide: Special Edition Luke Turner - Out Of The Woods Various - Bad News For Labour Mike Wendling - Alt-Right Baited Area issues 1 & 2.

Film. Three good films I saw this year which I hadn't before.

Suspiria (Remake) Midsommar Cannibal Holocaust

Podcasts. I listened to a lot of these whilst walking.

We Don't Talk About The Weather Novara Media Tysky Sour & Novara FM Grounded with Louis Theroux System of Systems Red Scare loveline episodes Suite 212 NOISEXTRA Social Discipline CONTAIN

TV.

Didn't watch a huge amount and what I did was mostly trash. For some reason I rewatched both series' of This Life, a British drama from the late 90's about a group of young professionals house sharing and navigating their careers. Very cringey and has aged terribly, but it was perversely fascinating to revisit something from that time in the age of the pandemic. Following on from this I binge watched the entire series of Industry which was entertaining enough. A programme about a bunch of horny bankers with what felt like a confused ideology behind it. It seemed stuck between trying to criticise and glorify the culture around the industry, but also protect the industry itself from outside criticism by portraying anyone who may oppose as an insufferable wanker. Currently halfway through Succession which is OK. The Murdoch documentaries on the BBC were excellent and a rare respite from their descent into client journalism.

Thanks to anyone who listened to my music this year also. Best wishes to you all for 2021.

Luke Younger

http://hhelmm.com | http://alter.bandcamp.com

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Elliott Sharp

composer

1. My Nr. 1 lesson: patience. Whether it's bouncing through 30 seconds of severe turbulence at 39000 feet or slogging through 30 minutes of a interminable piece of concert music, one attribute I've tried to develop is the ability to see past the discrete and awaited ending, the exact framing of the immediate process, but put it into the context of a larger time frame. I've found that this year more than all others has demanded it. Breathing helps...

2. Books: revisiting old favorites from the realm of Thomas Pynchon and Philip K. Dick (both especially relevant), digging into John Lomax's portrait of Jelly Roll Morton, the works of Colson Whitehead, random things off of the shelf…

3. Composing: with touring off the table, I focused on that which needed to be written, some requested and commissioned, some spontaneously springing forth. Composing requires that one open the windows wide to the world, which at this moment brought in grief, terror, uncertainty, anxiety, visions of plague and pestilence and incipient fascism. Okay, now shut the window and get to work! How to process, translate, transform? The work can be a comfortable and obsessive cocoon once one learns to handle the radioactive materials and put them into the creativity reactor.

4. Beans! We have long been a fan in our house of the wide world of legumes but this year brought two stars to the front: the black bean and the red lentil. The black bean commands the lofty peaks but the seemingly infinite variations of dal surround it. Ginger, garlic, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne, onions, and olive oil form the basis then imagination builds.

5. Online teaching substituted for my canceled conduction of workshops in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. Between the participants and myself, we built a temporary but very congenial space online to share concepts and music. In addition, private lessons brought conversation and music with new friends in Germany, Italy, California, Australia, Illinois, Denmark, Pennsylvania, Spain, Florida, Brazil.

6. What started out as "stress baking" (before I even had heard of the term) soon became a frequent practice that yielded very edible results. The twins preferred the sweeter forays into banana bread and chocolate cake. I tried to find a balance between tried-and-true techniques and experiments in texture and taste with yeasted pumpernickels, multi-grains, and seed breads.

7. While not the same as performing 'live ', online gigs proved that it was possible to generate a surprising amount of adrenaline even without the pheromonal handshaking of a room filled with receptive ears. As a corollary, online recording collaborations with friends worldwide proved to be inspiring and a suitable substrate for sonic experimentation, exploration of new instruments, tunings, effects programming, structures. In these realms, shout-outs to Helene Breschand, Mike Cooper, Henry Kaiser, Tracie Morris, Mikel Banks, Dougie Bowne, Payton McDonald, Billy Martin, Colin Stetson, Jim O'Rourke, Scott Amendola, Roberto Zorzi, Jason Hoopes, Eric Mingus, Melanie Dyer, Dave Hofstra, Don McKenzie, Sergio Sorrentino, Veniero Rizzardi, Taylor Ho Bynum, Scott Fields, Bachir Attar, Karl Bruckmaier, Robbie Lee, Matthew Evan Taylor, Matteo Liberatore, Al Kaatz, David Barratt, Jessica Hallock, Kolin Zeinikov, Robbie Lee, Jeremy Nesse, James Ilgenfritz, Sergio Armaroli, Steve Piccolo, Sandy Ewen, David Weinstein, Jim Whittemore, Chris Vine, Werner Puntigam, William Schimmel.

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Daniel O’Sullivan

(Grumbling Fur, Guapo, Miasma & the Carousel of Headless Horses, Ulver, Sunn O))), Æthenor, Laniakea, Miracle, Mothlite, and This Is Not This Heat.)

Music Richard Youngs - Ein Klein Nein Alabaster DePlume - Instrumentals Hildegard von Bingen - O Nobilissima Viriditas Francisco de Penalosa - Missa Ave Maria Peregrina Carlo Gesualdo - Responsoria 1611 Dirty Projectors - Five EPs Sonic Boom - All Things Being Equal Brother Peter Broderick - Blackberry Richard Horowitz - Eros Of Arabia Duncan Trussell Family Hour Cocteau Twins in the bath

Books/comics Alexander Tucker - Entity Reunion II Derek Jarman - Chroma Stephen Harrod Buhner - Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm The Penguin Book Of Irish Poetry - edited by Patrick Crotty The Gospel Of Ramakrishna - translated by Swami Nikhilananda Lucretius - De Rerum Natura Plotinus - Enneads Ram Dass - Grist For The Mill Lisa Brown - Phantom Twin

Other Fasting / meditation / macrodosing Walks in freshly coppiced woodland (for the smell mainly). Plants / Foraging / Growing Traditional ferments Douglas Sirk movies Mandolorian Writing songs on the piano Rediscovery of Kenneth Graham via my kids

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Karl O’Connor (Regis)

01.Wolfgang Press - Unremembered, Remembered 02. Klara Lewis - Ingrid Live at Fylkingen 03. Jesu - Terminus 04. Dave Ball - Leeds Poly Demos 1979 05. Edwin Pouncey - Rated Sav X (the Savage Pencil Skratchbook) 06. The Bug - In Blue 07. New Order - Power,Corruption and Lies ( Writing Sessions  ) 08. JG Thirlwell and Simon Steensland - Oscillospira 09. FM Einheit and Andreas Ammer - Hammerschlag 10. Thurston Moore - By The Fire 11. Body Stuff - Body Stuff 3 12. Ann M Hogan - Honeysuckle Burials 13. Rob Halford - Confess (Autobiography)

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Caleb Braaten (Sacred Bones Records)

Shirley Collins Hearts Ease Dehd Flowers Of Devotion Duma Duma Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways Green-House Six Songs for Invisible Gardens John Jeffery Passage Drew McDowall Agalma Sweeping Promises Hunger For a Way Out Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs Woods Strange to Explain

My Favorite 90’s Nostalgia Movie Rewatches

Colors Ghost Dog Menace II Society The Player Rounders Safe Starship Troopers Trees Lounge Vampires Waiting For Guffman

Most Culturally Bankrupt Year : 1997

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Charlie Looker

(composer, Psalm Zero, Extra Life, Seaven Teares)

Ten Things That Didn’t Happen in 2020

1.  I didn’t write a ton of new music. Don’t get me wrong, I wrote some. I always do. But mostly I focused on my new YouTube channel, essays, and on getting old recordings released. I haven’t even been working a day-job so I thought I was going to write my next Ring Cycle, but I really didn’t find Covid inspiring.

2.  Trump wasn’t re-elected. Cool.

3. I didn’t lose anyone to Covid. I am, of course, profoundly grateful for this. But I feel pretty embarrassed remembering group-texting ten friends in March, “We are all going to see a loved one die. Every single one of us. Don’t kid yourselves”. I can get hysterical, and that was somewhat irresponsible of me.

4.  No revolution happened. I don’t mean to be smug or cynical, or to belittle anyone’s participation in the protests. But, as far as I can tell, nothing happened in 2020 that promises to reduce police brutality or human suffering of any kind. We’ll see. That burning Minneapolis police station was exciting to watch at the time, if only on an aesthetic level.

5.  I have a stack of unread books I bought this year, just staring at me, with nary a crease among them. These include:

Adorno and Horkheimer, The Dialectic of Enlightenment (looks amazing, but I haven’t touched it) Marx, Grundrisse (it’s 1000 pages for fuck’s sake. Amazon also accidentally sent me two copies, and its double presence in the stack is just comical) Reza Negarestani, Intelligence and Spirit (the first 15 pages blew my mind, then my mind blew it off)

6.  I didn’t settle into living in LA. I moved here six months before Covid and I was just starting to cultivate some friendships and play shows. This was quashed and I still feel like I still live in New York. I still barely know the layout of the city here.

7.  No brand-new buzzy musical artists burst onto the scene, that I can recall. No new hyped micro-genre of the moment. There was just no way for there to be a hot new trend. I’d say that was refreshing, but it wasn’t.

8.  Tyson’s return was not awesome. Two minute rounds, ended in a draw. I’ve been getting way into boxing this past year. This fight was a bummer. I’m looking forward to Mayweather vs Logan Paul (LOL) because we know it’s comedy ahead of time.

9.  For three weeks in July, I didn’t do a single thing other than watch street fight compilations on YouTube and Worldstar. That’s just grim.

10.  There were no school shootings in March. Apparently, this was the first March with no school shootings since 2002. Not a single 7th grader got a hand job in March either. I cannot begin to imagine what it’s like to be a kid now.

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Chuck Bettis

https://chuckbettis.com

Other People's Music released this year:

Coil "Musick to Play in the Dark" (Dais)

Duma "s/t" (Nyege Nyege Tapes) Twig Harper "External Boundless Prison/ in 4 parts EP" (self-release) I.P.Y. (Ikue Mori, Phew, YoshimiO) "I.P.Y." (Tzadik) Kill Alters "A2B2 Live Stream 11/13/2020" (self-release) Krallice "Mass Cathexis" (self-release) Lust$ickPuppy "Cosmic Brownie" (self-release) Doug McKechnie "San Francisco Moog: 1968-72" (VG+ Records) Merlin Nova "Boo!" (self-release) Omrb "Milandthriust, The Graths of Mersh" (self-release) Akio Suzuki & Aki Onda "gi n ga" (self-release) Yoth Iria "Under His Sway" (Repulsive Echo) Wetware "Flail" (Dais)

My own music released this year:

collaborations

Chatter Blip "Microcosmopolitan" (Contour Editions) Matmos "The Consuming Flame: Open Exercises in Group Form" (Thrill Jockey) Reverse Bullets  "Dreampop Dsyphoria" (self-release) Snake Union "live at Roulette" (self-release) Snake Union w/ Hisham Bharoocha, Bonnie Jones, Heejin Jang, Matthew Regula "Three Arrows" (Rat Route) Thomas Dimuzio "Balance" (Gench Music) YoshimiO & Chuck Bettis  "Live at the Stone" (Living Myth)

solo Chuck Bettis "Arc of Enlghtenment"  (Living Myth) Chuck Bettis "Motion Parallax"  (Living Myth)

compilation Various Artist "Polished Turds Vol.1" (Granpa)

Music Books read this year

"Intermediary Spaces" by Eliane Radigue/Julia Eckhardt (Umland) "Ennio Morricone In His Own Words" by Ennio Morricone/Alessandro De Rosa (Oxford University Press) "Free Jazz In Japan: A Personal History" by Soejima Teruto (Public Bath Press) "Rumors of Noizu: Hijokaidan and the Road to 2nd Damascus" by Kato David Hopkins (Public Bath Press)

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Maya Hardinge

(musician / artist)

list of things i liked this year

first ever solo road trip through new mexico and Texas right before lockdown experiencing manhattan with no cars on the road . having a car to escape in to nature. (which i craved so much) walks and bike rides with friends… FRIENDS! The web site ‘workaway’ that helped me feel that there were options for escape. playing games weekly on zoom during lock down teaching yoga weekly on zoom. Witnessing and being part of the BLM protests. witnessing and being part of the demise of T sitting on my couch at 6am drinking a cup of tea, appreciating my apt. making time to meditate. halloween without tourists .

some music I’ve bought and/or enjoyed this year Elvis Perkins-Black Coat Daughter Patricia Kokett -Soi soi Henning Christiansen - OP201 Bryce Hackford- Safe Svitlana Nianio and Oleksander - Snayesh yak? rozkazhy Brannten schnure - Sommer im Pfirsichhain Killing Joke - Nighttime David Shea - Tower of mirrors Shakey - Shakey Woodford halse tapes Coil - Musick to play in the dark

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BJ Nilsen

sound artist / composer

Work 2020

Despite Covid 19 lots of things actually did happen.

In Feburary I visited the only active nuclear plant in The Nederlands as part of my "Expanded Field Recording” project together with SML. In March revisited the Acousmonium at the Elevate Festival in Graz with an additional trip deep inside the Schlossberg recording old mining trains. In March and April I did two daily recording projects “Pending and Auditory Scenes” - both of Amsterdam during lockdown. In May did my first Zoom field recording workshop with the CAMP project. In June & July  two research trips in Waldviertel, Austria with Franz Pomassl. In August recorded bells and organs in 10 different churches around Amsterdam for Jacob Lekkerkerker. In September recorded Kali Malone at the Orgelpark in Amsterdam. Performed at Heart of Noise Festival in Innsbruck and A4 in Bratislava. Also went ice-skating for first time in 20? Years. In November and December I travelled to Jeju island to record field recordings for a project by Femke Herregraven for the Gwangju Biennale, commissioned for 2021. Did lots of gardening, released two tapes “Call it Philips, Eindoven” and “Zomer 2020” with Sigtryggur Berg Sigmarsson. NOW! Looking forward to 2021.

http://bjnilsen.info https://soundcloud.com/bjnilsen/sets/auditory-scenes-amsterdam

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Vicki Bennett

(People Like Us)

Negativland - True False https://negativland.com/products/truefalse-cd (this came out last year but is so THIS year) Bob Dylan - Rough and Rowdy Ways https://www.bobdylan.com/albums/rough-and-rowdy-ways/ The Soft Pink Truth - We from Shall We Go On Sinning So That Grace May Increase https://thesoftpinktruth.bandcamp.com/album/shall-we-go-on-sinning-so-that-grace-may-increase Carl Stone - Stolen Car https://unseenworlds.bandcamp.com/album/stolen-car Porest - Sedimental Gurney https://porest.bandcamp.com/album/sedimental-gurney Matmos - The Consuming Flame: Open Exercises in Group Form https://matmos.bandcamp.com/album/the-consuming-flame-open-exercises-in-group-form Domenique Dumont - Miniatures De Auto Rhythm https://antinoterecordings.bandcamp.com/album/atn044-domenique-dumont-miniatures-de-auto-rhythm The The - See Without Being Seen https://www.thethe.com/product/see-without-being-seen-cd/ Ciggy de la Noche - Hold Tight HMRC https://soundcloud.com/ciggydelanoche/hold-tight-hmrc Neil Cicierega - Mouth Dreams http://www.neilcic.com/mouthdreams/

and my details: http://peoplelikeus.org/ https://peoplelikeus-vickibennett.bandcamp.com/ pic: http://peoplelikeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Welcome-Abroad-promo3-2-scaled.jpg

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DJ Food

Music - Type 303 - Sticky Disco / Analogue Acidbath 7" (45 Live) The British Space Group - The Ley of the Land CD (Wyrd Britain) Squarepusher - Be Up A Hello LP / Warp 10 NTS mix (Warp) dgoHn - Undesignated Proximate (Modern Love) LF58 - Alterazione LP (Astral Industries) Robert Fripp - Music For Quiet Moments series (DGM) Run The Jewels - RTJ4 (BMG) Simf Onyx - Magenta Skyline / The Unresolved 7" (Delights) Luke Vibert - Modern Rave LP (Hypercolour) JG Thirlwell & Simon Steensland - Oscillospira (Ipecac) Aural Design - Looking & Seeing 7" / DL (Russian Library) Luke Vibert - Rave Hop (Hypercolour) Clipping. with Christopher Fleeger - Double Live (Sub Pop) APAT - Terry Riley's 'In C' performed on Modular Synthesizer (YouTube) Field Lines Cartographer - The Spectral Isle LP (Castles In Space) Jane Weaver - The Revolution of Super Visions single (Fire Records) King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - K.G. LP (Flightless) Humanoid - Hed-Set - forthcoming on (De:tuned)

Film / TV - Inside No.9 (BBC) What We Do In The Shadows Season 2 (Netflix) Tales From The Loop (Amazon) Keith Haring - Street Art Boy (BBC) John Was Trying To Contact Aliens (Netflix) The Social Dilemma (Netflix) The Mandalorian (Season 2) (Disney+) Long Hot Summers - The Style Council documentary (Sky Arts) Zappa (Alex Winter)

Books / Comics / Magazines Confessions of a Bookseller - Shaun Bythell (Profile books) The Often Wrong - Farel Dalrymple (Image Comics) Edwin Pouncey - Rated SavX (Strange Attractor Press) Jeffrey Lewis - Fuff (all issues - really late to the party on this one) Rian Hughes - XX - A Novel, Graphic (Picador) Cosey Fanni Tutti - Art, Sex, Music (Faber) Caza - Kris Kool (Passenger Press) Dan Lish - Egostrip Vol.1 Electronic Sound magazine Decorum - Jonathan Hickman & Mike Huddleston (Image) John Higgs - Stranger Than We Can Imagine Simon Halfon - Cover To Cover (Nemperor)

Very few exhibitions or shows this year for obvious reasons

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[residentraccoon]

✨ esc 2006 top ✨

seems like I ran out of stuff to say here lmfao

Love them!!

1. Bosnia Herzegovina - okay i'm sorry for betraying my country but this is it. the ultimate balkan ballad, too perfect for this world

2. Romania - our most popular esc entry, mihăiță really nailed every single note like...slay ki n g...

3. Norway - magical...blessed...i'm learning the lyrics to this at the moment

4. Finland - this is how hell sounds like

5. Ukraine - what an earworm

6. Croatia - africa paprika.....

7. Germany - makes me want to move to texas and live the rest of my life as a cowboy to ignore my problems have an ice day

8. Greece - her passion... <3

9. Armenia - makes me move

10. North Macedonia - see Armenia

11. Belgium - it just got the perfect amount of cheesiness and 90s vibes

12. Sweden - carola icon

13. Albania - this is fuckign epic why is everyone sleeping on this

14. Turkey - the superstar we all need

15. Lithuania - why tf was this booed this was such a brilliant troll act

16. Denmark - this is so cheesy yet I love it plz explain

17. Ireland - so sweet aaaaa 😭😭

Like them!!

18. Estonia - this was really cute tbh

19. Switzerland - thank you guys :')

20. Russia - not as good as his 2008 entry tbh

21. Iceland - dat pikachu voice, this performance was so ridiculous it hurts

22. Poland - the show was a big mess but still epic anyway

23. Latvia - that stick figure of whatever it was will haunt my dreams at night

24. Spain - reminds me of songs you hear in clothes stores in the mall

25. Bulgaria - just let her cry guys

26. Malta - I don't

27. Slovenia - wow it's amazing

28. France - felt a bit awkward but nice ballad

29. Moldova - expected more from one of O-Zone's members and the best vocalist of Moldova tm

30. Andorra - very bold performance

31. Cyprus - she's got the voice but the song kinda goes nowhere

They're good

32. Monaco - fun with a bit of cringe

33. UK - he's literally the boomer uncle who wants to be hip with the kids. was super cringey af tm

34. Netherlands - entering in a forest level in a game be like

35. Israel - they tried

36. Portugal - yeah sorry y'all didn't made me dance :(

Not my thing

37. Belarus - I accept only one entry using "mamma" in their song and that is moldova 2017