#st. paul and the broken bones

[elleaitch22]

Terms of Endearment

Chapter 3: Maison Noire

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

A/N: I'm not too sure about this chapter lol. I hope you love it though! Also, our girl isn't gonna stay in the dark place, I promise! xx Elle

Warnings: Flashbacks featuring emotional abuse, verbal abuse, domestic violence, gaslighting, manipulation, low self-worth, abandonment

Word Count: 2.3k

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Azzi was so exhausted she could feel it in her bones.

After her meeting with Mr. Smith, he decided to keep her there like a scolded child.

“You embarrassed me, Ms. Fudd. We don’t reward insubordination at St. Paul’s.”

Azzi held back the replies she wanted to give. He didn’t want teachers who thought; he wanted obedient little soldiers. Azzi was everything he hated: young, female, and unafraid to speak her mind when needed.

"You asked for my opinion, Mr. Smith." Azzi said tightly. "It doesn’t make sense to punish a child for standing up to bullies. It’s literally what we teach them to do."

Azzi was dismissed with a warning to not let anything happen again and the recommendation to “keep a better eye” on her students. She knew the real reason for his anger. Paige Bueckers – a lesbian and single parent – had embarrassed him by refusing the back down and enroll Soleil in a different school.

Azzi stepped onto the L train, head pounding. She buried her face in her hands, letting herself sink into the cold metal. Teaching didn’t pay enough for this shit.

When she stepped into the lobby of her building, Azzi jabbed the button for the elevator. The distinct lack of electrical humming that made her huff. Of course, the elevator doesn’t work — today of all days. She needed to move. As she climbed five flights of stairs, she ran through her budget in her head.

You can’t afford a better apartment, idiot.

She slammed the front door to her studio apartment and rested her forehead on the wood. Three hours until her shift at Maison Noire.

The upscale club was a survival tactic. On good nights, she could make her rent in a single shift. If she didn’t love teaching so much, she would have quit and been a server full time.

Azzi sighed, thinking about how she ended up here. Grant had seemed like a good guy. She met him at her first college party at eighteen. A few too many shots had her waking up somewhere unfamiliar with no memory of the night before. Grant had brought her bagels and coffee to help with her hangover, and she’d been charmed. She had no idea what the next few years would bring.

It started small — complaining that she spent too much time with her best friends, Caroline and Colleen, neglecting him and their relationship. She distanced herself from them, believing he was right. Next, she missed holidays with her family; it started small with the Memorial Day cookout before escalating to Christmas.

Once she was isolated, the real abuse began.

He wasn’t stupid; he never raised a hand to her. But the things he said hurt worse than a punch ever could.

He gave her everything — everything — and still, spat in his face like an ungrateful bitch. It was laughable, really, how she thought she was smarter than him, asking about bills like she understood the burden he carried. She was entitled, paranoid, and sick in the head, making up problems just to feel important. Her friends didn’t care about her; they tolerated her, the same way you put up with a sad little stray. She was a liar by nature, lying even to herself, twisting every kindness into cruelty so she could play the victim.

Her degree was a joke, a hobby, something little girls picked when they didn’t have the guts to do anything real. She didn’t have the brains or the discipline to survive without someone holding her hand. She would never amount to anything but a preschool teacher. She wasn’t special. She wasn’t strong. She wasn’t even good.

Deep down, she knew it too; she knew she was broken, unlovable, a burden that smart men like him were stupid enough to believe they could fix.

He would leave her, and the world would finally see her for what she was: a failure in cheap makeup, begging for scraps of attention from people who would never really love her.

She hadn’t decided to leave until he finally hit her. Six years into their relationship, when his fist ended up in her stomach, something inside Azzi broke.

She packed a backpack with essentials: passport, driver’s license, social security card, phone, charger, a few outfits, and one picture with her family. She left Los Angeles and started over in a different city.

It wasn’t until a couple months later she realized the full extent of the damage. Collections letters started popping up in her mailbox. The car, the apartment, and all the credit cards were tied to her name. She remembered signing papers, thinking she was just cosigning. She was in thousands of dollars of debt by the time she figured it out.

That was when she applied at Maison Noire.

While grateful for the money, she was sick of having to be ogled by disgusting men. On a Tuesday night, no less!

She used to dream about a tiny classroom, a partner who loved her, maybe a dog. Instead, she was smiling through aching feet, hoping drunk strangers would hand her enough cash to keep the lights on.

She decided to read for an hour and a half before getting ready for work.

Caiden Thomas, the love interest, reminded Azzi of a beautiful, strong blonde who had recently entered her life.

Paige Bueckers was probably the most beautiful woman Azzi had seen. Every time she opened her mouth, Azzi wanted to drool. And the way she had shut down Principal Smith’s bullshit? Hot.

 She was glad Soleil had someone like Paige looking out for her and taking care of her because Azzi had missed that.

She was all alone in a big city. Her parents didn’t even know where she was. She missed her mom, dad, brothers, and grandparents. But Azzi couldn’t face them now. She was worthless. She put a man before everyone. They wouldn’t love her now. They couldn’t.

Not anymore.

Azzi’s alarm buzzed, signaling it was time to get ready. She let out a quiet whine of protest.

One of her favorite things about Maison Noire was the uniforms for bottle girls. They looked like something you could wear out, unlike many of the other clubs in Chicago.

She started with her hair, slicking the front of her hair back and securing it with a claw clip, leaving the rest of her coils loose. A few face-framing pieces softened the look. Disgustingly, she always got more tips if she wore her hair like — or in braids or ponytails.

Men are disgusting.

She applied a light layer of foundation, thanking God that her skin had been behaving lately. She layered on a heavy smoky eye with long lashes. A pinky-purple blush warmed her face nicely, and pink lip gloss tied the look together.

She zipped up the tight black skirt and secured the sweetheart corset. After slathering on shimmering lotion, she spritzed on Kayali’s Sweet Bakery Bliss, her new favorite perfume. She added a silver necklace, bracelet, and a few rings.

She stuffed her feet into a pair of combat boots and pulled on a black hoodie for her train ride. Azzi packed her floor shoes, pouting at the uncomfortable arch. She shoved sweatpants, a t-shirt, and old tennis shoes into her backpack, so she could be comfortable on her journey home.

Setting spray! How could she forget.

Azzi dashed into the bathroom, drenched her face, and used a handheld fan to make it dry faster.

Tonight is going to be great, Az.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Manifestation always worked. By 10 p.m., Azzi had already made $400 in tips.

She took a fifteen-minute break and, when she returned, Kayla handed her an order for a VIP booth in her section.

Three Dirty Shirleys? Someone must be turning 21 or something. Azzi giggled and passed the order to her favorite bartender, Ayanna.

While waiting for the drinks, Azzi made her rounds, groaning internally as she spotted a few of her regulars. Focus on rent, Azzi.

Looping back to the bar, she grabbed the drink tray and plastered on a bright smile.

Azzi approached the VIP section with velvet couches. Three women laughed together. So not a 21st birthday. Two of the women were decked out in silky dresses and jewelry, hair perfectly curled. Maybe sister wives? The third woman wore a beautiful black suit with a blonde bun that looked oddly familiar.

Before Azzi can speak, she felt the blonde woman’s eyes raking over her. She locked eyes with her instinctively.

Her tray almost hit the floor, and a soft gasp escaped her lips.

“Good evening, Ms. Fudd.”

Paige Bueckers was here.

Paige Bueckers, the mother of the child that will probably be Azzi’s favorite this year, was here.

Paige Bueckers, the finest woman Azzi has even seen, was here.

She was here, in Azzi’s section at a club that she would lose her job for being at if her boss ever found out.

Paige Bueckers was at Maison Noire looking at Azzi like — Jesus.

Azzi was very aware of her buffering when one of Paige Bueckers’ companions teased, “Wow Paige. You and Soleil weren’t lying. Ms. Fudd really is as pretty as a princess.”

“Shut up, Nika.” Is gritted out as the same time as, “You can call me Azzi.”

God, her cheeks heated up again. She wished that the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

“Well, you have to call me Paige, Azzi. No more Ms. Bueckers.” Paige’s cool façade was back up, smirk firmly in place.

Azzi nodded stiffly. “Good evening, Paige.”

Before the blonde could say anything else, other women spoke. “I’m Jana, and this is Nika. Thank you for sticking up for Soleil today.”

A smile cracked Azzi’s face before she could control it, “It was nothing. She’s such a sweet girl and she didn’t deserve to get in any trouble.”

“Come sit with us,” Nika waved her over.

Azzi’s eyes bugged, stuttering. “Um, I — I’m still on the clock, I’m sorry.” She forced herself to finish her thought.

She placed the drinks and shots on their table and scurried off without another word.

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“So that’s Ms. Fudd?” Nika smirked, watching Azzi retreat.

Jana snorted. “You chose a class where Soleil’s teacher works here.” She gave a nudge to Nika, one that Paige couldn’t see.

“Don’t talk about her like that, J.” Paige frowned. “Everyone knows teachers don’t make shit. And this didn’t pop up on the background check. Remind me to ask Ash how she missed it.”

After a few more rounds of drinks, the girls had managed to pry some information out of Azzi. She was from Virginia, went to college at UCLA, and stayed in LA for a couple years after graduation before moving here, wanting a change of pace. She was 26 and in her third year of teaching at St. Paul’s. Her job at Maison Noire helped her make ends meet because private school teachers didn’t make much. She had two brothers and no pets, but maybe a dog soon.

Whenever Azzi was around, Paige went silent, content to watch her.

After her fifth Shirley, Paige pulled out her phone and texted the owner, Shyanne, knowing her from her college days.

I want a private room with Azzi. Just her. Five minutes.

Shy Sellers: Room 35

She left Jana and Nika to find someone else to flirt with and walked to Room 35.

The room was silent for ten seconds before the door swung open.

“I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not for sale!” Azzi’s brows were furrowed, her big brown eyes flashing.

Paige was unbothered. She lounged back on the velvet couch, long legs spread casually, arms draped along the back. “Sit down.” She began lazily, “Please, Azzi. Five minutes.”

Azzi scoffed, hovering by the door.

Paige dragged her gaze over the brunette. Her black corset top, the tight skirt, the way she seemed to hide away, just a bit. It made Paige was to take her and keep her all to herself. She was perfect. If given the opportunity, she would protect her, cherish her, worship her.

“I just wanted to talk. Without the music. Without the girls.” Paige drawled lazily. “I heard what you said about working here. I want to help you, if you’ll let me.”

Azzi’s frown deepened and her arms tightened around her. “Why? You don’t even know me.”

“You helped my daughter. Because you care,” Paige shrugged. “I want to offer you something different than…this.” She gestured around, “You deserve better than this.” She gestured to the dark room. “You could leave the club. We would have an exclusive arrangement. No kissing. No sex.”

She sighed, leaning further back. “In my line of work, men don’t like dealing with single masc women. I missed out on a 2.3 million dollar deal because I’m single. They went with a company where the owner was married with two kids, even though they aren’t as efficient as me.  Having someone makes me look more stable, more dependable. You’ll be seen with me. Dinners, events, galas, those kinds of things. You’ll be with me, but not with me. No strings.”

Grant was wrong about something. At least I’m still good for my looks. Azzi thought to herself. Yeah, good enough to be a trophy, but not good enough to love.

“Just think about it.” Paige said, standing. “This could help us both. You work Friday, right? I’ll be back in this room at 11. Please have an answer by then.”

[breathlessandbloody]

i just had the greatest idea for my house fanfic

since its gonna be given a house episode format, should I put a song recommendation near the end of the chapter like house episodes do? the song would have the general genre/feel to it as something in the house soundtrack

examples (a few are actually in the house ost):

[torturedfolkloredepartment]

So I found out there were 164 songs that were banned the day after 9/11 so i got curious. Here are all the ones that were banned.

3 Doors Down – Duck and Run

311 – Down

AC/DC – Shot Down in Flames

AC/DC – Shoot to Thrill

AC/DC – Dirty Deeds

AC/DC – Highway to Hell

AC/DC – Safe in New York City

AC/DC – TNT

AC/DC – Hell’s Bells

Ad Libs – The Boy from New York City

Alanis Morissette – Ironic

Alice in Chains – Rooster

Alice in Chains – Sea of Sorrow

Alice in Chains – Down in a Hole

Alice in Chains – Them Bones

Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal

Animals – We Gotta Get Out of This Place

Arthur Brown – Fire

Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian

Barenaked Ladies – Falling for the First Time

Barry McGuire – Eve of Destruction

Beastie Boys – Sure Shot

Beastie Boys – Sabotage

The Beatles – A Day in the Life

The Beatles – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

The Beatles – Ticket To Ride

The Beatles – Obla Di, Obla Da

Billy Joel – Only the Good Die Young

Black Sabbath – War Pigs

Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Blood Sweat and Tears – And When I Die

Blue Oyster Cult – Burnin’ For You

Bob Dylan / Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Bobby Darin – Mack the Knife

Boston – Smokin’

Brooklyn Bridge – Worst That Could Happen

Bruce Springsteen – I’m On Fire

Bruce Springsteen – Goin’ Down

Bruce Springstein – War

Buddy Holly and the Crickets – That’ll Be the Day

Bush – Speed Kills

Carole King – I Feel the Earth Move

Cat Stevens – Peace Train

Cat Stevens – Morning Has Broken

Chi-Lites – Have You Seen Her

The Clash – Rock the Casbah

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Travelin’ Band

The Cult – Fire Woman

Dave Clark Five – Bits and Pieces

Dave Matthews Band – Crash Into Me

Dio – Holy Diver

Don McLean – American Pie

The Doors – The End

Drifters – On Broadway

Drowning Pool – Bodies

Edwin Starr – War

Elton John – Benny & The Jets

Elton John – Daniel

Elton John – Rocket Man

Elvis – (You’re the) Devil in Disguise

Everclear – Santa Monica

Filter – Hey Man, Nice Shot

Fontella Bass – Rescue Me

Foo Fighters – Learn to Fly

Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe

Frank Sinatra – New York, New York

Fuel – Bad Day

The Gap Band – You Dropped a Bomb On Me

Godsmack – Bad Religion

Green Day – Brain Stew

Happenings – See You in September

Herman’s Hermits – Wonderful World

Hollies – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

J. Frank Wilson – Last Kiss

Jackson Brown – Doctor My Eyes

James Taylor – Fire and Rain

Jan and Dean – Dead Man’s Curve

Jerry Lee Lewis – Great Balls of Fire

Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe

John Lennon – Imagine

John Mellencamp – Crumbling Down

John Mellencamp – I’m On Fire

John Parr – St. Elmo’s Fire

Judas Priest – Some Heads Are Gonna Roll

Kansas – Dust in the Wind

Korn – Falling Away From Me

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away

Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff

Local H – Bound for the Floor

Los Bravos – Black is Black

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Tuesday’s Gone

Martha & the Vandellas – Nowhere to Run

Martha & the Vandellas – Dancing in the Streets

Megadeth – Dread and the Fugitive

Megadeth – Sweating Bullets

Metallica – Seek and Destroy

Metallica – Harvester or Sorrow

Metallica – Enter Sandman

Metallica – Fade to Black

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels – Devil with the Blue Dress

Mudvayne – Death Blooms

Neil Diamond – America

Nina – 99 Luft Balloons/99 Red Balloons

Nine Inch Nails – Head Like a Hole

Norman Greenbaum – Spirit in the Sky

Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party

Ozzy Osbourne – Suicide Solution

Paper Lace – The Night Chicago Died

Pat Benatar – Hit Me with Your Best Shot

Pat Benatar – Love is a Battlefield

Paul McCartney and Wings – Live and Let Die

Peter Gabriel – When You’re Falling

Peter and Gordon – I Go To Pieces

Peter and Gordon – A World Without Love

Peter Paul and Mary – Blowin’ in the Wind

Peter Paul and Mary – Leavin’ on a Jet Plane

Petula Clark – A Sign of the Times

Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight

Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell

Pink Floyd – Mother

P.O.D. – Boom

Pretenders – My City Was Gone

Queen – Another One Bites the Dust

Queen – Killer Queen

All Rage Against The Machine songs

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Aeroplane

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge

R.E.M. – It’s the End of the World as We Know It

Rickey Nelson – Travelin’ Man

Rolling Stones – Ruby Tuesday

Saliva – Click Click Boom

Sam Cooke – Wonderful World

Santana – Evil Ways

Savage Garden – Crash and Burn

Shelly Fabares – Johnny Angel

Simon And Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water

Skeeter Davis – End of the World

Slipknot – Left Behind

Slipknot – Wait and Bleed

Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Soundgarden – Blow Up the Outside World

Soundgarden – Fell on Black Days

Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun

Steam – Na Na Na Na Hey Hey

Steve Miller – Jet Airliner

Stone Temple Pilots – Big Bang Baby

Stone Temple Pilots – Dead and Bloated

Sugar Ray – Fly

Surfaris – Wipeou

System Of A Down – Chop Suey!

Talking Heads – Burning Down the House

Temple of the Dog – Say Hello to Heaven

Third Eye Blind – Jumper

Three Degrees – When Will I See You Again

Tom Petty – Free Fallin’

Tool – Intolerance

Tramps – Disco Inferno

U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday

Van Halen – Dancing In The Street

Van Halen – Jump

Yager and Evans – In the Year 2525

Youngbloods – Get Together

Zombies – She’s Not There

[scoutfire]

How about Butterfly Song with 12, 74, or 80??? Idk numbers

jesus is stuck inside my tv screen giving all the answers, but never holding me heaven's too far away, and i can't find no peace is it hell, is it home, or is it me?

80. is it me - st paul and the broken bones

[rodeo-dyke]

music yap sesh 1

i'm the worsttttt music nerd ever😭 worst meaning like how obnoxious i am about it. it is the number 1 thing i talk about non-stop. so mwahahahaha i'm aiming for a career in A&R, and part-time music production and mastering. so here's just me yapping multiple times for no reason🩶😛

march 11, '25 - songs y'all need to start bumping IMMEDIATELY!!!!

may you never forget me - temachii

my my - chenayder @chenayder

safe house - nectar woode

something blue - sarika

beautiful boy - esha tawari

on my body - crae wolf

bite size - sixsaidit

lovebites - lava la rue

black licorice - peach pit

cleaner air - yeek

everybody wants to love you - japanese breakfast

don't delete the kisses - wolf alice

it almost worked - tv girl @tvgirl

get with u - clairo

strawberry letter 23 - shuggie otis

two weeks - grizzly bear

heybb! - binki

pookie's requiem - sailorr

crack rock - frank ocean

april 22, '25 - the most dykey songs to ever dyke (some not *necessarily* sapphic but idc)

most wanted man by lucy dacus @lucydacus (yippee! i got to see lucy live on sat. night :3)

sugar in the tank by julien baker and torres

be my own boyfriend by olivia dean

green eyes by arlo parks @arloparks-blog (i have the most massive crush on arlo🙏🙏)

new flesh by current joys

jackie and wilson by hozier

son of a preacher man by dusty springfield

super massive black whole by muse (alice cullen...)

lethal lolita by red aunts

gunpowder & lead by miranda lambert (fem top revenge song)

worry with you by sleater-kinney @sleater-kinney

i like the way this is going by eels

rollerblades by dominic fike

mistakes by lake street dive (situationships💔💔💔💔)

drag king bar by bitch and animal

butcheress by rabbitology

christmas wrapping by the waitresses (only a lesbian would see their ex situationship and go hey let me spend xmas with you)

meet me in brooklyn by yaya bey

vanilla tobacco by eloise

animal enough by maya hawke

i'll be your woman by st. paul & the broken bones

give you the world by steve lacy

crimson and clover by the shacks

may 10, '25 - i went to a lucy dacus concert and left as a religious person

okay the title is somewhat of an exaggeration because i'm not *actually* religious but i felt closer to any cosmic power than i've ever felt there. i went to the may 9 lucy dacus concert in dallas and it sincerely blew my mind.

i'm not one to cry at movies, books, concerts, plays, etc. unless i'm extremely hormonal. usually it takes me a couple days to process and then i'll cry. however, when i went to that concert and sat in box M... i felt otherworldly.

i was crying like a baby through most of it. i felt like my heart was floating out of my body like those cartoon ghosts post-mortem. me and my best friend wiping each others tears cause the other was too distracted to notice. having silly conversations about elementary school memories in between sets. screaming my life away to night shift like a mega church attendee when they hear oceans by hillsong united. head and heart connected to each and every one in that big ass opera house.

i grew up in the southern baptist church, i moved to methodism, nowadays i'm agnostic of sorts. i never understood those people who sung louder than the choir at church and read bibles 24/7. now i understand it.

i did a presentation called sacred secular in my parents sunday school class a couple weeks ago and it was all about songs that feel holy and sacred and gospel-like but aren't church songs. rejoice by julien baker was the first song on my list. i feel like it really applies to my current state and this concert. screaming the lyrics to all of lucy's songs and airing my grievances without saying anything. embracing my queer joy, grieving my former loves, embracing my hormonal lesbian self, and tearing up over my issues with self-confidence. "i rejoice and complain" is relatable beyond belief. fuck man. i'm sobbing now.

[hobo19]

[baggy-holmes]

I think my Wrapped algorithm is broken. My top 5 were Rise Against, Childish Gambino, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, The Black Keys, and Death Cab For Cutie. While I love 4 out of 5 of those it's definitely not what I listen to on a regular basis.

i know 4/5 of those ! also i agree that it’s broken because for the other 3 artists in my top 5, I didn’t have a ton of their songs on my top 100 even

[etiennedaho]

Michka Assayas reçoit Etienne Daho pour un entretien exclusif et pour partager une exploration musicale à travers une sélection de titres à l'image du chanteur : érudits et passionnés.

Avec

Etienne Daho Auteur, compositeur, interprète et producteur français

Michka Assayas connait Étienne Daho depuis longtemps : "Je me dois de dire que même si nous n’avons jamais été des intimes, nous nous connaissons depuis très longtemps. Je me rappelle qu’un très bon ami à moi, le photographe Pierre René-Worms, le seul à avoir pris des photos de Joy Division en France, m’avait fait écouter la cassette d’un jeune chanteur rennais, Étienne Daho junior. Et j’avais trouvé ça vraiment chouette. Je me souviens de fêtes auxquelles on se croisait, et où j’échangeais quelques blagues, bredouillant, avec ce garçon qui était au moins aussi timide que moi. Pierre n’a jamais cessé de t’accompagner dans ta carrière. Et toi, tu es là, ce soir, en face de moi, alors évidemment, ça me fait quelque chose. Comment le passer sous silence ? Mais je te rassure, comme je rassure celles et ceux qui nous écoutent, ce soir avec Étienne Daho, je ne vais pas éclairer à la lampe torche nos vieilles histoires obscures de musiques écoutées en commun. À l’inverse, même. Ce soir, en Étienne Daho, j’accueille l’explorateur de musiques d’aujourd’hui, à la curiosité en perpétuel éveil".

Le chanteur présente ici une sélection de chansons, parfois très étonnantes : "Il y a plein de choses qui se font aujourd'hui que j'aime vraiment beaucoup ; j'ai l'impression que c'est vraiment dans cette new soul, ou dans le rap américain, que les productions sont les plus inventives et qu'on y trouve vraiment des portes qui s'ouvrent, des choses plus culottées que dans le rock finalement."

Playlist :

Billie Eilish - « BIRDS OF A FEATHER » album « HIT ME HARD AND SOFT » Daniel Caesar - « Let Me Go » album « NEVER ENOUGH »  Mustafa - « I’ll Go Anywhere » album « Dunya »  Labrinth - « Still Don’t Know My Name »  St. Paul & the Broken Bones - « Lonely Love Song » album « Angels in Science Fiction » Jungle - "Back on 74" Sons of Sevilla - « Driving North for Summer » album « Lullabies for a Wildcat »  Sons of Raphael - « Yeah Yeah Yeah » album « Full-Throated Messianic Homage » Unloved - « When a Woman Is Around » album « Guilty of Love »  Étienne Daho - « Come to Me Slowly » album « Surf (Volumes 1 & 2) »

[falloutbradreviews]

Leon Bridges - Leon

R&B singer Leon Bridges started his career by imitating Sam Cooke about a decade ago, and truthfully, I love his debut album, 2015’s Coming Home. It’s not a unique album at all, but he brought a 1950s and 1960s sound to the modern era (as well as brought modern production). A lot of people thought that he couldn’t make that shtick last, and truthfully, I agree with that. Maybe he could have had a couple of albums in that vein, and he did come out with that album during the crux of the 1970s soul resurgence that was happening, thanks to Sharon Jones & The Daptones, St Paul & The Broken Bones, Allen Stone, and others that took note from that era and sounds of music.

Instead, Leon Bridges went into a modern direction with his follow-up, but he still played around with retro sounds. His third album, 2021’s Gold-Diggers Sound, is one of my favorite albums of the last few years, and it plays with a nice mix of neo and retro soul. It goes into a lot of directions, having more of a progressive sound, instead of sticking to one or two sounds. While that album was his most critically acclaimed, it was also his least commercially successful, so a few years later, he’s back with Leon, and I totally forgot this was even coming out this past weekend, but I was instantly excited.

Leon Bridges is one of my favorite artists of the last ten years, give or take, so I’m always excited to listen to a new album of his. I had no idea the direction he would go with this, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this record is almost an acoustic-soul album? Sort of, at least, but there’s a huge influence of 1970s singer-songwriters here, as well as some country and folk, but there’s still just as much soul and R&B. If anything, this record is a smorgasbord of Southern sounds, but it’s a wonderful album that admittedly took a few listens to really sink in. This album is not a super high energy record, but it’s also very smooth, relaxed, and catchy.

Despite how much I enjoy this, I wouldn’t say this is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, frankly, because it doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel, although it’s still great. Interestingly, he moves into a more intimate and personal setting, and the lyrics reflect that, too. The album has really nice universal themes of loving those around you, appreciation of what you have, and reflecting on the past, and its sound reflects that. I love how quiet and relaxed Bridges sounds, and the instrumentation reflects that, too, but that leads me to my biggest issue here — the hooks are that pronounced, and because this album stays within a couple of key sounds, it ends up blending together. It all sounds good, but it all just sounds the same.

I don’t think this album tops Gold-Diggers Sound, because that record was more interesting and more unique, but this has its place, too. It’s a solid little album that would be perfect for the fall, especially if you wanted something that isn’t spooky or scary. I’ve been having a blast with it, even if it isn’t the first album I go to when I wake up, but it’s for a good atmosphere that’s perfect for fans of folk, soul, singer-songwriter music, and pop of the mellower kinds, so if it sounds like something you’d be into, I’d say check it out. While this record doesn’t quite blow me away, and it’s not quite one of my favorites this year, Bridges still sounds wonderful on this thing and it has a real nice sound.

[pinkished]

when u get this, list 5 songs u like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers/mutuals (positivity is cool)((feel free to ignore this and just take the positivity :D))

thank you beeb!!!! sending much love your way!!! 💕💖💕

1. on your horizon - beta radio

2. that you are - hozier + bedouine

3. free - florence + the machine

4. the bug collector - haley heynderickx

5. is it me - st. paul and the broken bones

[bttrflyblu]

St. Paul & The Broken Bones: “Lonely Love Song” KCRW Live from HQ

[musicals-and-mermaids]

Top 10 Songs Game !!

shuffle your ‘on repeat’ playlist and list the first 10 songs that play, then tag 10 people

Ty for the tag @chelseasdagger !!!

(I'm not gonna tag anyone bc there are only like... 3 people who interact with my posts lol but anyone who wants to can!!)

1. All the Ways by The Secret Sisters ft Ray LaMontagne

2. Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan

3. Army Dreamers by Kate Bush

4. Too Sweet by Hozier

5. The Last Dance by St. Paul & the Broken Bones

6. Linger by The Cranberries

7. Gorgeous by Taylor Swift

8. Naked in Manhattan by Chappell Roan

9. Hokus Pokus by Insane Clown Posse

10. Intergalactic by Beastie Boys

I feel like this is both a really good and really bad example of my taste in music, some of these are super deep cuts 😂

Insane Clown Posse only comes out when I'm having a really shit shift at work LMAO

[taylersketches]

Shuffle your favorite playlist and post the first five songs that come up. Then copy/paste this ask to your favorite mutuals. 🎶

is it me by st. paul & the broken bones

why don't you get a job by the offspring

hey driver by zach bryan

let the light in by lana del rey

oh my god by adele

🖤

[atomic-two-sheds]

Thank you for the tag @changelinq

shuffle your ON REPEAT playlist and list the first 10 songs that play, tag 10 people:

7&7 -- Turnpike Troubadors

The Heart of Rock And Roll – Huey Lewis and the News

Whiskey ad You – Chris Stapleton

Follow You to Virgie (Live) – Tyler Childers

Thinking of You – Christian Kane

Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

Desperados Waiting for the Train – Jerry Jeff Walker

Handle With Care – The Traveling Wilburys

Psycho Killer – Talking Heads

Call Me – St. Paul and the Broken Bones

Not going to tag 10, but we'll give @lucyaudley @mbrainspaz @ebony1442 @dangerhousecooks @bubonicpainand @legally-not-guilty a shot

[frick6101719]

tag game: (9) people you'd like to get to know better

Thanks for tagging me, @the-sun-and-the-sea! It's been so long since I did one of these, but I do enjoy them.

1. last song: The Last Dance, by St. Paul & the Broken Bones. It's an apocalyptic dance groove, just like it claims to be. 10/10.

2. currently watching: The new PJO series! Haven't seen the newest episode because I'm watching it with family, but it has been intriguing so far. I also JUST finished yet another run of Sense8 with my Copenhagen roomies, which was AMAZING.

3. three ships: This is extra hard right now, fuck. I have been so out of fandom for the last few months I need some fires re-kindled. But of course, Everlark and Kanej are up there... maybe I'll be That Guy and pick Cato and Caerwyn from my own fic for my third. I'm feeling self-indulgent, and for reasons a bit messy to get into, they've been on my mind a lot recently. So, yeah.

4. favourite colour: As usual, I have been super into chartreuse of late. But like a nice, dark, forest green has also been a vibe. Maybe just green?

5. currently consuming: Tea! And Swedish Berries!

6. first ship: It's gotta be Everlark. I don't really remember getting invested in a ship before THG. Those kids set the bar, that's for sure 🧡💚

7. relationship status: In a relationship.

8. last movie: I cannot remember for sure, but I think Gone Girl. I know I'm so so behind on this train but it was so good. It's always amazing when a movie does its book justice, and WOW.

9. currently working on: Too much, but what else is new. The next chapter of IMKM is always in the works, and I'm picking away at the sequel to The Last Songbird and the mini fic-series I want to build around Only One Reasonable Plea. But I haven't gotten to write in so long! Can't wait to do more in the new year 😊

Thanks again for the tag! I will tag @im-doing-hot-girl-shit, @totchipanda, @rivkah94, @just2bubbly, @clumsyyhearts, @katnissdoesnotfollowback, and anyone else who wants to share!

[mrmusikita]

Llego ese momento en el año donde les comparto mi #TopAlbums2023 con lo que más escuché:

25 - St. Paul and The Broken Bones - Angels In Science Fiction https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/15f4swdHoM3mfnML21afJs?si=8j_kVSyMS5qvyX_dCPg14g

24 - Jon Batiste - World Music Radio https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/0cX1ODY38Nd2LuijmfuSjF?si=aSLl_5D3TfSHxgy8wsua3A

23 - Temples - Exotico https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/62RCqdpcd99Gce2f5IsHX5?si=yB9PNvZDTYaSGJIVZs4baQ

22 - The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The Future Is Your Past https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/2gSCrwFLHcT0OhMgdMy0Qc?si=OQF4l4TwRgm2HREdOi8_sg

21 - Gorillaz – Cracker Island https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/4wtZQMNTC1O79kDxMBsEan?si=Yvo8hrn_RjOL58atszWyyQ

20 - Greta Van Fleet – Starcatcher https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/7i1NJXQNNFZPyjE0W3GPgE?si=Xx_0FCUPRWij9g9tBRTB_A

19 - Rival Sons – Darkfighter https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/5drsoG7zv1wwOSnKBnW2EZ?si=lPswc_HlQkibyH15Zzs-fw

18 - Diamante Eléctrico - Leche de Tigre https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/2jWdBKOz7I73GULBYQU0k8?si=k58P_8JKSveqKcGGXwyg6A

17 - Kali Uchis – Red Moon In Venus https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/5OZ44LaqZbpP3m9B3oT8br?si=Z_cbsrE4R_uxI-FI5s9N5g

16 - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/53X6xpjjMDMfZ5IWMyonvC?si=DxQNctzUQ66gNIRLTIKqNA

15 - The Revivalists – Pour It Out Into The Night https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/20ywcUH2pPpMThaHW1glPK?si=rH1leMpgRL-UmzvT6Qq2fQ

14 - Black Mekon – NEAT! https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/4RdGpBrySgiwcDfhbNPNGH?si=3BMN9R-BTCWWJ9m8FwhytA

13 - Austin TV – Rizoma https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/51ABCq7no09mPcnuPY7kP2?si=gDlqOt1ZTU2SB6PHqeATEA

12 - Camilo Séptimo – Jardín de las almas https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/6qNDuK7TXMUK0aTKsyevYT?si=y_YskSRIToG4XQCEqawb1A

11 - Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman… https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/2ZTDmH94OLjeNaOvT7Ngwk?si=n0EbqrRzSXSO2RW0FW3X5g

10 - Thumpasaurus – Hard https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/6ShQyPj3NmcKvuqB9Wrqze?si=jpOhVpa1Q-uARcnhNbUFxA

09 - Rodrigo y Gabriela – In Between Thoughts…A New World https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/6yX67VKldwmjZEXSLI6kFx?si=d9nARQ6iQQedfNa_L3qqdA

08 - The Nude Party – Rides On https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/5rhWpaut3ohLsONxiS3ffn?si=d3AfCtXJTpmpGj-_NBYuzg

07 - Royal Blood – Back To The Water Below https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/4B9IAqwQaPYHQi7kJcpPFQ?si=whm9ItBPTGKJLov0wEeaBA

06 - Jungle – Volcano https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/5xnXOCf5aZgZ43DgGN4EDv?si=Hd5mPUAGQJ6-NwCdbVwJdQ

05 - Måneskin – RUSH! (Are U Coming?) https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/2kcJ3TxBhSwmki0QWFXUz8?si=0cpxYXVRQL63fs4T57t4eg

04 - Black Pumas - Chronicles of a Diamond https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/641Z6fcF4G5ZbIuCjsi9zo?si=3rnOG2_jS6y-DcPvT0BPWg

03 - DeWolff – Love, Death & In Between https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/4jmQ3CvZiXkeHaLLUHctr2?si=EDoyo2InT2C6_0OHE7zBWA

02 - The Arcs – Electrophonic Chronic https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/3eU8EWUvHf0uls7ucn2aDJ?si=BI5wyiD3QL2sQhp-tqbqYA

01 - The Heavy – Amen https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/album/5GcQhWvQf2nEqCylA5dgpc?si=uS-mxQAtRmm29dlGfMqX6g