#*:･ ECHOES OF THE LOST SONGS OF YOUTH 〈 * MUSIC. 〉

[vickyvicarious]

I love the way everything is said in June 30's episode. Everything, let's be honest. That said, here are some of my absolute favorite parts:

The chains rattling once again and the way Jonathan says "the door - would not - move." The waver in his voice on the word "despair" right afterwards

Honestly, everything about his struggles with the door. The screeching, the effort in his voice on "pulled. and pulled." and "shook it", the way he's breaking down, frantic... finally fading into resignation to the horrible reality.

And then determination not to let that stop him. Reckless, wild indeed, but he will not be stopped this time.

His BREATHING, mentioned now but I wanna emphasize it throughout all the episode! He sounds breathless, almost panting, so much of the time. It's the extreme emotion, the exertion, the complete collapse of all facades, the blood loss... it's excellent

The way he delivers the line "I went through the door in the corner and down the winding stair and along the dark passage to the old chapel." - so quick and all in a rush. It's a horrible journey that only a few days ago was absolutely terrifying, but today it's old news. He moves through quickly, confidently. An echo of the way he went from absolute terror to 'the Count went out lizard fashion again' but more driven.

The genuine horror in his voice when he describes Dracula. His voice stuttering as he says "looking a-as if his youth had been half renewed..." and that EXCELLENT music repeating again throughout, building

ALSO, creepy Jonathan moment? The way he says "the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin... and neck." is sooooo?! He lingers a little on the red lips again but most especially the way he says the word 'neck' almost sounds hungry as well as horrified, it's like he's merging with Dracula a little, I dunno, but it's creepy and amazing

honestly the whole description sounds even creepier read aloud and it was plenty creepy before

"I shuddered as I bent over to touch him" *long steeling breath* "and every-sense in me revolted at the contact." *nearly chokes up, wrestles his voice back* "But I had to search-" GHHHHH

His tears on "or I was lost." and the way seems almost to vanish into the picture of the future he envisions

"the very thought drove me mad" - the roughness on that word gave me chills

Shovel Noise So Good

but then as Dracula sees him, oh god - the low horn, ringing noise, music getting faster

Jonathan's slight stutter on "fore-head"

"But my brain seemed on fire" being so rough and pained, god Someone Hug Him Now (no not you vampires!)

the rush of the wind

"I was again a prisoner" the EMOTION, and on "net of doom" too!

The entire bit where he narrates in present tense is SO much more intense/immediate this way. Love the little stutter on "I - I can hear the heavy feet"

and I'm just sitting here thinking about how hopeless this must feel, after all his effort, after everything - to have the wind itself turn against him, to be trapped once more, to have to just sit there and listen as the key he has risked so much to find is used and then taken away, leaving him as trapped as ever

But he REFUSES to sit and wait.

the way he scoffs so violently when comparing the vampire ladies to Mina, "nought in common"

the quiet desperate way he says "home"

The way he almost sounds hopeful to fall. I wanna cry.

And then ending on "Mina" still so rough and despairing but the love is felt in every part of the word, AUGH

The theme song is so good!

bonus mention of the bonus, as hilarious as it was in the original little clip

[skye707]

What are the different riddlers taste in music, and what would they do if their favourite song played at a social event?

Oh geez, I love this one. You went and did it now. Now, y’all get to have samples from my Riddler playlists >:)

Unburied

Super Bass - Nicki Minaj

The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani

Umbrella - Rihanna

If one of these songs come on, he’ll look over at whoever he’s with, give a big grin, and start doing a little shimmy. He’s not all out dancing, but anyone who’s watching can see that he’s really into it.

ZY

Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind

Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass

London Bridge - Fergie

“Oh, I love this song!!!” Proceeds to turn the volume up to an eleven. He’s singing along poorly and showing off that he knows every single word.

Dano

Dangerous - Big Data, Joywave

Revolt - Muse

Undone-The Sweater Song - Weezer

Moment of surprise, then his little cheeks shoot up into a lil smile. He’s bouncing up and down, not dancing and the bouncing is almost imperceptible, but he’s enjoying these three or so minutes of joy.

YJ

It’s Gonna Be Me - *NSYNC

I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys

Just The Girl - The Click Five

If he was at home, he’d be absolutely getting down. Dancing, singing, grabbing a hairbrush for a mic. However, if he is not at home, his face will go a little red as he looks around at his present company. “Oh, heh, you know this song? Me too! Wow, yeah, it’s, uh, pretty cool, right?”

Gotham

I’d Rather Go Blind - Etta James

Rock Me Amadeus - Falco

Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin

If one of these songs plays in public, he’s surprised at first. Wow, this DJ has great taste, unlike most people! If society calls for it, he’ll break out his lanky dance moves. He’s actually a pretty good dancer, believe it or not.

BTAA

Brujeria - El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

He’s the Greatest Dancer - Sister Sledge

I'm Gonna Live Till I Die - Frank Sinatra

Oh, he’s dancing. No questions asked. This dude will get down at the drop of a hat. It would be extremely embarrassing if he wasn’t such an outstanding dancer. Like wow.

Arkham

Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran

Hyperactive! - Thomas Dolby

Invincible - Pat Benatar

To the untrained eye, it would seem that he had no reaction to hearing his favorite music in public. But if you look very carefully and don’t make a scene about it, you’ll be able to observe as one eyebrow shots up, a smirk appears on his face, and he closes his eyes in adoration of this moment.

BTAS

Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel

I Melt with You - Modern English

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Okay, so I imagine his choice of music for dancing I something you’d find in a ballroom. But if any of these songs come on in public, he’s tapping his toes and snapping his fingers. Maybe a little hop, skip, or a jump if he’s moving around.

Telltale

You Can’t Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones

Can’t Take My Eyes off You - Frankie Valli

Move Over - Janis Joplin

What kind of music does Puzzle Grandpa like? Old music. Good old music. Legendary old music. Songs that echo through the halls of time. Songs that remind him of the spontaneity of his youth. He’s not gonna dance, but that’s only because he’s too lost in the memory. Years ago, what feels like another lifetime, he would have busted a move with the best of them.

[elenavr13]

Darkiplier/Damien Playlist (Updated)

172 songs

Evermore- Dan Stevens

Everybody Wants To Tule the World- Lorde

Control- Halsey

Gasoline- Halsey

Dynasty- MIIA

Judas- Lady Gaga

Take Me To Church- Hozier

Castle- Halsey

Sing To Me- MISSIO

Kamikazee- MISSIO

Panic Room- Au/Ra

Isolate- Sub Urban

Elastic Heart (Rock Cover)- Written by Wolves

Crossfire- Stephen

Dead!- My Chemical Romance

Stressed Out- Twenty One Pilots

Look What You Made Me Do- Taylor Swift

Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson

The Voice of Darkiplier- Markiplier

I’ll Be Good- Jaymes Young

I Wanna Be Yours- Arctic Monkeys

Do I Wanna Know- Arctic Monkeys

In His Eyes- Jekyll & Hyde (musical)

Can You Feel My Heart- Bring Me to the Horizon

Feeling Good- Michael Buble

Can You Feel My Heart x Favorite Dress (slowed)- Miro remix

My Demons- Starset

Achilles Come Down- Gang of Youth

Monster- Skillet

What’s the Use of Feeling Blue- Caleb Hyles

Where I Want to Be- Chess in Concert

Can’t Help Falling In Love- Ice Nine Kills

The American Nightmare- Ice Nine Kills

A Grave Mistake- Ice Nine Kills

Left Behind- DAGames

Farewell II Flesh- Ice Nine Kills

Below the Surface- Griffinilla

The Wrecked and the Worried- NateWantsToBattle

You Can’t Take Me Anywhere- NateWantsToBattle

Goner- Twenty One Pilots

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid- The Offspring

Fake You Out- Twenty One Pilots

Miss You- Corpse

Epoch- The Living Tombstone

In the End- Linkin Park

Me, Myself & Hyde- Ice Nine Kills

The World In My Hands- Ice Nine Kills

Popular Monster- Falling In Reverse

Monster- Imagine Dragons

What I Could Have Been- Sting

Hushh- AViVA

Phantom of the Opera

Darkside- NEONI

Broken- DNMO & Sub Urban

Killer In the Mirror- Set It Off

Doubt- Twenty One Pilots

I’m Not Okay- My Chemical Romance

Friends on the Other Side- Princess and the Frog

Poison- WE ARE THE FURY

Apologize- One Republic

My Lullaby (metal cover)- Jonathan Young

I See Red (slowed)- Everybody Loves an Outlaw

Tear In My Heart- Twenty One Pilots

I Hate Everything About You- Three Days Grace

F.L.Y- Ice Nine Kills

Migraine- Twenty One Pilots

Car Radio- Twenty One Pilots

Demons- MISSIO

Snakes- PVRIS & MIYAVI

Villain- KDA

Royalty- Egzod & Maestro Chives ft. Neoni

The Red Means I Love You- Madds Buckley

Loser- Neoni

Not Ready To Die- Avenged Sevenfold

I Want You- Mitski

Poltergeist- Corpse

Life Waster- Corpse

All Of Me (slowed)- John Legend

Young And Beautiful- Lana Del Rey

Dark Paradise (slowed)- Lana Del Rey

How Villains Are Made- Madalen Duke

Love and War- Fluerie

Dark Things- Adona

Wicked Game- Ursine Vulpine

Neptune- Sleeping At Last

Enemy- Tommee Profitt

Far From Home (The Raven)- Sam Tinnesz

City Of The Dead- Eurielle

Throne- Saint Mesa

Paint it, Black- Ciara cover

Man Or A Monster- Sam Tinnesz

Dark On Me- Starset

Hell’s Comin’ With Me- Poor Mans Poison

Wires- The Neighbourhood

Liquid Smooth- Mitski

Little Dark Age- MGMT

Devil In Disguise- Elvis (LLusion)

Toxic- 2WEI

Dark Room- Foreign Figures & EJ Michels

Heathens- Twenty One Pilots

Dance With The Devil- Breaking Benjamin

Black Out Days- Phantogram

Somewhere Only We Know- Keane

Monsters- Ruelle

Whispers In The Dark- Skillet

Salvaged- NateWantsToBattle

Saint Bernard- Lincoln

F*ck You- Silent Child

I Know Those Eyes/This Man Is Dead- Thomas Borchert, Brandi Burkhardt

Broken Inside- Broken Iris

Sweet Dreams- Besomorph

EVIL- AViVA

Saints- Echos

Screaming Bloody Murder- Sum 41

Dandelions (slowed)- Ruth B

Master Mirror- Ashley Serena

Everyday A Little Death- The Count of Monte Cristo

FREAK- Jordan Friction

Broken (slowed)- lovelytheband

Michelle- Sir Chloe

Like A Villain- BAD OMENS

If It’s Vengeance You Want- Unlike Pluto

Monster- Fight The Fade

Listen Before I Go- Billie Eilish

Mary On a Cross (slowed)- Ghost

R.I.F.P.- MOTHICA

Nervous- Lola Blanc

Unravel- Johnathan Young

Lost In Paradise- Evanescence

Lies- Evanescence

Haunted- Laura Les

Dread- Unlike Pluto

Monsters- Shinedown

Black Soul- Shinedown

Sorrow- Sleeping At Last

Seeing Red- Saint Chaos

Villain- Bella Poarch

Lithium- Nirvana

Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana

Down With The Sickness- Disturbed

Animal I Have Become- Three Day Grace

Greed- Godsmack

One of Us is the Killer- The Dillinger Escape Plan

All The King’s Horses- Karmina

Gilded Lily- Cults

Haunted & Unwanted- NateWantsToBattle

Symbol of My Regret- NateWantsToBattle

In My Head- NateWantsToBattle

Vendetta- Unsecret & Krigare

Nothing To Me- NateWantsToBattle

Chasing Cars- Sleeping At Last

Villain- MISSIO

Used to the Darkness- Des Rocs

Unforgiven- Ghost Nation

Monster- Starset

Eight- Sleeping At Last

Already Gone- Sleeping At Last

Devilish- The Phantoms

Motherland- Reach

Falling Away From Me- Korn

Just a Man- Jorge Rivera-Herrans & EPIC Ensemble

Something Wicked- Starset

Darkness in Me- Fight The Fade

I Would Die for You- In This Moment

Eye For An Eye- Rina Sawayama

Psycho in my Head- Skillet

Done With Everything- Line So Thin

Monster- Besomorph

Twisted Games- Night Panda, Krigarè

Killer Inside of Me- Willyecho

King For A Day- Pierce The Veil ft. Kellin Quinn

someone i’m not- Layto

[irunevenus]

Druidry: The Modern Restoration of an Ancient Celtic Tradition

Druidry is a spiritual and philosophical practice that dates back to the ancient Celtic cultures of Europe, flourishing particularly in the British Isles during the Iron Age. The Druids, central figures in this tradition, were priests, poets, judges, and counselors to kings, with a deep knowledge of the mysteries of nature, law, and spirituality. With the arrival of Christianity, Druidry almost completely disappeared, but in the 18th century it underwent a remarkable revival that continues to influence modern spirituality.

Origin and History of Ancient Druidry Druidry is one of the oldest religious traditions in Europe, with roots dating back to the Celtic period, approximately 1200 BC to the first century AD. The earliest references to Druids come from Greco-Roman sources, which describe these spiritual leaders as wise men, magicians, and holders of vast knowledge.

The Druids served in a variety of roles within Celtic society: they were guardians of sacred rites, educators of the youth, lawgivers, and interpreters of the will of the gods. They were believed to have had a profound understanding of astronomy, medicine, poetry, and philosophy, and their influence was so powerful that even kings and warriors sought their advice.

The Druids' sacred sites included groves, stones, and other natural features, as they believed the Earth was alive and filled with spirits. To the Druids, forests were cathedrals, and trees, especially the oak, had deep spiritual significance.

The Decline and Revival of Druidism With the expansion of the Roman Empire, Druidism suffered a significant decline. The Romans, particularly Emperor Claudius, saw the Druids as a threat to their rule and actively persecuted them, banning their religious practices. However, it was the arrival of Christianity that dealt the final blow to the ancient Druid religion, causing it to disappear for centuries.

The revival of Druidry began in the 18th century during the Romantic period, when a renewed interest in Celtic cultures and traditions emerged in Britain. Groups such as the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) were founded, drawing on the limited historical information available and combining it with modern philosophical ideas and spiritual practices.

The Neo-Druids of the 19th and 20th centuries sought to recreate the rituals and philosophy of ancient Druidry, albeit with considerable creative freedom, as much of the original traditions had been lost. Today, Druidry is recognised as a legitimate form of alternative spirituality, practised by thousands of people around the world.

Principles and Beliefs of Modern Druidry While modern Druidry is diverse and adapts to the needs of its practitioners, it is guided by a few core principles that echo ancient Celtic traditions:

Reverence for Nature: Druids view the Earth as sacred and believe that all life is interconnected. Nature is a reflection of the divine, and seasonal cycles are celebrated as times of transformation and renewal.

The Tree as a Sacred Symbol: Trees, especially the oak, ash, and holly, are revered by Druids. The oak, in particular, is seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Personal and Free Spirituality: Druidry encourages individual spiritual exploration. There is no rigid dogma; Druids are free to seek and interpret the divine in their own personal ways, whether through the ancient gods, nature, or their own inner spirit.

Celebrating Seasonal Cycles: Druids celebrate eight seasonal festivals known as the Wheel of the Year, which include the solstices, equinoxes, and Celtic celebrations such as Beltane, Samhain, and Imbolc. These festivals honor the changes in nature and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

Poetry and Oral Tradition: Druidry deeply values ​​poetry, music, and oral tradition. Bards, one class of druids, were responsible for preserving history and myth through song and story.

Druidic Practices and Rituals Modern Druidic rituals are centered on nature and often performed outdoors in places such as woods, mountains, and water sources. These rituals include:

Druid Circles: Groups of druids gather to celebrate seasonal festivals and perform rituals that honor the Earth and the deities. They create a sacred circle, where the elements are invoked and intentions are manifested.

Rites of Passage: Initiation rituals, weddings (handfastings), birth celebrations, and farewell rituals for the dead are common in Druidry, each steeped in symbolism and spiritual significance.

Meditation and Spiritual Connection: Many Druids practice meditation, visualization, and nature walks as ways to connect with the divine and find personal wisdom.

Druidry Today and Its Relevance Druidry continues to grow as a spirituality that resonates with the modern desire to reconnect with nature and pursue a more harmonious and conscious life. In a world increasingly disconnected from the Earth, Druids offer a vision of spirituality that values ​​sustainability, respect for the environment, and the celebration of natural rhythms.

Through its rituals, philosophy, and practices, Druidry establishes itself as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting ancient Celtic mysteries with contemporary spiritual needs. More than a simple revival, modern Druidry is a living, breathing adaptation of an ancient tradition that continues to inspire and guide those seeking a spiritual path rooted in the Earth and the stars.

As interest in alternative spiritual practices continues to grow, Druidry stands as a powerful reminder that ancient wisdom still has much to offer the world today.

[fridka]

Every year I try and avoid any Eurovision spoilers until the event itself, but I have finally listened to all songs and I have OPINIONS

so keep in mind these are all rather fresh opinions, and some of these songs might grow on me or lose their appeal over time.

Anyway my thoughts on each song under the cut‼️

Albania - Duje - Albina & Familja Kelmendi

I want to like this a lot more than I do. It’s sweet that she’s singing with her family(I think??) and the instrumentals are nice, but it’s all just a bit much.

Armenia - Future Lover - Brunette

Wtf are these lyrics. Wtf is this whole song. This is a front runner? I don’t get it

Australia - Promise - Voyager

YEA THIS IS MY SHIT. First verse I thought was kinda meh but then that chorus hit. I cannot see this win just bc of how eurovision is, but I’ll be checking out more of their stuff. Plus the guitarist is 💖💖

Austria - Who the hell is Edgar? - TEYA & Salena

This song got spoiled for me, but i don’t care because I love it. The lyrics, the opera, the dig at Spotify. Queens.

Azerbaijan - Tell me More - TuralTuranX

I can’t lie i kinda love this one. It’s just kinda awkward and the rap is PRETTY BAD but in this really endearing and charming way. They’re just a couple of guys 🥺

Belgium - Because of You - Gustaph

THIS IS MY SHIT. People don’t like this one? Why it’s amazing. The backup singers, the Lady Miss Kier reference, the nostalgia. I’m not gonna dare hope that this can win, but I want it to qualify so bad

Croatia - Mama Šč!

Oh boy. This one I knew I had to look into because I knew it was gonna be either extremely dumb or extremely political, and thankfully it was the latter. I still think the song is a complete mess but I kinda fucking love this.

Cyprus - Break a Broken Heart - Andrew Lambrou

It’s just a nice song. In a weaker year I think I’d like this a lot more, but as it is it sort of fades next to some of the other entries

Czechia - My Sister’s Crown - Vesna

I LOVE THIS ONE I WANT THEM TO WIN. At first I wasn’t sure about the English parts because it reminded me of Toy (which I really didn’t like), but this has grown on me so much. And the performance. The part with the hand signal for help. Fucking CHILLS. Plus the fashion in the music video, so good

Denmark - Breaking my Heart - Reiley

Den er ikke ligefrem min kop te, og han ligner en der er blevet skabt i et laboratorie i et forsøg på at lave den perfekte tiktoker. Men danmark sender altid noget bras så det er vel on brand :B

Estonia - Bridges - Alika

I’m biased against ballads, and this one sure was a ballad.

Finland - Cha Cha Cha - Käärijä

I LOVE THIS ONE AND I WANT HIM TO WIN. As someone who has social anxiety and who uses to party a lot, the lyrics were oddly relatable lmao. Plus the performance. The shirt the d a n c e

France - Évidemment - La Zarra

SO PERFECT. SO FRENCH. SHE IS GORGEOUS AND I WANT HER TO WIN

Georgia - Echo - Iru

??? The lyrics? Was this song written by ai? It’s painfully awkward and uh.. I think I hate this one

Germany - Blood and Glitter - Lord of the Lost

I think Lordi are iconic so I thought I was gonna love this one, but I kinda don’t. It’s.. a bit boring to be honest?

Greece - What they Say - Victor Vernicos

Yeah these lyrics are way too whiny for me

Iceland - Power - Diljá

It’s just alright. I don’t like it as much as many others seem to do. It’s not bad it’s also just not making much of an impression

Ireland - We are One - Wild Youth

(I can say the following because I lived in Ireland for the better part of a decade) Ireland is an amazing country and has such a rich culture and history to draw from, and yet they always just send boring garbage. I’m sorry but this one is trash, and your man looked so uncomfortable in that outfit

Israel - Unicorn - Noa Kirel

I don’t get it. Am I too old for this? I feel like I am. This song is a complete mess to me but people love it??

Italy - Due Vite - Marco Mengoni

It’s another one of those entries that’s just Some Guy. Nice voice and beautiful language, kinda boring tho

Latvia - Aijā - Sudden Light

Could have been good but it needed more power imo. Another adorable guitarist tho 🥺

Lithuania - Stay - Monika Linkyté

I don’t really know what to say about this one. Very eh

Malta - Dance - The Busker

NOW THIS ONE MAKES ME MAD, THEY SHOULD HAVE QUALIFIED 100%. It’s not quite winner material for me but there is no way they didn’t deserve a spot in the finals over some of the other crap

Moldova - Soarele si Luna - Pasha Parfeni

I usually like (or at least am entertained by) what Moldova puts out and this year is is no exception. This is a capital E Eurovision song, super theatrical and I love it.

Netherlands - Burning Daylight - Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper

I like it as a normal song, but not really as a eurovision song, if that makes sense? I also don’t think his vocals could match hers at all

Norway - Queen of Kings - Alessandra

This is such a Norway entry 💖 there are other songs I like more but definitely deserves to place high. That whistle note

Poland - Blanka - Solo

Oh boy okay so I looked into this one and apparently there was another song people wanted to win, but the Polish government didn’t approve of it so they had the competition rigged and gave her the win? And I’m assuming she’s some dumb influencer or something? Anyway this song blows, Jann was robbed

Portugal - Ai Coraçäo - Mimicat

I like this as a performance only. She is kinda a babe, but the song itself is whatever

Romania - D.G.T - Theodor Andrei

This one is AMAZINGLY BAD. “Take off your clothes step on me” he sings with a super out of place anti-war message sharpied on his chest, while disinterested half naked women walk about the stage looking totally checked out. I love it

San Marino - Like an Animal - Piqued Jacks

Oh these lyrics suck ass as well. I got butterflies in my ears. Pure poetry

Serbia - Sami Mi Se Spava - Luke Black

At first this one was a little too silly for me, since I assumed it was just an edgy song about video games, but it’s grown a lot on me after learning what it’s about.

Slovenia - Carpe Diem - Joker out

Yea this one is legit. This isn’t exactly what I want in a eurovision song, but just as a song this is great stuff. That guitar riff in particular.

Spain - Eaea - Blanca Paloma

I think this one is… interesting, and I think it deserves a spot in the finals, but I wouldn’t exactly call it good.

Sweden - Loreen - Tattoo

Oh my god, okay so probably my most controversial opinion here. I don’t care for Loreen. I didn’t care for her in 2012 and I do not care for her now. I’m obviously not gonna try and argue that she’s not an incredibly talented singer, but I just can’t deal with the terrible enunciation or the annoying interpretative dance. And yea it’s gonna be so disappointing if she wins. Sorry

Switzerland - Watergun - Remo Forrer

Borderline disrespectful and incredibly eyeroll worthy, but regretfully it gets a bit catchy in the second half.

Ukraine - Heart of Steel - Tvorchi

It’s not nice to be all “yeah I know you guys are getting invaded and all, but your entry for silly song contest sucks”, so fortunately I don’t have to do that because I genuinely like this. Kinda reminds me of something from an LCS cinematic. I wish the whole thing was in Ukrainian though

UK - I wrote a Song - Mae Muller - I am biased against UK entries, but this one is fun. Not winner material for me, but deserves to at least make the finals

Overall I think this is a pretty solid year, definitely better than the last couple ones. There’s some really fucking good entries, and a lot of the bad ones are bad in an entertaining way.

[ghostoffuturespast]

Nine Ship Songs

Got tagged by three people, so I guess that means I have to do it lol. Thanks @corpocyborg @luvwich & @another-corpo-rat! Appreciate you thinking of me, and now I get to subject you all to my strange taste in music. (Also, I literally only have the one ship...)

So It Goes - V x River

Disparate Youth - Santigold // we know we want more, a life worth fighting for

White Mustang - Lana Del Rey // you're gonna hit me like lightnin'

C'mon Baby Cry - Orville Peck // take my hand and let it go, call me up anytime

Trouble - Cage The Elephant // trouble on my left, trouble on my right

Wolf - Yeah Yeah Yeahs // in heaven lost my taste for hell

See Me - The Velveteers // so see me, for who i really am

Echo Home - The Kills // so won't you come on home, and make it all right

i don't want to fight - Kimbra // is this what love is? waging a war

Head On (Hold Onto Your Heart) - Man Man // hold onto your heart, hold it high above flood waters

Tagging... (who do i know that hasn't been tagged yet) @shimmer-like-agirl @seeker-of-truth @civilization-illstayrighthere @oranzuwu @quaddmgd @ladykatie512 @tarmac-rat @imaginarycyberpunk2023 @therealnightcity

Also, if you don't have a ship. I'm still up for solo sea shanties for your OCs.

[midnightsslut]

thank you for our thoughtful response to my ranting! and oh i see your point about how yoyok and the manuscript echo each other. this is what that was for. and it is really something that both were written about or soon after the red tv process. a formative time time and album when it happened and then when it happened again. it also maybe puts into perspective not just her speeches but one of the many facets of her lost youth that she explores in ttpd

you know sometimes i think of the last verse of clara bow as being about current taylor replacing old taylor. ttpd is more unexpected and jagged than anything she has ever put out. current taylor is taylor swift with more edge and her future will be dazzling too (i know this isn’t the point of clara bow. i just like to think of it that way)

ttpd was ofc written in the thick of what she was going through last year. the highs, the lows. the fans, the public etc. what i found interesting is that prior to matty making an appearance he deleted his socials, promised to end his asshole era etc. to some extent they both knew there would be backlash imo. but obviously not to the extent it happened. nor did the fantasy BDILH

the prophecy, which i think was written post-MH, has her saying that she is cursed. and to undo that curse (where she pleads for the prophecy to be changed) she offers up her money for company, for her soulmate. that is some departure from yoyok

if you consider her times interview where she talks about her 1989 era dominant career and the pain of losing that. and also consider how midnights was constructed as a bid to get that career back - it just seems startling that having gotten it, having explained in yoyok that she would do it all alone again because this is part of who she is, she still offers up her money because the loneliness at the top is so acute it has her thinking she is cursed

her attitude towards fame definitely had an interesting ebb and flow over the past five years or so. an underrated tidbit about getting her career back is the bejeweled behind the song tidbit we got in october 2022:

the song bejeweled is a song that I think is really about finding confidence when you feel like it’s been taken away for whatever reason. you know, you’re feeling insecure, you’re feeling taken for granted. one of the things we love to do at night is, but we love to go out dancing, we love to put on an outfit that makes us feel good, we love to feel like we’re still bejeweled. I think that there are tiny inflections of me hyping myself up to return to pop music after these glorious years of writing folk songs and being in this metaphorical forest that I’ve created, which I’ve loved so much, but there was a bit of pumping myself up to be like, ‘You can do it! You’re still bejeweled!’

that’s so interesting in light of I hate it here (which describes her life in that metaphorical forest), her betty speeches this year, and what we know about her re-embracing her career post-joever (fresh out the slammer, the alchemy). putting out midnights (with songs like bejeweled and visuals like the lavender haze mv) was the first step there.

[tomorrowxtogether]

Recap: Tomorrow X Together makes its mark on DC during 'Act: Sweet Mirage' world tour

It may have been Tomorrow X Together's first time performing in Washington D.C., but it's safe to say the group left a lasting impact on the nation's capital after their concert on May 16, leaving fans eagerly waiting for their return. The five-member K-pop boy group made its fourth stop on the U.S. leg of the "Act: Sweet Mirage" world tour at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

Before Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai even made their way on stage, the fans – lovingly referred to as "MOA" – were already full of high energy and spirit. Lightsticks, pickets and signs adorned the practically full arena, and cheers and chants immediately broke out when the boys finally hit the stage.

Tomorrow X Together is no stranger to lively and passionate performances, having countless since the group's debut in 2019. And the "Act: Sweet Mirage" tour furthers cements Tomorrow X Together's spot as leaders in South Korea's music scene.

From energetic and dazzling sets to entertaining interactions between Tomorrow X Together and MOA, here are some highlights from the group's first show in Washington D.C.

A journey through TXT's discography

The "Act: Sweet Mirage" tour setlist showcases the vastness of Tomorrow X Together's musical concepts. Youthfulness remains at the group's core with each of its songs showcasing the nuances of what it means to grow up.

"Blue Hour" served as the perfect start. Dressed in princely attire, it felt like the members were inviting MOA into their kingdom (a castle in the background included). Once the boys took on the fan-favorite dance break and confetti rung throughout the arena, the night's journey truly had begun.

Each section of songs had its own feel – a different atmosphere and tone, but still quintessentially Tomorrow X Together. "Drama" and "No Rules" brought a youthful energy with the members changing into jerseys and playfully tossing around a basketball.

From the whimsy and fun of "Magic" to the angsty, rock-style of "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)" and "LO$ER=LO♡ER," Tomorrow X Together transitioned from song to song with different emotions and new outfits.

The group fit 25 songs into the night and never slowed the momentum. Even during the performances without choreography, like "Anti-Romantic," the members' voices carried to emotional heights, highlighting their seemingly unshakable talents.

And no Tomorrow X Together show would be complete without the fan- and group-favorite "Cat & Dog," which had the arena erupt in barks with the outro: "Let's play forever, I just wanna be your dog."

An outpour of love from TXT to MOA and back

The connection between Tomorrow X Together and MOA (which stands for "moments of alwaysness") was so palpable that anyone in the arena's vicinity could just feel the love and support in the air.

"We are finally together," said Soobin during the show. "Thank you so much for making our dream a reality." Yeonjun echoed those sentiments, "I think MOA is the whole reason we keep going."

At one point, the group brought out lightsticks, and each member took a section and showed off different movements, all which exemplified the respective member's personalities.

Yeonjun got the crowd moving even more by teaching the "Happy Fools" dance. The members then went to different sections to watch MOA perform, highlighting some audience members on a big screen.

“I will cherish every moment I spent together with MOA in my heart,” said Hueningkai toward the concert's end.

“As always, our MOAs did not disappoint from start to finish,” said Beomgyu. “You’re the best.”

Tomorrow X Together 'Act: Sweet Mirage' tour setlist

Blue Hour

Can’t We Just Leave The Monster Alive?

Drama

No Rules

Cat & Dog (English ver.)

9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)

We Lost The Summer

Can’t You See Me?

0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)

LO$ER=LO♡ER

Dear Sputnik

Magic

Opening Sequence

Anti-Romantic

Eternally

Good Boy Gone Bad

Tinnitus

Devil by the Window

Angel or Devil

Ice Cream

Happy Fools

Sugar Rush Ride

Farewell, Neverland

Blue Spring

Our Summer

[noloveforned]

welcome to 2024! no love for ned is still here and still on wlur every friday night from 8pm until midnight! i was hoping to have a new theme set to go this week but we're going to stick with our fall 'food songs' for another week.

our last show of the year was the annual look back twenty years ago for our best of 2003 show (now streaming on mixcloud). if you enjoyed the show, you can also check out the previous nine retrospective shows spotlighting 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1993 (1994 will be produced later this year as a special a 30th anniversary show).

no love for ned on wlur – december 29th, 2023 from 8pm-midnight

artist // track // album // label the aislers set // languor in the balcony // how i learned to write backwards // slumberland shout out louds // the comeback // howl howl gaff gaff // bud fox matt suggs // calm down // amigo row // merge belle and sebastian // i'm a cuckoo // dear catastrophe waitress // rough trade the rosebuds // kicks in the schoolyard // make out // merge the lucksmiths // midweek midmorning // naturaliste // drive-in sprites // do it yourself // starling, spiders, tiger and sprites // march camera obscura // suspended from class // underachievers please try harder // elefant st. thomas // a long long time // hey harmony // racing junior bishop allen // little black ache // charm school // champagne school herman düne // why would that hurt? (if you never loved me) // mash concrete metal mushroom // shrimper bearsuit // itsuko got married // itsuko got married 7" // bearslut dressy bessy // baby six string // dressy bessy // kindercore the new pornographers // testament to youth in verse // electric version // matador all girl summer fun band // dear mr. and mrs. troublemaker // 2 // k david and the citizens // graycoated morning // until the sadness is gone // adrian saturday looks good to me // alcohol // all your summer songs // polyvinyl the essex green // the late great cassiopia // the long goodbye // merge beulah // landslide baby // yoko // velocette reclinerland // give up your film career (lenny's theme) // the ideal home music library // hush blanket music // hyper-ballad // read: interpreting bjork tribute // hush tobin sprout // doctor #8 // lost planets and phantom voices // mr. whiggs plastic mastery // i fell in love on the way to a funeral // sverige ep // 555 the thermals // no culture icons // more parts per million // sub pop rainer maria // mystery and misery // long knives drawn // polyvinyl joel plaskett emergency // extraordinary // truthfully truthfully // maple music sloan // false alarm // action pact // vik guided by voices // useless inventions // earthquake glue // matador deerhoof // dummy discards a heart // apple o' // kill rock stars lil' hospital // there could be girlfriend // i wanna be well // best friends the national splits // she's my baby and she's alright // fontana // mr. whiggs murder beach // eight great ways // first string teenage high- songs of tullycraft played by people who aren't tribute // bumblebear casiotone for the painfully alone // jeane, if you're ever in portland // twinkle echo // tomlab bobby birdman // i will come again // heart caves ep // states rights

erykah badu // back in the day // worldwide underground // motown the books // take time // the lemon of pink // tomlab nanang tatang // bunny hop hop // muki // tiger style so // a // so // thrill jockey piana // hide and seek // snow bird // happy broken social scene // anthems for a seventeen-year-old girl // you forgot it in people // arts and crafts califone // michigan girls // quicksand/cradlesnakes // thrill jockey the strugglers // the new room // the new room // tract magnolia electric co. // just be simple // the magnolia electric co. // secretly canadian crooked fingers // big darkness // red devil dawn // merge the trouble with sweeney // the break up // i know you destroy // burnt toast vinyl barzin // past all concerns // barzin // where are my azure ray // hold on love // hold on love // saddle creek seekonk // move // for barbara lee // kimchee sun kill moon // carry me ohio // ghosts of the great highway // jetset the american analog set // come home baby julie, come home // promise of love // tiger style the twilight singers // teenage wristband // blackberry belle // birdman spiritualized // she kissed me (it felt like a hit) // amazing grace // sanctuary the postal service // the district sleeps alone tonight // give up // sub pop her space holiday // my girlfriend's boyfriend // the young machines // mush styrofoam // a heart without a mind // i'm what's there to show that something's missing // morr music howard hello // my friend / the parasite // don't drink his blood // temporary residence pernice brothers // one foot in the grave // yours, mine and ours // ashmont the salteens // damn you // let go of your bad days // drive-in the unicorns // i was born (a unicorn) // who will cut our hair when we're gone? // alien8 the hidden cameras // ban marriage // the smell of our own // rough trade yo la tengo // today is the day // today is the day ep // matador

[collarbonesband]

Collarbones are breaking up. 💔

Our new song is called Lack and it’s out everywhere now.

The final Collarbones album is called Filth and it’s coming out on June 23.

Filth is the final chapter in the long and storied collaboration we started in 2007 with a song called Malone that we made over MSN Messenger, before we'd even met in person.

Half our life later, many things are different but in some ways these methods and locations - remoteness, friendship across borders, the internet as a kind of portal - remain true for us on this album as ever.

Named after a long lost 1995 compilation from Travis' childhood collection, Filth reimagines sounds from the cosmology of 90s alternative culture, the music that first captured our imagination as kids.

This album wishes to echo the feeling of awe that these sounds awoke in us, that angst-rich pre-millennium feeling of vacant ecstasy and suburban trouble that swept through 90s youth from the normies to the freaks.

Of course, these sounds - from nu metal to shoegaze to post-rock to rave music - come back haunted, mutant and hybridised, because nothing is ever the same again.

We look back in a joy that mixes well with horror - these are songs about staring into an abyss gladly and we relish in sounds that are as lurid as they are dreamlike.

Collarbones advocates for bad taste, now and forever.

[maitarussa]

Would you do 🐈, 🎼, &🗡 for Elrond please?

HEADCANON ASKS

🐈 Animal Companionship

Aside from his horses, Elrond has never really had an animal or pet he called his own. Rather, he considers the creatures of the world more on the level of friends or companions— they may join him when they please, and depart and go whither and when they will.

This was a trait shared by his twin, and the young Elrond and Elros frequently were followed outdoors (and sometimes indoors as well) by a small menagerie of wild creatures that they had befriended. Elros was favored by the birds, particularly seabirds, while Elrond found that he connected more easily to the creatures of the land. In particular, forest animals like deer, foxes, and squirrels could commonly be found either playing with him or watching from nearby when he was young.

Over time, and fairly intuitively, he began to learn to speak to and understand animals (and this would also extend to plant life later on, when he became a healer).

🎼 Musical Lorekeeper

Elrond was not so much of a songwriter as a loremaster when it came to music. Being from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, he made sure to learn of and catalogue as much as he could of the instruments, techniques, and sounds of music from the cultures he was born of or raised in. These projects were encouraged and aided by Maglor, who shared with Elrond what he knew of the music of the Vanyar and Teleri and of the Ñoldor of Valinor, and even taught Elrond to play various instruments uncommon to Middle-Earth.

Elros, while not having as much patience to spend in cataloguing, would nonetheless take his twin’s notes and compose music that blended style and instrumentation from all of the peoples that they descended from. This musical style would go on to become almost characteristic of early Númenor.

Throughout Númenor’s existence, these musical styles evolved further, until they took on a life of their own and lost all but the echoes of Elros’ original musical style, though one with keen ears could still pick it out— at least, that is what Elrond wrote in his second volume of musical technique and lore, which catalogued and described the music of the Second Age.

Even long into the future, one might almost be able to hear the ancient music as they read Elrond’s words, and imagine it for themselves.

🗡 The Blade Which Sheds No Blood

In his youth, Elrond was a fierce fighter, and channeled the anger and pain within his heart into his battles. He had no small amount of skill— but as time passed he realized the toll that the taking of life had upon his spirit. During the War of Wrath, when coming up against some of the Men that marched under the banner of Angband, Elrond found himself sickened and horrified at tearing fëa from hröa. The faces and emotional impact of those that he killed stayed with him, and from that point he chose the path of a healer— and to take life only when absolutely necessary.

Nonetheless, he still carries a sword— but the weapon is blunt, and he uses it primarily in defense. This weapon is imbued with power, and Elrond can use it in conjunction with Songs of Power to create a shield around himself and others, revitalizing them and discouraging their enemies from passing a perimeter. This is in some ways similar to the enchantments he uses to guard Imladris. Rather than creating a solid barrier, it is rather a mental discouragement that wards off those with dark intent.

The one exception to Elrond’s pacifism is when it comes to the undead— in this case, the ending of such unnaturally bound “life” is a mercy rather than a cruelty.

[illbeyouranchor]

@takingstockofwhatmattersmost Thanks for tagging me Darling. I love music games.

Tag Game: Shuffle your library, list 10 songs, and tag 10 people.

Dead Sea- The Lumineers

Youth-Daughter

Take you Down- Illenium

Paper Aeroplane- Angus & Julia Stone

New Eyes- Echos

Long and Lost- Florence + the Machine

Magic- Coldplay

Rock ‘n’ Roll- The Sounds

Let’s Get Married- Bleachers

Head Over Heels- Tears for Fears

I didn’t tag anyone but feel free to comment and tell me some of yours!!

[septembersghost]

Nothing beats falling cardigan tbh. I am usually not a fan of mashups but holy cricket........that was literal perfection. It was the song that made me wish they never dated. Their voices work so well together and if you didn't know the songs,you would probably think it is a collab. It's a shame that it's not popular enough

this one? 💚

i'm still not over the imagery in the cardigan video echoing moments from the falling video to the point where it looks intentional, but was probably entirely coincidence? what, i ask the universe, was the reason?!

here's why i think there's a particularly captivating, almost old hollywood romance aspect to their story (and i always feel like i should be clear i don't say this in a current "shipping" type of way, but it is really an intriguing artistic question) - had they not dated, maybe they could've musically collaborated platonically instead, and it would be brilliant because their voices are so beautifully complementary (it's wild how good mashups are, imagine if they created something with intent that was real!). but. if they hadn't dated, and kept coming in and out of each other's lives, and each other's music, they also wouldn't be who they are. not even personally, but professionally as well. that great unspoken dialogue wouldn't be there. what is the album taylor creates following red if not for him? she likely would've pivoted into pop anyway, but that album would not have been 1989, at least not as we know it. (a couple of red tracks vanish too.) suddenly we've lost style and ootw (goodbye to question...? now as well) and ayhtdws and iwyw and hygtg and this love and i know places and wonderland. what replaces them? we'll never know. does any of the trajectory of her life stay the same? is 1989 even as massive? does she meet the same people, go to the same places? her entire career and catalog and life could suddenly shift on their axis. this is true across taylor's life, eliminate one experience, good or bad, and her path changes, but because 1989 was what it was, and serves now as a kind of crossroads, it stands out.

the same goes for harry in many respects - for example, made in the am no longer has certain songs, but far more than that, HS1 is now a *fundamentally* different record. when he goes solo, what does he create? how does it change him and his approach, his emotions, even the core of his songwriting? it's the epitome of - if one thing had been different, would everything be different today? (and i'm not saying the 1 is about this situation at all, but the wondering what-if still makes that a good way to describe it.) i wish we could hear what they might've made together, and yet i love what they actually have made separately. i wish they could work together at some point, but understand why it's impossible.

it's a little bit of a great love story that was never told, and it's a little bit of a potential musical meeting of talent that never happened, and it's a lot...choices and youth and the mystical way the chips fall.

timing is a funny thing.

[dossantosspirit]

Top 100 of 2012 [REMASTERED] 10 years ago I did my first end of the year selection and it was a top 50. By that time I started to discover more music and so, I’ve decided to select the best 50 from that year (a thing I still do until today). This year, to celebrate the decade achievement, I did a remaster to my first top ever I turned it into a top 100. Enjoy! 100. Matt and Kim – Let’s Go 99. The Killers – Runaways 98. Wake Owl – Gold 97. Funeral Suits – All Those Friendly People 96. Wiz Khalifa – Work Hard Play Hard 95. Dan Croll – From Nowhere 94. Muse – Madness 93. Bastille – Flaws 92. Big Sean – Guap 91. Angus Stone – Monster 90. Purity Ring – Fineshrine 89. Chief Keef – I Don’t Like (ft. Lil Reese) 88. The Vaccines – Teenage Icon 87. Perfume Genius – Hood 86. The Ting Tings – Day To Day 85. Bloc Party – Octupus 84. A$AP Ferg – Work 83. Linkin Park – Lost In The Echo 82. The Shins – Simple Song 81. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros – Man On Fire 80. Katy Perry – Wide Awake 79. Future – Turn On The Lights 78. Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go Round 77. Kid Cudi – Just What I Am (ft. King Chip) 76. Mumford and Sons – I Will Wait 75. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe 74. Twin Shadow – Five Seconds 73. Frank Ocean – Pyramids 72. D.I.D. – Teenage Daughter 71. DIIV – Doused 70. Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings 69. A$AP Rocky – Fuckin’ Problems (ft. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar) 68. Kodaline – All I Want 67. Kid Ink – Hell & Back 66. Matisyahu – Sunshine 65. Alabama Shakes – Hold On 64. Icona Pop – I Love It (ft. Charli XCX) 63. Todd Terje – Inspector Norse 62. Kendrick Lamar – Money Trees 61. Chairlift – I Belong In Your Arms 60. Tame Impala – Elephant 59. Paloma Faith – Picking Up The Pieces 58. XXYYXX – About You 57. Death Grips – I’ve Seen Footage 56. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love (ft. Mary Lambert) 55. Alt-J – Taro 54. The Lumineers – Ho Hey 53. Cat Power – Ruin 52. Crystal Castles – Affection 51. Imagine Dragons – It’s Time 50. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together 49. Woddkid - Run Boy Run 48. Sharon Van Eten – Serpents 47. Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks 46. Haim – Forever 45. Jai Paul – Jasmine 44. The Temper Trap – Trembling Hands 43. Panama – It’s Not Over 42. Grimes – Oblivion 41. Flume – Sleepless (ft. Jezzabell Doran) 40. Mac Demarco – Ode To Viceroy 39. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built 38. Miike Snow – Paddling Out 37. First Aid Kit – Emmylou 36. Jack White – Sixteen Saltines 35. Hot Chip – Flutes 34. Two Door Cinema Club – Sun 33. Mac Miller – Clarity 32. Django Django – Default 31. Passion Pit – I’ll Be Alright 30. Miguel – Adorn 29. THGHT – Higher Ground 28. Grizzly Bear – Yet Again 27. Solange – Losing You 26. G.O.O.D. Music – Mercy 25. Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid 24. AlunaGeorge – I Know You Like It 23. Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe 22. Rhye – The Fall 21. M.I.A. – Bad Girls 20. Disclosure – Latch (ft. Sam Smith) 19. Usher – Climax 18. The XX – Angels 17. Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine? 16. Danny Brown – Grown Up 15. Lana Del Rey – National Anthem 14. Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards 13. Bat For Lashes – Laura 12. Santigold – Disparate Youth 11. Sky Ferreira – Everything Is Embarrassing 10. Beach House – Myth 9. A$AP Rocky – Goldie 8. Alt-J – Breezeblocks 7. Fiona Apple – Every Single Night 6. Jessie Ware – Wildest Moments 5. CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share 4. Passion Pit – Take A Walk 3. Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (Drank) 2. Grimes - Genesis 1. Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You

>>> Playlist on Spotify <<<

[mondoradiowmse]

07/24/24 Mondo Radio Playlist

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. This episode: "Without a Trace", featuring classic no wave and more. If you enjoy it, be sure to also follow the show on Facebook and Twitter!

Artist - Song - Album

Contortions - I Can't Stand Myself - No New York

Teenage Jesus And The Jerks - The Closet - No New York

DNA - Blonde Red Head - A Taste Of DNA

DNA - New New - A Taste Of DNA

Theoretical Girls - Parlez-Vous Francais - Theoretical Girls

Theoretical Girls - Electronic Angie (Short Version) - Theoretical Girls

Mars - 11,000 Volts - The Complete Studio Recordings NYC 1977-1978

Mars - Helen Forsdale - The Complete Studio Recordings NYC 1977-1978

Y Pants - Beautiful Food - Y Pants

Y Pants - Off The Hook - Y Pants

Judy Nylon And Crucial - Jailhouse Rock - Pal Judy

Judy Nylon And Crucial - The Dice - Pal Judy

ESG - UFO - Dance To The Best Of ESG

The Raybeats - Tone Zone - Guitar Beat

Bush Tetras - Too Many Creeps - Boom In The Night: Original Studio Recordings 1980-1983

Dept. Of Sunshine - Space Tropics (Rapp-Sody) (Instrumental) - Rude Boys (Single)

James White And The Blacks - White Savages - Off White

James Chance & The Contortions - Disposable You (Live) - Soul Exorcism Redux

Material - Silent Land - Memory Serves

Laurie Anderson - Sweaters - Big Science

Brian Eno + David Byrne - Two Against Three - My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts

Arthur Russell - Wax The Van - World Of Echo

Liquid Liquid - Optimo - Def Jam Recordings 30

Suicide - Rocket USA - Suicide

The Del-Byzanteens With Jim Jarmusch - My Hands Are Yellow (From The Job That I Do) - New York Noise, Vol. 2: Music From The New York Underground 1977-1984

Peter Zummo - Instruments IV: Sevenths - Zummo With An X

Elliott Sharp - Klops Lied (Meatball Song) - Lost In The Stars: The Music Of Kurt Weill

Rhys Chatham - Drastic Classicism - New York Noise, Vol. 2: Music From The New York Underground 1977-1984

The Golden Palominos - Cookout - The Golden Palominos

Kronos Quartet - Bella By Barlight - Winter Was Hard

The Golden Palominos - Hot Seat - The Golden Palominos

Swans - Stay Here - Filth

Swans - Weakling - Filth

Band Of Susans - Hope Against Hope - The Peel Sessions

Rowland S. Howard/Lydia Lunch - Cisco Sunset - Shotgun Wedding

Sonic Youth - Expressway To Yr Skull (Live) - Smart Bar - Chicago 1985

[trendingallworldnews]

‘Indian 2’ Movie Review: Kamal Haasan and Shankar's Sequel Relies Heavily on Legacy and Future Promise

A still from ‘Indian 2’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Introduction: An Underwhelming Sequel Despite the barrage of ideas that usually work wonders in Shankar's films, most of them fall flat in Kamal Haasan-led Indian 2. The sequel relies heavily on its past legacy and future promise, stretching the plot to prepare for the upcoming Indian 3.

The Legacy of Shankar and ‘Indian’ Director Shankar's debut with the Robin Hood-esque Gentleman and the complex political backdrop of his sophomore film Kadhalan set the stage for his third film, Indian. The original film’s poignant backstory and the emotional turmoil of its titular hero, a former freedom fighter turned vigilante, resonated deeply with audiences. Unfortunately, these crucial elements are notably absent in Indian 2.

Plot Overview: A Disengaging Return Senapathy (Kamal Haasan), who ended Indian in Hong Kong, is now in Taiwan, the land where his idol Subhas Chandra Bose died. A group of disillusioned YouTubers trending #ComeBackIndian on social media prompts the veteran to return to his homeland. However, instead of the expected vigilante justice, Senapathy encourages the youth to address corruption starting within their own homes.

A Shallow Exploration of Corruption The most significant takeaway from Indian 2 is its attempt to highlight the personal consequences of fighting corruption. Lives are lost, and families are broken, touching on the aftermath of being morally upright. Yet, this idea barely scratches the surface, lacking the depth and emotional impact of the original.

Recycled Elements and Problematic Tropes Indian 2 revisits familiar templates from Shankar's previous films: grand sets, exotic locales, and elaborate action scenes. However, it also revives outdated and problematic tropes. The film includes an unnecessary scene where Senapathy uses varma kalai to make a womaniser act effeminate, echoing the cringeworthy portrayal of a trans makeup artist in I. Additionally, stereotypes from Mudhalvan reappear, now targeting internet users with bright-coloured hair.

Missed Opportunities for Deeper Commentary The film's depiction of an unskilled doctor operating from a patient's back and equating minor corruption with major crimes reflects a skewed perspective. It strays from addressing pressing issues like the NEET fiasco affecting medical professionals. Shankar’s authoritative and idealistic solutions fail to delve into grassroots-level causes, adding to Indian 2's shortcomings.

A Nationwide Battle Against Corruption Unlike its predecessor, Indian 2 takes the fight against corruption nationwide. The film replaces standard health warnings with “Corruption causes cancer to the nation” and introduces villains from various states involved in different scams. However, the punishments meted out to them lack the cathartic impact of those in the original film.

Unconvincing Characters and Artificial Plot Devices Apart from Kamal Haasan, Siddharth and his gang, played by Priya Bhavani Shankar, Jagan, and Rishikanth, receive significant screen time. However, their struggles lack the emotional weight of the original characters. The reliance on trending hashtags like #ComeBackIndian and #GoBackIndian to drive the plot feels extremely artificial.

A Lackluster Plot and Altered Characters The grandeur of Shankar’s vision collapses without a sturdy plot. The character of Senapathy, once an old, hunched man with stealthy abilities, is now seen performing implausible stunts. The visually stunning ‘Calendar Song’ and other musical numbers add no value to the film, and the fight sequences feel forced and unoriginal.

Disappointing Antagonists and Weak Dialogue The brilliant Krishnaswamy (Nedumudi Venu) from the original film is replaced by his son Pramod (Bobby Simha), a typical Tamil film cop used to highlight nepotism. SJ Suryah, presumed to be the main antagonist in the next sequel, appears briefly, along with other veteran actors like Brahmanandam. The dialogues fail to impress, with lines like “idhu karumam illa, varumam” and “soththu kaga oduna nee ippo death kaga odu” falling flat.

Anirudh’s Music and Nostalgic References Anirudh’s score reuses much of AR Rahman’s original music, which works brilliantly and provides some of the film's best moments. The film includes numerous references to Shankar and Kamal’s previous works, including a homage to Goundamani and Senthil.

Conclusion: Hopes for ‘Indian 3’ Despite a plethora of ideas, Indian 2 struggles to remain relevant and entertaining. The teaser for Indian 3 delivers more intrigue in its brief runtime than the entire 180-minute film. While Indian 2 banks on the nostalgic value of its predecessor, there is hope that Indian 3 will mark a true comeback for the veteran filmmaker and the legendary actor.