#27 the most perfect album

[itsallmouthwashing]

Tulpar- Band Au playlist expansions (27-37)

Obligatory playlist here, and master list here (when I upload that)

Im still working on the meat of the story, I'm just very stuck on where to start :) anyways- song explanations! weee!

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (Set It Off)- Curly writes this after a particularly hard night of insomnia. In an almost manic state he scribbles out the vague concept, bangs on the drums in an attempt to keep time (he can't find the metronome that's on the shelf literally right above him. Just look a little to the up, Curly). In his sleepless state he thinks he’s the first pioneer to find gold. In the morning when he’s finally slept, he almost throws the mess of whatever alphabet he must have chosen last night away. 

Daisuke finds it crumpled on the floor the next day when they show up for practice and asks about it. Curly gets embarrassed and says it's nothing. He couldn't sleep last night and he was just delirious. (YES he’s drinking coffee as he says this). Dai insists they develop this and they do! It goes on their first official album

Black in Every Color (Happy Hour)- Another one of Curly and Jimmy’s early songs. Writing this was how Jimmy found out that Curly has amazing vocal range, and how Curly found out Jimmy could scream. Curly hadn’t really heard Jimmy’s vocals until then as Jim had let Curly do all the singing when they sat down to write and practice. Jimmy has perfect pitch, so he knows exactly how he wants his songs to sound like. Curly has great training, so he could almost always deliver

Drugs (cheridomingo)- Curly writes this one during Jimmy’s disappearance. It becomes part of the album they release during this time. He knows that Jimmy is getting into trouble, doing drugs and god know what else to go out with a bang. 

He can't stand knowing Jimmy may be dying in someone’s coked-out arms. If it has to happen this way, why can't it be with him?

Left Behind (Slipknot)- It’s in Jimmy’s journal. What ELSE can I say fellers. It does carry into Tulpar’s professional career though!

Kill Rock And Roll (System of A Down)- part of Tulapr’s first concept album before Anya and Dai joined. One of the first Jimmy and Curly ever wrote together. When they were tired of working on Ængus they would turn to this one and hop between a few others when inspiration withheld them. Jimmy really wants to do harmonies and they look great on paper, but when the two try and execute it for the first time, they both get confused and try to match the other’s pitch. It takes many tries for them to get the first part, and many many tries after to maintain it. By the time they graduate and greet Dai and Anya into the fold, it becomes part of their practice rounds. 

Sugar (System Of  A Down)- Jimmy writes this one Senior year of high school. When he presents it to the band they are………. Only a little concerned. Curly reassures them that Jimmy is harmless and what he writes he doesn't really mean (He fully means it, but as long as it’s written down then those impulses aren’t acted on. Most of the time. Sometimes. Usually. Guys just trust him--)

He does talk to his friend about kicking loved ones afterward, though. Just to be on the safe side. (Anya hates this song on bass, so her and Daisuke switch up)

Fuck the System (System of a Down)- In Jimmy’s notebook when he and Curly first start Tulpar. Its really hard for Curly to get the drums down when he’s learning so they table it for a while until Curly gets his skill up. When Dai and Anya are around (before they officially join), this song somehow comes up in conversation. (“It is SUCH basic syncopation, Curly- How do you not get this?”) Curly says he could never get the timing down. He playfully states it's because of Jimmy’s handwriting- Jim actually gets defensive about it (who saw this coming? I’m taking bets)- but when Dai takes a single look and rocks the drums no problem, Jimmy is forced to face the fact that they need a drummer that isn’t Curly. (“Hey, maybe Dai could do drums for us!” “You’re doing just fine, Curls.” “Jimmy, I don't like playing drums.” “WHAT?”)

Delusions of Saviour (Slayer)- No lyrics, but this is here because the band loves to use it as a warm-up. Dai works on keeping the beat, while Jimmy, Curly, and Anya warm up their fingers. Curly hums along to the tune, sometimes will do full vocal runs if they’re pushing for time. Jimmy likes to make up lyrics on the spot and mumble them while they’re warming up. [[This is the ONLY song on this playlist that remains the original artists- in this AU the bands still for sure exist, but those songs in particular are written and sung by Tulpar instead of that bad (Sorry, SOAD, your songs are my barbie’s now)]]

Still Waiting (Sum 41)- Another :) early song of Jimmy’s. He writes this around middle school as he slowly opens his eyes to the state of the world. Aaaaaand he channels his frustration over school getting suspended again. 

The Good Life (Three Days Grace)- Another one of Jimmy’s early songs. Him and his parents are living in the shittiest apartment known to man since they had to move on such short notice if they wanted Jimmy to stay on track. One day when it was another ‘fend-for-yourself’ dinner night, Jimmy decided not to bother in finding anything and wrote this song instead. It makes its debut as Tulpar’s song a little later into their concert career when they’re making profit on their music. Jimmy finally shares it, and Curly is surprised he’d share anything from the more personal sections of his journal, especially from that early on. Jimmy would never let Dai or Anya look at his journal even after they joined (but Curly got to look right away. hmm) and from that song forward he tried to be more open with his bandmates. (that quickly ends when dai accuses Jimmy of sleeping with his girlfriend because one song is a little too horny and describes the events of that night almost perfectly)

Last Resort (Papa Roach)- The last song Jimmy writes in his notebook before he disappears. It essentially becomes his suicide note and it’s what throws Curly into a panic. Curly can never bring himself to sing/rap/say the lyrics, when it comes time to perform it, Daisuke takes the lead on vocals. They’re simple enough to keep time with as he stays on drums and Curly has to focus hard on keeping the rights notes to keep himself from hearing Jimmy through Daisuke. 

[wiiildflowerrr]

From behind the Rolling Stone paywall:

'HERE WITH MY EMOTIONS

5 Seconds of Summer’s Michael Clifford Blasts to the Past With Solo Debut ‘Cool’

(2 April 2025)

The singer and guitarist is the third member of the band to release solo material, opting for a pop-punk approach that reflects his earliest influences and revisits pivotal moments.

Back in 2015, 5 Seconds of Summer inadvertently immortalized one of the most unnerving events in their lore-packed history when they titled a deep cut on their sophomore album “Catch Fire.” Months before the record arrived on the pop rock-infused Sounds Good, Feels Good, their guitarist Michael Clifford was burned by pyrotechnics onstage during a concert in London. He physically recovered, but after nearly a decade, the incident and the whirlwind experience of enduring the early years of 5SOS are still stirring up new contemplations. Only this time, Clifford is dissecting them more intentionally through music as he launches his solo debut album, Sidequest, with the reflective single “Cool.”

“I guess I don’t see whatever she sees in me/confidence doesn’t come so easily/When you’re the guy who caught fire with the colored hair/From the band with the song about underwear,” Clifford sings on the bridge of the pop-punk record, which he co-produced with Andrew Goldstein and JT Daly. For what it’s worth, 5SOS have released four full-length studio albums since sharing “She Looks So Perfect” on their self-titled debut. Their most recent, the pristine pop record 5SOS5, saw Clifford step up as a primary producer for the first time. He also leads the bonus cut “Emotions,” which aligns musically and thematically with the direction of his solo efforts.

Last year, Clifford told Rolling Stone: “I’m a serial over-thinker when it comes to anything in terms of my own production. Sometimes it’s crippling, and I’ll just be completely frozen to the point where I’m like, well, I don’t know if this is good, and I don’t know if changing it is good … I’m realizing that there are other incredibly talented people who, if they think something is great, then I’m just sort of being crazy and overthinking the tiny little things. It got to the place that it got to for a reason and maybe you don’t need to dissect things into oblivion in order for it to be any better.”

“Cool” marks Clifford’s first release under his recording deal with Hopeless Records. The label is home to Neck Deep, Pvris, Stand Atlantic, and more with an alumni roster that includes All Time Low, Yellowcard, Waterparks, and Sum 41. 5SOS’ earliest influences existed at similar intersections, but took on less distinct fingerprints as the band sharpened their approach to pop music. But being on his own allows Clifford to lean back into the sound and structure of pop punk as a storytelling device. “It’s kinda hard trying to fit into a new scene/When your clothes only fit in 2015,” he sings over hurried guitars. “You’re the only one I really wanna impress/Try hard and I wish that I could care less.”

Clifford is the third member of 5SOS to launch a solo project. Frontman Luke Hemmings released his debut solo album When Facing the Things We Turn Away From in 2021 before returning with the similarly nostalgia-drenched project Boy in 2024. Drummer Ashton Irwin also has two solo projects under his belt, 2020’s Superbloom and 2024’s Blood on the Drums. The band’s bassist, Calum Hood, is credited as a co-writer on “Cool,” but otherwise has been spending a lot of time on TikTok recently.

“We’ve been a band for 12 years, which is so crazy. I was 15 when we started; now I’m 27,” Hemmings told Rolling Stone last year. “I know solo projects can be scary for fans of bands, but for me it’s the way that the band can live on forever. In my eyes, that’s the way I see it. And I encourage everyone else in the band to follow whatever they want to do — if they’re having time off, having a kid, mowing their lawn. Whatever makes you happy.”'

[wisteriaiswriting]

𝕊𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕝 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤

Includes : If they smoke, vape, do blunts or none | Fav ice-cream flavours | Fav kissing places - giving and receiving | Height | Age | Extras

Words: 1317

In his daily life he won’t do any. The exception being when he’s with any other rich people, most likely smoking one cigar of their choice before calling it quits.

He is someone who likes to put up a front, meaning the smallest things will be covered up, including his favourite ice-cream flavour. When with others he’ll only get vanilla, maybe even a milkshake. But when alone, he’ll eat a tub of honey comb. (Regretting it later for the brain freeze.)

Receiving: While everyone thinks he’s into pda he’s really not, preferring to have any affection behind closed doors. Loving gentle kisses on the side of his neck and butterfly kisses anywhere, since he can’t do the same unless he wants to not see you. Giving: He’s a fan of the classic hand and/or wrist, as it can lead to other things. Mainly grabbing your hand to lead you away, or at night he’ll let it cup his cheek while pulling you closer.

5’10 / 177cm

27 years old

Ever since his late teenage years his eyesight deteriorated, leading to him needing glasses 24/7 now. Unable to see anything clearly without them.

His parents were lightly into astrology, he was given a few books which led him to searching more about it. Currently he has an interest in it, which has been hidden well. But from time to time he will search for Astra around the base to ask and find out some things.

Back at his main residence he has a cat he raised since it was a kitten. It’s a pure white fluffy cat with mismatched eyes, a light brown and a light blue eye. Somehow Fade found out and managed to blackmail him to bring the cat over, for a visit. (It wasn’t a visit.) Eventually the cat just stayed.

The cat quickly found her favourites, Astra, Omen, Fade, Yoru and Reyna. If you looked for her most likely she would be with the protocols other cats. (Standing out since most of them were strays.)

Has smoked in his younger years but when he met his wife she helped him slow down, completely stopping when she revealed she was pregnant with his child. Even after her death he never picked it back up.

If he buys his ice-cream he will buy a tub of hazelnut, he always has a tub somewhere ‘just in case.’ But if he manages to find the time he will make his own ice-cream, making different flavours of tea ice-cream. Storing them away from the others or they will be eaten.

Receiving: When you just start the relationship he won’t accept much kissing, except the occasional back of the hand. Later on he’ll open himself up to pulling his mask just over his nose for a cheek kiss, quickly pulling it down to hide the slight blush. Giving: Majority of his time on base is spent in his lab, which gives the perfect moments to surprise you. Any moment is perfect for him.

5’9 / 175cm

39 years old

We’ve seen how he likes his tea, but he also likes his coffee. Hand pressed coffee grounds, putting a small amount of sugar and creamer inside.

He already gets tea imported but will get more just for him and Sage to share. (They have a list of what ones they enjoy in order.)

In his room, tucked away but still grabable. Is a clearly aged box which he won’t replace, it’s a bunch of stuff from his wife and child. Photo albums, letters, some of her accessories. A pile of baby clothes and accessories, even their birth certificate is in a plastic folder.

The box is something he’ll never look at twice in one sitting. Only seeing the contents once a month.

Iselin is one of the many agents who vape daily, although she can survive without it for a few. Has smoked a blunt a few times in her teenage years and once or twice in between missions, but has slowed down usage.

She will get a small craving from time to time, which she always listens to by indulging in cookies and cream ice-cream.

Receiving: No matter how far into your relationship she will always be 50/50 about kisses, but each end is alway extreme. On the affectionate side she’s all over you, they are also your lazy days. Not getting out of bed due to her crashing on you, leaving long and lazy kisses over your cheek and neck. The other side includes her staying away all day, using any excuse possible. Only seeing you when you both crash for the night. Giving: Ever since you started dating she’s quickly gained a habit after a shared mission, seeking you out to check up on you, ending it in a rushed but emotional kiss. Only ending when someone calls you both back, walking back all red and embarrassed.

5’9 / 175cm

26 years old

Ever since being recruited at the protocol she refuses to work with Gekko and his buddies, and due to her past she was granted an exemption.

Her relationship with Gekko is ‘complicated,’ (In her words.) she won’t say it but in reality she doesn’t hate him.

Ever since she got her prosthetic arm phantom pains have become a lot more present, and after being recruited into the protocol they’ve started showing at least once every week. Majority of them leave her arm unusable, this is a problem Sage is trying to help with.

Killjoy has never done a blunt, smoked or directly vaped, but she has shotgunned with Raze. (Never doing it again.) She is borderline asthmatic so she stays away from most people when they do anything.

She isn’t the biggest ice-cream fan but will eat it. Is also a huge chocolate fan, causing her to get chocolate chip or double chocolate ice-cream.

Receiving: Loves affection but will not let that interfere with her work, on the battlefield and in her lab. Anytype will have it wait until she steps out of her lab, then she’ll smoother you in affection to make up for your lack of love. Giving: Out of all the agents at the protocol she could be labeled the biggest cuddler. Mixing all her love for affection will lead to constant cuddling sessions where you two just lay down and lazily exchange kisses.

5’8 / 175cm

24 years old

If you search her lab (not needing to go far) you’ll find her sketchbooks, many being covered in a range of stuff, mainly paint and oil. They are all full of drawings of 3 things, the other agents, her future tech plans or rare but detailed full page drawings. They are mostly places on missions.

She never sleeps, sometimes having 10 hours over the week. Meaning if you are around you’ll be forced to drag her back to bed, and not hers. Otherwise she’ll get up in the night, take her to yours and lock the door, then she’ll finally get a full night’s sleep. But once she’s in bed she’s out like a light.

Sage  has never been interested in any and won’t do them if asked. Is a massive gum addict, mainly of mint.

Likes her ice-cream kinda basic, strawberry with extra chopped up strawberries.

Receiving: Sometimes she want’s what she gives, so please kiss her injuries once patched up. Enjoys having slower and more intimate kisses, doesn’t like rushing in any aspect. Giving: Isn’t a person who enjoys pda, so all types of affection will be behind closed doors. During her time at the protocol many of the agents have joked about her ‘kissing their injuries better,’ eventually leading her to do it for your injuries. 

5’7 / 173cm

28 years old

She is an avid tea drinker, and will only drink coffee if she’s having a late night. (Her and Cypher will have tea imported only for them to enjoy.)

[midnightswhenyouweremine]

The Thrills Theory

disclaimer: this is my personal take on it. feel free to add onto this theory if i’ve missed anything!

so… has Karlie Kloss already heard 1989 tv? could Thrills be a vault track? was her attendance at the eras tour planned by taylor and herself?

4/21: Karlie posts this on twitter

“thrills 💙🎧🔁” -> blue heart emoji (blue = 1989), all blue outfit, headphones & loop emojis… could Thrills possibly be a vault track on 1989 Taylor’s Version?

8/9: Taylor announces 1989 TV on the last show of the 1st US leg of the Eras Tour

she reveals the release date to be 10/27, the same release date as 1989 (stolen version).

8/9: Karlie attends this show

this is the first (public) Kaylor interaction in 6 years. here she is seen happily taking pictures with fans. Reminder, she was a very important figure during the 1989 era.

189 days: between Karlie’s tweet & 1989 TV’s release date

it’s just too perfect to be a coincidence.

3/2014: the Big Sur road trip 🌼

Karlie and Taylor took this infamous road trip, which was pretty much the birth place of some of the most popular kaylor references/theories.

Big Sur… by… The Thrills…

this is what pops up on google… a song called Big Sur… by a band called The Thrills… interesting.

3/2014: Big Sur & 1989

on their California road trip, taylor showed 1989 (stolen version) to Karlie. she was the first person to hear the album in its entirety.

is history repeating itself? was Karlie Kloss the first person to hear 1989 (taylor’s version)? is Thrills a vault track? why do so many things line up? what does it all mean? so. many. questions.

[surrealisticduvet]

Album Reviews - The First National Band Trilogy

Magnetic South (1970)

You don’t need me to tell you Magnetic South is a masterpiece. We talk about it often because it deserves every bit of praise. 

Favorite parts of the album:

There’s so much going on here that I don’t even know what to highlight as a favorite part. Although there are a few songs he recorded with the Monkees on here, and a few covers, we know he had been saving up new songs until his contract was ended so he could have full control - there must have been a lot to choose from, evident by the fact that he released 3 albums within 2 years. But each song he chose for this first one was careful and impactful - a first step in a new direction. The sound is great, the band is fantastic. Michael has waxed poetic enough about Red Rhodes to fill a dozen reviews so I won’t be a broken record about it here. Just a wonderful album, and yes, Allmusic, Nesmith does yodel a hell of a lot better than the Eagles. 

Critiques:

Truly none. I don’t even know if the alternative album lineup theory from Loose Salute applies here (in an effort to make the album more commercial and streamlined, rather than following the artist’s intended track listing.) The “Nine Times Blue” - “Little Red Rider” transition is seamless and stunning every time. Wait, this is supposed to be the critiques section…

Conclusion:

Perfection! The extra bonus tracks are just the cherry on top, too. 

We'll be right back with reviews for Loose Salute and Nevada Fighter just as soon as you turn the record over (click read more!)

Loose Salute (1970)

LS is probably not objectively better than MS, but it is my favorite of the trilogy just because of the song lineup. It has a more mellow, introspective feeling than the other two, which I think is actually very similar to Tantamount to Treason, later on.

Favorite parts of the album:

After MS, he had sort of knocked out the heavy hitters he’d written during his stint with the M*nkees (after the MS dedications, he would not mention them in public again until 1979, I believe), so he was free to have fun with songs like “Dedicated Friend,” “Tengo Amore,” and “Bye Bye Bye” (which he did soo many takes of to get it right - I like the alternate released version with the audible grunting <3). The version of “Listen to the Band” on this album is my all-time favorite - it’s snappy. I really love his cover of “I Fall to Pieces” as well. And can I just say the "Different Drum - Alternate Version" is definitely his best take of it? Hmm.. have I mentioned every track yet? I love every track. Well - almost…

Critiques:

By this time, he was feeling pressure from the record company to make a hit, for goodness sakes… so the track listing does not flow the way you would expect it to on one of Michael’s albums, and he changed the title of “Carlisle Wheeling” to “Conversations” like a coward – apparently there were some complaints that casual listeners wouldn’t know what the song was called? This is extremely foreign to me - there are people who just casually listen to him?? Anyways, my one true gripe with this album is that I hate the intro to “Hello Lady” - I listen a lot while driving and it always makes me think there’s something wrong with my car. And it is just not a very inventive song. Ah, well. Other than that, no real complaints, just a nitpick - “Silver Moon” sounds better about twenty/thirty years down the line. At 27, he had no business thinking he understood high lonesome.

Conclusion:

I can’t prove that this is his best solo album - but I will say that it’s the one I listen to the most! 

Nevada Fighter (1971)

Generally considered to be the weakest link in the FNB trilogy, but FNB albums are like sex, or pizza… mmm! Where were we. 

Favorite parts of the album:

Side one is pretty much perfect in my opinion - we get a final cut of “Propinquity” (spelled correctly this time) and although I am kind of preferential towards live or early versions, this one is still very good. In fact, many of these side one songs are well suited towards live shows - “Grand Ennui” kicks hard and “Nevada Fighter” is right up there too. Side two is covers, which I still like. The best is “I Looked Away” which is just fantastic, and comical when you consider the LS radio spots where he just decided to promote Clapton’s album instead of his own.

Critiques:

I don’t think “Texas Morning” is the best song he’s ever chosen to cover, and although it and “Rainmaker” sound good, and are done well, I can think of so many things I’d rather hear from him. This album is no shorter than the others, so maybe it’s just because there are less full bonus tracks, but it does feel like you’re getting shorted a few songs. 

Conclusion:

Altogether, I don’t dislike the sound, and I don’t skip listening, but it was definitely the end of an era.

[cliperry]

The Sun 1D live tour souvenir 27 April 2014 (x)

The audience is in a frenzy…more than a thousand girls are plucked from the crowd FROM the opening bars of their Queen-style rock anthem MIDNIGHT MEM- ORIES, One Direction proved they're now a true stadium act. With the band's effortless chemistry, a natural engagement with 30,000-strong crowd. strong vocals and a set list that moved seamlessly from ballads to upbeat pop, the lads achieved the near-perfect outdoor gig. Their latest album was written very much with their first stadium. tour in mind, giving Harry. Louis. material to fill such a large weight a venue. It was clearly an emotional night Pictures: CAL AURAND and CAMILO ZAPATA FONNEGRA From DAN WOOTTON in Bogota, Colombia Liam openly cried for them all and I even caught the usually -go-lucky Harry getting teary happy-go point. at one poin It's little wonder. Just four years ago they were teenage lads with stoto artist for The Auditioning as stars Now they're selling out stadiums in South America. The fact they haven't forgotten their roots couldn't have been any DON'T FORGET PWHERE YOU BELONG song written by Niall and McFly about the need their feet on the ground. to keep There are moments when ID happily acknowledge they are a boyband, though they are at great pains to avoid dance routines. e exception is The their far famous rowing dance from LIVE WHILE YOUNG, which sparks one of the biggest cheers of the night. Zayn focuses on belting out his lead vocal to great effect. Liam. le who has grown in confidence significantly, takes the lead THROUGH THE DARK on It's Harry's turn to take centre stage on HAPPILY the Mumford & Sons-style folk rock tune he wrote for their latest album. This is the closest we're going to a Harry Styles solo perfor mance for some time. It's his song and for once he sets himself apart from the rest of the band, playing to the crowd like a young Mick Jagger LITTLE THINGS, the Ed Sheeran penned track that saw the band first taken seriously by the music industry seth the lads sit down at the head of stage. Hugging girls They say this is their moment to "slow jam, with Niall even strumming on his guitar. Louis and Liam share knowing glances as the crowd sings along to every word. I can tell what they're thinking Is this really happening? The band have always put a lot of importance on communication with their fans during breaks One Direction Philippines Fan Page 27 April 2014 … 85 Write a comment… GIF from the music in each gig and the Where We Are tour is no exception. As Liam announced "Louis has gone for a wee, the band intro- duce short video clips featuring questions from Directioners. This is when I realise quite how young some fans are as one asks: If you could mix two animals together to make one animal what would it be? (Just in case you're wondering. Harry went for a tiger and a fish, while Batman fan Liam chose a bat and a shark) Another local on the big screen a teenage ballet dancer- challenges the lads to perform their best dance moves. Game for laugh. Liam and Niall start to pirouette. Liam ends

up on the floor stretching after attempting to do the splits the Harry and Zayn stand static band's two cool kids simply don't dance at any cost. ID have cleverly constructed a series of new videos to accompany the songs. The most striking is the promo for BETTER THAN WORDS which uses mobile phone emoticons understood language for most fana in place of lyrics. most ID Three quarters in and the audience is in a frenzy that has the potential to be dangerous. More than 1,000 UK TOUR DATES May 23 Dublin Croke Park May 24 Dublin Croke Park May 25 Dublin Croke Park May 28 Sunderland Stadium Of Light May 30 Manchester Etihad Stadium May 31 Manchester Etihad Stadium June 1 Manchester Etihad Stadium June 3 Edinburgh Murrayfield Stadium June 6 London Wembley Stadium June 7 London Wembley Stadium June 8 London Wembley Stadium alin. But then he warns: "Please be careful. Don't push anyone. If you're in the front take a step back." During ALIVE, while Niall pulls out his electric guitar. Harry is on his knees hugging girls in the front row. He adorns ns himself with the e Colom DIANA bian flag as the band perform DIANA A rockier edge WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFULgive rockgou the last song in the main set. Louis tells the crowd: "This has been the been perfect way to start the tour. The lads put o ton new threads for girls are e plucked from the crowd during the full 100-minute set. Harry tells the crowd: "There's a feeling you get when you come out on stage especially on the first night you're just pumped on adren love spark a mini-breakdown from Liam who is in tears. Zayn tells the crowd afterwards: "I'm not going to lie when we were singing You And 1. Liam was crying an STORY OF MY LIFE is equally heartfelt but there's a huge finish with BEST SONG EVER irresistible new pop classic. The lads dash off stage straight into vehicles. convoy and of waiting They're already on their private jet at a nearby airfield as the fans watch a giant fireworks display and beg for more. the start of an extended encore. which is kicked off by fan favourite and new EP YOU AND I It's the ultimate stadium ballad and the massive reaction from the crowd and emotional lyrics about It's no wonder Chris Martin is a ID convert the band could be challenging Coldplay as the UK's biggest stadium outfit in a few years if they continue this way.

I knew from the start they'd go in One Direction… right to the top < By DAN WOOTTON Head of Showbiz IT'S 5pm on October 16, 2010, and I'm sitting beside five ordinary- looking teenage boys in the modest canteen of Fountain Studios in north London, where The X Factor is filmed. joined Simon Cowell in his dress- ing room as he sat in front of a giant TV screen watching his new creation rehearse. Suddenly, there's a loud crash on the roof. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson. Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan all of whom I as me. have only met for the first time minutes earlier are as startled A panicked ITV producer shouts: "Quick, get out of here. The girls outside know you're here and have started to climb on to the roof to try to see you." It was the first sign of One Direction mania and the lads unashamedly loved it. Rather tha teen, they dashed to the leaving the can- the windows to catch a glimpse of their new diehard fans (who would later become known as Directioners). Little did the lads know, situa tions just like that would soon become their new reality. At the time, they were just one act among man many n nervous wannabes including Matt Cardle. Cher Lloyd. Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissel and, er, Diva Fever desperate to be voted through to another week in the competition. Later that day. I I told him about the incident with the fans in the canteen and his eyes lit up. "There's something special there. Dan. Watch them, they haven't peaked yet." Sure enough, within year, One Direction would be the biggest new music act in Britain. And two years later, they were unques- tionably the biggest pop on the planet. They've not changed Like The Beatles and Spice. Girls before them. international music phenomenon. But, most importantly to me, the lads have never become monsters. Not even close. I've spent a lot of time with ID since those early days back- stage at X Factor and, fundamen- tally, they haven't changed. Yes, they've matured but their enthusiasm and excitement at what they're experiencing remains strong. They're still just as cheeky too, always up for poking fun at one another or their tight-knit staff- who have stayed pretty much the same since they were signed to Cowell's record label Syco. Here, I track the journey of

Harry

IT'S almost impossible to sum up the last few years in the life of Harry, who has become a worldwide teen idol, style icon and, most famously, lothario. But the 20-year-old - who is brilliant fun on a night out - is still softly spoken, charming and clearly baffled by the hype that follows him everywhere. More than any other member of the band, Harry's love life has hit the headlines after romances with Caroline Flack, Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner. He says it has caused issues when trying to But Harry has formed a unique group of friends - many of whom, such as Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw, are older than him. He said: "It's nice to hang out with people who are maybe in a later stage of what I'm going through now." Despite how he may be portrayed at times, Harry has a very wise head on him.

[luoyunxifan]

This Moment X With Light (此刻X以光) - Against the Current (逆流而上)

Luo Yunxi's performance of his song, "Against the Current 逆流而上" at his first concert, titled "This Moment X With Light 此刻X以光".

The song was released as a single on July 28, 2019, but included on his album, X, on December 27, 2020.

(more info about the song + lyrics below video)

(Source: 弋如往熙丨罗云熙)

Meaning:

"Against the current" is the most perfect and harmonious unity of "stillness" and "movement" in the philosophical sense. "Stillness" is perseverance. In the oncoming wave, create a direction and rules for yourself. "Movement" is pursuit. Walking against the current may seem to go against the flow, but in fact, the self you are pursuing is more sober, more unique, and more unique.

The whole song is based on the attitude of continuous exploration. The pop rock elements are integrated into the ever-increasing melody. The increasingly compact rhythm brings more calm and resolute courage, giving strength in gentle and powerful encouragement. The song lays out the attitude of breaking through the waves, which is also the attitude of Luo Yunxi along the way. Exploring in struggle, and fighting in the storm. Standing at the present moment, the future self is undefined.

----

Lyrics:

Chinese

我一步一个脚印

等待的不期而遇

时间数龄差一厘 呼吸

听孩子说可笑的梦

大人说的古怪道理

带着同样一种频率在寻觅

路上的每双眼睛都代表着一颗心

你来自不同境遇 相惜

朋友之间的小默契

情人的你爱我爱你

带着信念默默来临 在寻觅

我逆流而上最远的旅行

有多少神秘在悄悄等你

未知的恐惧未知的惊喜

或重 或轻 我相信

再逆流而上 最远的旅行

我一定是你 最大的勇气

答案太虚拟 太多可能性

或暗或明 是自己

路上的每双眼睛都代表着一颗心

你来自不同境遇相惜

朋友之间的小默契

情人的你爱我爱你

带着信念默默来临 在寻觅

我逆流而上最远的旅行

有多少神秘在悄悄等你

未知的恐惧未知的惊喜

或重 或轻 我相信

再逆流而上 最远的旅行

我一定是你 最大的勇气

答案太虚拟 太多可能性

或暗或明 是自己

---

English

I walk one step at a time, leaving footprints

Waiting for an unexpected encounter

Time, off by a fraction—just a breath apart

Listening to children talk about silly dreams

While adults preach their puzzling truths

All searching, tuned to the same frequency

Every pair of eyes on the road represents a heart

You come from a different life, yet we cherish each other

A quiet understanding shared between friends

Lover, you love me and I love you

Silently arriving with belief, still searching

I go against the current, on the farthest journey

So many mysteries are quietly waiting for you

The fear of the unknown, the surprise of the unknown

Heavy or light—I believe

Once more, I go against the current, on the farthest journey

And I know—I must be your greatest courage

The answer is too abstract, too full of possibilities

Whether in shadow or in light—it is still yourself

Every pair of eyes on the road represents a heart

You come from a different world, yet we cherish each other

A quiet understanding shared between friends

Lover, you love me, and I love you

With quiet conviction, you arrive—still searching

I journey upstream, the farthest I can go

So many mysteries lie in wait for you, in silence

The fear of the unknown, the surprise of the unknown

Heavy or light—I believe

Once more, I go against the current, on the farthest journey

And I know—I must be your greatest courage

The answer is too abstract, too full of possibilities

Whether in shadow or in light—it is still yourself

(Source: Baidu Baike, Translated using ChatGPT)

[daily-coloring]

Best of 2024 - Albums

Average year, I haven't even rated any records 100 out of 100 on AOTY, which is sad. Anyway I had some DJ mixes on repeat all year around, for example Shygirl's Fabric mix which is so heavy and so groovy, perfect for driving. Also maybe because I visited Berlin twice this year, this Boiler Room mix gave me goosebumps. Another few also ridiculously good, like SG Lewis & Tove Lo's San Francisco mix, Andre VII's Mexico mix, Miss Monique's DJ Mag mix, the brilliant MAW's live mix from Johannesburg and my recent favorite, Jojo Lorenzo from the states, who made this great darkwave mix last month for Halloween.

But now lets jump onto the albums. Just as an interesting fact, from the top 50 I seen live 6 artists. Yeah, I've been going out a lot. Also went to YES! (my most favorite place in Manchester) to see Clementine Douglas before she even released her debut album. She was fantastic.

01. The Irrepressibles - Yo Homo! - "Diving more into personal narratives now more than ever, the new album focuses on deeply emotional songwriting from such a specific point of view that’s not really touched upon much in the music industry - a complete breath of fresh air that I’ve taken to instantly. Yo Homo relays this punk rebellious sound throughout that unashamedly projects a call for proudness and authenticity, a love letter to the openess surrounding sexuality." - Wilder Records

02. Allie X - Girl With No Face

03. Lola Young - This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway - "Lola Young’s fierce, funny and assertive songs run on outsized emotions, the 23-year-old singer emboldened and finally embracing everything she has to offer. ‘This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway’, Young’s first full-length album, moves with an auteur-like touch to its production; opulent soul set pieces stand tall next to raw, scratchy indie tunes, all of which see the south Londoner face desire in its many complications. It’s a collection that feels equally empowered and tormented. Or, as one Instagram commenter put it, this is music that could make a listener “want to pick up a refrigerator and throw it”." - NME

04. Fontaines D.C. - Romance

05. Tsatsamis - Our Shame

06. Orla Gartland - Everybody Needs a Hero

07. Nadine Shah - Filth Underneath -"Songs of loss and confusion, ‘Filthy Underneath’ is also marked by a certain kind of certainty. It’s as though amid all this pain, all this negativity, Nadine Shah has found herself once more." - Clash

08. Lanark Artefax - Metallur

09. Mahmood - NEI LETTI DEGLI ALTRI

10. Beth Gibbons - Lives Outgrown

11. Kasper Bjorke - Puzzles

12. Nicolas Jaar - Piedras 1

13. ionnalee - CLOSE YOUR EYES

14. Jamie xx - In Waves

15. Andre Bratten - Slay Tracks

16. The Smile - Cutouts - "It is an immersive and all-encompassing record that is at its best when you play it loud, allowing all of the vast textures of sound to wash over you. In its quietest moments, the album is still full of beauty, which simmers beneath the surface, beckoning us closer." - Far Out Magazine

17. Kim Gordon - The Collective

18. Telenova - Time is a Flower

19. Rosa Anschutz - Interior

20. Emiliana Torrini - Miss Flower

21. Golda May - Say It Back

22. Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes

23. Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn - Quiet in a World Full of Noise - "Here, Richard and Zahn have captured grief like a carved piece of obsidian—glossy, beautiful, and sharp." - Pitchfork

24. Nilufer Yanya - My Method Actor

25. Crystal Murray - Sad Lovers and Giants

26. Joywave - Permanent Pleasure

27. Foushee - Pointy Heights - "Creeping under the thirty-minute mark, ‘Pointy Heights’ is full of thrills, a conceptual body of work that makes each moment count. In doing so, Fousheé continues to earn her stripes as a vocalist driven by self-expression, stitching together her intrigue for the past, present and future." - Clash

28. Crazy P - Any Signs of Love

29. Porches - Shirt - "On his heaviest, spikiest album to date, Aaron Maine’s shredded production and raw arrangements evoke existential angst and quotidian despair." - Pitchfork

30. Rachel Chinouriri - What a Devastating Turn of Events

31. Kaleida - In My Arms

32. Erika De Casier - Still

33. NewDad - MADRA

34. Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism

35. Laura Masotto - The Spirit of Things

36. Smerz & Allina - Allina

37. DJ Cam - Broken Melancholy

38. 1010benja - Ten Total - "On his chic, adventurous, hybrid-pop debut, Benjamin Lyman is a world-weary optimist and DIY maximalist with a voice fit for the mainstream yet made for the arthouse." - Pitchfork

39. Polar Inertia - Environment Control

40. IDLES - TANGK

41. Psycho Weazel - boysdontcry

42. The Blessed Madonna - Godspeed

43. L.A. Suzi - Nem sírok, csak táncolok

44. Lime Garden - One More Thing

45. St. Vincent - All Born Screaming

46. Gavin Friday - Ecce Homo

47. Lihla - Socha

48. WILLOW - empathogen - "Throughout the record, she seems committed to tearing down barriers between her potential audiences, just as she enjoys pitting their tastes against each other." - Sputnikmusic

49. Gossip - Real Power - "If you like a bit of retro with a modern twist and music that can both grab your heart and kick your teeth in, I’d give Real Power a listen… possibly whilst eating a Freddo whilst you can still afford one." - XS Noise

50. Jespfur - Pedestrians of Bright Silence

[volkswagonblues]

11, 14, 23, 27 for the music meme! (or whichever question u think is the most interesting)

11.what is the best live music show you've ever been to?

ahaha when Woodkid (remember that guy??) played a massive free show for the montreal jazz fest like 10 years ago. It was the first big outdoor concert I went to and we managed to weave our way to the front of the crowd (NO EASY FEAT). If you listen to Woodkid's The Golden Age he makes very lavish 'movie trailer' music. Just the perfect summer outdoor concert performance.

14. do you have any music related home decorations?

uhh the bf has a shit ton of guitars/synths/cables lying around. He also has a signed disc from Cory Wong ( he of Vulfpeck fame). There's also a giant plushie of Darth Vader playing a lego Fender Stratocaster.

23. Do you create your own playlists? If so, how many do you have?

of course!! what psychopath doesn't?? But I also subscribe to Matthew Perpetua's fluxblog, he's a music critic who puts together INCREDIBLE playlists with names like "NEW WAVE GF PREPPY BF" or "THE COSMIC NOIR".

I'm not sure how many playlists I have in total, but there's a lot. In general though I like listening to complete albums because most artists put a lot of thought into the flow of the songs and the storytelling

27. which musical artist's wardrobe would you like to steal for your own?

all four of the Smiths. Johnny Marr used to work in a clothes shop in Manchester before he focused only on music and I read his memoir, which is like 50% about guitars and 50% about clothes. I

"....even describing his first meeting with Morrissey to biographers over a quarter of a century after the event, he could detail exactly what he wore on the day, including Wild One biker boots, vintage Levi's “rolled up exactly the right height,” and a “proper old American flying men's cap.” He also had a tinted quiff, his look styled on the early Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe. (Morrissey likewise remembered being suitably impressed: “He looked a bit rockabilly, a bit wired and very witty, but also hard and indifferent.”)" (British GQ)

I kinda NEED Andy Rourke's shearling jacket right here. Plus their 1980s jeans. Plus Johnny Marr's hair...

[popentertainmentconcertreviews]

Louis Tomlinson – The Mann Center – Philadelphia, PA – July 27, 2023

Louis Tomlinson brought his Faith in the Future to Philly the other night. The fans were left with a night to remember as Tomlinson brought immense energy and a powerful performance.

The night started out with two opening sets by Andrew Cushin, and Berlin-based band Giant Rooks. Cushin took the stage first as he began his set with “You Don’t Belong,” “Dream For a Moment,” and “Love is for Everyone.” His performance was enthusiastic as he started the show on an incredible note! It was clear how excited he was to be on stage, and it was evident that the crowd felt the same way!

After an incredible set by Cushin, it was time for Giant Rooks to take the stage. It was clear that fans had taken a liking to Giant Rooks throughout their time on tour with Tomlinson, as cheers and screams soared throughout the venue. Their set was booming with energy as they played “Bright Lies,” “Heat Up,” “Bedroom Exile” and “Morning Blue.” Giant Rooks interacted well with the crowd, increasing the excitement that already filled the venue. They noted that it was their first-time playing Philadelphia, and that they would absolutely be back.

At around 9:15, the lights went low, and the venue erupted in screams as Louis Tomlinson and his band took the stage. He began with his song “The Greatest,” which was the perfect choice to get the energy up and the crowd engaged. Tomlinson went on to sing “Kill My Mind” and “Bigger Than Me.” His vocals were strong and passionate as they rang throughout the venue, with the fans singing along to every song without skipping a beat.

Tomlinson shared how excited he was to be in Philadelphia, and the fans made sure he knew they felt the same way. The crowd was a sea of red and black, as fans dressed in outfits celebrating the colors of his most recent album, Faith in the Future. The sense of community and family at this show was incredible, as fans of all ages could be seen sharing and trading friendship bracelets, and bonding over their love for Louis Tomlinson.

His set continued with “Holding on to Heartache,” “Face the Music,” “We Made It,” and a cover of his old band One Direction’s “Night Changes.” The atmosphere during “Night Changes” was indescribable, as the lyrics to the song echoed throughout the venue and the audience basked in a moment of memories from the era of One Direction.

Throughout the whole set, Tomlinson connected with the audience, taking advantage of every inch of the stage, and even venturing into the crowd multiple times. Accompanied by moody red and blue lights, Tomlinson continued his set with “Written All Over Your Face,” “Copy of a Copy of a Copy,” and “Walls,” the title track of Tomlinson’s 2020 debut solo album. The lyrics in “Walls” describe perseverance, overcoming your struggles, and learning from your mistakes. The emotion in this song was reflected in the crowd, as audience members passionately sang along, feeling every word that Tomlinson sang.

Tomlinson took a moment to thank both support acts and share how grateful he was for all of the fans' support before continuing on with a cover of “505” by Arctic Monkeys, “Back To You,” “Angels Fly,” and my personal favorite off of the album, “Out of My System.” As the intro to “Out of My System” began, Tomlinson commanded the stage immediately, once again interacting with the audience, and connecting with individual members of the crowd.

The lights went low once again. After Tomlinson exited the stage, it was clear the audience was not ready for the night to be over, as they instantly began chants of “one more song” and “encore.” Shortly after, Tomlinson and his band took the stage again as Louis stood in the corner of the stage under the spotlight and began the encore with his song “Saturdays.” This was a magical moment as fans lit up the venue with phone flashlights as they echoed his every word.

Tomlinson picked the energy right back up as he began another One Direction cover! This time, he chose “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” off of One Direction’s studio album FOUR. This instantly brought the audience back to 2014, once again bringing back a multitude of memories from the incredible years of One Direction. Finally, Louis Tomlinson finished his set with a heartfelt and powerful performance of “Silver Tongues,” leaving fans with the powerful lyric “Because it’s times like these / We’re so much happier / Nights like these / We’ll remember.”

As the night came to a close the crowd was filled with emotions, and so was I! I have been a fan of One Direction since I was a kid, and Louis Tomlinson was always my favorite member. It was an incredible experience getting to see him perform, and this show was the perfect culmination of his talent and all of his hard work over the years. Louis Tomlinson brought love, positivity, and many, many memories to Philly that night, and without a doubt gave the audience an unforgettable experience! The mutual love and respect between Tomlinson and his fans is truly incredible, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Emma Fox

Copyright ©2023 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: July 29, 2023.

Photos by Kaylee Marie © 2023. All rights reserved.

[hotfuss]

happy week 299, 23-29 january 2009. photos by torey mundkowsky

translation from greek by Vassiliki Kotzia/ vkotzia on instagram

Are they human or are they The Killers? 

Four years ago, when we first heard Somebody Told Me by The Killers, we probably didn’t expected we’d still be talking about them after all this time – let alone see them on the covers of Greek magazines! We couldn’t even believe they were in fact American, from the most unlikely place: Vegas. 

But now we know what hit us! They’re a band with musical depth and original ideas, no ruminations and cookie-cutter songwriting, with solid good songs, not just chart hits and -last but not least- Brandon, a frontman who may not be good looking but has managed to emerge as one of the coolest people of 2008. 

The Killers are here with their third record, a super-mega hit, Human, and according to rumours they will be visiting Greece soon for a live show. Let’s see what they have to say about all of this and especially what is their answer to the question “are they human or are they The Killers”. 

What does it feel like for a band like you to be waiting for their new record to come out?

Dave: We’re just impatient. 

Brandon: We’re excited, yeah. Of course we had to wait until it was perfect and ready to release, so there was a lot of anticipation. We hope this translates in many ways. 

The Killers, as a band, have always been a very visual-conscious band. Do you think art and image really go together?

Brandon: Image is an important part of art. 

Dave: Everyone’s got an image. Even if they wish to be invisible, that’s their image. 

Brandon: We actually follow our songs, it’s the opposite to what a purist would say or do. They’d probably say that a song is some sort of an exaggerated version of a true story or, at least, a fragment of our lives, but we do the opposite: we make the song and we let it pave the way for us. But the song is us, it is who we are! We’re changing, we’re not the same four guys who wrote Sam’s Town or Hot Fuss and we’re doing our best to represent that. 

There’s a lot of saxophone on your new album, maybe even too much…

Dave: Mark, our bassist, has always said he wanted a saxophone solo on a song. We’re open to introducing any new instrument, but the truth is we had no idea how big a change we were making when we decided that. 

…maybe not until journalists started to point it out… 

Dave: You know, we were thinking “let’s add some saxophone”. I like the way it turned out. 

Brandon: There’s no such thing as a non-compatible music instrument. We were really open to new ideas when making this record and the saxophone made the whole thing sound more cheerful. 

In this new album the sound of the 80s is still present. I can hear traces of bands like Talk Talk, The Human League and the Pet Shop Boys. But in some songs, I can hear the sound of Motown or Chicago. 

Dave: We do have a lot of influences, it’s true. It’s interesting that you mention soul music. It’s definitely in there somewhere. 

Brandon: Actually, we got to soul music via David Bowie. But yeah, Motown is impossible to bypass, it’s the essence of American music. 

Your song  Spaceman talks about an alien abduction. I know you come from Vegas, near the infamous Area 51, but how do you expect the audience to perceive the lyrics of this song?  

Brandon: There’s quite an obsession with all things alien! I think we all got that. We all talk about those things with a spark in our eye. Like Fire in The Sky. Have you seen Fire in the Sky? 

Dave: No, how old is that?

Brandon: I was 8 and I’m 27 (he was actually 12, the movie came out in 1993). It’s supposed to be a true story with some guys camping out in the forest, and one of them gets abducted in the end. You gotta watch it, it’s pretty good! 

It seems you don’t want to stick to a specific sound style for long. Each record is an opportunity for something new. Do you fear repetition? 

Dave: Yeah, we’ve always been like this. We have various different influences and we’re not afraid of trying new sounds and going in new directions. It depends on the phase we’re going through while making a record. 

Brandon: Change is inevitable. We’re not afraid of sounding the same, but we’re also not afraid of embracing something new. We could easily make Sam’s Town vol.2 but when we got together in the studio, it just didn’t go down this way. 

Lyrics-wise there seems to be some nostalgia for a rather old-fashioned way of life. Is it a response to the fast-paced life we live or is it just the result of growing up, having kids etc? 

Brandon: It’s the pursuit of a more simple life. You know, we’re living in interesting times. You never know when the next great inventor will show up and give us something that will make our lives a lot easier, and that’s great. But at the same time, it seems our fundamental values are fading away. That’s why I want to bring forward things like romance, devotion etc. It’s kind of sad these things seem out of fashion nowadays. It’s sad they sound out of place to the kids of today. 

It's true people don’t even communicate properly anymore. I rarely make any phone calls, it’s all texting and messaging… 

Brandon: Yeah, and don’t get me started on simple things like saying hello to people out in the street! They just freak out, it’s insane! I still do it though, just to see people’s reactions. There’s always someone who looks at me in disbelief like “why did this dude just wave at me?”. Both Dave and I grew up in small towns and let me tell you, I still got this picture of my dad in my head, waving at cars passing by. You don’t get to see that any more. 

The chorus of Human was inspired by Hunter S. Thompson. Are you a fan of his?

Brandon: Aren’t we all… You know, I found out that in France, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” has been translated as “Las Vegas Paranoid”! You always learn something new! 

Are you inspired by literature in general? 

Brandon: I don’t read too much, to be honest. I’m obsessed with writing lyrics and I’m trying to get to read more. Only recently, I read “On The Road”, at the same time when we were making this record. I’m a bit of a laggard but that’s a new world for me. 

Do you think you’d be making different music if you lived somewhere else? 

Brandon: Nevada is beautiful. I love going to New York, London or Paris -its romantic side, especially. But after 10 days or so, I’m scouring the horizon for the mountains. It’s a simple place, where we live. 

Dave: I love playing live. It’s hard being away from home, but we love what we do. Our job is to play music and entertain people with our songs, that we try so hard to write and record. 

Brandon: We go places we’d never visit otherwise. I don’t think I’d even know about, let’s say, Panama if our music didn’t take us there. 

I understand your music is received differently in different places around the world. 

Dave: There are dramatic differences, yeah. In Europe audiences differ from one country to another. In Germany, for instance, our fan base is growing steadily. Hot Fuss did pretty well but Sam’s Town smashed it. And Human is huge there, from what we hear. 

Brandon: You may think we got big overnight, but if you take a closer look you’ll see that we did it one step at a time. A lot of people think we just shot to stardom but that’s not what happened. We tried to do everything based on a plan, from the way we formed the band to the way we perform live. And I have to say, things are going according to that plan. 

Even with all these additions to the music & arrangement, your new album sounds a little stripped compared to your previous work. You’ve given your music more air to breathe. 

Brandon: Yes, there’s more space. That’s a sign of maturity and it feels good that we’ve got to this point, but I also kind of suffer with all this space at our live shows! I mean, I’ve got used to our tight live performance, you know, I’m running around throughout the show. But now, Dave has this long guitar solo at the end of Losing Touch… what the hell am I supposed to do? 

Dave: Come have fun with me! 

Brandon: I mean, I love the solo but what am I doing there? I’m still learning, I guess…

You’ve said you’ve done a lot of work with Stuart Price via email. How does this work? Have you tried it before? 

Brandon: Yes, it’s true and he made it sound fresh! It felt like he started working on pre-production before we even hit “send”. Then he’d send his ideas back to us and we’d either agree or disagree. Then we got together in the studio for about a month and we recorded the songs. I read about this new record Brian Eno did with David Byrne. They did the same thing and only got together for a couple of weeks and finished the whole thing. They totally outran us! 

Is it a convenient way to work?

Dave: It’s convenient. Even if you’re in another city or another country, if you come up with a good idea you can email it to the rest of the guys. You don’t even have to get out of the house. And then the other guys can work on it and when we go to the studio we already have the backbone of a song.  

Killers bits & pieces 

Brandon & Dave met in August* 2001 and started writing songs together right away. 

When they started the band they had a different drummer and bassist, but they were replaced by Ronnie & Mark in early 2002. 

The were named after a fictional band appearing in the music video of New Order’s Crystal. 

Their main influences include artists like the Rolling Stones, U2, New Order, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, David Bowie etc

They say that the best thing about being in a band is that you don’t actually “go to work”

Before becoming famous, full-time musicians, the members of The Killers worked various jobs. The worst ones? A Telemarketing company and a fast-food restaurant. The first one was bad because they had to bother people that didn’t want to be bothered and the second one…just stank. 

Their journey to stardom began from the UK. In early 2004 they were completely unknown in their native US. 

They have sold over 12 million  records worldwide. 

Brandon is a practicing Mormon and his son is named after a Mormon prophet. 

Dave recently lost his mother and Brandon’s mother is currently fighting a serious illness. The closing track of Day & Age “Goodnight, Travel Well” is dedicated to both of them. 

A Dustland Fairytale is about Brandon’s parents who met in high school and are still together, after 44 years. 

Stuart Price’s real name is Jacques Lu Cont. He has worked extensively with Madonna, Keane and Gwen Stefani, just to name a few. He first collaborated with The Killers in 2005 when he did a fantastic remix to the (twice as fantastic) Mr. Brightside. 

Brandon says “I know I shouldn’t be reading reviews but I do. It’s so easy, it’s just a click away. It’s stupid and I’m stupid but I still do it”. 

Another stupid thing the otherwise lovely Brandon has done back in 2004-2005 was to systematically trash-talk other bands like The Bravery, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco. He’s taken it all back. 

Notes: 

The interview is from early 2009, just a few weeks before TK were announced as the headline act at Rockwave Festival, Greece’s biggest festival at the time. The show got cancelled at the last minute, due to a freak thunderstorm. (In Greece, open air concerts don’t go ahead in the rain)

[olliegolliegee]

1. ideal date location?

2. favorite mlm song?

3. what makes you feel loved?

4. are you single or taken?

5. how many crushes have you had?

6. what's your type?

7. do you develop crushes quickly?

8. best show or movie for a date night at home?

9. what are your favorite flowers?

10. what would you give as a gift on an anniversary?

11. what's your favorite album?

12. what's your love language?

13. what are some pet names that make you blush?

14. do you read fanfiction?

15. any fictional crushes?

16. loud boys or quiet boys?

17. any characters you headcanon as mlm?

18. what's your comfort food?

19. last song you listened to?

20. best compliment you ever received?

21. kiss on the lips, cheek or forehead?

22. scalp massage or back massage?

23. any celebrity crushes?

24. what's your guilty pleasure?

25. do you like PDA?

26. how do you prefer to be comforted?

27. favorite way to express affection?

28. big spoon or little spoon?

29. fav love language?

this one spot on a trail in my area. a bunch of rocks on an cliffy thing next to the trail. that sounds perfect. laying down or sitting on or hopping across the rocks, under the open sky, hiking up and down and putting flowers in your hair

not sure if it's aaaaaactually an mlm song but "good old fashioned lover boy" by queen. my goofy answer is "lookin good" by dixon dallas

being sought out. that's how i feel i know that i'm actually valued

single

idk man i don't count

i don't even know if i have one. i always end up crushing on friends tho

really depends. sometimes it's an "OH SHIT THEY'RE REALLY COOL UHM wait shit this is a crush" and sometimes it's a really, really slow realization with a hell of a lot of denial

something fun that we both love. OOH maybe princess bride!! quote at each other, smile, laugh

any and all flowers are amazing. i will also take a bouquet of random branches and leaves and shit (honestly that's better)

something small that's really something they'd like. searching the local little antique store for cute little things would be pretty great. also deeeeefinitely a cheesy date night

ARGHHHHH uhhhhhm i've gotta say, stadium arcadium by red hot chili peppers has a really special place in my heart

quality time and physical touch, i think

god, i really don't know yet. gonna have to find out

yeah. im on tumblr ofc i do

luka couffaine. AAAAAAAAA HE'S SO SWEET. a relationship with him would be the absolute healthiest relationship ever and i am HERE FOR IT. and he wants to be a luthier. MY STRINGY LITTLE HEART IS SCREEECHING RN

both are great, but usually loud boys. like damn, ask for what you need. make them goofy ass comments with me. YELL WITH ME

saying this because a new kotlc book came out but. cmon bro ravioli is canon. alvar is the gayest. also entirely ship fedex (we got the best ship names)

annie's mac n cheese

gonna guess "ophelia" by the lumineers? don't remember what songs were playing on the radio or in the cvs

having someone who i thought didn't like me send me a card in residential saying she thought i was really cool and wanted to be friends with me. she even printed out and sent pictures of goat statues she found and thought of me. for my birthday she gave me a trip to house of bagels, which is where we had our first real conversation. all the little things she do make me feel so valued, she's amazing and thoughtful. still gotta figure out how to actually text her, my computer's acting up

lips :)

BOTH PLEASE

i mean. does stravinsky count. THE FUCKING SWEETEST DUDE WITH THE BEST MUSIC

watching american housewife. it's like one of those shitty tv shows but it's actually really good. it's awesome. dude why is it so good it makes me smile and it has a happy loving marriage it nearly makes me wanna cry

some. hand holding, arm around shoulders, all of that is amazing. kind of uncomfortable with anything long and overly intimate. most i'd be comfortable with is a quick kiss towards the sides of wherever we are

cuddled.

saying happy, sappy, genuine things and seeing them starting to actually believe what i say

both. either. both

physical touch and quality time

[taylor-on-your-dash]

Swift Ascent - Dolly Magazine - May 2009

Original Scans; Conducted on March 14, 2009 in Sydney

As usual, this was transcribed for the interviews spreadsheet.

DOLLY's Emma V meets Taylor Swift and discovers she's the perfect antidote to trashy starlets like Paris and Lindsay, proving once and for all that nice girls really do finish first.

I'm standing in the middle of an excited crowd on a Saturday night in March when a tall blonde walks onto the stage. "I feel like we should get to know each other," she says into the microphone "I'll start - my name's Taylor, I'm class of 2008, koalas ave my new favourite animal, and I officially love Australia". The crowd roars in approval, while 19-year-old Taylor Swift grins from ear-to-ear. Watching her flit across the stage ina micro-mini green sequined dress, it's hard to believe we're just a hop, skip and jump away from Mount Kosciusko at the "CMC Rocks the Snowys" country music festival. But like the festival itself, which is free of line-dancing and boot- scooting. Taylor is a contradiction Born in the small US town of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Taylor surprised everyone when she developed a passion for country music "The kids at school thought it was weird that I liked country -they'd make fun of me," she confessed recently. But Miss Swift didn't let a little thing like peer pressure put her off "discovered Shania Twain, Faith [Hill] and the Dixie Chicks, and I found all these things in their songs I could relate to country music told stories that made me think."

RELUCTANT SUPERSTAR As I wait backstage for my interview with Taylor, it's obvious when she enters the room, even though I can't actually see her due to all the people trying to catch a glimpse - I haven't seen so much fuse over ane person since interviewing Jessica Alba! Despite the hangers-on and the gaggle of minders rushing around, she appears relaxed and cheerful as she records a TV interview. Watching all the craziness unfold, it's hard to believe the statuesque teen (she stands at 180cm, the same height as supermodel Gisele Bündchen) was a loner at school. "Junior high was actually sort of hard, because I got dumped by this. group of popular girls," she revealed during an interview recently. "They didn't think I was cool or pretty enough so they stopped talking to me when I'd sit down at the lunch table, they'd get up and move. Or as I was setting up my equipment to sing karaoke at the town summer festival, the kids would shout horrible things."

TAYLOR BY NUMBERS Costume changes in her live show: 1 (she ripped off her black tee and jeans to reveal a green sequined shift dress) Signed first song-writing deal at 13 Scored first number-one at 16 Number of friends on MySpace: 1,177, 650-and counting! Number of albums sold: 6,000,000+

THE TAYLOR EFFECT Finally it's my turn to chat to Miss Swift, but before I sit down, she extends her hand and says, "Hi, I'm Taylor." I'm impressed -most celebrities fail to observe basic pleasantries when you meet them. As we chat a number of things strike me: her skin is like porcelain- I have to fight the urge to ask if it's real. Her hair is her signature thing-flowing curls which are naturally honey blonde (she's never coloured her hair), and her eyes-even when the questions get more personal, her blue eyes atay fixed on me the whole time. Many industry people say it's this natural air that sets Taylor apart from other young musicians. "I didn't want to write songs about being on the road and being in hotels and missing your family and missing your friends," she says. "I'm inspired by boys and love. Those are my favourite things to write about." After Joe Jonas dumped her in a 27-second phone call, Tay didn't get angry: she simply used the experience to pen the track "Forever & Always" which was a late inclusion in her top-selling alburn, Fearless. I ask her if she worries about whether potential boyfriends will be scared off by her candid song-writing style. She pauses, before saying, "I think my motto on that is that if guys don't want me to write bad songs about them, they shouldn't do bad things". It's a little piece of Taylor wisdom to take home, along with a photo and a hug that makes me think we could all use a bit of Taylor's sunny outlook in our lives.

TAYLOR TALKS, ER, SWIFTLY ON

HER DEATHROW MEAL "A huge cheeseburger, large fnes and a chocolate milkshake." WHAT MAKES HER SMILE "When I've just figured out the perfect word to go in that gap I was missing [in a song that s when I am at my happiest." BEING IN LOVE "I don't think I've had one great love of my life. Love is interesting because you can feel like you are in love and then after, you realise that if it had been that great love, then it would have lasted." HER SECRET TO MYSPACE SUCCESS. "My success on MySpace has come from not treating my MySpace as a promotional site, like I just wanted to get a lot of fans and use them to buy my albuma. I just wrote on my MySpace [about] who I am as a person, what I like, what I don't like. I think that being real with people is the best that you can do Just be yourself if you keep having to reinvent yourself, eventually you'll run out of things to be." HER LAST BIG SPLURGE "I bought a tour bus this year-that was a big splurge! But that's like where I live, so it's sort of like investing in a new house on wheels. It has a treadmill out the back, it has a shower, a complete bathroom, wood floors, a huge bed and a chandelier over the bed. It's really fun!"

[black-arcana]

IN THIS MOMENT Announces 'The Godmode Tour Part 2', BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale

IN THIS MOMENT will embark on "The Godmode Tour Part 2" this fall. Support on the trek, which will kick off on November 8 in Asheville, North Carolina and end on December 7 in Manchester, New Hampshire, will come from KIM DRACULA, NATHAN JAMES and MIKE'S DEAD.

A special BLABBERMOUTH.NET presale will begin on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and end on Thursday, August 15 at 10:00 p.m. local time. When prompted, type in the presale code " ITMBBM24" to access tickets before the general public. Check back here on Wednesday for ticketing links to individual shows. General on-sale will be Friday, August 16 at 10 a.m. local time.

Tour dates:

Nov. 08 - Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Nov. 09 - Roanoke, VA - Berglund Center Nov. 11 - Huntsville, AL - Mark C. Smith Concert Hall Nov. 12 - Atlanta, GA - Coca-Cola Roxy Nov. 13 - Orlando, FL - House Of Blues Nov. 15 - Shreveport, LA - Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Nov. 16 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center Nov. 17 - Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street Pavilion Nov. 19 - Kansas City, MO - The Midland Theatre Nov. 20 - East Moline, IL - The Rust Belt Nov. 22 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino Showroom * Nov. 23 - Rockford, IL - Hard Rock Live Rockford # Nov. 24 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave / Eagles Club Nov. 26 - Madison, WI - The Sylvee Nov. 27 - Gary, IN - Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana & Nov. 30 - Columbus, OH - Kemba Live!# Dec. 01 - Windsor, ON - The Colosseum & Dec. 03 - Toronto, ON - History Dec. 05 - Cleveland, OH - The Agora Dec. 06 - Reading, PA - The Santander Arena Dec. 07 - Manchester, NH - SNHU Arena

* KIM DRACULA only # KIM DRACULA, MIKE'S DEAD only & NATHAN JAMES, KIM DRACULA only

IN THIS MOMENT's latest album, "Godmode", arrived back in October via BMG. The LP was produced by Kane Churko (ROB ZOMBIE, DISTURBED, PAPA ROACH) and Tyler Bates. Bates produced, wrote songs for, and played multiple instruments on albums by MARILYN MANSON, BUSH and ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell. He is best known, however, for scoring the box office smash "300", the Emmy Award-winning Showtime series "Californication", the "Guardians Of The Galaxy" and "John Wick" film franchises. IN THIS MOMENT's song "I Would Die For You" appeared on the soundtrack for "John Wick: Chapter 4", for which Bates wrote the score.

With a Grammy nomination ("The In-Between", 2021),platinum and gold record sales, multiple Top 25 entries on the Billboard Top 200 ("Black Widow" and "Ritual"),hits including "Whore", "Blood" and "Adrenalize" and career streams of more than 1.3 billion, you'd think IN THIS MOMENT might rest on their laurels. Instead, they've created "Godmode", 10 dynamic songs that mark a new high for the quintet, further cementing their legacy in the heavy music world. Proof positive is in "Godmode"'s first single, the industrial-heavy yet ultra-melodic "The Purge", and its darkly cinematic video directed by Jensen Noen (BRING ME THE HORIZON, DEMI LOVATO). From the portentous start of the '90s-tinged "Godmode" with Maria Brink's powerful primal scream to the pitch-perfect cover of Bjork's 1995 "Army Of Me" to the impassioned pain to partnership in "Everything Starts And Ends With You", "Godmode" is a cut above.

The L.A.-based band's eighth album finds vocalist Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth writing the most powerful songs of their career.

"We're always striving for reinvention and growth. It's been 10 years since our 'Blood' album, and there's been a lot of transitions happening, this year particularly, but it all felt so meant to be," explains Brink. Top talent aided and abetted IN THIS MOMENT; Spencer Charnas from ICE NINE KILLS guests on the pointed and pained "Damaged", and several songs were co-written with Tyler Bates, the award-winning producer and composer of numerous film, television, and video game scores. In fact, the initial collaboration with Bates, the moody, haunting mid-tempo winner "I Would Die For You" ended up both on the "John Wick: Chapter 4" soundtrack and as the last cut on "Godmode".

IN THIS MOMENT, a touring juggernaut who've slayed stages worldwide at Ozzfest, Warped Tour, Download, Knotfest and Rocklahoma, put out "Mother" in 2020, during the pandemic, giving fans something to hold on in during that bleak time, and earning "The In-Between" the band's first Grammy nod. It was 2021 when Howorth and Brink first wrote with Bates on "I Would Die For You". Following that collaboration, the duo were writing organically, for pleasure, not focused on the next album. As the pandemic waxed and waned, Howorth learned programming, and created music around synthwave sounds, which Brink leaned into. Her lyrical ideas arose both from soul-searching and "humanity and so much crisis and so many heart-wrenching things in the world. That negativity and darkness is how songs like 'The Purge' came about," Brink explains.

The end result is that when IN THIS MOMENT went into the studio in January 2023, the easy flow had allowed them to compile the most songs they'd ever written at one time, songs the entire band loved. Longtime producer Kevin Churko helped shape ITM's sound starting in 2008, but for "Godmode", his son, Kane Churko, was at the helm.

"Kane's got all the strengths that his father taught him —everything, all the bells and whistles, but he's got some new tricks because he's a younger generation, he's hungry," says Brink.

Kane was the perfect match for IN THIS MOMENT's inspired songs.

"During the pandemic, just writing versus writing with a pressure that music has to be for an album, allowed us the freedom to make the record we made," says Howorth. "Godmode"'s songs gained even more strength in the studio, with Kane shaking up the band's usual m.o. even further.

"Having some songs by Tyler influenced us as well," Brink explains. "It was scary for the band, but it ended up flowing just so beautifully. We felt very experimental."

That flow gave the album its name and theme. "Godmode" isn't religious, rather it's an expression for a triumphant flow state where all comes together seamlessly, coalescing into an ultimate form. As Brink sings in "Godmode", "You got me feeling so high / You lift me off of my feet yeah / You got me feeling like, feeling like / I'm in Godmode." In video games — Howorth plays the game "Destiny" — "God mode" also refers to a code that makes a player invincible.

"There's a spontaneity in this album that you can hear. It's a little more visceral. And that we're not with Kevin, who has done all our albums except for our very first, fans will hear those differences too, which is really cool and exciting for us," Howorth says.

"We had all this built-up energy from the last three years, we felt angst, we felt we had a lot to release," furthers Brink. "And we were letting it loose organically, while also playing with different time signatures and interesting things like that." "We use an 8-string on the album, which we haven't done before," Howorth says. "We did some different tunings, and it can definitely be freeing from guitar standpoint, the way we did things this time. Working with Kane was different and more off the cuff, being in the studio, getting creative and just trying a bunch of different stuff on every song. It was a really good experience."

As fans of Brink's lyrics know, life in and around IN THIS MOMENT hasn't always been easy. As Brink recalls, "When I met Chris, I was just a starry-eyed girl with huge dreams. And he was in a PANTERA-like metal band!" She told Howorth she wanted a heavy lineup that could sell platinum and win Grammys. The band had an early manager who told them it would never happen. But his dismissiveness only fueled IN THIS MOMENT's fire, energy and fight. "We're just relentless," says Brink. "Anything's possible if you really put your mind and energy into it."

For "Godmode", that energy also went into the "The Purge" video, where director Noen brought his artistry and next-level talent to Brink's storyboard ideas. The larger-than-life video themes and sets have been translated into IN THIS MOMENT's live stage show, literally. And summer 2023 saw the band on its first arena co-headlining tour with full pyrotechnics.

"Our whole lives we've talked about being in an arena and having fire and a full show," Brink says. "And now we're doing it and it's just so beautiful."

IN THIS MOMENT certainly have nothing to prove, the lineup's authority assured live on record and onscreen. Yet, "Godmode"'s energy and scope is visceral.

"With our new ideas and excitement and Kane's energy of wanting to prove himself to everybody, we were able to show that we're heavy and just as impactful as every other new band coming out right now," says Howorth. "We can punch you right in the face, that energy is in there big, time. I think our fans are really gonna like this album, because it's taken us back a little bit where it began, but it's also more instinctive, and heavier than anything we've done a long time," concludes Howorth.

Brink, a private person, nonetheless gives and takes much strength from ITM's millions of fans. The healing is on both sides.

"It's amazing if my songs help people feel empowered. When humans share painful things that we went through and how we heal from it, we can help each other and pass that energy on," she says. "Honestly, the most beautiful thing about being in a band is being able to have that connection with strangers who become kindred spirits. Sure, I have urges to wear 'masks' and hide from everything and wear makeup, but I like to share and be honest and vulnerable. The sky's the limit," Brink concludes. "You just have to keep dreaming, keep expanding, keep pushing yourself to that next level. I feel like something is shifting right now in the band; this is such a special moment for us with 'Godmode'."

Photo credit: Joe Cotela

[mytastessuck]

The Residents: Commercial Album

Objectively one of the greatest works of art on the planet, The Commercial Album's development is almost as interesting as the music itself. The whole thing is another dig at Top 40 radio but with a twist: Every song is around one minute as a commercial jingle. As a stunt, the band purchased 40 minutes worth of advertising space on San Francisco's most popular radio station at the time, KFRC, to play the album's songs over and over again for three days. Art or advertising? Who cares when these lucky bastards got to listen to Margaret Freeman on their morning commute?!

Easter Woman

Yes, the perfect ad for a grieving service for your dead spouses! Excellent and ominous!

9/10

2. Perfect Love

Steady thumping beats about whatever you choose to be affectionate with. Perfect for a cock ring commercial.

7/10

3. Picnic Boy

Perfect for an anti-fat shaming PSA...or a chain of restaurants called Picnic Boy.

9/10

4. End Of Home

Eerie and sounds like an approaching intruder...perfect for a security alarm system!

8/10

5. Amber

Got a good western theme to it. Perfect for a cowboy-themed diaper commercial!

8/10

6. Japanese Watercolor

Vaguely far eastern. Perfect to advertise an art gallery!

8/10

7. Secrets

An almost childish melody to accentuate the anxiety of keeping a personal matter (interesting if you know Hardy Fox was gay). Perfect for an antivirus ad!

10/10

8. Die In Terror

Literally horrifying. Perfect tune to advertise any horror movie with. Even Hobgoblins.

10/10

9. Red Rider

Another western themed one. This is perfect to advertise a dude ranch with!

8/10

10. My Second Wife

A bouncy tune that's perfect for any spouse to enjoy! Perfect for advertising a divorce office.

7/10

11. Floyd

Probably the most Residents song on the album with heavy synth and poppiness used to drown out the odd lyrics. Perfect for advertising Taco Bell!

8/10

12. Suburban Bathers

A nice creepy tune about watching others...probably. Perfect for advertising real estate.

9/10

13. Dimples And Toes

A tune that calls to mind horses galloping. Perfect for the defunct chain store Toys R Us!

7/10

14. The Nameless Souls

A nice jingle that feels more like gossip than a song. Perfect for advertising a dating service!

8/10

15. Love Leaks Out

The group gets factory sex on us with machines imitated through their instruments. Perfect for advertising Pep Boys!

8/10

16. The Act Of Being Polite

Absolutely a path through madness. Perfect for advertising therapy services.

10/10

17. Medicine Man

Pounding basses (think that's what they are) accentuate a harmful jingle. Perfect for advertising hospitals!

8/10

18. Tragic Bells

Sounds like a dirge played after a wedding. Perfect for advertising funeral homes!

8/10

19. Loss Of Innocence

The reverb really helps the vocals on this one. Perfect for advertising the phone book!

9/10

20. The Simple Song

A song simple enough that kids can sing it to you while you try to sleep! Perfect for advertising Lionel's Coin Bank!

7/10

21. Up And Downs

Alternating pitches in the vocals really helps the sell the song's titles. Perfect for advertising Chutes And Ladders!

8/10

22. Possessions

A steady tune that never stops picking up throughout the song. Perfect to advertise Dasani to!

7/10

23. Give It To Someone Else

Fretful and anxious, definitely the song you want to pass to another ear like a hot potato. Perfect for advertising condoms!

9/10

24. Phantom

Creeping and threatening, like it was composed by Erik himself. Perfect for advertising Broadway!

7/10

25. Less Not More

Bubbly and fun. Perfect for advertising champagne!

8/10

26. My Work Is So Behind

A bunch of sudden stings make the horror in this song apparent. Perfect for advertising Staples!

9/10

27. Birds In The Trees

Is that a sitar? Sounds like it. Anyway, this is perfect for advertising a botanical garden!

9/10

28. Handful Of Desire

Plinky and sounds like something mice would compose in the church. Perfect for advertising Victoria's Secret!

8/10

29. Moisture

Nice and slippery, as befitting the title. Perfect for advertising Ikea.

9/10

30. Love Is...

You need the drums to have the ladies sing. You just do. This is perfect for advertising a bridal gown shop.

7/10

31. Troubled Man

A surprisingly stringent theme for a troubled song. Perfect for advertising adoption services!

8/10

32. La La

Still hearing a bit of the Western in this one. Did I mention I just left a farm? Anyway, this is perfect for advertising Woody's solo film.

7/10

33. Loneliness

Don't let the loudness fool you. This song encapsulates the melancholy perfectly. Perfect for advertising League Of Legends!

10/10

34. Nice Old Man

Creeping and jarring, like every old man! Perfect for advertising retirement homes!

8/10

35. The Talk Of Creatures

Mumbling of creatures inside you...the obvious advertisement choice for a vet!

9/10

36. Fingertips

Such gallantry that you expect from knighthood. Perfect for advertising Renaissance Faires!

7/10

37. And Between Dreams

Definitely what you hear before you go to sleep. Perfect for advertising a mattress store!

7/10

38. Margaret Freeman

My favorite song from the album so expect no bias when I say it's Andy Patridge's (Sally Sandwich's) best work and should be preserved for future generations to discover. Perfect for advertising Bailey's Ice Cream.

100/10

39. The Coming Of The Crow

Practically getting into metal at this point. Perfect for advertising a Ford truck.

10/10

40. When We Were Young

A perfect way to send you off...and perfect for advertising Power 99 FM.

8/10

Album score: 105/100

Next album is Mark Of The Mole. Hopefully the band will make it through it.

[poppinlovemp4]

3 and 27 for the ask gamee

omg these ones were fun thank youuuu they also got kinda long so putting a readmore here

3. who is your bias in your favorite groups and why?

exo: chen! it was ksoo for a decade but ummm ive made my thoughts on his career path pretty clear in the past i think. anyway post-military especially chen's persona's become so charming and silly it's really fun to watch him... more than that his continuing dedication to #The #Craft is really admirable like already one of the best vocalists to ever hit kpop and he keeps evolving every year in every relevant way!!!

wayv: xiaojun😭 i really love his voice like his timbre is very special to meeee i think every group should have one guy that's really good at sounding like he's on the verge of tears. and his failboy persona is so funny + i also really admire how dedicated he seems to be & how much he really loves the stage it's nice to see.. but being real it was like fully a looks thing initially i saw one gif of him during phantom era and then full plunge got into wayv because of it so. well

rv: seulgi... like everyone else in the world LOL but she is ofcourse the most gorjest in the world but also so cute and talented and one of the only group member become soloists to release an album that i genuinely really enjoy all around from the concept to the music (though i still remember thinking the concept pictures would result in something way cooler than the mv 😭). and her stage presence is sooo needed in rv i think

ill stop at those 3 but generally with the exception of rv im like hardcore main vocal bias idk it's the same every time and not on purpose 😭 like for shinee it's jonghyun, for apink it's eunji, for snsd it's taeyeon, my fx bias was luna, the only aespa member i keep up with is ningning,

27. your favorite vocalists?

helpp kind of answered above but. um all listed & also i have my issues w wendy as a person but where she sings from is like perfect to me. lily nmixx's voice is lovely too but i dont really like their music so i dont listen much... yves as well! and taemin's timbre is gorjest