#I listened to choir music the whole time I was drawing this

[striderepiphany]

I watched The Batman (2022) for the first time recently and I like this little freak 🩷

[amiserableseriesofevents]

Wherever you find love (it feels like Christmas)

24 Clegan Christmas drabbles for 24 days!

Prompt from here (but randomized)

[Day 1] [Day 2] [Day 3] [Day 4] [Day 5] [Day 6] [Day 7] [Day 8] [Day 9] [Day 10] [Day 11] [Day 12]

[Read on AO3]

Day 13: Carols

Modern AU, wc 1484

On Christmas Eve the town center is packed with people who are making some last minute presents runs — these include one John Egan, who’s always doing things at the last possible minute “because he thrives under pressure, Buck” and definitely not because of his undiagnosed ADHD.

And as it is well known it’s almost impossible to see John Egan out and about without his best friend Buck Cleven — is best friend the right word? When are they going to finally cave and admit the feelings they have for each other? Jury’s still out on that — who of course has already done his Christmas shopping well in advance especially to avoid the Christmas Eve’s crowd.

So here they are, marching around the town center, John speaking a mile a minute seemingly without ever draw breath and Buck — who’s actually Gale, as he never tires to repeat, but everyone seems to have forgotten it — right by his side in silence, holding John’s shopping bags for him when the other’s too busy gesticulating. He might look annoyed to the untrained eye but those who know him are able to read the deep affection in his eyes, an amused expression in the curve of his lips where he keeps his toothpick, a fondness that goes well beyond friendly feelings in the faint blush that blossoms on his cheeks whenever John slings one arm around his shoulders or grabs him from one arm to drag him towards this or that shop.

“I think I’m done now!” John exclaims satisfied as they step out of a bookshop with two more wrapped parcels in the bag. It’s almost dinnertime, he needs to hurry back home for the family meal his mom’s spent the whole day cooking for if he wants to be alive to see Christmas tomorrow.

“You sure? D’you have one for your mom?” Buck asks.

“Yes, that jumper we bought earlier.”

“Your dad?”

“We got him that fancy inkwell for his fountain pen.”

“Sisters?”

John shakes the bookshop’s bag. “We just got those, Buck!”

Another imperceptible smile graces Buck’s mouth at that. “Hey, I’m just making sure you didn’t forget about anyone. Remember that time you left your mum without a Christmas present?”

“I do,” John says shuddering at the memory. “But I swear, this time I got everything right on time. Yours I got it weeks ago,” he adds with a wink.

“You got me a present?” Buck asks, surprised and delighted. “You shouldn’t have.”

“Hey, you mean you didn’t get me one?” John shoots back to which Gale responds, almost offended, “Of course I got you one, it was the first I got.”

“See? You get me a Christmas present, I get you a Christmas present. That’s how it works when people love each other Buck, they exchange presents,” John says, hoping he hasn’t been too forward. He knows he loves Buck, definitely as more than just a friend, but he wants to be sure the other’s on the same page before risking ruining their friendship.

He doesn’t know how his words warmed up Buck’s heart, he misses the spark of unchecked hope in his eyes because a sound makes him turn around: there’s a small crowd forming in the square, everyone stopping to listen to a group of singers. They’re all dressed in red, with Santa’s hats or reindeer’s antlers on their heads, and their voices are in perfect harmony as they sing Christmas carols. With a silent nod John grabs Buck’s hand once more and drags him closer to the choir, a wide smile on his face as he listens to the music; it reminds him of his childhood, when he would walk around town with his parents and sisters and they would always stop listening to the carolers, or sometimes it was the carolers who came to their house and John would stand at the door in his mother’s arms, his head against her shoulder as the songs went on.

He turns to Buck to tell him, it’s a story he’s sure he hasn’t shared before, but he’s taken aback when he notices that his friend looks sad, that particular kind of melancholy in his eyes John’s always ever seen there when it’s something to do with Gale’s childhood. He leans in closer, just enough to whisper in his ear. “You ok Buck?”

When Buck just nods, John pushes further. “You wanna leave?”

“Not if you wanna listen,” Buck answers but John shakes his head. “I’ve heard them thousands of time and I’m running late, let’s go,” he says.

When they’ve walked far enough from the crowds that Buck feels comfortable speaking, he says, “I used to love carolers, they came to all the houses down our street on Christmas Eve and it was so nice, they were so good. I was always the one answering the door because I knew my dad wouldn’t like them, but one year I didn’t get there in time. He was drunk, obviously, and started shouting at the carolers before they could even start singing. I think he even threw an empty bottle of them, I’m not sure, the only thing I know is that they never came back to our house after that year. They would go down the street and avoid us like the plague. I can’t blame them of course, but I wished they understood and came anyway.”

“I’m sorry, Buck,” John says mortified. “I promise I had no idea you hated carols-”

“It’s not that I hate them,” Buck interrupts him. “I miss the way they made me feel, that’s it. But don’t you worry about me, John: I have many happy Christmas traditions now, with you and our friends. I don’t need carolers anymore,” he adds with a reassuring smile, but John’s mind already forged a whole plan.

So later that night, Gale’s sitting at his living room table writing the last of his Christmas cards when someone knocks at his door. He wonders who could that be since all his friends are busy with their family, they’re not supposed to meet before lunch tomorrow, but since the knocking continues he stands up sighing and walks to the door, ready to send away whoever’s come to disturb his peace on this fine evening.

He almost chokes on his own spit when he opens the door and sees John standing in front of him with one of his obnoxious Christmas sweater and a Santa hat perched upon his curls. “I only have ten minutes before my mum notices I’m gone and starts hunting me for sport,” he says pulling out his phone.

“What are you-” Gale tries but John shushes him, frantically scrolling on his screen until he finds what he’s looking for. Tinny piano notes come from the speaker, filling the air, and John starts singing a very off-key rendition of All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Gale’s never heard anyone sing worse, he’s offbeat, rushing to catch up with Mariah Carrey’s voice, breathless and increasingly red in the face as the song progresses.

Gale’s sure he’s never loved anyone as much as he loves John right now.

When the music stops, John takes a few second to catch his breath as Gale keeps staring at him in awe. “You watched Love Actually too many times,” he finally says, unable to hide the smile printed on his face.

Still panting and made brazen by the performance, John grins. “Why, you need a sign to know that to me, you are perfect?” He asks and then, catching the shocked look on Buck’s face, he panics. He scrambles to find something to say that wouldn’t sound too much like an actual love confession but his mind is completely blank, and to be honest Buck doesn’t look offended by what John said, he just looks surprised, hopeful even. Can it be…?

They stare at each other, faces flushed and with shortness of breath. John reads in Buck’s eyes the thing he’s hoped for for so long and decides, I am gonna kiss you now.

But before he can act on his words, his phone starts ringing loudly and when he checks what’s going on he blanches. “I think my mum found out I’m not home anymore,” he says. He has to run back, but how can he when he was so close to kissing Buck?

“Buck, I-” He starts, distraught.

“Go,” Buck tells him. “Go back before your mum kills you. Come here a little earlier tomorrow, though? I need to, erm, tell you something.” He adds, blushing even deeper.

If he wasn’t so afraid for his own life, John would be hollering. “Sounds good Buck, see you tomorrow. And merry Christmas!” He shouts, running back home.

Now alone in front of his house, his heart a thousand pounds lighter than usual, sure that no one’s gonna see him, Gale fist bumps the sky.

[saljoyy]

mandatory epic the musical post because my brain has vacated my skull and now it's only musical thoughts

my favorite song from each saga!!

The Troy Saga - Just A Man. Listen. We cannot compare when we cannot compete. This song is the blueprint like no other. I remember the first time i heard it was in a TOH edit and i was like "WHAT IS THAT MELODYYYY" Ever since then my brain has been consumed by this musical. this song haunts me in my dreams. No character playlist is complete without it. the build up, the payoff, the emotions UHG. SO GOOD. I'm just a man indeed.

The Cyclops Saga - My Goodbye. I MUST DEFEND THE CYCLOPS SAGA AT ANY GIVEN POINT. If this saga has no fans I'M DEAD. It's soooo, i don't really know how to describe it but it feels like a musical musical. With the characters running around i can imagine the stage and props. This saga is so good and i'm tired of pretending it's bad. Ok anyway back to My Goodbye, THIS SONG SLAPS!! Athena's voice is amazing and this song is so fun to siiiing!!! "if you claim you are so much wiser? why's your life spent all alone? You are alone!" OK GAGGEDDD

The Ocean Saga - Ruthlessness. This saga altered my brain chemestry i fear. If there's one thing about me, i LOOOOVEEE choirs and chants. When the ocean saga came out i had a hyperfixiation on the GOW games and Ruthlessness starting with the ensamble chants "Poseidon. Poseidon!!!" was right up my alley. There are parts of this song that i really didn't like at first (sometimes the heavy rock influence made me skip it) but the more i listen to it the more i grow to love it. GET IT POSEIDOOOON!! Oh also this saga came out while i was spending my summers at the beach so it was just fitting.

The Circe Saga - There Are Other Ways. A lot of these are the last song of the saga huh... WELL. This song is a showstopper. What can you even say about it??? it's literally built different. The Circe saga wasn't my favorite and it's taken me a while to not skip songs in it BUT i've grown. This song was a instant banger though, Circe's voice is incredible and she SHINES in this. It's also just good. i'm running out of words BUT YOU GET IT!! IT'S THERE ARE OTHER WAYS WHAT MORE CNA YOU SAY??? The Underworld Saga - No Longer You. THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG IN THE WHOLE MUSICAL SO FAR. Everything about it is SOOOO well done and executed. The waltz tempo, the foreshadowing and the ending with the ensamble???? i told you i'm a sucker for chants and choirs. This is (to me) a perfectly done musical song. It's absolutely stellar. The softness of Tiresias' voice draws you in and makes you believe his role (especially because of the tempo change. "time i've unlocked it" and having a tempo change from the rest of the musical?? SO CLEVER!!) I don't know what else to say but i remember saying to my friend that even if the rest of the musical is trash it is still worth listening just for this song.

The Thunder Saga - Scylla (SCREAMS) this song is. wow. just wow. There's a lot of callbacks and yet it feels fresh thanks to Scylla's incredible voice. The softness at the start and how it slowly unveils into a raw enchantment. The way she haunts the entire song, even if only the end is about the actual monster. The tension between Odysseus and Eurylochus. Also a moment i love is the "You are quiet today" "Not much to say" ODYSSEUS. MR I TALK MY WAY OUT OF EVERYTHING DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY??? yeah that means we are dying. And lastly Odysseus harmonizing with Scylla?? NO WORDS. NO CRUMBS. ATE.

The Wisdom Saga - All of them?? Ok listen. Usually with epic saga's i always have one song that i like over the rest. BUT THIS ONE??? HOW COULD YOU CHOOSE???

Legendary is the PERFECT character introduction for Telemachus, it's sweet and earnest. He's a boy yearning to find his place in the world and also asking himself where his father's legacy will lead him. It's refreshing and summery, and great!! ALSO... Boy...

Little wolf. is NOT what i expected, it's so much better. AND ATHENA'S COMEBACK TO THE STORYYYYYY!!! this song feels like when you play a zelda game and you slowly help link grow stronger.

We'll be fine is also adorable. I love telemachus in this and it's great to have Athena's incredible vocals back in the musical! "You are a good kid" sobbing. The fact that Athena finally understands that giving up on mortals because of their flaws isn't how she'll make them succeed. it's good

Love in Paradise I really wish Calypso has another song in the future BUT the second half of this has me singing "aaAAaAAAAATHEENAAAA" since it came out. Also the voice for Calypso is soooo cooool <3 <3 <3 please let Odysseus out tho my mans is not having a fun time

GOD GAMES. Ok we all KNEW she was going to be THAT girl. ever since the snippet of Aphrodite's verse came out i've been OBSSEEESSED. Do i wish this song was a little longer... yes... BUT IT'S JUST BECAUSE I WANT MOREEE The idea of each god being a "level" for Athena to beat is genius. And the way each section sounds different is so fun!!! AND ZEUS AT THE END???? ok like we all KNOW she's that girl. and it's honestly a testament to the rest of the songs that this isn't my favorite from the saga.

Gosh this was a lot of yapping

[a-moth-to-the-light]

Most-Listened of March 2024

[last month]

This was such an exciting month of releases--Purplekiss, Day6, BLEACHERS?? Chung Ha gave us a couple of songs, Nina Suárez came back out of nowhere, Lucy dropped a single, OLIVIA RODRIGO IS BACK?? I've been super excited for the J-Hope album, too, but I haven't been emotionally ready to check it out, yet, since I want to have the energy to really love it! Not to mention the Seori EP-- PLUS Bol4 and StayC both dropped some covers of huge 2019 k-pop hits.

And that isn't all. The highlights of my month were seeing Bruce Springsteen (only my favorite artist ever.) and Gregory Alan Isakov in concert(s)! So honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed by just how exciting music is right now. (It doesn't help that this month gave me my first album of the year candidate, too!!) This post will be my opportunity to go a little wild, then :)

1. Leopardos -- Ine Güemes

I should not enjoy this listening experience as much as I do. That whistling noise should annoy me by now, after all these listens, right? ... Right? Nope. I love it. This song is so soothing, it's literally the musical equivalent of a deep breath.

2. Appaloosa Bones -- Gregory Alan Isakov

Concert prep + THE sulking song this month. Look, I'm a guy who needs my daily floor time (floor time. perhaps you require it.), and it always involves considerable sulking. (At this rate, you're gonna see a sulking song on this list every single month. It's a tradition now!) I've been losing it about "Was I that gone? / Man, I hope not / Glad you found me when you did" and "The pages slow / in the room I called your name" and "They haven't made no pill / To get us across the winter time" ...

3. All Things End -- Hozier

You know what ended? My eight-week class. *sigh of relief* All things end, truly! Now I just need the reminder that this semester will end, too...

4. Death To My Hometown -- Bruce Springsteen

I'd never heard this one before, but I ASCENDED when I heard it live (the horns section was. fantastic.) and I left it on repeat all month post-concert.

5. The Ledge -- Fleetwood Mac

This song makes me proud of my music taste, honestly--see, I can like weird experimental stuff, too! It sounds wonderfully, comfortingly crowded--like the ambient noise from a nearby café, or like falling asleep with the TV on. I don't know, it's just a feeling I find myself really enjoying. I'm also SO deeply in love with the round-style singing (see: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" rounds in middle school choir) Fleetwood Mac sometimes does (see: my obsession with "Paper Doll"), and they do it in this song !!

6. I Don't Want to Know -- Fleetwood Mac

I like this one for the same reason I like "Second Hand News"--that cheerful self-deprecation just never fails to draw me in. ("Second Hand News" is still better, though!)

7. Smart -- Le Sserafim

Does anyone NOT like this song? I missed the Eve Psyche hype train last year, so this one's hitting me doubly hard. I think the sweeter tone of "Smart" suits Le Sserafim's vocals much better, and the production is just plain adorable! This has been my go-to song during classes, when I need something to cheer me up without making me too overwhelmed.

8. Luz -- Ine Güemes

That vocal processing is SUCH a standout--so soft and hazy and fluffy, just a fascinating texture when you really focus on it, but endlessly pleasant when you leave it on loop and zone out, too. (Look, I REALLY loved this album this month.)

9. Nota de Voz -- Los Hermanos Laser

Classic indie boy music! I like "Azul Plateado" from this album, too, and I have a feeling the whole album will hit for me during the summer--I tend to like that exhausted-sounding alt-rock stuff a whole lot around July & August :)

10. Light Sprite -- Baby Pantera, Isabella Lovestory

Thanks for the rec, @pocima !!

11. I Am Right On Time -- Bleachers

This is a weirdly muted album for Bleachers (especially on the heels of "Stop Making This Hurt" and "How Dare You Want More" from their last album), and this is the most weirdly muted of them all--I really feel like it should be... more, somehow? But it's still quite a cathartic listening experience, and I keep coming back to it!

12. Really Like You -- Gyubin

I've started giving myself 30 minutes of reading time in the mornings, to help me wake up and not be completely miserable about it, so I've been reading a whole bunch of webtoons. (Hell, maybe I'll read a book one day!) This one's the perfect cutesy webtoon soundtrack, and I think it might be here because I left it on repeat while reading Blooming Season?? (I just finished catching up with Jackson's Diary, and I think I'm gonna start Death of a Pop Star next!) Anyway, Gyubin sounds lovely here, can't wait for a comeback!

13. Self Respect -- Bleachers

The production on this song is just SO exciting overall!! But I'm mostly here for the saxophone. God, it's not even that much of the song but it's gorgeous !!!

14. Nieve Sin Fin -- Ine Güemes

Nice aesthetic piano :)

15. Rush -- Twice

I love how dizzying this song is--it's chaotic and overwhelming in the most wonderful way! I was a little disappointed by it when I first listened to the album, I think because their vocals here are much softer than usual. When I let myself get swept away in the production, though, I totally get the appeal.

Five-Star Songs (& Albums!) This Month

BBB -- Purplekiss (the tiktok-music trend finally got me last year--against my will, admittedly. unfortunately for me, "bbb" is a fantastic example of that easy-listening, viral-tiktok sound from a group i'm already obsessed with, so of course i'm a huge fan. great vocal performances and silky songwriting? yeah, it's great--the muted aesthetic doesn't bug me at all--and i actually kind of love the super-short horn sections in the chorus. they're surprisingly full-sounding!)

Beam Beam -- Jeon Soyeon (i didn't get this one at all when it first came out, but i've warmed up to it over the years--and this month it just HIT. it's the perfect showcase of soyeon's energy, and it's such a rush!!)

Death To My Hometown -- Bruce Springsteen (five stars bc it has the words "robber barons" in it!!)

Girl I've Always Been -- Olivia Rodrigo (i keep underestimating olivia rodrigo's power as a performer. of course she could make this country-sounding track work. of course she could make it my favorite from the album in an instant. who am i to question??)

Hey Joe -- Bleachers (a sing-along for the politically disillusioned. happy 2024, fellow usamericans. well, at least the harmonies here are delightful!)

Jesus is Dead -- Bleachers (i mentioned that this album is unusually muted for bleachers--not dull as in 'boring in terms of production or songwriting', but dull as in dead-eyed and zombie-like. the vocal delivery, especially, is unusually bland and flat. "jesus is dead" is definitely the best use of this half-asleep, grayscale aesthetic on the album--a song as hopeless and monotone as its delivery. it's strange and stylish and messy, too, AND there's also a sax solo ?? and it works great ?? i admire it so so so much--i'm very surprised this didn't make the most-listened list, i've been looping it a whole bunch.)

The Ledge -- Fleetwood Mac

Self Respect -- Bleachers (re: saxophone.)

White Rabbit -- Jefferson Airplane (i don't think it's much of a hot take at all to say this one is fantastic. i heard it for the first time in february, and i've been completely obsessed since!!)

Heráldica -- Saramalacara (okay, i've had like. a week. with this album, but it was love at first listen--and "humo" already had my heart, anyway. the atmospherics are breathtaking, the production crisp and intense, and saramalacara's voice // the vocal production here fits SO well!! there's a song called ".tumblr" that's definitely worth checking out, though i enjoy every song on here !! except "_cuervos". i admire that one but god it disturbs me i never want to hear it again.)

Qué Nos Mantiene Despiertos -- Ine Güemes (first album of the year candidate of 2024 !!! not much of a surprise, i'm sure, given my top 15. more breathtaking atmospherics, but in the exact opposite direction of heráldica! this album is full of really unique textures, but all that chaos doesn't make it any less soothing. each song is distinct, but they all come together into this sweet, fluffy youtube-lofi-mix type of experience--and look, i'm a college student. could i ask for anything more in an album?)

[dolly-doe]

hello, could I possibly see some headcanons for either (middle) Ocean, (toddler) Jane [specifically before she finds out she's Penny], (preteen) Mischa or (caregiver) Constance? Thanks :)

hiya!!! so sorry this took so long i was on vacation :V but i hope these are good!!! i was actually going to ask for rtc requests like an hour before u sent this so i did them all ^_^

♡ middle! ocean ♡

♡ usually about 9-10ish!!

♡ she really likes going to the megamall!! she never really got to when she was like. for-realsies 9-10. so she likes making up lost time!!

♡ absolutely loves going to constance's house she is always there

♡ comically bad at painting her own nails but thats ok shes having fun!!!

♡ shes really artsy!! she likes painting most but shes also really good at regular ol drawing!!!

♡ very outdoorsy!! she lives near a few fields and forests and she loves hanging out around there!!!

♡ toddler-re! jane ♡

(using the context of her not knowing she was penny to mean her in the show's canon)

♡ oh she was so scared :(( poor angel :(

♡ prooobably like 3ish? maybe 2ish after the ballad :o

♡ absolute vice grip on her dolly 24/7

♡ this makes 0 sense in words just bare with me but she liked showing the rest of the choir little trinkets around the warehouse!!! there would be like. a little plushie or something and she would be like omg mischa needs to see this immediately.... ocean look there is a party hat !!!!!

♡ she had so many animal facts memorized from when she was penny and absolutely loved sharing them with the choir!!!

♡ the new birthday song cape is like a blankie to her!!

♡ preteen-re! mischa ♡

♡ thinks penny is so so cool

♡ ^ he is also absolutely fascinated with the whole jk-47 story and will make her tell it again and again LOL

♡ his favorite hobby is listening to music!! he likes playing tracks from a few years back for the extra nostalgia!!!

♡ he likes biking around uranium alot!! he doesnt like driving when regressed (because that is not a very good idea!!!) but he still likes going places so he bought himself a bike!!

♡ borrows ricky's comic books!!

♡ cg! constance ♡

♡ oh she is the world's most nervous cg ever in the world

♡ she appreciates reassurance that shes doing a good job caregiving so so much!! draw her a little picture or just straight up tell her shes doing great and she is over the moon!!

♡ absolutely loves teaching her regressor how to bake!!! she helps with moving the trays in/out of the oven but otherwise lets them do it themselves with instructions!! (and supervision of course!!)

♡ very very attentive!! she always makes sure to keep an eye on her regressor to make sure theyre ok!!

♡ she likes alot of kid's shows already so she is happy to watch them with whoever she's watching!!!

[blxxeu]

happy

i want to be four again.  to play with my toys on the kitchen floor while my mom is making apple pie next to me, to scream at the top of my lungs when i'm running down the hill next to my house, to cry of happiness at the news of my mother being pregnant with my little sister, to hold my tears in whilst trying to look tough after falling and getting scars on my knees, to wake up in the darkness of my room from my baby sister crying, to feel unconditional love for my first “forever” best friend when i hugged her for the first time under the christmas tree,  to wake up confused in my bed the morning after i fell asleep on the sofa. 

i want to be seven again.  to smile big at my first attempt to ride a bike and making it, to not be able to contain my excitement for learning how to read, write and do math at school, to cry when i have to leave my friend’s house after playing together the whole afternoon, to eat cold sandwiches on breaks, to witness my sister taking her first steps, to watch disney shows when i come back home from school, to climb the tree in our house’s garden withouth falling for the first time, to eat the biggest ice cream cone in existence that my grandad gifted me on my birthday, to be devastated for having to start wearing glasses for the rest of my life. 

i want to be eleven again.  to relive my first music theory class, to try on my mom’s high heels and fall to my knees, to be scared of soon going to middle school, to get my first ever computer with an internet conection in the house, to start dressing the way i like even if no one else likes it, to start playing instruments and singing in choirs, to announce to my mom that i will become a fashion designer when i grow up and proceed to fill up millions of notebooks with my designs, to play “chefs” with my sister while we are feeding each other dirt mixed with water from the ground, to read books for the first time and realise how much i love them. 

i want to be fifteen again.  to find my very first friend group in high school, to go to my first out of country trip, to win choir competions, to study hard because academic validation is my coping mechanism, to hang out with my friends at the local playground on summer afternoons, to listen to music in my room while singing at the top of my lungs, to find my first part time job, to fall in love with my first ever serious crush, to hang posters of my favourite bands on my bedroom’s walls, to start getting into fights with my sister because she is too young to hang out with me now, to look at the falling stars from my balcony at night, to play video games with my friend who visits every summer.  

i want to be eighteen again.  to cry for days non-stop because my only friends left me, to start attending art classes, to sit on the bus and try not to fall asleep because of my exhaustion, to go to my first and last prom dance, to really feel lonely, to draw every chance i get, to leave my music studies behind, to travel to athens for the first time, to throw up from exams’ stress and anxiety, to hear the news of me getting into my first choice university, to finally reach my goal of moving out of my parents’ house and crying my eyes out for starting a new life, to make new friends from all over the country on my first day at uni, to visit home after months of being away. 

i want to be twenty again.  to walk back home from university while it’s raining and i have forgotten my umbrella at my appartment, to barely sleep because of my assignments, to fail my first uni class, to start contemporary dance lessons, to come to terms with the fact that i may be studying architecture but this is not what i want to do in life, to go out with my two best friends at whatever time of day because i no longer need permission from my parents to do anything, to go to the cinema next to my appartment complex late at night and watch horror films, to travel and meet my internet friends, to journal and draw when i have free time from studying, to do presentations of my architecture projects, to feel like i am finally finding my way. 

oh, how nice it would be to turn back time, to tell myself how much happiness was there when i was younger, how much less worried i should have been, how useless all those tears i've shed were, how silly little me was for not knowing she was letting the best years of her life slip through her fingers by always being sad. i never realised how truly happy i was when i was four, seven, eleven, fifteen, eighteen, twenty and all the ages in between. but, i do know it now, at twenty five, when life has changed for one more time and i feel like it’s out of my control, just like all the other times that life changed and i felt lost... 

maybe in five years from now i will know what the happiness i am feeling now feels, tastes, smells or sounds like. because i always feel happy way too late, i don't know how to feel it when the time is there, i am always a step away from it no matter how close i try to get.  

[facetsofthecloset]

Rwd s4ep9 ramble time! I started the ep kinda late in the afternoon and had to do other stuff, decided to put it on to go to sleep with 30 minute sleep timer, then wound up listening to the whole ep anyway and staying up until almost 4 am to do it 😂

(Spoilers so under the cut)

Well well well the swash finally gets to buckle lol

Anyway I still think he’s a dork but Davion definitely killed it this ep and I’m happy for him

I’m so glad I’m incapable of taking Austin’s French(?) accent seriously so I can’t be a Davion simp though 😂

Poor Kyana not getting to punch anything AGAIN

Oh! I forgot to mention it during whatever episode it debuted in but I looooove the new serious battle music this season it’s SO GOOOOOOOD

I am a sucker for anything with dramatic choir in it lol

Also, wrong ep, but I finally figured out what scene I want to draw this season and it might just have to be the convo between Oto and Dani where she gets the ship bc I love that dynamic so much for personal damage reasons lol

Unfortunately I’m also slated for several other art projects gearing up for Halloween, some of which is work-related, so idk when/if I’ll have time.

Anyway, I’m sad it’s almost over but it’s been an excellent season as always so far! Once this season is done I’ll probably go back and listen from the beginning to see what season has been my fave overall so far (and also to note down character descriptions if I can’t find that on wikis somewhere >_>)

[cloudroots]

This is High Note the pony that I ship Fluttershy with in this universe! A random background pony who I liked the design of!

Let me say before we continue that I know the similarities between the designs of Mr. Shy and High Note. Whenever I draw Fluttershy's family I will make sure the guys much more green in their hue, so they don't look as similar. I actually did find High Note, before Fluttershy's family was even introduced, but I don't have much evidence for that. Let it be known that the two character aren't related in any way. I just thought Note looked cute, thank you for understanding. 

Anyway back to it! When I first made my Next Gen there weren't many shipping options that I liked for Fluttershy, in fact there wasn't many notable characters at all really. So younger me spent quite a while just looking through the wiki at all the background ponies to find a design that stood out. I ended up finding High Note, who I thought had nice colors and looked very cute. Also he had a music cutiemark which I thought fit well into a Fluttershy family idea. I also compiled some of his appearances, I really want to look at this boi. He has the same mane as Caramel, because that's how background design were like back then, I ended up changing Note's mane to differentiate the two more. 

1: High Note is a resident of ponyville, and has been for the whole time of the show, even a long time before then. He's a pretty active member of the community, he went to events and such. 

Note is a singer, sometimes a song writer. He is quite quiet, very kind hearted, understanding and a good listener. He is socially awkward, but he tries his best. He has a rather innocent and pure mind, even though he knows about how mean the world is he still is very warm hearted. Note loves his long hair and dressing more traditionally more feminine. He also doesn't care much for gender roles either. He is a little bit of a hippy and has an admiration for such people who care for others and the planet. When he gets closer and more comfortable with someone, he's more loud and enthusiastic. He also just sings all the time to himself. He's a real choir/ theater kid type.

High Note is more comfortable when he's preforming, and becomes incredibly expressive and confident. He feels as though can only be this confident when he's in a group like in a choir or a much smaller group, but he still needs others around. He also has a talent for theater, but mostly just musicals. He is an expert at belting and hitting those high notes. 

2: Even before the two actually met, High Note knew of Fluttershy. I guess you become a little well know after saving the world a few times, and also being a fashion icon for a short period of time. Note thinks Flutters is very pretty and wants to get to get to know her more, since they already live in the same town. Maybe even become friends? He basically just has a very cute and innocent crush on her.

3: His heart flutters whenever he sees he sees her in town, but he thinks she's too busy with life. He also doesn't want to bother her or invade her space, so he ends up just working on himself. 

4: He's quite lonely so works on preforming. He does some theater, and whatever vocal performances are available. He becomes parts of public and private choirs around the Ponyville area, but nothing too fancy. He makes some friends while doing these things and is having a good time. Whenever he's preforming he becomes a little cocky and his this aura about him. 

5: The mane 6 then all go together to one of High Note's choir concerts, and in this concert he has a solo in one of the songs. Fluttershy is impressed with him and now has a little crush of her own. 

6: Fluttershy doesn't pay too much attention when she's out on the town, especially when she's just getting groceries. Now, though she starts notices High Note around, and she looks around to see him. She never really noticed him before. Fluttershy goes to more of his performances off and on. Note saw a glimpse of Fluttershy at one of his performances, and starts feelings his heart flutter again. He hopes she liked the show, and his solos. 

They both have cute crushes now, and look for each other in town so they can look from afar. If they ever make eye contact, it's not for very long since they quickly look away and are blushy the rest of the day.

7: One of the days Fluttershy is out on the town with her friends, and looks for High Note and gets all sighy. Rarity notices her, she leans in and asks, "Have you made a move yet, darling?"

Fluttershy surprised answers with a red face, "I-I don't know what you mean"

"It's alright if you have a crush, dear. I noticed how you can't keep your eyes off that stallion, but I could be mistaken."

The yellow mare looks down in embarrassment, "I don't think I could build up the courage to even talk to him"

"I could help, if you want me to dear." Rarity offers.

The rest of the mane 6 talking among themselves, then Pinkie trots over to the two mares, and asks with squinted eyes, "What are you two at? OH, I KNOW HIM!"

"Really?" Fluttershy asks quietly. 

"Yep, I know pretty much everyone in Ponyville," Pinkie answers proudly. "And that's High Note!"*GASP*"I could totally introduce you guys!"

"I don't know about that."

"Well, whenever you're ready, we'll be here for you," Rarity tells Fluttershy.

8: At a later time, Pinkie pie, without much thought, pushes Fluttershy into High Note. Both are shocked, and Fluttershy is as red a tomato. "Are you alright, miss?" asks Note. She nods, walks away a little, then runs. 

9: Now the two are too embarrassed to look at each other even far away. Rarity sees how they're kind of a lost cause. Being the romantic she is, and wants her friends at least to have the chance of relationship.

10: She takes matters into her own hooves. At least a little bit. Rarity plans a little singer's get together and invites them both. Before she does though, she visits Fluttershy to make sure if she's really okay with going. Rarity won't force her, but will hype her up if she needs to. Rarity explains that it will be a cozy little get together, with not many ponies she doesn't know. Fluttershy hesitantly agrees. 

11: The two go together, and Rarity helped get Flutters a little dressed up. She was also there to make sure she would go and to comfort her if she wasn't feeling up to it. Fluttershy is incredibly nervous the whole walk there. Rarity tries her best to put Flutters mind at ease. When they get there, there's the Pony Tones (who Fluttershy is comfortable with), and only a few other ponies. The two friends greet some of the ponies then Fluttershy becomes full of nerves, once she spots High Note over near the wall, being friendly to whoever comes his way. 

12: Rarity gently nudges her over there, and Fluttershy goes and starts talking to him. He's a little surprised, but is friendly and happy. He starts with the talking, since this is a singer's gathering they talk about singing. She mentions that she went to some of his performances, and how impressed she was. She could never do something like that. Note is flattered by this, and tells her how he can go on stage even though he's actually quite a shy pony. They then start geeking out about musical performances they love, and how they love to sing and watch singing and dancing.  

13: The two have really hit it off, and Rarity is happy to see it. They talked for the longest time. Later into the event Rarity joins them, they seem so happy and excited. They then finally introduce their names to each other. They now have actually met and enjoy each other's company. One of two asks if they would like to hang out some other time, overjoyed the other accepts. 

14: Fluttershy and High Note's first date. The two weren't in a public place, to have more privacy. Fluttershy's friends were watching from afar for safety reasons. The mane 6 are all pretty protective of Fluttershy. They have a great time just talking again, and go on more dates. 

15: The couple go on very quiet dates, which at first they thought were platonic. They are very honest with each other, and find out they both like each other. They now go on even more dates, being picnics and such, all being far away from the generally public. 

16: The couple opening up more and more. Note being a little more loud and enthusiastic, he sings all the time. Fluttershy shows her snarky side. I love whenever she is sarcastic in the show. They have become incredibly comfortable with one another but still have boundaries that they respect.

17: They take it very slow for physical affection. They love each other very much and want to make sure the other is happy, so they had their first kiss deep into their relationship. They still prefer nose kisses and cuddles. They just don't kiss on the lips very much, they love on the check and forehead and such. These two are just very cute. They are both are the asexual spectrum, so they prefer cuddling and kisses over anything else. 

18: These two love each other very much, and have a strong bond of trust and communication. Little sweethearts these two. They were actually one of the first of the mane 6 to get married and settle down. They had a small nature themed wedding, with only friends and close family members. Some animals were there also of course! They both wore cute flower crowns, and Note might've also wore a dress. 

I once again was regretting my decisions by making such a long post again. I love how this one turned out though! The colors are so pretty, and it's all overall so soft!! I feel this is definitely a step up from the last one in quality.

[trans-yllz]

sage! also orchid and mahonia. btw do you have a chenqing keychain charm or am I thinking of someone else?

sage ��� what ‘medium’ of art (poetry, music, fiction, paintings, statues etc.) is the most touching to you? why do you think that is?:

I think that music is the kind of art that touches my soul the most, tho visual art is probably what inspires my Own visual art the most and writing like poetry and stories in any form can have profound lasting affects myself as a person (like there's characters that I will just always take with me forever and who helped me through times in my life as silly as that sounds) and writing is one of the ways I am most easily able to get things out of me and express specific emotions and experiences but there's nothing that makes me feel quite like music does and there's nothing that connects me to other ppl like music does. music is one of the things that connects me most to one of my best friends and is such a special cornerstone of our relationship. there is nothing in the world like creating music w other ppl even if you are just singing in the kitchen with your best friend. there's that one quote abt humans always making music and how in the bad times we will be singing about the bad times and like yeah. Yeah. my mom always played a lot of music growing up and my dad used to play the guitar w me and my sister sang me to sleep when I was little so I just think it's always been a big part of my life and I think choir is one of the only reasons I got through middle school lmao. anyway there's just nothing like hearing a song and it filling your whole body hope this helps

orchid ⇢ what’s a song you consider to be perfect?:

CANDY BY THE BLASTING COMPANY it is such a beautiful song both lyrically, instrumentally, and melody wise. I still get chills every time I listen to it and everyone I've ever shown it to regardless of their usual music taste has thought it was beautiful. the ending especially makes me akshmcuakshyaijsj. its also really fun and lovely to sing! their other song old summer reckoning is very beautiful as well (it reminds me of wei wuxian and wen qing lmao). they're the band that did the music for over the garden wall if you ever watched it!

mahonia ⇢ what place, thing, activity inspires you most and how do you express yourself when it does?:

well obviously stories inspire me to make things.. I make my little drawings and I write my little posts about my favorite little guys. but one of the driving forces for me to make art Not related to media is just experiencing a strong emotion esp about a specific experience or person and I like to express it w poetry and visual art and combining those two things when I can. I made this piece after one of my rats died (I was having an already terrible week but I don't remember why lmao) and after coming to the vet with me my best friend came back to my apartment and helped me clean my disgusting room and washed all of my dishes for me and it was just such a profound act of love I had to get it out of my body. I have another poem I wrote that I haven't made art for yet after my dad took care of me after top surgery. I guess rlly what inspires me most is love for other ppl and things as cheesy as that sounds

also yes I do have a chenqing keychain!! it's a tiny replica of the flute and then I got a Different keychain that was the little charm on it and put them together hehe

[stefankarlfanblog]

Translated review of the music in Regína (2001)

Written by Steinunn Haraldsdóttir for Morgunblaðið on the 6th of January 2002: https://timarit.is/page/3430638#page/n56/mode/2up

A roller coaster ride with Regína

Margrét Örnólfsdóttir

Regína – Music from a movie

Smekkleysa Music by Margrét Örnólfsdóttir from María Sigurðardóttir's movie. Lyrics are by Olga Guðrúna Árnadóttir except for two songs. Regína's vocals: Sigurbjörg E. Ingólfsdóttir. Peter's vocals: Benedikt Clausen. Also contributing vocals are Stefán Karl Stefánsson, K.K., Margrét Kristín Blöndal and Ásgerður Júníusdóttir, as well as a children's choir. Margrét Örnólfsdóttir takes care of arrangements and recordings and all keyboard playing. Drums and percussion are in the hands of Kormákur Geirharðsson, Samúel Jón Samuélsson plays trombone, Kristinn Árnason plays guitar, Eiríkur Orri Ólafsson plays trumpet, Szymon Kuran plays violin, as well as a string orchestra.

THE MAIN PROTAGONIST in the dance and song film Regína, is a girl of the same name who has the ability to influence people and change the course of events with her singing. The music therefore plays a key role and does not just accompany the story, but is part of it itself. The author of the music, Margrét Örnólfsdóttir, also wrote the screenplay for the film in collaboration with Sjón, and therefore it is not surprising that the connection between the film and the music is so to speak invisible.

Regina can conjure people to do whatever she wants with her song.

Here you can find over 20 songs and tunes, either sung or played, which are characterized by being lively and colorful and hallmarked by a varied and very entertaining use of percussion and trumpets and trombones, true parade and garden party music. A string band then flutters around the fun and gives the whole thing a classic feel, reminiscent of old dance and song films, but the children's upbeat singing keeps everything down to earth. The soundtrack has been widely inspired and draws from all kinds of musical styles: parade marches and circus music, Hawaiian vibes, Turkish bazaar atmosphere, rap, advertising themes and everything in between, and this mixture becomes a tasty sunshine soup.

The lyrics are by Olga Guðrúna Árnadóttir (except for two songs) and are light and fun and go well with the tunes. It's also the hit when the dignified solemnity of an opera singer mixes with the cheerfulness of songs like "Tombóla" and "Búdarlagið". You can also find quieter songs that relax a little, like in "Frá Regína til pabba", so the spectrum spans the entire scale.

Although it appeals especially to children, it does not fall into the trap of making everything smooth and simple, but the arrangements are varied and survive a lot of replaying. The only thing that can be found is that sometimes the music is so interconnected with what is happening on the screen that it plays the role of theater music and imitation music, similar to cartoons, and such has a hard time standing independently on a disc like this.

The cover is like the music itself, extremely colorful and fun, the lyrics are not necessarily laid out in straight lines, but arranged around pictures from the film and colorful drawings, and this makes it easy for the kids to follow the story and recall the film as they turn the pages. It is very important when children are listening to music that the album book also captures their attention and supports the listening, and there is plenty of material here to look at. In fact, I couldn't see anywhere who has the credit for the album book, but a good job is done here. The same can be said about the music itself, it's one big parade and roller coaster ride in the sun and heat.

Steinunn Haraldsdóttir

Sources to where you can listen to the album:

Spotify

Apple

Soundcloud

[yourtranscousin]

Rtc headcannons

•Ocean:

-she prefers dark chocolate oreos, her favorite part is the cream

-would have picked Constance if Jane wasn't there

-got a D- in 8th grade and went through a depression, she never fully recovered

-hates cats

-aroace

-if they didn't ride the cyclone she would have gone on to be a scientist And move out of uranium but ft Constance every day

•Constance

-prefers the thin mint oreos, she eats the whole oreo

-she was bullied all through middle school but Ocean never listened to her

-her favorite thing to bake is bread and she even learned how to make fun shapes

-she wants to c_t the people who wrote she seemed nice with an exacto knife

-loves cats (suck it up Ocean)

-if they didn't ride the cyclone she would move out of uranium and ignore her passion for baking despite it making her incredibly happy

•Noel

-likes regular Oreos and prefers the cookie but jokes that it's the cream

-had a crush on Mischa since he met him

-his mom tried to fix him once she realized he was gay, giving him "boy" toys and showing him things "for boys" eventually she accepted it

-theater kid

-it took months of begging to get him to join the choir because he hates Ocean

-unironically listens to weezer

-has a snake

-cosplays

-If they didn't ride the cyclone he would not have been able to move to France, so he went for the next best thing, Quebec. He would be a stage actor and then later be cast in some movies

•Mischa

-hates Oreos

-likes drawing

-secretly is a huge nerd

-has best friend necklaces with Ricky, he wanted BE FRI

-moved out of his adoptive parents' house as soon as he could

-his adoptive mom made him go to AA

-did, in fact, get arrested for stealing booze

-terrified of spiders

-didn't want to ride the cyclone but Noel talked him into it

-pansexual

-if they didn't ride the cyclone he would have moved back to Ukraine, he finds out Talia was catfishing him, but he didn't want to believe that he wasted his time with her lying to him, so they went on with their plan to get married but the day of the wedding she left him at the altar, running away with another man

•Ricky

-likes any Oreo

-not so secretly a huge nerd

-has a kitten

-constantly watches stargate or firefly with Mischa

-wanted BE FRI but Mischa punched him to get it

-bites people

-is actually incredibly smart, contrary to popular belief

-band kid

-composes his own music

-if they didn't ride the cyclone he would have gone on to be an amazing musician and composer

• Jane Doe

-has never had an Oreo

-likes ducks

-wants to be friends with Ocean

-Likes hugs

-doll collector

•Penny

- despises Oreos

-just as weird if not weirder than Jane

-wrote "you seem nice" in Constance's year book

-likes dogs

-has a weird fascination with bones

-likes coloring and has a huge collection of coloring books

(I don't have that many for her or Jane T^T)

[sanguinifex]

My mom is always like “rock uses only 3 chords” no it doesn’t! It mainly relies on the classic 1-4-5 if we’re talking primarily about midcentury rock-n-roll like, say, Elvis or the Beatles, but she’s using “rock” to mean “every genre that involves guitars” and in that sense it’s just not accurate, and also classical and jazz music relies a lot on those chords as well! It’s just a stupid, snobby, and frankly racist (given the origins of that assertion) way to brush off the entirety of music composed after about 1930 except for classical imitators who maybe, the most daring ones, experiment with things like dissonance and atonia, but never in a way that challenges the listener to do anything other than not fall asleep out of boredom.

The classical imitators are just completely ignoring technological advances in music production since the early 20th century, and let me tell you, there were a lot of advances. Most notably, synthesizers, “nontraditional” instruments (many are actually traditional in places that aren’t Europe or its slavish imitators but that’s a whole other discussion), distortion, and the ability to sample sounds and other music.

You want to know who’s taking the classical music tradition and bringing it into the late 20th/early 21st century? Fucking industrial music, goth metal, electronic music (especially the kind that’s closer to industrial than synthpop, which is not a diss on synthpop, it’s just it’s closer to folk that’s classical), and Neue Deutche Harte. Industrial in particular is relentlessly polyphonic and often uses motifs very similar to classical pieces (if not just sampled from them) in the upper register of a song, and then it layers that with percussive vocals and all sorts of sampled bangs and clangs, and somehow, all put together, it becomes not just listenable but something that you can’t get out of your head. Or like, punk music doesn’t draw on the classical tradition much, but it does draw on folk music—aka stuff you can just sing and don’t need a giant choir or orchestra for), routinely flats the seventh for emphasis, and pulls chord structures from freaking klezmer music, of all things. And then there’s Tanzwut, a Corvus Corax offshoot, which does bagpipe metal. Like, it’s not even super relevant to this post, but please go listen to them.

Like, I like classical music (and I’ve been using the popular, not technical, version of the term; for example, the Carmina Burana us “classical music” to the normie and about 200 years too late to be considered classical in we’re getting technical). Love a classical orchestra. Orchestra musicians are super talented and work really hard and sound great. But it’s a time-bound way to produce music, just like a Renaissance a capella choir which doesn’t sing anything later than Bach, or a barbershop quartet, or a band that uses exclusively medieval replica instruments. And it’s also a very expensive way to produce music, between the instruments required and just the number of people, not to mention the black-tie dresses and tuxes.

Meanwhile, to produce industrial or electronic music, all you need is a computer and music software, and a microphone if it’s going to have vocals. It makes it a lot easier if you have a synthesizer and some actual guitars, basses, drums, etc, but literally one person with a computer, a decent microphone, and a music editor can make it. The barrier to entry is super low; it helps if you’ve had a good foundation in music theory, but it doesn’t require a decade of cello lessons and 50 other people.

And that’s why the snobs hate it. That and they’re being racist (most anti rock sentiment comes from first antiblack racism and then later the Satanic Panic), and also they’re typically financially invested in promoting that music that’s essentially stylistically stuck in the early 20th century is the only kind worth supporting, because they’re trying to get people to donate to the local symphony or community choir, and the people with money don’t want to hear anything too new or exciting because they’re also snobs and make half their personality about liking music that’s at least a century old because they think it makes them look smarter (and sadly, people fall for it).

So yeah, fuck snobbery, go listen to The Machinists of Joy (yes, the entire album), and learn to hate capitalism.

i take music so dead serious like it is not casual or a joke to me at all and i have to remind myself to hold back my reaction and not snap when someone says they dont like a certain genre or expresses something closed minded or shares incorrect information. i'll hear one of my friends say "yeah i just don't like country music" and i'll have to actively leave the conversation and take deep breaths and hold back tears. im normal btw

[iya-kzm]

I'm John Edison V. Tanyag and I'm 17 years old. Ever since I was a kid I really have a big interest in art and musiv. I loved to draw small shapes and form different Image. I also love to sing, compose different songs and listen too music, Up untill now I'm still enhancing my talent and creativity. So Im here too talk about my life as an Arts and Design student.

MORNING

In the morning I usually wake up 4:00 am in the morning to prepare myself for another day, I usually take a shower and wear my uniform immediately. After that I drink my morning coffee or sometimes "luya tea" so that I can exercise my voice in the morning. After I'm done preparing I will start to commute, I often arrive in my school at 6 am so that I can prepare myself for the first subject

DURING CLAS HOURS

During classes, I focus on listening to the lesson, sometimes when I get bored I'll get a peice of paper and a pencil and sketch whatever is inside my imagination so that I can occupy my boredome.I study whenever we got a activity or quizes, If we have a performance i usually focus my self so that I can internalize and perform well. and whenever we get a group activities I usually cooperate and interact with my classmates

VACANT TIME/RECESS

In my recess I oftenly do a lot of things, such as interacting with my freinds and classmates and talk about our schoolworks and studies, I sometimes go to other sections in Arts and Design so that I can visit and bond with my freinds their. I also sing whenever I have free time, so that I could practice whenever I have perfomance in special occasions such as debutes and weddings and also be ready for my church choir. I also go to the school canteen so that I can buy snacks and drinks whenever I'm hungry. Lastly the hooby I usually do during recess is to draw, I often expand my imagination and make stories and different fanatasy characters and I will sketch it out on my notebooks.

DISMISSAL

After a long day, If classes ended I start to fix my things and interact with my classmates for a bit, and clean my table or working area, and start to walk home. And that is my whole day as an Arts and Design student

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

PART II: Breaking the Mold

[Part I]

It’s been a while, but now that the chagim are over and I’ve had a small amount of time to even hear myself think, let alone to write an essay on tumblr, I am back! With additional Thoughts™ about this question.

After considerable thought, googling information about music theory and musical history, and completely destroying my YouTube algorithm with Xtian recommendations, I want to reiterate just how limited my actual answer about this can be. I am not a scholar in this area and so a ton of this is just based on my experiences as someone who grew up in a musical, church-going family and turned into a shul-going adult with some musical background and interest.

One of the things that has been driving me crazy about this is that for every general broad principle I could identify, I could, without much difficulty at all, come up with a counter-example from the other tradition. I think the reality is that while certain trends are true in the aggregate, there is so much cross-pollination and regional overlap between Judaism and Xtianity that picking them apart is extremely challenging. (When I say regional overlap, what I mean is that Jewish music draws from all the numerous places in the diaspora to which Jews were flung since 70 CE; meanwhile, Xtianity has intentionally attempted to reach every corner of the globe and assimilate each local culture into it. Therefore, both religions draw from almost every possible musical tradition you could come up with.)

Therefore, I think the best way to demonstrate both the major differences and the similarities is to put comparable examples side by side for listening and comparison. It’s hard to describe, but easy to hear.

The basis for each comparison will vary. Sometimes, I think it’s interesting to compare musically similar – even identical – songs to show how Jewish artists approach the material versus how Xtian artists do – to illustrate specifically the stylistic differences or the differences between the underlying words. Sometimes, I think it’s interesting to compare songs that have very similar themes to show how each approach and depict these themes. Sometimes, I think it’s interesting to compare musical adaptations of the same Psalms or texts. I will explain why I’m comparing them and my layperson’s opinion of what the differences are and why. This is not in any particular order; perhaps I’ll organize it better at some point but for right now, I just want to put it out there.

Because tumblr limits the amount of links one can put in a single post, I am going to break this up into multiple reblogs, so please bear with me.

Let's start with one that has fascinated me for a while:

1) Jewish.... gospel music?

You've almost certainly heard this song, Higher and Higher before, most likely sung and instrumentalized like this. This is the same song written by Shlomo Carlebach and the first linked one is a version sung by his daughter, Neshama Carlebach in collaboration with the Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir.

[Important note about the music I link here: I know that a lot of these people are going to be Problematic. I don't care. That's not the point of this post. I am well aware of the issues with some of these musicians, whether Jewish or Xtian/Messianic. I'm not linking them because I support them; I'm linking them as a study of their music only. Please don't derail this post with comments about the artists.]

Now, I have no idea what prompted this particular collaboration, but that whole album is quite interesting. In the original song, you can hear common Jewish music elements from the guitar style to his singing style, the arrangement, and to some extent, the themes, although the themes are vague enough to potentially be either. The song itself is quintessentially Jewish.

Once you introduce the GPBCC in his daughter's version however, the music changes dramatically, solely because of the singing style. These are gospel singers, and extremely talented ones. It's a beautiful arrangement of the piece, and I quite enjoy it. However, its original Jewishness becomes overlaid by a singing style that is so closely associated with gospel music, that it becomes impossible to ignore how the actual meaning shifts. In many ways, the words and themes always fit nicely within both traditions, and once you have the GPBCC singers handling the vocals, it transforms the sound profile to one that sounds quintessentially Xtian. That it is all in English only intensifies this effect.

The song is still a Jewish song, of course.

Anyone who knows Carlebach tunes is likely to recognize it as such. But if you did not know that context, one could easily play it on a Xtian radio station without batting an eye or likely even upsetting listeners.

2) Let’s look at another song where the melody overlaps, albeit set to different words: This version of Yigdal compared to The God of Abraham Praise.

Both use the same tune, but arrange it in different ways. Additionally, the singing style is very different. Yigdal is, of course, a traditional liturgical piece and is in Hebrew, whereas The God of Abraham Praise has been translated into English. It's worth noting that the original words are attributed to Daniel ben Judah (14th c.) and the translation/paraphrasing is attributed to Thomas Olivers (1725 - 1799). I'd be very interested in reading a true translation of this poem, because I can almost promise that liberties were take with the paraphrasing here.

However musically, what I find the most intriguing between these two songs, is less the obvious as mentioned above, but the specific flow of the songs. If you listen to The God of Abraham Praise at the end, you'll notice that the artist repeats the phrases, and then adds something of a coda at the very end, with a satisfactory chord to complete the tune. Now re-listen to Yigdal. Somehow, somehow, the Jewish version, despite ending on a much more resolved note than many Jewish tunes, still sounds open, unfinished. It trails off after the repetition of the second verse, leaving the listener to invent more notes afterward of their own.

To me, this is a fascinating and theologically significant difference. This is discussed in detail in this article, "How Time’s Arrow and the Phrygian Half-Step Make Jewish Music Holy," which explains how Jewish music seeks to replicate a certain amount of timelessness and also unfinishednes - theological keystones of Judaism, as understood through the rest of Shabbat and the brokenness of living in an unredeemed world.

This comes up in Jewish literature too. Consider these passages by Dara Horn in People Love Dead Jews:

I can't explain it better than Horn does here, but the bottom line is that Judaism tells us that the world is not redeemed and that it is our job to put the pieces together; Christianity tells us that the world has already been redeemed by Jesus and that his followers have to get everyone else on board.

This longing for redemption and the unfinished project of tikkun olam comes through strongly in Jewish art, music, and literature, as does the triumphal notes do in Christian art, music, and literature.

Going back to this one particular example, Yigdal and The God of Abraham Praise - and actually my first example as well - listen to how they each end. Which one makes you feel like there is more, something just on the other side of the music, and which one makes you feel completely finished with the song, that there is one answer and that it has been already given?

More comparisons to follow.

[bluefirewrites]

More 50's Juke

continuation of my quick little ‘50s juke blurb along with the full pic of my artwork (the drawing in the middle)

click on pic for better quality

"Hey,"

Greaser Boy had hung back, leaning against the classroom door once she and Flynn stepped into the hallway.

His unexpected greeting startled her, but it was taking all of Julie’s willpower not to cower under his open, public acknowledgement.

"Hi," she said, which triggered a subtle elbow to her side from Flynn, who was trying to tug her down the hall, away from trouble.

Julie let her friend lead the way.

But trouble still followed.

He hustled over, dodging the oncoming crowd of students hurrying about trying to leave school, "Need, uh, any help?"

She blinked at him, "Excuse me?"

The Greaser ticked his head towards her belongings.

"With your books?"

Julie nearly stumbled on her Mary-Janes, but Flynn steadied her. They shared a look.

Did he really just-?

The inner monologue of hers was screaming. Because it was one thing to say hi to her.

It was another thing to offer help her with her books that was a gesture none would take lightly. 

They- she, her bestie, and this oddly-chivalrous Greaser- were still walking the halls, heading for the exit.

"Uh," She kept glancing between him, Flynn, and the sweet sweet freedom that was the open door leading out to the bright blue skies.

"No thanks," Flynn answered for her, smiling sickly sweet at the Greaser, which basically read as 'Get lost'.

It only made the boy chuckle.

Julie frowned, opting to be nicer, "No, that's very nice of you-"

"Luke," he introduced.

"-Luke. But Flynn and I have plans at-"

"-Salt and Pepper?" He must have caught her look of apprehension and held his hands up in surrender, "Lucky guess. It's just the spot for your group."

Her group. The cream of the crop at Los Feliz, who always had pocket change on them for a quick dance and shake at the diner. A place were she rarely saw anyone the likes of Luke hang out.

"Oh. And where does your group go?" she inquired.

And there was that smile again.

"Wouldn't you like to know..."

Much to Julie’s horror, she did want to know. She had always been a curious person and she did wonder where all the Greasers would meet. She would watch them from time to time, getting up to their own fun near school grounds, listening to music that Julie’s dad wouldn’t want her to listen to. 

And was this Greaser- sorry, Luke- just as curious about her? And her world? What were his intentions anyway? If this was some sort of prank, some prelude to trouble she wasn’t ready for? She had to know. 

Suddenly, she gave him a grin, seemingly normal but to Flynn it held the hint of mischief. 

“Well since you know where I’m gonna be, you should come by. To S&P.” 

Flynn’s eyes bugged out of her head and for a moment Luke was thrown off too. She had extended an invitation to the most Soc place in town. 

Then after some careful scrutiny, he smirked. And called her out on her bluff, “Yeah. I’ll be there, Julie from History.”  “Yo, Luke! Come on man! Let’s go!” A group of boys glided by, all sporting the Phantom crest on their leather jackets, and picked up Luke, who went without protest. 

Flynn would end up calling her different shades of crazy all the way to the diner, where they meet the rest of their group at their usual booth. 

Julie spent the whole time at Salt and Pepper anticipating Luke's arrival.

She didn't mention it to anyone else apart from Flynn who had been there when it happened. So she sat in the booth, flanked by Kayla and Carrie, trying to keep up with conversation regarding their next choir practice. 

But mostly spotting the door for any flash of a chain, a switchblade or even the sheen of greased up hair.

An hour passed but everything carried on like normal. She should have known. This wasn’t his scene. 

Then it was eventually time to go, although most of her friends kept the little party going. But Julie had a ways way get home so it was best to start going now before it got too dark.

She and Flynn exited the diner and started making their way towards the street when all of the sudden they were bombarded by frantic honking to their right.

The vehicle in question stuck out like a sore thumb, less shiny and new like the other cars in the park. And as Julie walked over for a closer look, she could spot the telltale swoop of the ‘Curve's curve running along the body.

"Luke?" The greaser's name was readily waiting on her lips that she forgot she had only heard the name once a few hours ago.

This time around a pair of shades were perched on the bridge of his nose, his arm hanging out the window, fingers drumming along the exterior.

"Hey, Candy Girl” 

The newly minted nickname brought on the encore of blushing.

Coughing, she stamped down the awkwardness, "Uh. Did you just get here?"

He shook his head, "Nope. Just been waiting."

"For what?"

The boy disembarked his vehicle, slamming the door and leaning against it. She could see his hands twitching to reach into his pocket and pull out a cigarette before deciding against it.

He shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Do you need a ride home?"

Okay. Julie needed... to process this. After weeks of nonverbal exchanges, now all of the sudden he was offering to carry her books and take her home?

“Yeah,” Julie said. There was just something about Luke, something genuine about his concern.  Luke offered the same to Flynn, who seemed to want to keep Julie in her sight at all times.  “Julie?” Carrie had come out, along with a crowd of kids, and was making her way towards them.  Deciding to be brash and bold for once, Julie practically leapt into the passenger seat, Flynn doing the same for the back. Luke sent an amused glance to the group of Soc’s, saluting them before returning to the wheel. 

With a rev of the engine, the ‘Curve peeled out of the lot, leaving the rest of Julie’s friends dumbfounded. She couldn’t help but giggle at their expressions in the rearview mirror.  The ride home had been fun, with Luke cranking up the radio and bursting into song, delighting Julie, who sang along with him (and bewildering Flynn, remaining silent).  Flynn was the first to be dropped off, not too far from Julie’s. She left with a very poignant warning directed at her best friend, “Don’t make me call your dad if you never come home.”  Luke waved at her good naturedly, not offended in the slightest.  All too soon they arrived at Julie’s, though safely concealed behind a bush. If her dad was home, he wouldn’t be able to spot her from inside. 

Luke seemed to know this already. Or was smart enough to know what would happen if someone like her was seen in his car. 

“Thank you, Luke,” 

“It’s no problem,” 

“But can I just ask?” Julie gestured at the space between them, “What is this?” 

Luke ducked his head, scratching the back of his neck, “Um, isn’t it obvious? I’m, uh, trying to court you.” 

“Yeah but why me?”

“‘Cuz you’re sweet and pretty and talented. Why wouldn’t it be you?” 

"I could say the same about you,” Julie recalled his singing from earlier. He sounded great. Would make a great addition to the school choir. But that didn’t seam feasible for him. Luke didn’t seem to go to school regularly. Except for their shared class. 

“Look, I know it’s a gamble, I’m a gamble, but how about one date? Passion pit’s playin’ that cat Dean’s movie tomorrow night?”

That sounded so enthralling too. 

Julie risked a glance at her house and then she nodded, “What time?” 

Luke beamed, a full on goofy smile, which was uncharacteristic for a Greaser like him, “I-I mean I got help the boys out at the garage, but after, ‘kay? 7. I could pick you up?” 

“Or I could meet you at the garage?” She knew where it was. Her mom had made sure she knew, “I’ve seen you guys working on that Oldsmobile. A ‘55? It looked like.” 

Stunned, Luke struggled to speak, “You know cars?” 

Julie wasn’t ready to divulge too much about that. Instead she shot him what she hoped was a flirty smile, “Goodnight, Ghost Boy”  “Goodnight, Candy Girl.” 

She exited the car and hurried to her door, hoping her neighbors hadn’t caught her yet. Her dad wasn’t home. Neither was her brother, and so Julie made a beeline to her room, collapsing onto her bed with breathlessly. 

She had a date. With a Phantom. A greaser. Tomorrow night. 

And she didn’t mind one bit. 

Tagging @blush-and-books @lydias--stiles @teenagepeanutbird @thedeathdeelers @shelvesofgold @untidytowns @echocharm17618 @hey-there-juliet @ourstarscollided @pink-flame @missjoolee​ @smolfangirl​ @story-courty​

[oceanblueeyesoul]

Heya! It's your fellow mutual, may I request a Cabin matchup and PJO romantic matchup with male and female preference?

𝗦𝗘𝗫𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬/𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗦: Biromantic Pansexual and Genderfluid; He/They (though I'm biologically woman irl)

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 21 years old, 5'1.5", Southeast Asian. Chubby with messy shoulder length brunette hair, chocolate brown eyes, and a small beauty mark on my forehead. My style is in between soft grunge and soft punk (not a big fan of dress except for occasions) but loves to wear Korean makeup style

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: Libra-Scorpio cusp, Muggleborn Ravenclaw with a patronous spirit of Hummingbird, an INFJ, my enneagram is 4w5 and my moral alignment is Neutral Good. I may have a slight introverted tendencies and awkward/anxious nature, I describe myself as fiery, swears like a sailor, confident, jokester, and, passionate. Religious, super talkative, sometimes hyper (because of excitement), giggly (I always laugh/snort for stupid reasons), nerdy, also sweet and nice though I can be aloof, intimidating, and scary when I get so angry. I tend to become really fiesty, stands boldly on what I believe (claiming myself as a realist though some of my views doesn't makes sense), unhinged to be myself, stubborn, young-at-heart, clumsy unfortunate and inattentive. Would don't give af towards the people that I hate, sarcasam and savagery is my main language. But on the other side, I overthink a lot and cry over small things many times which I sound like a drama queen, and a perfectionist that provokes even more, yet recognizes a soft spot for dumb jokes, cheesy pickup lines and prefer people with a good sense of humour who see myself as equal. Chill in academics, but very competitive that manages to the top even for my dreams---I'm very dedicated on what I want for my life, and I display modesty and gracefulness towards some people that deserves respect. One notable feature about her is her multi-potentiality due to being naturally gifted in artistic fields (this includes singing).

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦: Arts, choir, poetry, karaoke, literature, history, makeup, beauty pageants, fun/deep/dumb conversations, expanding my knowledge in Christianity, documentaries (about saints), reading interesting stuffs, talking about social issues, and creative writing, chilling both indoors and outdoors

��𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦: Stereotyping, obligation (without a logical reason), getting excluded, being interrupted, invalidating my feelings, judgemental people, telenovelas, hypocrites, dirty bathrooms, blackout, lightning, firecrackers, toads, snakes, cockroaches, toxic masculinity, misogyny, fake woke individuals, colonial mentality, and absurdly girly things

𝗛𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗦: Drawing, singing, dancing when nobody's around (I'm very bad at it), sharing nerdy or opinionated thoughts, walking like a model (if I ever feel so confident), sleeping, listening to music (from rock to kpop), chatting or browsing on social media, watching videos on YouTube, making terrible jokes/puns, watching cartoons, writing, cooking, reading interesting things, and conceptualizing my artworks. I also used to study Italian language a bit

Hi honey! I really hope you like this!

PJO Cabin Matchup

You give me Cabin 7 (Apollo) vibes!

You and your siblings like to write poetry, singing and doing artistic things together as a group!

PJO Matchups

Your PJO soulmates is...

ANNABETH CHASE AND PERCY JACKSON

Both of them would dance with you like nobody would be watching just that they could make you smile and laugh.

The three of you would like to talk about deep/fun/dumb conversations together because the three of you will make each happy by doing that all the whole time.

The three of you would watch cartoons together because they want to feel like little kids again and to see you smile and be happy with each other.

ESFP x INTJ x INFJ soulmates

Gryffindor x Slytherin x Ravenclaw power couple