#MY FAVORITE ALBUM WITH DANNY VOCALS WHAT

[cringyedge]

Hey uhm so what do you mean “fully tracked and done” ???

[joshym]

Lilac Moon

Pairing: Josh Kiszka x f!Reader

Summary:

You’re a singer in a small, local band called Lilac Moon. You play rock and roll music with a bit of a bluesy, jazzy, r&b flair to it. You moved to Nashville with your best friend, Ivy, to pursue your dreams, leaving your families behind as they weren’t the most supportive of this endeavor.

Your band does well enough locally, even having a small group of die hard fans who love you, but you haven’t been able to go much beyond that.

You now have 2 self funded, indie label ep’s out, and currently working on your first album. However, lack of funds is making this venture quite difficult and it’s taking longer than you and the band would’ve liked. This means picking up gigs wherever and whenever the opportunity strikes. It’s mostly small, run down bars that you play, bars that are really only visited by the locals. This makes it a bit hard to get your music out there and the joy of playing has ceased due to lack of motivation.

One night, you and your band have a gig at a small, locally owned bar in East Nashville. To your surprise, all four members of your favorite band just so happen to be in the crowd.

After the show, you catch them talking with your manager.

What could this possibly mean? And why did Josh keep staring at you during the set?

Word Count: 5.4k+

Warnings: (18+ MINORS DNI) *most of these are eventual warnings, not specifically presented in this chapter. each chapter will have it’s own specific set of warnings* angst, mentions of cheating, alcohol abuse, fighting, arrests, drug use, sexual situations, lots of eventual SMUT.

a/n: hi, everyone! ☺️ this is an idea I’ve had stuck in my head for awhile now, and I’ve finally found the time to sit down and write it. I really hope you all enjoy this little brainchild of mine. don’t be afraid to let me know what you think!

much love, lis. 🤍

(let me know if you want to be added to the taglist🫶🏻)

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪ 

You decided to take a stroll through downtown Nashville by yourself this morning, clearing your head after a particularly stressful set with the band last night. Nothing worked right, from the sound system to the lighting, all the way to your tired and worn-out vocals. You had another set tonight at the same bar, and you were incredibly nervous. You needed to get some fresh air, clear your mind, and walking the streets of Nashville in the quiet of the early morning usually did the trick. 

You’re walking aimlessly, green tea with honey in hand, when you’re stopped abruptly by running into the back of someone. 

You nearly spill your tea all over the unsuspecting man you so rudely collided with. He turns around swiftly as you struggle to keep your balance. Upon turning to face you, you're left breathless. Is this….Josh? Josh Kiszka? From Greta Van Fleet? 

Greta Van Fleet is one of your favorite bands, one of your biggest inspirations. You’ve been in love with their music since the early days of From the Fires. You and your best friend followed them to countless gigs, even had a few priceless souvenirs such as some guitar picks from Jake and even a drumstick from Danny. 

You knew they lived in Nashville, but over the course of living here over the last few years, your paths somehow never crossed. You were busy, they were busy, it just never happened.

You’re completely still, stuck staring at this man whose music inspired you to chase after your dreams. 

He looks at you with a confused grin plastered to his face, and you knew then that you had to say something.

“Holy shit, I am so sorry. I totally wasn’t paying any attention. I didn’t spill this on you, did I?” 

You decided then that you wouldn’t let on that you knew who he was. You weren’t going to be that annoying fangirl that gawked at him and made him feel uncomfortable by proclaiming your love for him. So, you did your best to keep your cool, opting to just treat him like the human being he is.

“No, no not at all!” He huffed a laugh. It eased your nerves only slightly. “Just took me by surprise.”

You’re relieved that he’s so cool about it. He giggles more as he takes in your mortified expression. 

You stand there for a spell, wondering what to say, when suddenly a very loud laugh comes out of nowhere. You turn to your side to see Sammy, Josh’s little brother and the band's bassist and pianist. You then realize that he was most likely a witness to the whole thing.

“Ah, ignore my dimwitted brother. He’s high as shit at the moment.”

Sammy walks towards you both, holding two lattes that came from the small coffee shop around the corner.

You’re starting to question whether any of this is real. Josh and Sammy, here? With you? It simply can’t be.

“Here’s your oat milk latte, brother, sans dairy so your voice doesn’t turn to shit. Hey, thank you for almost sending my brother to another dimension, but you should try a little harder next time. Really get the job done.”

He pats your back as he’s praising your clumsy act, laughing as he envisions the scenario all over again. You laugh with him, but the embarrassment creeps back up on you and Josh notices.

“Sammy boy, get fucked. She barely nudged me. Besides, it would take a lot more than that to send me to oblivion. I’m quite sturdy on my feet, as you know.”

“Yeah, okay. Pretty sure you’ve been on your ass more than your feet in your lifetime.”

You all start laughing, and the boys are laughing quite loudly as you hold back a little to not embarrass yourself even more with your obnoxious, snorting laugh. 

You can’t help but notice Josh’s not-so-subtle glances at you as the two of you make eye contact multiple times. His eyes are so genuine, so sincere. You’re pretty sure you’d get lost in them if you gave yourself half the chance. 

There’s no way he’d ever be interested in me, right?

“Um, well, sorry again. I really need to pay better attention. I just zoned out completely, I guess.”

Josh giggles, making you blush.

“No seriously, it’s no big deal. What’s your name?”

“My name's y/n.”

“Well, y/n, this is my much younger, far more immature brother Sammy, and I’m Josh. It’s nice to meet you on this lovely morning.”

You laugh a little at this, not because of what he said about Sammy, but because it seems so strange to you that they’re introducing themselves so casually, like they aren’t rockstars in one of the biggest bands in the world and completely unknown to the fact like you’re one of their biggest fans. You keep up the act, not wanting to make this encounter anymore awkward for you.

“It’s nice to meet you guys, too! I, um, should probably get going. Pretty busy day. I’m sorry again. I’ll pay better attention next time!”

“Oh, next time, huh? Look Josh, she’s already planning your second date!”

“Sam, you're absolutely insufferable. I sincerely mean it, y/n. No hard feelings at all. But I’m holding you to that paying attention sentiment. Some people around here aren’t nearly as pleasant as I am.”

There was something about hearing him say your name that instantly caused the butterflies in your stomach to swarm.

He ended his statement with a wink. You smiled and looked down at your feet, attempting to hide the blush that was again creeping up on your cheeks.

“Thanks, Josh. Hope to see you guys around sometime!”

You continued your walk while waving back at the rockstar brothers, nearly crashing into yet another bystander and causing them both to laugh. 

What you didn’t know was Josh watched you walk away until you were out of sight. He was captivated by you. He loved how shy and sweet you were, and he thought it was adorable how your cheeks turned pink with almost every word he said. He knew he wouldn’t forget you, and he genuinely hoped you would bump into him again. 

“Oh, Joshua. You foolish fuck.”

“Um, pardon me?”

“She was clearly into you. You’re batshit for not asking for her number.”

“I don’t know, Sam. I think the universe might have something in store beyond our control. I don’t believe that’s the last I’ll see of her.”

“Damn hippie.”

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪   

You’ve been resting most of the day, drinking lots of warm tea and gearing up for the show tonight that you’d been secretly dreading. 

You love music. You love performing. You love the feeling of being on stage. Nothing compares to it. But lately, you've been in a slump. You’ve lost your confidence, your ambition. You’re quickly running out of money, and the small amount that these gigs make you and the band is hardly enough to keep you afloat.

You want to finish the album. You want to move forward from this phase in your career. It just wasn’t happening, and you felt stagnant. 

You’re not sure how much longer you can continue these bar gigs full of drunk, mindless people who couldn’t give a shit one about your art. If you have to listen to one more belligerent man yelling at you to take your top off in the middle of a heartfelt song, you might *accidentally* toss an amplifier in the general direction of said man.

You hate that you feel this way. You hate that the music has become lost in the stress of trying to make enough money to eat.

You want to go back to the beginning of it all, back to wanting nothing more than to make the music you want to make with the people you love the most. That all seems like a distant memory, a dream of a dream trapped in another lifetime.

Still yet, you tried your best and gave your all in every show. 

You were often emotional on stage as the lyrics you typically write come straight from your heart. There’s something so magical about creating a song and sharing it with the world. It’s when you allow yourself to be your most vulnerable, to truly let the music guide your spirit. 

There’s always a bet in place amongst your bandmates over whether or not you’ll cry during a set. Jokes on the ones betting that you won’t break down in tears, because 9 times out of 10, you do.

Although you still weren’t thrilled about playing in the same, lackluster bar as the night before, something about tonight felt different. You couldn’t quite pinpoint it. You somehow felt a little lighter, a little more inspired. Maybe tonight won’t be as much of a shitshow. You hoped for as much, at least.

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪   

You arrived at the bar around 5:00 in the evening, about two hours before the doors were set to open. You weren’t scheduled to hit the stage until 9:00, but you and the band wanted a little extra time for a soundcheck given how messy last night was.

You all start getting things set up, but it didn’t take long considering you had left most of it in place from the night before.

You’re in front of the microphone stand preparing for a mic check when the go ahead is given from the guy in the sound booth. You started singing a little melody you randomly came up with, moving your thumb up and down a few times signaling where you needed the volume set.

You never used any sort of in-ear monitors over fear of them not working properly, and you just never saw the need for them since you mostly played really small venues. This meant that the sound truly needed to be perfected at every show to ensure you could hear yourself and your bandmates properly.

Still talking to the mic, you decide to tell everyone about your encounter earlier.

“You guys will never believe who I ran into this morning. And by that I mean I quite literally ran into him, like physically bumped into his back. I wanted to crawl in a hole.”

Jay, the guitarist, (and unfortunately your ex) had to chime in with his typical rhetoric of mocking you and your not-so-graceful moments.

“Jesus, y/n. It’s a wonder they let you out on your own and not worry about whether or not you’ll be fit to sing the next day. Why is it you always find yourself in these stupid situations?”

“To be fair, it’s because you played like shit last night and I had to think of how we were going to make up for it tonight. So, I guess you could say I was a bit distracted.”

The other two in the band bust up in laughter. 

You and Jay never really rekindled your friendship after the break up, considering he cheated on you multiple times, with multiple different women.

You managed to keep things professional, because as much as you hated to admit it, he was a damn good guitar player and you two have written some wonderful pieces together. Your music just wouldn’t be the same without each other. 

“Alright, alright. That’s enough, guys. Tell us, y/n! I’m dying to know.”

Your bassist, Ivy, has been your best friend for the better part of the last decade. You two decided to leave your hometown behind and take on Nashville together, to live out your dreams. 

She wasn’t a huge fan of Jay. Never had been, if she were to be honest. She never fully approved of you two dating over fear that he’d do, well, exactly what he did. She could see right through him when you were stuck with your rose-colored glasses on. She tolerated him for the sake of the band, but you’re her best friend. More like her sister. She hated him for what he did to you.

“Okay, first let me ask you this. Who would you say my favorite band is?”

Ivy immediately stops what she’s doing and looks at you with wide eyes and an open mouth.

She knows exactly where this is going. 

The two of you had gone to as many of their shows as you could before starting the band. You guys had always bonded over music, and Greta Van Fleet was a band that made your friendship even stronger. They brought out the best parts of you both.

“No fucking way.”

You just look at her with the biggest smile on your face as hers displays more and more shock.

“Are you fucking serious, y/n?” she asks with the biggest grin you think you’ve ever seen on her.

Julien, the drummer, also caught on immediately. He knows you and Ivy had a huge thing for Greta Van Fleet in the past. (still do, unapologetically)

“Oh my god, holy shit, y/n. Which one did you meet?”

“Josh. Fucking Josh. And I didn’t just meet him, I slammed into him from behind because I was off in my own world. Then Sammy came up and he-”

Ivy cuts you off with a loud gasp.

“JOSH? SAM? You’re shitting me. What were they like? What did you say?”

“Josh was so nice, so funny. And Sammy was hilarious. But I was so embarrassed and honestly completely taken off guard. I didn’t say much, just kept telling him I was sorry for invading his space that way.”

“Did you tell them about the band? About how much their music inspired us?”

“Well, no. In fact I acted like I didn’t know them at all. I didn’t want to embarrass myself even more, ya know? And I didn’t want it to turn into a shameless plug.”

“You’re much stronger than I am, y/n. I probably would’ve lost my fucking mind. I’m proud of you for keeping your composure.”

The three of you laugh as you all know damn well that Ivy was right in saying she would’ve lost her mind.

Jay then shoots you a look of pure anger as he makes his way over to you.

“What the fuck, y/n! That could’ve been our chance! They could’ve hooked us up with their people, their label, anything! You fucked us over! You didn’t even invite them to the show? Fucking ridiculous.”

“I didn’t want to bother them with that! They probably get so sick of things like that, of small bands using them to get their name out. I refuse to be that person. We’re not that desperate, Jay.”

“You’re so selfish, you know that?”

With that he storms off, leaving you and the rest of the band in complete silence.

Julien walks up to you, wrapping you in a big hug. A world famous, Julien hug.

“Don’t listen to him, y/n. You did the right thing.”

Julien is the peacekeeper in the group, and whenever trouble brews he’s usually the first to ease the tensions.

He followed Jay to try and alleviate some of his anger so that you all could have a proper soundcheck.

“God, he’s a prick. Why do we keep him around again, y/n?”

You huff out a laugh while you’re adjusting your mic stand to the perfect height. 

“When you find another guitarist with half his skill, let me know and we’ll drop him. Until then, I think we’re stuck, Ivy.”

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪   

7:30 pm

You had run through a pretty successful soundcheck and had now gone backstage to your respective dressing rooms to get ready.

You and Ivy typically shared a room so you both could share makeup and stage clothes. You liked to coordinate with each other for performances.

The rooms were small and dingy, and they wreaked of old cigarettes and stale beer. They also barely had any lighting so you two had to use the flashlights on your phones to be able to see to do your makeup. 

Tonight, you had decided on a black leather mini skirt with black tights and a strapless black bandeau top with a sheer bell sleeved crop top over it that tied in the front. You chose a pair of black doc martens to complete the look, along with your insane number of necklaces that you stacked with precision.

Ivy chose a low cut, short black dress that hugged her curves in the perfect way. She was a lot more graceful in heels than you, so she donned a pair of black leather knee high boots with a 4 inch heel. She added the finishing touches with her necklaces that perfectly matched yours.

You both had done your hair in messy curls with tons of volume, and your makeup each consisted of a sultry, smokey eye with nude lips.

You both looked damn good. 

The guys typically opted for a more casual stage look, usually jeans with some sort of ripped up t-shirt. They didn’t seem to care quite as much as you and Ivy.

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪   

8:55 pm

“You guys have 5 minutes! Better be ready or I’ll have your asses!”

Joe is the ‘unofficial’ manager of Lilac Moon. He’s basically everyone's dad who is there to keep you all in line. He’s technically retired from the music business, having been everything from a producer and a sound technician, to a member of multiple different groups, playing just about every instrument under the sun. He’s a bit of a jack of all trades, you could say.

He barely gets paid, but he doesn't mind. He enjoys the music and loves being the mentor for the group. He isn’t afraid to tell it straight, but he always has a loving intent. 

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°��°∞♬°•°♪   

9:03 pm

Jay and Julien are already on stage ready to go, keeping the crowd entertained while you and Ivy finish up some last minute touches to your stage looks. It’s not uncommon for you two to be the last ones to make it out.

“Y/n! Ivy! It’s past nine, let’s go! You look fine, now get yourselves out there!”

“Shit. Sorry, Joe! We’re ready!”

You and Ivy finally hit the stage to roaring applause as your local fans are excited to see you both.

Ivy quickly grabs her white Hofner violin bass, already plugged in and ready to be played.

You make your way to the mic and start talking to the crowd, making some of your famous (more like infamous) jokes to warm up the audience. 

You look back and nod at the band, signaling that you’re ready. At last, the bar is filled with the sounds of Lilac Moon. 

The crowd is quite loud and excited tonight. You all feed off of their energy perfectly as you play your music. You changed the set a bit from the night before, so everything felt fresh and new. It was going so much better than last night, and you felt the love radiating from the crowd in ways you never had before.

 ♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪   

9:47 pm

You’re at the part of the night that your set typically slows down, doing a few softer, ballad-like songs. 

You had been working on a new song for awhile. It was loosely based on your experience with Jay. You hadn’t performed it yet, knowing you would be entirely too emotional, but you decided that tonight was the night for it. You were ready. 

Before you and Jay split up, he had been teaching you guitar so you could eventually play a little on stage with him. Well, since you broke up, you’ve not really wanted to pick up the instrument again. This new song, though…it requires a bit of backing rhythm guitar, meaning you’re the one that needs to play it.

You walked to the guitar stand to pick up your baby blue epiphone les paul that you bought yourself second hand several years ago. This is the first time you’ll be playing it on stage, and you’re nervous.

“If you’ve been to a Lilac Moon show before, you know this is, um - a bit out of the ordinary.”

The crowd laughs as you get your guitar set up comfortably. 

“Don’t worry, I’ve been practicing. But if it sounds like shit, just blame Jay.”

You glance at him with a smirk as he throws a matching one right back at you.

Right as you're about to strum the beginning chords of the song, you notice a familiar set of faces in the crowd, albeit faces you’ve never seen at one of your shows before.

You’re completely still as you lock eyes with none other than Josh. To say you’re stunned is an understatement. 

He looks just as shocked as you, with a large, confused smile gracing his face. There’s no way he remembers you, right? No - no way in hell. 

To make matters worse, the whole band is here. They’re with other people whom you can only assume are friends of theirs, possibly their security team or management. 

You’re not sure how long they’ve been here as the lights pointing to the stage have been far too bright to make out any faces in the crowd up until this point, save for the ones who were right up against the stage.

If you had to guess, you’d say they’ve been here the whole time. Now you’re really nervous. And you’re about to play guitar for the first time in front of a crowd-in front of them. 

It’s too late to back out now, and with your bandmates looking at you with subtle confusion, you decide to just go for it.

“This is a new song we’ve been working on, it’s still a bit of a work in progress so bare with us. It’s called “Alone Again.”’

The crowd gets excited at the thought of new music and you’re happy with the reaction.

The song begins. You start strumming the chords and singing, already feeling the emotions rise.

Don’t you dare start crying, y/n. Not in front of them.

The bridge of this song is passionate, serving as the climax to the eventual heartbreak the song ends with. 

You’re really worked up, unable to control the emotions any longer.

You step away from the mic briefly as you gather yourself during the chorus, Ivys’ backing vocals taking over. Julien watches you with concern as his drumming increases to a wild pace. 

You gain your composure and step back in front of the mic, singing with so much fervency. 

The song ends strong. The crowd is the loudest they’ve been this whole night.

You did it. You fucking did it.

You set your guitar back on the stand and grab the mic.

“What’s a Lilac Moon show without a little emotional breakdown from yours truly, am I right?”

You do this sometimes to lighten the mood a bit, when it all becomes a bit too heavy for your liking. You laugh with the crowd as you all prepare for the final song.

“Let’s get a little louder, shall we?”

The audience cheers as you perform the last song. It’s an upbeat, good old fashioned rock and roll song that never fails to garner a strong reaction from your fans.

You glance every so often to see the famous rock stars dancing and having a great time. 

You can’t believe it. They seem to be enjoying themselves, listening to your music. You would have never in a million years seen this coming.

You finish the song to loud, boisterous applause as you all make your way off stage.

You quickly run up to Ivy to ask her if she saw what you saw, but you’re cut off by the loud chanting of “ENCORE” coming from the audience.

“What the hell? They want an encore?”

You’re surprised as this has never happened before.

“Well shit, kids. Get back out there! Give the people what they want!”

Joe is practically shoving you guys back on stage. You’re all in utter shock as you make your way back out. 

The cheering is almost deafening as you begin another song. 

You’re filled with so much love and excitement as you can feel it emitting from the people in the audience. You feel fulfilled, you feel happy. 

As you’re performing your encore, you can’t help but notice that it seems the boys and their entourage are no longer in the crowd. 

You’re betting they just wanted to leave before the after-show chaos ensues, but you can’t help feeling like maybe they just weren’t impressed enough to stick around for the encore.

You quickly shove those thoughts down to give the audience the best you can give. It was the perfect ending to this amazing show. You guys even decide to throw in your own little rendition of Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin, a crowd favorite cover of yours.

Julien tosses his drumsticks to the crowd as Jay follows suit with a few guitar picks as you exit the stage for the final time.

♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪ 

10:24 pm

You’re all backstage again, full of pure adrenaline.

Julien runs around hugging everyone and gives you and Ivy enthusiastic kisses on your foreheads.

“Holy shit, guys! I think that’s the best we’ve ever been! Where’s Jay?”

Ivy rolls her eyes and looks at you before responding.

“He’s probably already at the bar on his third or fourth drink. You know how he is; the drinking binge begins as soon as he’s done with his responsibilities to the band.”

You’re not interested in talking about Jay. You have to ask them if they saw the guys in the audience.

“Did you guys see who was out there tonight? I almost lost my shit.”

“What? No, who are you talking about?”

Julien is a bit confused, but Ivy saw them too.

“Holy shit, y/n. What the hell were they doing here? I thought you said you didn’t tell them about us?”

“I didn’t, I swear! I’m just as confused as you are!”

You both hug each other, laughing and trying to make sense of it all.

Julien has already moved on from the conversation, making his way to the bathrooms.

You start to head back to your dressing room to gather up your things when a thought enters your head.

Where’s Joe? He’s always waiting on the side of the stage for us, always there when we exit. Why wasn’t he there after the encore?

As you turn the corner, you see him.

“Joe! There you are! Did you see-”

You then realize that he’s not alone. He’s talking with some people, but not just any people.

He’s talking with Josh, Jake, Sammy and Danny, and the people they came to the bar with were also part of this conversation.

You stop dead in your tracks.

What the hell are they doing back here? And why are they talking to Joe?

“Y/N! Holy shit, you sly dog, you!”

Sammy runs up to you and embraces you in the kind of hug you give to someone you’ve known your whole life. You eagerly hug him back. You can’t believe he remembers you.

Here comes Josh with a huge, toothy smile on his face.

“Hey, y/n!

He pushes Sammy to the side so he can have his turn giving you a hug. He sways you back and forth in his arms a bit and you practically melt under his touch. You feel you could stay in the safety of his arms for the rest of your life. 

He breaks the embrace but keeps his hands planted on your shoulders.

“You know it’s funny, but I can’t seem to recall you telling us you’re in a band. A fucking incredible one, at that!”

“I-I guess I just didn’t think to mention it. What on earth are you guys doing here? I feel like bars like this aren’t really your speed?”

Danny starts to make his way over to you, leaving Jake and their team with Joe to finish the conversation.

“Daniel here has been trying to get us to come and see this band he’s been digging for a while now and we finally agreed. Had I known how fantastic you were, I wouldn’t have hesitated!”

“I don’t know why you idiots haven’t learned by now that you should always trust my music taste.”

Danny introduces himself to you, and you’re once again in shock. 

Danny knows your band? He actually digs your music? 

“I swear every time I see you guys, you blow me away! Truly great stuff.”

How many shows has he been to??

“Oh my god, thank you so much. I’m not even sure what to say. I mean, you guys are incredible and I’m a huge fan. I wouldn’t have ever expected you all to be here and-”

Your rambling is cut short by Josh removing his hands from your shoulders, displaying a look of slight concern mixed with a smirk.

“Wait, you’re a fan of us? You could’ve fooled me! Why didn’t you act like it when we met you this morning?”

Shit. Your act is up.

“Well, I guess I was just in shock and didn’t want you to think I was just another crazed fan who just so happened to run into you accidentally-on-purpose, you know? I swear, it truly was an accident.”

Josh starts giggling at you, seeing that familiar look of embarrassment flushing your face again.

“Oh trust me, y/n. I have no doubt it was an accident. You looked like you saw a ghost or something.” 

He grabs your arm, letting you know it’s okay and that you can relieve some of your visible tension.

“So what are you guys doing back here? What were you talking to Joe about?”

About that time, you hear a high pitched shrill coming from behind you. You instantly know it’s Ivy. 

She runs up to you and the guys and introduces herself to them. She’s having a hard time hiding the fact that she’s a major fan, and you can’t help but laugh at her and her enthusiasm as she hugs them.

Joe, Jake and the people accompanying them start to make their way over to you all.

Jake gives his brothers a confirming nod.

“We’re all set, boys. I suppose we just need the official ‘okay’ from the band.”

Jake glances your way, his cheekbones high on his face and he smiles at you both. 

You and Ivy look at each other with genuine confusion as you can’t figure out what the hell is going on. You both look to Joe for some answers as he’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Y/n, Ivy, the boys and their management have asked me if you would like to join them on the road for the first half of their next tour starting in July. Thoughts on this, ladies?”

You’re both at a loss for words. They want you to join them? What? Is this actually happening?

You instantly look at Josh who appears to be anxiously awaiting your answer as he chimes in.

“You see, we’re down an opener for the first part of the tour, and that’s why Daniel wanted us to come watch you guys tonight. He figured you all would be perfect for the job, and I agree. So what do you say? Care to join us on this audacious trip?”

“Oh my god..I-I mean we’ll have to check with Julien and Jay but, I don’t see why not! That sounds amazing! I can’t believe it, you want us?”

“Josh absolutely insisted on it as soon as you walked out on stage. In fact he could hardly keep his eyes off you, isn’t that right, bro?” Sammy says as he nudges your shoulder and throws you a wink.

You look at Josh to see that his cheeks are the ones burning red this time.

Julien is practically sprinting down the hall when he figures out who’s backstage with you.

“What’s up, guys? Huge fan of your stuff, seriously. So sick to see you here!”

He gives them all handshakes that turn into his notable hugs.

“Hey Jules, they just asked us to join them on the road this summer. Think that’s a good idea?” you ask him as he’s instantly making friends with the other drummer.

“Are- are you fucking serious? Of course I do! No way, man!”

You all break out in laughter as he makes yet another round of handshakes and hugs to show his gratitude.

Josh moves a little closer to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and bumping your hip with his playfully.

“So, it’s settled then, y/n?”

You look at Ivy as she’s vigorously nodding her head up and down, tears in her eyes as she’s struggling to contain her excitement.

“I think that’s a resounding yes!”

to be continued...

Chapter 2

join the taglist!

♪°•°∞♬°•°♪°•°∞♬°•°♪ 

taglist: @jakeyt​​

[hit-song-showdown]

My favorite songs of 2023

I am putting together my favorite songs released in 2023. I started off doing a project where I listened to as many new albums as I could (and recording my findings in a spreadsheet), but that project tapered off around June when my move + school year started. But even though I wasn't able to listen to every album that came out, I still came out of 2023 with some of my favorite musical projects of all time. Also as another disclaimer: I am not a professional music writer.

I am also limiting this list to 1 song per album/project.

1. Scaring the Hoes by JPEGMafia and Danny Brown. I wish I could go back and experience again what happened to my brain when I first heard this track so I could properly convey it with text. When I first saw this project was announced, I knew it would take over my life. When I heard this track before the album was released, I knew I would have to form some kind of religion around it. The reason why I'm limiting this list to one track per album is because Scaring the Hoes has 14 tracks so I wouldn't be able to fit them all (other songs I would have given the number 1 spot include Burfict!, Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up/Muddy Waters, God Loves You, and Kingdom Hearts Key). But the title track is the perfect introduction. It's less of a single and more of a thesis statement for the entire project. The production throughout this album is incredible, but STH hits different. The rhythmic, almost menacing handclaps (fun fact: those aren't handclaps--that's the sound my asscheeks make when this song comes on) and the horn sample which I can only describe as Blood Money era Tom Waitsian, it is by far my favorite beat of 2023. Combined with Danny and JPEG's charisma and the way they bounce back and forth, this song is a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. Also I saw them live and that experience elevated a 10/10 to a 20/10 for me.

2. Prof. Aronnax' Descent into the Vast Oceans by Ahab. I started seriously listening to German nautical funeral doom metal band, Ahab around early 2022 so this was the first new release I got to experience. Even though I loved what I heard previously, nothing could have prepared me for this. The opening track is everything I want from a doom metal song. It starts out with a frantic onslaught of screaming and inhuman growls before mellowing out into a serene instrumental before the mournful vocals kick in. It really feels like the initial shock of your body slamming into the water, then having to slowly drift among the waves as your muscles give out and you're taken deeper into the depths. That's what I like about doom metal: it's music to decay to. This track (and by extension this album) hooked me from a story-telling perspective right away, which shouldn't be a surprise as it was based on Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The story presented in this album intrigued me so much that I had to read the book for myself. Then I read it again. Then I read two different translations. Now I'm working on a visual novel adaptation. I know metrics for album rankings are subjective, so I'm willing to give an album an extra bump if it gets me to read a 19th century novel at least five times in less than two months and learn Python coding. (Other tracks I would have included: the album is at its strongest as a single listening experience, but I especially enjoyed Mobilis in Mobili and Ægri Somnia).

3. What A Man by Debby Friday. This is a track off of Nigerian-Canadian electronic musician Debby Friday's first album Good Luck and holy shit, what a debut. This is such a well-formed project I can't believe it. I was already enjoying the album throughout the first few tracks. It brought me back to listening to 2000s club music and thinking "wow I wish I got invited to parties." But then I got to What A Man and the world screeched to a halt. I think I was posting on my main blog at the time, so anyone unfortunate enough to follow me had a chance to see my incoherent screeching in real time. This track is incredible. Debby's warm and sultry voice, the spacey production, THE ELECTRIC GUITAR? The first time the guitar kicks in, that's just a teaser for what ended up being one of my favorite music moments of the year. The electric guitar feels like an oncoming storm and Debby is standing strong before it, taking on the wind and rain as her voice becomes louder and almost yearning. Then the song builds with Debby yelling to the high heavens as the guitars wail around her before fading back down into the low bass and rhythmic breathing motif found throughout the album. This track is an experience, and the music video is gorgeous too (the picture I chose for the banner is from the video itself) and the fact that it has less than 20K views hurts me. (Other tracks I would have included: I Got It, So Hard To Tell, Let U Down)

4. Bite Back by Algiers (ft. billy woods and Backxwash). Speaking of songs that build... This is the sixth track off of Algiers' album, Shook and by this point I was already feeling pretty good about the release. I was already prepared to put the opening track, Everybody Shatter on my top 20, but when Bite Back kicked in, something changed. Here's a recreation of my initial reaction: "this sounds pretty good, I like the way this intro...is that billy woods??") Just to be transparent: billy woods' involvement would have been enough to give this an automatic top slot for me, but it helps that his verse is fantastic. His flow is slower than the introductory verse, but that only makes his lyrics stand out more. From the opening lines "One hand wash the other, they both wash the face / Centrifugal force and inertia keep everything in its place / Slowly, spinning in space, speeding, lead foot on the brakes" I knew I was in for something special. One thing I really appreciate about this track is the production. billy woods has a very steady flow with an almost menacing quality to it depending on the subject matter of the lyrics, and the beat shifts during his verse to reflect that. It sounds like it could be a billy woods beat, but it doesn't sound like one of his beats was carelessly shoved into an Algiers song. It's like the beat ebbs and flows with the artists involved. The production gets gradually more intense as billy picks up more ferocity in his delivery. A detail I really like is when billy says "claws rattling, delicate as roaches' wings," the percussion on the backing track picks up an almost rattling quality, but it doesn't sound corny or too obvious. Then billy continues, the backing track picking up even more intensity until it feels like each noise is blasting at full power...and then the tension releases and settles down with Algiers frontman, Franklin James Fisher, delivering the second verse. His delivery contrasts wonderfully with billy woods' too, with his faster, almost whispered vocals allowing the track to pick up momentum again after the previous release of tension. This track knows when to breathe and it's fantastic. But it also knows when to take the air from your lungs as Fisher goes all out with the vocals in the hook and third verse, reinstating what an absolute powerhouse vocalist he is. And just when the track is at its peak ferocity, in comes Backxwash with the steel chair! If billy and Fisher were allowing the beat to gradually shift under their performances, Backxwash grabs the song by the throat and makes it do whatever she wants. Her verse then trades off into Fisher delivering the outro, operating at full power in his delivery. This song is so well-crafted and none of the artists feel out of place. (Other tracks I would have included: Everybody Shatter, A Good Man, Irreversible Damage)

5. Billions by Caroline Polachek. As of writing this, I haven't been keeping up with other people's year end lists, but I know this album is going to make everyone else's. So I feel a bit intimidated to talk about it, but I will try. The production on this album is so good my brain can't even comprehend how it was crafted. I've seen it described as "maximalist," but that doesn't fully capture how well this album knows when to pull back and let the tracks breathe. Billions is one of the more sparse tracks compared to some of the others, but that only makes each production decision stand out more. The second time Caroline says "give me the closure," you hear a little musical sting in the background (probably some kind of synth, but at first listen I thought it was an electric guitar) which didn't show up after the first time that lyric was sung. It's that attention to detail and letting the production build on itself that makes this project incredible. And it goes without saying that Caroline is an outstanding vocalist. She sounds like a siren. It's ridiculous. (Other tracks I would have included: Welcome to My Island, I Believe, Hopedrunk Everasking)

6. The Black Seminole by Lil Yachty. Opening track off of Lil Yachty's psychedelic rock album, Let's Start Here, and what an opening track on a fantastic project. It should be clear by this point that I love songs that build, and holy shit does this song build. I first listened to this album while I was on a plane, and this track synced up with my takeoff. So while the plane was lifting off the ground and I was being pressed against my seat, Lil Yachty gave the final line before the electric guitars and the female vocalist kicked in, both wailing with equal ferocity. Top 10 music experiences of the year, but even going back to listen to that same track when I'm not on an airplane delivered the same euphoric experience. (Other tracks I would have included: Drive Me Crazy, Should I B, We Saw the Sun)

7. Xena by Skrillex and Nai Barghouti. I debated whether to put this song or Hydrate on the list, but Xena was the first track that made me fall in love with this album. With vocals by Palestinian singer, Nai Barghouti, Skrillex delivers an absolutely outstanding dubstep track. Like Billions, it's the kind of music production that makes me have to step back and fully appreciate the craft. The song is incredible at building intensity, but he also knows when to pull back to let the tension build again. And Barghouti isn't just a feature--she is the heartbeat of this song. Her voice melds with the production so well, but in a way that sounds like she's commanding it. My absolute favorite part of the song is when she starts singing in her lower register as the production turns to more naturalistic instruments. Sometimes I see electronic producers robbing their singers of their voices for the sake of cohesive production, but that isn't the case here. Nai Barghouti's voice is crisp, unique, and perfect. It's a fantastic melding of producer and vocalist that makes way more sense than it should. (Other tracks I would have included: Hydrate, Rumble, Ratata)

8. Babylon by Bus by billy woods and Kenny Segal. I already talked about billy woods, but he was a feature so this still counts. Everything I already said about billy woods' skills applies here as well, especially now that he has full control over the track. billy's flow sounds both effortless, and that he knows the perfect word to use for each line. And he uses interesting words. "Glistening waterbug on clean counter / Plague mask, gave the place a cursory glower / He ran away, I gave chase but gave up and sat on his gate for hours" I love this series of bars. He is a storyteller. And then, the beat pauses after billy's first verse, with low menacing notes, a clattering of naturalistic metallic percussion, and then the switch up??? Seriously the way the beat ramps up for SkrapKnel's verses takes the song to another level. The way the Curly Castro and PremRock pass the mic back and forth to each other is outstanding. This doesn't feel like a guest verse; this is a fully realized project. The shamelessness is even more apparent when billy takes the mic again for the final verse, but now with more ferocity in his delivery as if he's building off of the energy created by SkrapKnel. This song is masterful. "I take care of these words, Munchausen by proxy / Somehow beat the tox screen / God save the queen, but that train doesn't stop here anymore" (Other tracks I would have included: FaceTime, Year Zero, Soft Landing)

9. Drain You Empty by Cannibal Corpse. I listened to this album right around midterms and I needed it. But this was the song I kept coming back to. For one, it's fun. Obviously: it's Cannibal Corpse. But I love the way the song opens with a full minute of just blasting you before the drums, riffs, and screams really kick in. Good god the drumming on this album is so good. I absolutely love Corpsegrinder's delivery on this track. The way he shifts from bellowing growls to shrieks, the way he speeds up his delivery to match the pace of the drums, it's so good. I'm sorry I don't have a better analysis. It's fun. (Other tracks I would have included: Chaos Horrific, Overlords of Violence, Blood Blind)

10. Crossing Guard by Model/Actriz. This is a song that made me wish I went to gay clubs more. Yes, it's a killer dance song, but what draws me in is how chaotic the production is. It starts out slow and quiet, then bam! The production starts screeching at you in a glorious onslaught of noise, held together with a fantastic bassline. I love the vocalist too. He can be monotone and subtle, but he also knows how to raise his voice to match the ferocity of the production. I listened to this song countless times last year (often while crossing the street and trying not to get hit by cars), and the line "Like Germanotta, Stefani / Pull the weight from under me" will be stuck in my head forever. (Other tracks I would have included: Donkey Show, Amaranth)

[thats-h0w-th3-light-g3ts-in]

• G A M E A L E R T •

Tagged by @theluckydimecaper and as always glad to participate!

RULES: put 5 songs you actually listen to, then tag 10 people.

Okay first of all — let me explain:

I do listen to other musicians than Fleetwood Mac I have actually 10.000 songs on my iPod (yes I still have an iPod, no I don’t use spotify) and some of my favorite songs are probably, subjectively spoke, even ’better’ than some of the Fleetwood Mac songs chosen here but right now I just CAN‘T listen to anything else. I am sorry. I haven’t listened to anything but Fleetwood Mac for months. That‘s just how it is.

Also, I‘m gonna elaborate a bit on the songs I chose because I like to force myself and my opinions onto people.

Here we go:

1. Sentimental Lady - Fleetwood Mac

From the Bare Trees album vocals by Bob Welch

I just love that song, it has such an enchanting chorus I could just sing it all day long. Plus Chris‘ voice in the background of the original FMac version is just the cherry on top of the … you know what I mean. I love Bob Welch, so underrated.

2. Show Me a Smile - Fleetwood Mac

From the Future Games album vocals by Christine McVie

This song isn’t particularly special melody wise but I just wonder so much about the lyrics. Chris never had any kids and I highly suspect the song was written about the men surrounding her. They were merely boys back then especially Danny Kirwan. I think she sometimes must have felt like the only grown up in the room. Sadly, we‘ll never know, but it‘s a beautiful and sweet song for sure.

3. Sweet Girl - Fleetwood Mac

From The Dance live album vocals by Stevie Nicks

I‘ve read somewhere that Stevie wrote that song for Christine and that makes me tear up. She wrote it for The Dance in 1998, they hadn’t been very close back then and I think Stevie very much regretted that. It reflects in the lyrics. I think she wanted so much to let Chris into her life during that weird period of her klonopin addiction but she just couldn’t and she felt sorry for that.

4. Only Over You - Fleetwood Mac

From Mirage vocals by Christine McVie

When she sings: ‘Angel please don‘t go.‘ my heart shatters into a million pieces. I‘m actually a strong advocate for John McVie but the true story is that their marriage didn’t last and at some point Dennis Wilson came in and Chris loved him very much. She just couldn’t keep up with him and so it wasn’t to be and I think she was sad about having to face reality.

5. Bleed to Love Her - Fleetwood Mac

From The Dance live album vocals by Lindsey Buckingham

Man The Dance is a great album. I chose this mainly because shit you‘ve gotta give Lindsey some credit. He is a god on the guitar and his songs are more than worthy. Bleed to Love Her just sticks in your head and I love that.

Sorry for the novel. You may comment, I love hearing your views.

I‘m tagging my homies always there for me liking my stuff — you are great , I appreciate you and if you feel up to it you can participate in this game.

@stevienicksquotes @zeharah @gifterscrews @whatso-never @tusktrek @bluelamps @tinatina6 @lightning-str1kes @lovesahscoven @thewolveswithin @neuroprincess

[numetaljackdog]

WILT 8/3/2024

spotify//youtube

and get this. song notes under cut

Limp Bizkit - No Sex: ahaha the funny bizkit band!!!!! except this song speaks deeply to some Themes 😐<-the seriouser. pretty sure i've talked about this one in past WILTs but it just continues to strike me as unusual to hear fred like this on significant other. it's such a shameful song, definitely with some large doses of deflection and passing the blame to the woman he's addressing in the lyrics, but it connects on a base emotional level that fred rarely operated on at this point in bizkit hiztory, and an emotional level which i operate on every day of my life. this is in my top 3 lb songs

Jerk - I Hate People Like That: whenever i'm listening to this song, it's the best song in the world. i discovered this through the "crazy-ass moments in nu metal history" instagram page and loved the live video (the singer looks so cool!!) but hearing the studio version for the first time was the real jaw-dropper. recommend the whole album, some of the crunchiest, tastiest, most australian industrial i've ever heard

Deftones - Lotion: FINALLY entering my deftones era with lots of around the fur. lotion came on shuffle whilst i was mightily zooted one day and i decided that this was, in fact, the best song ever. the little vocal riff in the chorus? wild. plus ngl i do feel sickened

Fabricoh - Arm the Left: what a cool hardcore band :)

Coal Chamber - Fiend: idrc about coal chamber that much but this shit bumps

Klokwise - Bounce With This: as i believe i mentioned, this is one of my current favorite tracks from a newer nu metal band. hype as fuck, good riff, lots of bouncing. one thing i like best about klokwise is that they have a catchphrase. fucking brilliant way to build a community around your band. people can just say WISE UP and if you're with it then you immediately know what's up

Faith No More - Jizzlobber: speaking of themes and topics. i have been getting more into fnm due to reasons beyond my control and well frankly they are so bangers. "banger" doesn't really cover this one though this is straight up freak shit those vocals are crazyyyy

Cradle Of Thorns - Flesh: before videodrone was videodrone they were a strange little diy industrial outfit that made some independently-released records throughout the 90s. i've much yet to explore from the back catalog but this is a jam that's a combination of sexy and nasty and funny. included in the youtube playlist is footage of ty what's-his-name flailing and screeching like a wet little loser faggot boy

Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us: i followed the beef from about the midpoint to the conclusion and i'm still marveling at how thoroughly kendrick lamar put that man in the dirt. and made some bangers along the way, this shit is in my head everyday

Faith No More - Digging the Grave: the singing so good. that's all i really have for this one rn, this is the newest addition to the rotation

Boskat - Boiler: honestly rudeboy really deserves most of the credit for this, like yeah boskat came up with a catchy riff but otherwise it's like barely their song. plus i checked out some of their other shit and it's mid as hell. really good nu revival track but seems like a total fluke unforch. plus idk why they shied away from just saying "dick" like grow up

Joey Valence & Brae - Packapunch: been bumping some jvb recently, which is where some of the beastie posting has been coming from. i'm a little cynical about some of their new stuff like ohhhh yeah i bet you want to add nu jazz and breakcore and w/e to your sound yeah i bet your online-as-fuck audience eats that shit up. but then also i'm part of that audience and i kind of do. so i guess they've got me there. plus danny brown! i'm serious about the beastie girls thing btw

Blondie - Rapture: another legitimate claim for the title of first-ever rap rock song! which is crazy bc it comes out of nowhere. like wow this blondie song is good in the way that most blondie songs are g- hey wait what. i love new wave and art punk and other stuff too. plus debbie harry's voice sounds realllll sexy when she sings the song title

P. O. D. - School of Hard Knocks: from little nicky. it's nu memtal

Insane Clown Posse - Hum Drum Boogie: oh goody! anyway me + the crew have been jamming this album recently and this song is so funny. MY BALLS

Charli XCX - Guess featuring Billie Eilish: i like girls :) this track strikes me as like a modern take on the paradigm of older club hits where there's like a male rapper who's the main artist and a female singer who's featured and does the hook and through the lyrics the narrative of performance is that they're gonna fuck down on each other. this is that but instead of pitbull or whoever it's billie eilish. and well that's kind of awesome. becuase of lesbian sex

Natalie Portman - Natalie's Rap: i don't give a fuckkkk about snl but i love when women rap and i love when it's violent on purpose

Chris Korda - Save the Planet, Kill Yourself: i got obsessed with the church of euthanasia recently after reading a bunch about the unabomber and that led me to chris korda's music which admittedly is not something i would give a fuck about if not for everything else going on with her. i would have added "i like to watch" instead of this but for some strange reason that i just can't fathom it doesn't seem to be widely available anywhere. weird!

Insane Clown Posse - I'm Ugly: actually awful song but soooo fucking funny. and then it gets kind of hard at the end and i stand by that

BONUS TRACK!

Trapt - These Walls: fuck these guys and their shitty band but also this song is kind of real as fuck....... like yeah man i would trade everything for this. however this was almost certainly purely incidental as all their songs sound like they were made in a lab

[jules-has-notes]

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas — VoicePlay music video

Between promoting their season of The Sing-Off and releasing the songs for their Collide collaboration album, VoicePlay didn't put out a Christmas video in 2013. They definitely made up for it in 2014 with this combination of vocal awesomeness and visual ridiculousness.

Details:

title: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

original performers: Bing Crosby as Jim Hardy and Marjorie Reynolds as Linda Mason in Holiday Inn (1942)

written by: Irving Berlin

arranged by: Geoff Castellucci

release date: 28 November 2014

My favorite bits:

the jaunty tempo that makes it more upbeat than the original

their festive sweaters in Geoff's fantasy sequence

an appearance from Tony's good boy Fletcher

Layne's incredible sleigh bells — I've seen him demonstrate how he does it, and it still astonishes me how real it sounds.

the fact that Earl's fantasy isn't just having a lot of cookies, but specifically having enough to satisfy him without sharing

Tony, Eli, and Layne just barely managing to keep straight faces during the candy cane chase sequence

Geoff's lovely riff and the ending harmonies

the extended slow-mo clip, complete with the guys losing it

.

Trivia:

VoicePlay originally recorded this track for their 2012 holiday album, "Peppermint WInter".

The video got a nice listicle writeup in Buzzfeed.

This song was part of their rotating setlist for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World from 2015-17.

They had previously recorded a video for an arrangement of this song as 4:2:Five (with Danny and Ryan) in 2010. It was made private along with the rest of the 4:2:Five YouTube channel when they changed their name to VoicePlay in 2012.

Eli does know what it's like to have long hair, because he used to have a full head of curly auburn locks. He decided to shave it off one day with the help of a bandmate and has maintained the look ever since.

Geoff, Kathy, Eli, and Danny with their castmates for the 2009 Luminescence holiday show in Kissimmee

[ghostwav64]

I’ll always share my Spotify wrapped because I think it’s neat as hell to see what everyone listened to this year. I didn’t get L to the OG to the top like I wanted, my commitment to the bit waned unfortunately.

2023 my music listening habits were very different than they normally are, I spent less time keeping up with new releases and wayyy more time exploring artists and genres that I previously hadn’t really listened to.

That being said there were still a few projects from this year that I really loved that I figured I’d take the time to write a little about now.

5. Actual Life 3 Piano EP (January 1-September 9,2022)- Fred again..

Really inspiring EP for me, it’s a quiet reflective audio journal featuring some ambient sounds, some really cool samples, and some pretty piano playing throughout it’s a lot more lowkey than his album last year but I really enjoy that.

Favorite track: Nathan (Varner Road)

4. Quaranta by Danny Brown.

While I really enjoyed Danny’s work with JPEGMafia this year, I ultimately prefer this solo release from him this year. It’s a follow up to his album XXX, on that album Danny was a 30 year old struggling to make it as a rapper, now a decade later he’s obtained the success he once wanted so badly and he finds himself reflecting on where he was and where he is now. While financially Danny is better off than he was a decade ago,mentally he is still hurting and struggling as much as he was then. It’s a raw and vulnerable album with some excellent production throughout and some of the best verses of Danny’s career in my opinion.

Favorite Track: Down Wit It

3. Census Designated by Jane Remover

On Census Designated Jane Remover moves away from the hyperpop and digicore influences of her last album and leans more into rock and shoegaze, although there a certainly still a ton of fun little glitchy and stuttering effects throughout. If you like Ethel Cain I’d highly recommend this album.

Favorite Track: Cage Girl/ Camgirl

2. Wallsocket by underscores

A really wonderful pop rock concept album filled to the brim with infectious hooks, creative sampling and a lot of fun vocal manipulation throughout. There are no skips on this thing, every song is bursting with this really great creative energy. There are only few songs that I fell in love with this year more than You don’t know who I am.

Favorite track: You don’t know who I am.

1. 10,000 gecs by 100 gecs

The second I hit play on this album and I heard the THX logo sound followed by gunshots and the sick main riff on Dumbest Girl Alive, I knew this was going to be my favorite album of the year.

Here the gecs expand on their sound from the first album, refining it and fine tuning it, while still maintaining the playful energy that made the first album so exciting. Every song on the album has at least one or two lines that have permanently burrowed their way into my brain like the best ear worms do.

This album really flexes the duos skills at genre blending as they take from nu-metal, rap, pop, rock and ska and fuse them all into this wild album. It’s an unpredictable and fun listen one second they’ll be singing about struggling to make it in Hollywood, and little later you’ll get a song about having a tooth removed.

There’s a playful rebelliousness to all of their songs that I just can’t get enough of.

Favorite track: Dumbest Girl Alive (duh it’s my most listened to song this year) but I also wanna shoutout Most Wanted Person in The United States, that song fucking rules.

What’d you like this year?

[sunflower-gvf]

my thoughts on the new album!

fate of the faithful- obsessed with the intro, i feel like not only does it set the tone for the song, but for the entire album as well. i LOVE the tone of the guitar in this track, and danny had no right to go that hard. i feel like josh also did a lot of challenging vocals and little riffs here and there which I LOVE. i just love the overall vibe of the song and how all the individual unique parts come together. 

waited all your life- i’m obsessed with the acoustic guitar opening and the way it picks up after that little acoustic intro. josh made the vocal jumps from his lower range to his higher range sound effortless wtf. i can hear sam’s part so clearly and he is literally eating it up, it works so well with the vocals

the falling sky- again, i love the intro. i feel like i can hear a little blues influence in the guitar and especially in the opening. this whole track is super catchy, specifically the chorus, and it’s hard not to sing along. and the fucking harmonica solo omfg. i obviously hear a lot of blues in the harmonica solo and i feel like adding that into the song really separated the whole song not only from the rest of the songs on the album, but from a lot of modern songs. 

sacred the thread- this was probs my fav single they released before the actual album, i love this song sm. i love that it starts with the drums and then the guitar comes in. i’m also obsessed with the bass line, i feel like it works really well with the guitar part while still being unique and shining through in it’s own way. josh literally slayed so hard b/c this is such a challenging song vocally (at least for me b/c im an alto), but he makes it sound and look so easy. the best part of the whole song is towards the end when the vocals and the instrumentals all do the same rhythm while josh sings the lyric, “sacred the thread” (timestamp 4:47). 

runaway blues- I LOVE THE LITTLE SPEAKING THING IN THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OMG! speaking of loving a bass line, i especially adore the bass line in this track. and the fucking guitar solo at the end is so good, it makes me want to cry and scream in the best way possible. i feel like this whole track is so different from a lot of the other stuff they’ve done and that’s probably why i love it so much. 

the indigo streak- definitely one of my favorite song from the entire album omg. THE LAYERED BACKGROUND VOCALS??? HELLO???? i feel like all those background vocals added so much depth and color to the whole song I LOVE IT. starting from the timestamp 2:30, it somehow gets even better??? the guitar tone in the solo is slightly different (i think) from other songs and he plays pretty high up on the neck and it just works so well, i’m obsessed. 

frozen light- the count off in the beginning omfg it’s too much i can’t. love the guitar intro, i hear some blues influence not necessarily in the notes jake is playing, but in his tone. the section right before the chorus is so good don’t even get me started. also love how josh sings about “dreams in gold”!! i feel like i keep saying it, but sam is absolutely KILLING IT WHAT THE HELL??? and in all the songs, but for this one, danny is eating it up what the actual FUCK. 

the archer- again with the guitar intros, i adore this one so much and i love how it feels a bit lighter and then the other instruments come in and it gives it a heavier, deeper, and darker feel. the way that this song transitions into the chorus is so satisfying and works so well. i also love the vocals in this track and i feel like josh got to showcase his wide range a lot here. jake’s solo in this song is definitely one of my favorites from the album. i feel like it can be easy and tempting for guitarists to only play really high up the neck, but he utilized everything which i absolutely love. 

meeting the master- i’ve loved this song so much ever since it first got released and i think my love for it only continues to grow. to me, it really encapsulates the whole album and their new era. everything in this song works so well together and it comes together to create a transcendent track that transports you into an otherworldly head space while listening (at least for me). i really love the lyrics in this song, they’re so beautiful and hold a lot of symbolism and meaning. 

farewell for now- screaming crying throwing up. knowing that they wrote this as an appreciation for the fans makes the listening experience all the more special i feel like. i love the harmonies and similar to ‘the indigo streak’, the layers add so much depth. i love danny’s part leading into the chorus (timestamp 2:00), ITS SO GOOD HELLO??? this is also one of my favorites of jake’s solos from this album, the solo works so well with the rest of the instrumentals, while still bringing in a new vibe and introducing similar motifs from earlier in the song into his solo. the ending is so beautiful, and i love the way it slowly lessens until it’s just josh left. 

final thoughts- wow. it’s hard to put into words how i’m feeling after listening again and really hearing every little thing. i feel like all the tracks are so unique but come together to create an amazing listening experience that leaves you yearning for more (at least for me). just by listening, you can hear how much effort they put into this and how much they have grown. sam’s bass lines were so fucking impressive and while i’m not a bass player, i found myself listening to his part a lot. danny is so incredibly talented and i feel like we really got to hear him showcase his talents in a lot of the fills he did, as well as in some intros or little solos. i really loved how josh used his full range and sang in his lower register. it made it feel even more special and impressive when he went back up to his higher range. jake’s solos and guitar parts kept me on my toes for the whole album. i could hear blues influence in a good amount of his solos and i absolutely adored that. he also played on all parts of the neck and incorporated different tones throughout the album which i thought was really impressive. overall, i am so incredibly proud of them, this album is so special and i’m so impressed. they really did something special and unique with this album and i just love them so much oh my fucking god.  

[jetstarred]

what i listened to in april 2024!

total: 9 albums top 3 albums: wake (hail the sun), favourite worst nightmare (arctic monkeys), blushing (blushing) click read more to see full reviews :3

Wake - Hail the Sun (2014)

Fav song: Human Target Practice

This is a really good swancore album! There’s unique elements that make Hail the Sun not just sound like a Dance Gavin Dance copycat, but genuinely inspired and expanding the swancore genre. I can’t get it out of my head that Don sounds like Anthony Green so if u like Dgd and Anthony, I’d highly recommend this album. I don’t have much to say cause forreal I just vibe with this album a lot.

Rating: 8/10

Divine Inner Tension - Hail the Sun (2023)

Fav song: Maladapted

This album is such a good evolution of the swancore sound, with the band making it all their own. There were moments I really enjoyed and felt the impact of the guitar riffs so prevalent in swancore. There were some mellower moments that were really enjoyable. Overall I think this album is a good new album from this band as they continue being a staple of the swancore scene.

Rating: 7/10

Travel Glow - Body Thief (2019)

Fav song: Apheliotropism

This album sounds less like Dgd, taking  elements from that band as well as La Dispute, Circa Survive, and The Fall of Troy. This album very much feels like the band trying to pull from their inspirations to evolve their sound into something more unique. And I really enjoyed it! While I do prefer the more bright and poppy sound of the following album (Every Ending), I do really like how this album sounds. It especially benefits from the band understanding the elements that make the bands previously mentioned have dynamic and unique sounds. Danny’s vocals also work great with the higher register commonly used by the singers in those bands, which adds to my enjoyment of this album. This is a solid sophomore album from a band that's very clearly always trying to reinvent their sound and bring something different to the scene that they're in, while being influenced by the bands that came before them.

Rating: 7/10

I'm Not Well - Black Foxxes (2016)

Fav song: Home

This album is a pretty alright modern rock album. It clearly takes inspiration from other bands from the England indie rock scene, as well as post-hardcore. It had good production and the higher, almost straining vocals provided a nice contrast against the harsher instrumentals. Overall this was pretty standard. The music caught my attention and while there's nothing to write home about, it's a solid album.

Rating: 6/10

Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys (2007)

Fav song: Brainstorm

This is the first album on these reviews that I’ve already listened to but I only listened to it once in 2018, so it feels like a new album to my ears. As a part time Arctic Monkeys fan, this is easily my favorite album by them. This album puts a twist on the classic British indie rock sound that easily made the band an inspiration for the whole indie rock scene that followed. There's elements of harsher punk rock that are married very nicely with the indie sound and make it more dynamic. Alex Turner's voice is phenomenal here, carrying the vibe of a young man with all the angst, hopeless romance, and general emotions associated with being a teenager. Being the bands 2nd album, it's a slow but noticeable transition between the undoubtedly angstier 1st album, to the 3rd album that still carried some of these sentiments, to the 4th and most well known album AM, which is very romantic and an all time indie rock album. Overall, this is a solid step forward from an iconic band in their youth and clearly shows how Arctic Monkeys cemented themselves as a pillar of the indie rock scene in Britain.

Rating: 8/10

A Great Chaos - Ken Carson (2023)

Fav song: Nightcore

This was my first time listening to a rage album in its entirety! While I do like the overall sound, I think this album was largely very repetitive, with very similar beats and flows. There was very little that stood out to me, with each song having small embellishments that differentiated them from each other. The auto tune used was also a little grating for me which added to my kinda meh feeling towards the album. However, I do think I'd enjoy exploring this genre more and it has the potential of becoming one of my favorite rap subgenres, especially as someone who's a big fan of noisy music (which this album had a lot of noise cooked into the beats).

Rating: 6/10

POW! Right In The Kisser! - Hail the Sun (2010)

Fav song: There's Plenty Of Fish In The Sea (Too Bad You're Not A Fish)

The first thing I noticed about this album is just how strange the mixing is. Don’s vocals are so clear while the instruments sound like they were recorded with a tin can. It makes the album very charming to me, as it’s clear the band was just making the music they wanted even if they didn't have the tools to make it sound polished. For a swancore album, I would prefer to have louder guitars, but it's clear that Don’s voice is the star of the show. As the album progresses, there's extra embellishments in the songs such as short talking portions, brass instruments, and even little synths. All of these add character to the album, elevating the charm it already had. Overall, I think this is a good debut for a band that grew into having a grander sound.

Rating: 7/10

Silent Dynamic Torture - Super Static Fever (2017)

Fav song: Areness For Fun

This is a pretty good album inspired by 90s shoegaze, with some heavy Duster influence. There was no modernization to the sound, sounding like it could've been made in the 90s. It's impressive from a mixing/production standpoint, and it's really nice to listen to as a fan of music that sounds like this. It doesn't really bring anything new to the table, which will probably cause some people to listen to Duster over this, but I don't mind it. This is the only release by this band, which is a little disappointing because I really think they could’ve evolved their sound into something more unique.

Rating: 7/10

Blushing - Blushing (2019)

Fav song: Control

This is a beautiful modern melding of dream pop and grungegaze that sounds very ethereal. The vocals especially add a dreamy, almost eerie quality to the music. All the lyrics are very romantic, which is very typical for dream pop. The songs flow very nicely into each other, with enough change in the sound for the album to not sound too samey. I really like this and would love to own this on vinyl.

Rating: 8/10

[amber-lucca44]

Where Do We Go From Here? (Vonnie's review 💕)

My rating: 7/10 ♥️

What I loved:

Danny's raspy vocals, kind of a bitch for those 😭💖

The drums throughout the entire album were amazing ♥️

The emotional, often relatable lyrics

What I didn't love:

I'm not really a huge fan of AA's See What's On The Inside sound, and at times it really just felt like a part two of that, so I was a bit underwhelmed ig 🥺

Sounded a bit too "generic" to me at times, didn't always stand out as its own thing

Favorite song:

[mooncatmelodies]

Beyond The Charts: Music you missed in 2023

The year 2024 is finally here. 2023 was a particular year for music, So many incredible releases  such as Lil Yachty’s Let's Start Here, all the way to the latest Danny Brown record, Quaranta. With all of these major artists getting their roses, we thought we would highlight some releases that have most likely gone under your radar. Today, we are highlighting artists that should have had their appreciation, but have been missed due to major artist releases. 

추​락​은 천​천​히 (How to Sink Slowly) - Brokenteeth

The first release we’d like to highlight was released all the way back in february. This luscious shoegaze record is littered with incredible performances, amazing productions, and, dare I say, some of the best shoegaze moments of this decade. I first stumbled across this release on restless night on instagram where I was texting this one girl who sends me a bunch of incredible music; on this night she sends me one of the lead singles,  “Heaven Express(again),” to say I was entranced was an understatement; I had fallen in love with this track. And this effect wasn’t limited to that one track, the whole album was filled with these incredible, cohesive, gut-wrenching, tracks that puts you into this alternate reality. 

I Am The Dog - Sir Chloe

Wow, I’m honestly surprised that this wasn’t talked about much. This is the debut album of indie rock band Sir Chloe. If you’re not familiar with that name, then you may have heard her tracks like, “Michelle,” “Sedona,” and “Animal,” from where her audio snippets would create viral sounds on TikTok. This band has been able to create some pretty great tracks. A track that I enjoy is the opening track, “Should I”. The tones of the guitars are so crisp and Dana’s vocal delivery really just nails this track. I enjoy tracks where there are these theatrical moments that really were some of Sir Chloe’s best. If you enjoy this release as much as we have, definitely check to see if Sir Chloe is touring in your area. They are also bringing up and coming musician, Daffo.  

Dreamglow - Asian Glow X sonhos tomam conta

To be honest, I slept on this release pretty heavily. When it was initially released, I didn't completely listen to the whole album. I had only heard a couple of tracks and didn’t find it enjoyable. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks before writing this that I decided that I would give it another chance. I was so incorrect about my initial listen that I felt embarrassed. This album between two modern-day legends in the lo-fi scene is so gorgeous. From the incredible vocals from sonhos, to these sonic landscapes that Asian Glow creates, I'm honestly surprised that there isn’t as much of a buzz for this release. The beautiful blend of these two artists' respective styles create an experience that I wish more people paid attention to.

Failed at Math(s) - Panchiko

This is the latest and greatest release from everyone's favorite fabricated 4chan band, Panchiko. Whether you believe the story or not, this is their latest effort, and I find it quite enjoyable. There were a lot of great tracks throughout this LP, but I think what sold it, for me, is the track “Until I Know,” that hook is so addicting to have on repeat. It’s kind of crazy how they were able to sound so fresh. Even after twenty three years, it sounds as if they released this after their major debut, “D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L”. If you like this album, I am very excited to tell you that they are on tour! They will be touring the states with acts like Weatherday, Wisp, Glare, and Tagabow. Check to see if they’re in your area.

KNOWER FOREVER - KNOWER

Go listen to it. NOW. This synth-jazz album is packed with some of the best interesting hooks and basslines of this year. There is just so much happening all at once, and, I for one, think it's some of the best of its genre. Just from the track, “I’m The President,” that chorus has not left my mind since my initial listen. And it's not limited to just that track , there are countless times where I found myself humming the melody of plenty of tracks off of this album. It is most definitely worth your time. 

Lost Dogs - Keep it Together

   This album released mid 2023 is quiet but powerful. It's a mixture of snowy days in your room and hot summer nights by a lake with a friend - as contradictory as that sound. Honestly, there's so much great about this work. This little bit of uni rock (as the creators called it on their bandcamp release page) has got elements of hope, depression, loneliness, and intimacy. Having just under 3,000 listeners monthly on Spotify, I believe that the duo Keep it Together has a lot ahead of them. While this work isn't revolutionary, I think a lot of people would resonate with the fuzzy sounds and warm vibes that this music has. (You will be able to read a more in-depth review of this album in a future post.)

GIZMO - Tanukichan

   This latest Tanukichan release is a comfy one. With songs like A Bad Dream, Make Believe, and Mr. Rain, it's easy to fall into a dreamy trance. The music from this release is a wonderful mixture of intensity and slowness. Tanukichan’s soft and flowy vocals are so relaxing and the deep buzzy guitar keeps you wanting more. Overall, this release is wonderful and shows the variety of Tanukichan's musical abilities while still holding true to that familiar sound of her previous works.

Heartbreak Rules - Horse Jumper of Love

   Horse Jumper of Love has been a favorite artist of mine for a while now and this album is unique to the band's original style. It's got more monotone vocals, but you can still hear their signature sound. It's not a favorite, but it is still well worth a listen. This album is comforting to say the least.

LOVE + POP - Current Joys

   This album has quite a bit of controversy throughout Current Joys fans. It's very much unlike Nick's other albums. It's not the same soft and sad slow songs. He brings out a different side to his music. He has said in the past that he takes inspiration from artists like Lil Peep, which you can definitely hear in this album. This album has more digital elements to it that I think are nice. This album is a big change from what Nick has put out in the past whether you mean from his side project Surf Curse or his main name, Current Joys. I'm excited to see where his new passions take him and what happens with his career.

Antarctica - waveform*

   I had first only heard the first track from this album, Lonely without realizing who it was. I listened to it a few months later and ended up loving it. It's a breath of fresh air for my ears from everything going on. There's faster songs than what they've previously released which I like a lot. They take a lot of inspiration from artists like Alex G and Horse Jumper of Love. waveform* is an indie/folk rock band with elements of slowcore being brought into a lot of their tracks. Overall this album is great, especially if you like artists such as Sign Crushes Motorist, Turnover, or Wisp.

Not only were there some incredible albums, but there were some incredible EPS. Lets go over some.

Skin of My Teeth - Lowertown

   I've been a fan of Lowertown for about 3 and a half years now, and I can say that this release is one of their best. They've matured as an artist in both sound and lyricism. With elements of folk and indie pop, this EP comes through strong and emotional. The emotions portrayed throughout this release are vibrant and many, with songs like Marionette showing feelings of irritation and betrayal and Bline bringing in dissociation and carelessness. It's one of the best releases of 2023 in my opinion.

Hitchhiker - Cuco

2023 has been a pretty busy year for Cuco. It seems that he does not want to stop his creative flow long after his 2022 release, “Fantasy Gateway''. Say what you want about his previous releases, you can not deny that his songs are getting a lot more mature. Whether it’s because his songwriting is better, or his songs are becoming more cohesive, it feels like Cuco is becoming more than the artist you used to listen to in middle school, and it's being proven with this EP. I enjoy how Cuco has been able to stay to his bedroom pop roots while mixing in more of his psychedelic pop. While not innovative, this EP does a great job of having some incredible love songs, Cuco’s writing has improved and it contains the best of his work. 

CHASER - Femtanyl

   This is the latest release from the new hyperpop artist Femtanyl. Her fun and crunchy sounds really come through on this EP. She has recently gone to Twitter (or in other names, X) announcing new music for this year. She's gained a lot of popularity from CHASER and I'm sure will only continue to grow. This EP gets me awake and productive when I feel sluggish, and I look forward to hearing more from her soon.

the way night falls - flyingfish

   This EP is something else. It's so explosive and imaginative. This upcoming artist brings a lot to the table in the shoegaze scene. For fans of Lush and Julie, you should definitely give flyingfish a listen, starting with the song windowsill from this release. The harsh guitar mixes well with the artist’s soft vocals and ambient intros to the tracks. This 15 year old artist does what a lot of older artists wish they could do; the songs from this release are dreamy and wistful. Flyingfish has definitely become a favorite of mine from this release alone.

Antennae- Binki

This is the latest EP from actor, singer songwriter, Bikini. This EP is just so much fun. It’s the kind that doesn’t necessarily take itself seriously. With that said, this has so many catchy, memorable sounds throughout the EP. Definitely check it out if you’re a fan of acts like Remi Wolf, and Dijon

And that's it! if there were some releases that you thought should've been included, email us! mooncatmelodies@gmail.com

thank you and have a good night xoxo

we also made a playlist to go along with this from the releases we wrote about, along with some more that didn't make the cut. you can find it here

[respective]

My taste in music in 20 albums

On Instagram I was challenged by @piahinckle to choose 20 albums that greatly influenced my taste in music. One album per day, for 20 consecutive days. No explanations (mostly), no reviews, just cover images on my Instagram @rialdrummer.

Proceeding from the first posting on December 11.

Max Roach and the M’Boom ensemble “Re: Percussion” the album is sometimes called. I heard this in the early ‘80s at a time I was getting interested in the history of jazz and particularly jazz drummers. Had the good fortune to see Max’s quartet (Cecil Bridgewater, Odean Pope, Tyrone Brown) at the old Yoshi’s, around the time of the “Scott Free” album.  This M’Boom record planted a seed for my later musical explorations in the ‘90s and started an appreciation for me of Max Roach as bandleader and conceptualist. I’d already heard some of his work with Charlie Parker. A decade later my band was covering “Morning / Midday” and “Jamaican Sun” by this group and I was email pals with Omar Clay’s partner.

The Mamas and the Papas “A Gathering Of Flowers”.  On the turntable constantly during my late high school years. Released between the ’68 breakup and the ’71 reunion. Interviews on the record with Cass and John hint at the glories and disappointments felt in the group.

Van Morrison “Tupelo Honey”. Great songs, ace band. The title track is really a classic (Cassandra Wilson’s cover is further evidence). Gary Mallaber (vibes) and Ronnie Montrose (guitar) stand out to me.

Family “Fearless”. United Artists was a label that took chances on musical artistry and signing Family was a commercial risk.  I found this album in 1973 in a cutout bin and it had only been out for 18 months.  The album is in turns gritty and pretty. All songwriting, playing and singing contributions are excellent, with John Wetton playing a key role on guitar, bass and vocals.

Rory Gallagher “Irish Tour ‘74”. Songs burned into memory from my days as a record store clerk and DJ. Most of my friends in the day were Rory fans going back to his band Taste and a few of us saw him at UC Santa Barbara around 1974.  If I had to pick one Rory record…  Watch him on YouTube.

“The Drums”. Prez Records in Santa Rosa was a destination store for me in the ‘80s and I found this used 3-album set for cheap there.  Introduced me to Art Blakey (“Ala Mode” remains a favorite song of mine), Connie Kay playing with Milt Jackson, Dannie Richmond, Paul Motian and many more great tracks.

Iain Matthews “Valley Hi”. Michael Nesmith cut a lot of great sides within and after The Monkees. To my ears almost nothing by him surpasses the achievement of helming this album.  I’ve followed Matthews’s career going back to his brief time in Fairport Convention up to the last decade and I know he’s not crazy about this record but to me it’s absolutely a gem.  Songs by Randy Newman, Jackson Browne, Steve Young (“Seven Bridges Road” before the Eagles recorded it) among others.

Gil Scott-Heron “Pieces Of A Man”. It had to be a long shot that an AM rock station would put “Lady Day and John Coltrane” on their playlist but that’s what KRLA in Pasadena did. And so I heard it and began an appreciation of Gil Scott-Heron that I continue to hold.

Marc Benno “Minnows”. This was another AM radio long shot in 1971 and KRLA won the day again for “Speak Your Mind”. A ballad that ebbs and flows in intensity.  Jim Keltner’s drumming first caught my ear on this song. This was around the time that Benno was playing rhythm guitar with The Doors on the L.A. Woman sessions, and after his collaborations with Leon Russell on the Asylum Choir albums. Many friends of mine also appreciate this album.

Weather Report “Sweetnighter”. Previously unaware of Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul, I saw Weather Report in July of 1973 and “Boogie Woogie Waltz” convinced me that I needed to dig more deeply into this music.

Fairport Convention “What We Did On Our Holidays”. Along with the records that Nick Drake would make a few months later, sums up for me some great years of British “folk rock”.

10cc “Sheet Music”. Between their first two albums this one comes out on top for me. It’s close. I was a fan from the release of “Rubber Bullets”.

Harry Belafonte “Calypso”. “Jamaica Farewell” was likely the first set of song lyrics I memorized. Mum had his playing often in our apartment in the late ‘50s.

Brinsley Schwarz “Nervous On The Road”.  I like this best of the band’s records (it may be because adding Ian Gomm to the band was so complimentary to the talents of Nick Lowe, Brinsley, Bob Andrews and Billy Rankin). For this pick I could have swapped out Dave Edmunds’s “Get It” or the Rockpile album “Seconds of Pleasure” but since the list is supposed to describe how my tastes were influenced it makes sense to refer to early period Brinsley.  Made me a Nick Lowe fan for life.

The Monkees “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.”.  My introduction to the group. I hadn’t seen the tv show at that time (November and December 1967) at least as far as I recall. Coming at them strictly through these tracks I was impressed by songwriting, production, vocals, guitars and humor.  Not bubblegum, at all.

“Pat Metheny Group” By September 1978 I was being introduced to ECM albums by a friend. I’d enjoyed previous ones but that month when I heard the first notes of “San Lorenzo” something resonated with me that hasn’t stopped.

Graham Parker and the Rumour “Stick To Me”.  This is a rough-and-ready collection produced by Nick Lowe. Drumming by Steve Goulding, guitar leads by Martin Belmont are highlights. The title song, “Soul On Ice”, “Clear Head” are standouts in a great set making this my favorite GP album for all time.

The Gary Burton Quartet with Eberhard Weber “Passengers”.  I think this was probably the beginning of my awareness of Gary Burton’s albums. A great introduction. As a vibes player myself there are major lessons and enjoyment for me throughout his catalog.

Love “Forever Changes”. Surrounded by Love fans in my 20s but not giving the group much time of day then, I locked into the band’s and Arthur Lee’s artistry in my 40s. Like so many people I now appreciate every song on this classic album. Was fortunate to catch the 2003 edition of the band at The Fillmore.

Gene Clark “No Other”. After leaving The Byrds, Clark wrote and recorded many excellent songs showcasing his poetic and melodic gifts. This album is the top of the mountain for me, and public appreciation for the songs and the production have grown greatly in the 50 years since its release. YouTube has video of a tribute tour for the album from a decade ago.

RUNNERS-UP

Elvis Costello and the Attractions “Imperial Bedroom” and “This Year’s Model”

XTC “English Settlement”

Beach Boys “Summer Days (and Summer Nights!)” and “Sunflower”

(Many) Iain Matthews records across the decades, along with titles by his Fairport mates Sandy Denny, Dave Mattacks, Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings, Judy Dyble. A nod too to drummer Martin Lamble who had a playing style so well suited to their early records.

Buffalo Springfield “Retrospective”

Carpenters “Ticket to Ride”

Rolling Stones “December’s Children”

The Move “Shazam”

Joni Mitchell “For the Roses”

Bruce Springsteen “The Wild The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle”

Beatles single “Rain” b/w “Paperback Writer”

Man (The Man Band from Wales) "Back Into the Future"

[universalanguage]

Past to Present: The Hybrid in Retrospect

In the world of Hip-Hop few and far apart are the seminal voices that shake up traditional styles to birth something new and dynamic. Detroit's Danny Brown is one of those voices, who's managed to win over a cult-like fanbase due to his unique stylings and often strange antics.

With the recent release of his joint album w/ JPEGMAFIA accurately titled "Scaring the Hoes" I couldn't help but harken back to the Danny Brown cuts that initially caught my ear.

......

Sometime in late 2010 an acquaintance of mine was playing various new rap cuts in between bits of a writing process to generate our own rhymes. Early in the mix of songs that was something that I had never heard before and it stood out like a sore thumb. The track was "Shooting Moves" from Danny Brown's critically acclaimed debut album "The Hybrid". To clarify, while many see "XXX" as his initial album there is a large swath of folks who remember and revere the former record as their intro.

To be quite honest, at the time I would've considered myself a purist of sorts whose favorite hip-hop records came with a more backpack kind of sound so my initial reaction to Danny was something of disgust. It's truly bizarre that I had an outright distaste for what I was hearing but for some reason or another I couldn't help but revisit that song for about a month wondering why someone would voluntarily listen to it. His voice was shrill at times and often totally out of tune and the beat selection was something otherworldly altogether but I couldn't leave it alone..... and then it clicked.

......

To those of you familiar with the Kingsway Sample Library the name Frank Dukes will ring plenty of bells. To those who aren't, just know that Frank is a sort of musical savant who plays and records original samples that have been used by producers such as Jake One, Hit-Boy, Kanye and even the elusive Madlib. Before the unfolding of what's become a brilliant career Frank Dukes was another producer on the rise and many early Danny Brown tunes including "Shooting Moves" featured Frank's inventive brand of sampling and arrangement.

"Shooting Moves" happened to be the tip of a rather bizarre iceberg. Once I managed to wrap my head around the wild sonics and strange flow patterns I was hooked. Soon after I discovered "The Hybrid" which was then and still is one of my personal favorite albums of all-time.

The opener "Greatest Rapper Ever" starts in with a spacey modulated sample and the perfect drum break crafted by none other than Quelle Chris. Danny's starts in immediately with the following lyrics:

My homie a magician with the Tec (Tec) Make your chain disappear and reappear on his neck (Neck) I ain't tricking with your hoes (Nah), but, shit, don't ask 'em (Nah) Only thing I give a bitch: A fucking orgasm (Chyeah) I'll throw you in the river (River), hands tied tight (Tight) Watch your ass drown, feel it in the air tonight (Tonight) I'm spitting that dope shit (Dope), smoking on regulars (Ugh) Writing sixteens like internet child predators (Chyeah)....

To say I was floored is an understatement. Never in my life had I heard something so awe inspiring, it's the kind of reaction that only happens on very rare occasions like when you first heard Kid A by radiohead or something but if I were to put it into a rap nerd perspective is comparable to the kind of feeling I get when I listen to "Ready to Die" by Biggie. Something so viseral yet indescribable that it makes you wanna punch something and cry heavy tears at the same time. I'd wager that I played that track at least ten times before starting in on the rest of the album which was immaculate from track to track.

......

Most notable on this release in terms of cadence and approach to rapping is the intermingling of Danny's various vocal tones. Post "XXX" his signature high pitched register is a calling card of sorts but "The Hybrid" is an example of his early attempts at perfecting such a cadence. Albeit biased this is my favorite era of his work for just that reason. Danny was in the up and comer space and as a result was still trying various sounds and deliveries. As a result from track to track the album gives us a wise spectrum with which to engage and paints fine brush strokes with a myriad of colour palettes. Songs like "Greatest Rapper Ever" feature a more brash and confrontational tone that harkens to his background in the ghettos of Detroit while others like the closer "S.O.S." have a more soft and poetic undertone.

A great example of the projects versatility is a track titled "Juno" which I assume is titled after the Elliot Page (formerly Ellen Page) and Michael Cera film. This cut has Brown giving an unadulterated observation of the struggles and disappointments that are birthed as the result of unplanned pregnancy in a poverty ridden landscape. The opening line references Tupac's "Brenda's got a baby" directly paying homage to what might've been the songs direct inspiration but rather than take the more soft and thoughtful tone Danny's delivery embodies the type of frustration and disgust that breeds itself among those in dire straights. It's quite literally the ugly truth in it's purest form and as ugly as it might be it draws you in and keeps you coming back.

Another stand out is "Drinks on Me" features an utterly intoxicating instrumental and has Danny reflecting on the ills of alcoholism through an introspective lens. This track observes the various angles and vantage points that "normalize" alcohol within society and touches the core of the subject matter succinctly. From drinking as a means of celebration to drowning one's sorrows in a bottle of their choosing it's one of those songs that's managed to get me into my feels even when I'm in the best of moods and although counter-intuitive pairs well with a drink.

For those familiar with Danny's work beyond this period, you'll feel right at home with joints like "White Stripes". It's one of the earliest examples of the pitch and delivery we've all come to know so well. The sample is a grungy mix of dirty guitar fuzz and big drums that function like an 80's power ballad. The rapping is something all it's own as the vocal inflections aren't quite as embellished as Brown's subsequent releases. The tone is a great range of vocals from low to medium and higher registers and is a lot more fluid than the years that followed in my own opinion. You can hear the energy of something new being brought forth. It's the kind of thing that happens when someone makes something they know is good but hasn't field tested it to see if the flame will catch. Nonetheless it makes for one of the most memorable and awe inspiring offerings.

......

I could wax nostalgic about this album from front to back for ages. it holds a really special place in my heart and in my library and for those who haven't explored it I urge that you do so with urgency and the utmost intent. From Danny's off the wall fashion to his unique and eclectic style of rapping/songwriting much of what the so called modern era syphons from is owed to albums such as this that birthed and inspired so much of what proceeded them.... but don't just take my word for it.

-YOSHI

[myownparadise96]

Fate of the Faithful- holy shit Josh's vocals???, 60s vibe, definitely hear the Doors influence!, Such a good opening for an album.

Waited all Your Life- this is so DIFFERENT than anything they've done before i love it. I love it!! It's so beautiful. It's so ..gentle??? Idk. Oh lord. Definitely giving me 60s with the guitar👍

Runway Blues- JOSH WAILING?!?! OK JOSHS IM COMING FOR YOU. FUCK YOU FOR RECORNING HALF OF THIS SONG. HONESTLY WTH?! HOW DARE YOU?!?!!? HOW DARE YOU?!?! How could you?!!??! This would have been the best on the album. This would have been epic. YOU F-

The indigo streak- my jaw is on the floor. INTO THE ETHER!!! 🤌 and JAKES SOLO?!?!??! OMG. IS HE TRYING TO KILL US?!

Frozen Light- ok the opening slaps👌, JOSH DONT YOUBDARE DO THAT THING WHERE YOU BREATHE INTO MY EAR. Not my fav but fantastic none the less.

The Archer- it's giving folk and I love it. Oh my God this is beautiful?!?!?! This is DANNYS SONG. I don't know what Josh is singing but it's beautiful 🤣. My favorite off the album, but thatll probably change. I NEED to hear this one live.

Summed up: holy shit. And they recorded this live?!? Josh vocals???? Jake's solos?!?! You can truly hear how he's grown since the last album. And Joshs vocals have somehow gotten even better.

[rabbitechoes]

oOoooOOooo happy halloween!!!! there was a lot of rlly cool stuff that dropped this month. namely the new Sufjan Stevens and Sampha albums. both instantly became some of my favs of the year so far. especiallyyyy Sufjan.

‧₊˚✧ BEST SONG OF THE MONTH ✧˚₊‧ "Shit Talk" - Sufjan Stevens

◇ featured on Javelin - Sufjan Stevens ◇ genres: chamber folk, indie folk

The new Sufjan Stevens album has a hold on me that no other album this year has. If I was bolder every entry on this month's list would be from it, but I have decided to trim it down to just one. "Shit Talk" is one of the best songs Sufjan has ever made. Its over 8 minutes long and everything about it just feels so ... cathartic. I'll probably dig into the lyrics and stuff when this album shows up on my year-end list, but god this song destroys me. Please give this album a listen.

"Tantor" - Danny Brown

◇ featured on Quaranta - Danny Brown (not yet released) ◇ genres: hardcore hip hop, experimental hip hop

Danny Brown's long awaited Quaranta album is finally official. This lead single is, in my opinion, a return to form for the rapper. It has the frenetic energy of his best work with some interesting production throughout. Very great lead single for the record and I'm excited to hear more. My only complaint are the weird samples at the end. This song could definitely do without Star Wars and The Office soundbites.

"Space Race" - Geese

◇ featured on 4D Country - Geese ◇ genres: art rock, southern rock

Geese released a little followup EP to their phenomenal last album 3D Country and the material on it is on par with the album's tracks. This track is a great showcase of all of their strong points. Wacky, southern rock twinged instrumentation paired with unique vocals that make for a very unique experience. I highly recommend listening to the album as well as this EP. Amazing stuff.

"What If You Hypnotise Me?" - Sampha

◇ featured on Lahai - Sampha ◇ genre: uk bass, alternative r&b

As is expected, Sampha's long awaited sophomore album is filled to the brim with gorgeous songs. My love for the album grows the more I listen to it. This track is especially captivating. The ascending piano mixed with Sampha's incredible vocals leading into the great feature from Léa Sen. Oooh, this song is just amazing.

"We Looked Like Giants" - Car Seat Headrest

◇ genre: indie rock

Car Seat Headrest redeem themselves by finally releasing a good cover after their abysmal covers EP from a few years ago. Their rendition of the Death Cab for Cutie original is pretty straightforward, but very enjoyable. This is the most cohesive the band has sounded in a long time. With a new live album on the way in December, it looks like they're ramping up for a followup and, if this track is any indication of whats next, I'm very excited.

"Shame on Us" - Robbie Robertson

◇ featured on Killers of the Flower Moon - Robbie Robertson ◇ genre: film score

One of Robbie Robertson's biggest achievements, alongside his work with The Band and Bob Dylan, were his frequent collaborations with Martin Scorsese. This final collaboration might be the strongest of them yet. The soundtrack is so rich with detail. Robertson had dabbled in Native American music before and you can tell he put it all into this soundtrack. This cut was my favorite, but I highly recommend going and seeing the film itself. It is an incredible experience and Robertson's soundtrack is used incredibly well. He will be very missed.

"Hell" - Sleater-Kinney

◇ featured on Little Rope - Sleater-Kinney (not yet released) ◇ genre: indie rock

Admittedly, I haven't listened to Sleater-Kinney's recent output yet. I'm only familiar with their work up to 2005's The Woods. I was apprehensive about this new single at first. The opening felt very bland and just like a lot of standard indie rock nowadays. I quickly forgave all that once that classic Sleater-Kinney burst of noise came in on the chorus.

[independentartistbuzz]

INDIE 5-0 HOLIDAY EDITION: LIL RED & THE ROOSTER

Lil Red & The Rooster's sassy and swinging new single, “Goodbye Frowns.” Blending retro blues with a modern twist, this lively track celebrates emotional independence with playful scatting, vibrant rhythms, and soulful guitar riffs that keep spirits high and smiles wide.

Produced by Jennifer Milligan (Lil’ Red) and recorded at JoyRide Studio in Chicago, “Goodbye Frowns” provides a taste of what’s to come on their 2025 album. Lil’ Red’s effervescent vocals and infectious drum rhythms pair seamlessly with Pascal Fouquet’s masterful guitar work, influenced by legends like B.B. King and Django Reinhardt. The track features bassist Felton Crews, whose groove brings the song’s upbeat vibe to life. Mixing and mastering were expertly handled by Brian Leach, while the cover art was designed by Lil’ Red herself.

Lil Red & The Rooster have crafted a unique “retro-modern” blues sound over a decade of collaboration, fueled by their love for the genre and their global roots. The duo’s journey began in 2010, and their music draws from decades of blues history while adding a fresh, contemporary energy. Their performances, whether on stage at venues like Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago or streaming live for their international fanbase, are infused with joyful, authentic chemistry. Throughout the pandemic, they cultivated a global community, performing live mini-concerts that lifted spirits and connected fans worldwide.

“Goodbye Frowns” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem of resilience and joy, embodying the band’s commitment to uplifting their listeners. Their music, born from a blend of American and European influences, is a testament to the healing power of the blues and the universal language of a good groove.

We caught up with the group below.

What is your favorite holiday song and why? I’m torn between Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby. Each resonates with a different part of me. White Christmas is from a movie musical I adore, White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. My jazz dance teacher of 27 years, Luigi, was also in the film. It reminds me of snowy holidays growing up in Ohio—drinking eggnog by the fire, stockings hung, and the tree glowing. For me, this season is all about love and family. I spent much of my life longing for someone special to share it with until I met my husband, Pascal (aka “The Rooster”), in 2010. These days, we rarely have snow at Christmas, but I can still dream.

As for Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt’s rendition is one of a kind—sassy, sexy, and totally unforgettable.

What were the holiday traditions in your house growing up? Christmas was always a special adventure, thanks to my mom. One of my favorite traditions was baking homemade Christmas cookies. We’d put on the 007 movie telethon and spend the whole day and night covered in flour. I loved hiding my favorite cookies in the freezer because I think they taste better that way!

On Christmas Eve, we’d have a family dinner, usually roast “beast” (as we called it) and mashed potatoes. Afterward, we’d open one present and then try to sleep—though my brothers and I would wake up our parents every hour, begging to start Christmas morning. Finally, we’d dive into our giant knit stockings filled with “the loot.” Believe it or not, we still do stockings today, but now my parents get them too!

Pascal, being French, had never experienced anything like a Milligan Christmas, but after 14 years, he’s well acclimated. Cornmeal pancakes and bacon start the morning, followed by fun in the snow. Then we’d pack up and head to “Hey Pop’s” (my grandpa) for an early dinner and a movie. While the years have brought changes, our celebrations have always been about love, family, good food, music, and joy.

If you could record your dream holiday duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Ooo, yes please! I’d choose Tom Waits. I can just picture him at an old piano, plunking out a bluesy version of White Christmas.

What is the first holiday track you ever learned? It was probably Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

What are you currently working on? We’re in the mixing stage of a new album, tentatively called 7. It features the incredible Grammy and Emmy-winning B3 organist and pianist Bobby Floyd. It’s so exciting to navigate the fine line between blues, jazz, and soul with such amazing musicians.

Funny enough, one of the original songs on the album, Stack ’Em Up Baby, was inspired by Tom Waits. I like to describe it as having a jazzy 007 vibe. You can find more details about the project on our website under The Jukebox. There, you’ll also see ways to join the journey and support independent, original music.