#Retro Annual 2020

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 28/03/2024

Logan Paul's Shop

Season 6 Featured on: 7 GRAND MAVERICK

Ripped by Retro Gaming

There's a pretty big day coming up ahead that I'm sure a lot of SiIvaheads are looking forward to - April Fools, or in other words the day where SiIvaGunner channel annually goes fucking bonkers for a bit. I've had a few ideas on what I myself should do on the blog to commemorate the day, and in that rumination for ideas I found myself going through the eight different April Fools events that the channel has done throughout the years. There are some that I've already covered on here - notably, the excellent but subdued bit played in Season 1 with Grand Dad Metropolis - and some you'll likely be seeing more of later, but one particular event stuck out to me as one I haven't really given too much thought since when it first aired. April Fools of Season 6, the Logan Paul takeover.

I don't think I've made it a secret on here that I think Jake Paul rips are some of the funniest on the entire SiIvaGunner channel. It's Everyday Bro just has such a miraculous blend of being at once inherently funny due to its associations and vocals, incredibly distinct in sound largely due to its beat, and incredibly effective due to just how PROMINENT Jake Paul is as a figure online. I mean really, It's Everyday Lake and Crompton Racing speak for themselves! But in the midst of all that fun, it sort of became my only perception of both Paul brothers in a way? The fact that they were actual people, and not just figureheads to be poked fun at through rips and other shitposts - such as Logan's infamous vacation to Japan - sort of gradually slipped my mind - and I'd completely forgotten that Logan Paul was like...still doing stuff? That made his sudden appearance on the channel on April Fools during Season 6 feel like one hell of a trip at first, but it was one that I quickly caught up on and was immediately on board with.

Because like yeah - at first when I think of this event, I think of all the rips featuring The Fall of Jake Paul, a song made by Logan specifically to mock It's Everyday Bro and Jake Paul in general. It's more of a diss track than it is an actual song, and it felt like the perfect anthem for the event as a whole. A "years later" response to the original Jake Paul takeover of Season 3; with Season 6 already being all about change and moving on, it was the perfect storm, the perfect call-and-response payoff. Those rips are what I remember most from the event, and also feel like they fit my perception of Logan Paul in general pretty perfectly, if that makes sense. The overly aggressive, energy-filled, hype beast-like behavior he has in The Fall of Jake Paul is just perfectly in line with everything I've seen of Logan Paul (and, honestly, is likely quite accurate to the kind of person he's been for most of his stardom). Those rips alone made the event special - but the reason I picked Logan Paul's Shop in particular is because it surprised me in the absolute opposite way. I'll admit it - I never knew that Logan Paul had bangers.

Be honest - if you'd just listened to the above linked rip whilst somehow not registering the title let alone gotten to this point in the text, would you be able to tell me that this is the same guy who made The Fall of Jake Paul? Sure, there are traces of Logan's trademark juvenility in it, 2020 is pretty explicitly a song about current-day topics with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and all that happened during it, there's clearly comedic intent throughout - but the overall vibe of Logan's performance feels far more lighthearted and chill on the whole, a far cry from the performative pretend-coolness or self-aggrandizing attitude of the songs that the Paul brothers are most well known for. That's not to say that 2020 is a masterpiece, but it genuinely caught me off guard when a rip first used it - and, if handled well, I feel like it could slot in perfectly with other hip-hop focused rips like Top of the Looping Steps or, perhaps more comparatively, Sidelined Symphony.

And indeed, as if it wasn't already heavily inferred: I think Retro Gaming went absolutely above and beyond in making Logan Paul's Shop. I'm actively trying to not feature more Undertale/Deltarune music on here than I have to, but its hard to avoid when so many rippers on the team are so proficient in getting the game to sound so damn good. This is at once a mashup between Undertale's Shop music with the aforementioned Logan Paul song, and a melodyswap - with the Shop music edited at several points to have its melody follow Logan's vocals. It's as if the rip ebbs in and out of being a melodyswap at the perfect times - for instance, the beginning of 2020's chorus is entirely vocals with no beat, and this effect is replicated by having Shop's lead instruments play perfect parity to the melody.

There's several little touches and quirks added to the rip throughout on top of it all - a nod to Omori song 100 Sunny (a whole year before it would become a prominent meme on TimmyTurnersGrandDad?), the instruments of the Wii Shop Channel playing when the lyrics mention "Credit Card Dept", an entire segment suddenly using the instruments to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's shop theme - none of these things detract from the core vibe of the rip, carried by 2020's vocals, melody and beat, yet they keep the experience incredibly varied and at points funny in a "mild chuckle" sort of way. Finding new ways to keep the joke of the rip novel is one of my favorite things to see in rips, I recall You Are Book Smart standing out to me earlier this year for specifically that reason - and this is already on top of Logan Paul's Shop being inherently novel in concept alone!

Because really: I don't think anyone was going into the Logan Paul takeover expecting to find bangers not born out of irony. That is not to say that the rips using The Fall of Jake Paul *aren't* bangers (again; these were the rips I was considering on featuring today to begin with!), but that they're bangers in a very different sort of way. I love rips like GREAT DABS - Jake Paul's Bizarre Adventure: Christmas is Lit because they're able to take obnoxious music and remix it in a way that makes them work - the rippers' is, through their sheer skill, take otherwise rather cringeworthy music and make it work beautifully in their arrangement. Logan Paul's Shop surprised me because it goes completely against that formula, the formula I'd thought was set-in-stone for personalities as obnoxious as the Paul brothers, and is a genuinely great rip whilst using genuinely pretty-good music as the primary source. Retro Gaming went above and beyond in a way that he really didn't need to in order for the larger Logan Paul event to work, and I'm really thankful he did - getting to uncover gems like this is a huge part of why I love running this blog to begin with.

[ducktastic]

The 5th Annual Derrick Sanskrit "Everyone's a Critic" Awards (part one: music and movies)

(note: I have posted this thread on Twitter at the end of December for the past five years, but with that platform's future more dubious than ever, it makes sense to back up 2022's edition here)

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Time for the fifth annual Derrick Sanskrit "Everyone's a Critic" Awards for all the pop culture I thought was simply the best over the past twelve months.

There's so much, we're gonna slow-drip this year, so let's start with music...

Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack’s solo EP is seventeen minutes of just fantastic collaborations, including a reunion with Pin Me Down bandmate Milena Mepris. Had this been a full LP, it would be way higher in the rankings.

A top-to-bottom reworking of 2020’s New Symbols, this LP benefits from both two more years of Tom Vek’s reflection on his art as well as wider distribution on digital music platforms so people could actually hear it.

Nine years after his debut LP, the French DJ proves his mastery of timeless synth anthems with this album that feels like the soundtrack to a long lost John Hughes movie about sexy computer hackers.

It feels like cheating to include the soundtrack to a 2021 concert film in this list, but the album dropped in 2022 and it freaking rules so whatever. This is the sound of the Dan Greene Cinematic Universe.

A mostly-instrumental album of lush chiptune soundscapes, this high-def volume of Australian electronic anthems begs the question “why aren’t we having another chip resurgence right freakin’ now?” Danceable, worldly, melancholic, and beyond.

A timely reminder that indie rock can be snarky and clever without losing the charm of four-part harmonies and driving hooks. Like cherry red Doc Martens stomping through a field of sunflowers, The Beths show us how to suffer with a smirk.

No album this year felt as immediately BIG as the sophomore effort from this English post-rock phalanx. It commands attention before curling up in a ball to hide at your feet and whisper deep dark secrets in your ear.

Continuing her transformation from cloud rap to pop, Kilo Kish challenges conventions with this collection of toe-tapping bangers about societal woes, public image, self-worth, and the ills of consumerism, all framed within a retro arcade game.

A punk album so specifically of its time without immediately dating itself by naming names. A concept album about running a punk band like a business that comes to its logical conclusion: in-fighting, ego clashes, bankruptcy, and thanking the sponsors.

Simply the best breakup album in ages (sorry Swifties). Cutthroat and callous, honest and earnest, this math rock sophomore LP challenges pop song structure as much as relationships challenge the edges of individual identity.

Wasn't that so much fun? So many fantastic albums in 2022, such wonderful songs to sing and dance to. Good times.

And now, our second category... it's time to talk about MOVIES...

The vainglorious adventures of an aspiring podcaster focusing largely on the culture clash between New York and Texas. Quite possibly the best performance ever from Ashton Kutcher.

While this mock-rock-doc never reaches the parodic highs of Weird Al’s previous “UHF,” the extended Funny Or Die sketch carries heaps of charm with an all-star cast of comedy cameos.

Easily the most unexpected film of the year, this holiday horror fusion brings all the delirious twists and turns you’d expect from the creator of “Too Many Cooks.”

Simply the biggest, boldest, wildest action movie to date, RRR offers more spectacle per minute than Zack Snyder does in an hour, while still finding plenty of time to sing and dance.

Jordan Peele’s third horror film forgoes shocks and scares in favor of slow burn dread with thoroughly enjoyable examinations of race, media, exploitation, and religion.

This celebration of the power of art to question authority and buck societal norms poses the question “what if Freddy Mercury and Jimi Hendrix were best friends in feudal Japan?”

Simply the most fun I had in a movie theater all year. A fast, stylish, star-studded action farce, like Guy Ritchie directing a script by the Coen Brothers, this film taught me more about Thomas the Tank Engine than my nephews ever will.

Proving Knives Out wasn’t a one-off fluke, Rian Johnson delivers a whodunnit with bigger stakes, bigger stars, bigger spectacle, and bigger laughs. A covid-era mystery for Agatha Christie fans of any age.

In their second feature, the Daniels have produced what feels like a once-in-a-generation iconic piece of cinema. Sweeping & grandiose, intimate & delicate, EEAAO is the sci-fi family immigrant tale we never knew we so desperately needed.

The most I’ve cried in the theater since Toy Story 3. Marcel’s journey will melt the most frozen of hearts and make you believe that anything is possible with a positive outlook.

[timesofinnovation]

**Where Does Nike Go From Here?** Nike is in the second year of its most challenging financial period in recent history. This week, a potential step towards stability emerged with the rehiring of Tom Peddie, a long-time Nike executive who retired in 2020. Peddie’s return as vice president of marketplace indicates a shift back towards supporting major retail partners, reversing Nike’s previous focus on direct-to-consumer sales. Nike’s distribution strategy realignment may be a manageable issue, but it won't fix their broader problems. The company expects a 10 percent decline in sales this quarter and only a modest 1 percent increase in the last fiscal year — the worst in 25 years. Internally, Nike's cost-cutting efforts, including layoffs at its Oregon and Amsterdam offices, have added to low morale. Externally, competition from brands like Adidas, Hoka, and On is intensifying. Adidas is particularly strong, forecasting their best profit margin in three years. CEO John Donahoe asserts that innovation and new product launches will ignite a turnaround. However, recent launches like the Nike Dn sneaker have failed to resonate with consumers. Additionally, the Tokyo Olympics, traditionally a strategic boost for Nike, may not deliver without engaging new products as marketing centers. Nike's strategy to introduce new sneakers under $100 also seems counterproductive when premium brands are thriving. Industry analyst Jessica Ramirez notes that lowering prices could dilute Nike’s brand value. On a positive note, Nike has time to navigate these challenges due to its market-leading position. With $51.4 billion in annual sales, it significantly outperforms Adidas. The recent appointments of Tom Peddie and Tim Hamilton, formerly of The North Face, to lead men’s apparel, are promising steps. These moves aim to restore key product lines and introduce new ones. Models like the Vomero 5 and the return of the Total 90 silhouette exemplify this approach. Nike must deliver more fresh products and balance retro offerings to regain its momentum. This transition is expected to span over the next fiscal year, doubling new product contributions by the end of fiscal 2025. A successful turnaround seems plausible, but it hinges on continuous strategic adjustments and the effective leadership of Donahoe and his team. The coming months will be critical in determining the company's direction and CEO stability. **Related Articles** - Barneys Plots a Bigger Comeback Thanks to Neiman-Saks Deal - The BoF Podcast | Why the Fashion Industry Needs a Makeover - When Will Shoppers Push Back on High Prices? - Why Retailers Must Help Rebuild Society

[jennyboom21]

It took a while, but yes: Cinerama is, finally, coming back.

The Seattle International Film Festival has acquired the historic Seattle movie theater at Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street from the estate of Microsoft co-founder, investor and philanthropist Paul Allen. SIFF plans to reopen the theater, which has been closed since February 2020, later this year. The acquisition was announced at SIFF’s opening-night gala Thursday at the Paramount Theatre, and drew a huge ovation from the crowd.

“We will work so hard to uphold [Allen’s] legacy,” SIFF Executive Director Tom Mara said, amid the cheers. “We can’t wait to see you in this cathedral of cinema.”

SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett said in an earlier interview that a fall date seemed most likely for the theater’s reopening. Programming, she said, will be very similar to what Cinerama has offered in the past: “A lot of bigger-budget, first-run studio films, a lot of specialty events and festivals, and hopefully a lot of special events focusing on filmmakers.” She confirmed plans to resume Cinerama’s traditional 70mm film festivals, and noted that the theater will be part of SIFF’s annual festival, as it has been on multiple occasions in the past. It will return, appropriately, in time to celebrate the fest’s 50th anniversary next year.

Terms of the sale, which was finalized Thursday, were not disclosed. A representative of Vulcan, the company founded by Allen and his sister, Jody Allen, said that funds from the sale would be donated to philanthropic organizations. This was, she said, in accordance with the wishes of Allen, who died in 2018. The representative did not provide details of that philanthropic plan.

“We are so pleased about SIFF’s acquisition of the theater,” Jody Allen, executor of the Allen estate, said in a statement. “They are the ideal mission-driven organization to now shepherd this very special place, bring more film and movie lovers to downtown Seattle, and steward the venue and its role in our community for years to come.”

Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis, whose district includes Cinerama’s block, said in a statement: “There is no Seattle recovery without Downtown recovery, and SIFF’s acquisition of this iconic theater represents a huge step forward in bringing back Downtown.”

It’s a happy ending for the long saga of the Seattle Cinerama Theater, which opened in 1963. Originally intended to showcase three-strip Cinerama technology, an immersive widescreen format that involved three simultaneous projectors, the theater quickly pivoted to showing 70mm and 35mm films. Like many downtown movie theaters, the Belltown theater fell into disrepair in the 1980s and ‘90s as audiences headed for suburban multiplexes. Paul Allen, a movie buff, bought the theater in 1998 and reopened it the following year after major renovations.

Over the next two decades, Cinerama became a beloved destination for moviegoers who loved its enormous curved screen and expansive sightlines, its quirky retro décor and its chocolate popcorn. Offering a mix of first-run blockbusters, classic films and you-can’t-see-these-anywhere-else series (its 70mm festivals were especially popular), it was downtown’s only single-screen theater for many years, and a clubhouse for film buffs.

And then, abruptly, it all ended: Citing plans for renovations (there had been two previously, in 2010 and 2014), Cinerama closed its doors in February 2020, its staff dismissed. The pandemic quickly followed, and Vulcan announced in May of that year that it was shuttering all of its Arts + Entertainment division, which included the theater. Since then, Cinerama has been dark, and waiting.

SIFF has long expressed publicly an interest in acquiring Cinerama. A statement from the organization in 2021 said that SIFF would be “well-positioned to maximize the facility’s potential,” but noted that it would need additional funding or investment. Mara, SIFF’s executive director, said in an interview that serious talks to buy the theater began last year, after he took his job with the organization.

“We’re able to acquire the cinema because of our board’s commitment to SIFF,” he said, saying specifically that board member David Cornfield, “who is a cinema buff and also a champion of our film culture, really stepped up to finance this acquisition.”

Mara said that SIFF would be launching a capital campaign later this year to invite community investment in SIFF’s programs and “position SIFF strongly for the future.” He declined to offer more specifics on the campaign, saying that those conversations are ongoing.

Though Barrett and Mara both said they didn’t anticipate major changes or renovations to the theater, whose interior and equipment are in good shape despite the long closure, one major thing about Cinerama will be changing: its name. Cinerama is a trademarked name, licensed by Vulcan during Allen’s ownership of the theater but reverting to the trademark owner when the property is sold. “Unfortunately, it does not look like we are going to be able to renew that license,” said Barrett, adding that the name change “is going to be a terrific discussion point this summer.”

Whatever it’s called, the reopening of the theater — bringing SIFF’s year-round screen total to six, with the SIFF Uptown, SIFF Egyptian and SIFF Film Center — is welcome news for local filmgoers, coming at a time when audiences appear to be returning to theaters. Mara pointed to SIFF data showing that attendance at its theaters is up 56% in the year’s first quarter compared to the same months last year.

And Barrett, who confirmed that Cinerama will indeed bring back its chocolate popcorn, saw the news as an occasion for renewed hope and optimism. ”It’s such a wonderful gift to the Seattle film community,” she said, “to be able to take this opportunity and reopen Cinerama.”

Seattle Times Managing Editor Lynn Jacobson contributed to this report.

[fmp2maxleighton]

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international song contest created by the EBU, where every participating country (this year, 37) sends in an original song in hope to win, with the award being hosting the contest the next year. It was first held in 1956 and has been held every single year since then with the exception of 2020. This year for the 67th edition of the contest, it is being held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on the behalf of Ukraine, who won the previous edition in Turin, as the UK placed second. The stage design was unveiled on the 2nd of February and took nearly 3 months to construct, being officially opened on the 26th of April, with the design being inspired by a wide open hug, as if it was opening its arms to Ukraine in solidarity. The design is an inspiration for the vibe of the FMP, specifically the concept art (bottom) due to it coming out during the production stage of the project, with the final version (top) only being revealed yesterday as of writing this. It has a very retro futuristic vibe to it with the glowing blues, as well as the large circular structure on the ceiling looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. The Eurovision Song Contest starts on the 9th of May with the first semi-final, then the second semi-final on the 11th of May, and then the Grand Final on the 13th.

[0613magazine]

201202 Refinery29

BTS Helps The World Feel A Little Smaller — & We Need It More Than Ever

Like the rest of us, the South Korean group had to put their 2020 plans on hold. Here, they tell Refinery29 how it let them just BE.

There’s a funky retro hip-hop song playing in the video announcing the theme of BTS’ annual end-of-year merchandise. The South Korean music juggernaut’s devoted global fanbase will instantly recognize it as the group’s 2013 track “팔도강산(Paldogangsan).” It seems like an odd choice for BTS to bring back the seven-year-old B-side — a rap battle in which the members boast about the merits of their native provinces around Korea, first through arguing, then later coming together. When it comes to BTS, however, nothing is a coincidence. The BTS of 2020 may seem worlds away from the scrappy team that made its debut all those years ago: Since trading in their cutoff shorts for Gucci flares, BTS regularly speak at the United Nations, sell out stadiums across the globe, and have several times made history with their musical achievements. But despite the unparalleled fame and recognition, the spirit of unity that has been at the core of everything they do since day one remains untouched and unchanged.

BTS has a record-breaking handful of Billboard chart-topping albums, a historic place (or two) on the U.S. charts, and most recently a 2021 Grammy nomination, but the unique connection with their audience out-values any accolade. These are the stats you don’t often hear about: A voluntary census of the BTS fandom (called ARMY) conducted by a research team during the summer of 2020 was translated into 46 different languages. This year, the septet launched the educational series “Learn Korean With BTS,” which has drawn more than 2 million viewers from 200 countries. The band closed this year’s American Music Awards with a performance in Korean streamed from South Korea. Every step forward that the members of BTS take isn’t a step beyond the crowd, pulling ahead while leaving others behind. Like the Earth’s gravitational pull, their steps forward bring everyone around them even closer to each other. With every barrier they break, they reinforce the bridges they’ve built. BTS doesn't just top charts — they move culture, and make the world feel a little smaller.

With BTS’ newest album, BE (Deluxe Edition), the group reaches out and pulls the world even closer. BE is so imbued with each member’s unique spirit, in both its tangible appearance and the music inside it, that those who listen to it can feel even more connected to the septet, no matter the distance. “To the one who watches over me, who is currently reading these words — to you do I desire to send my greatest love and thanks,” Leader RM wrote in BE’s acknowledgments. “In the hopes that these sounds pass over boundaries and gaps. That they’d pass over person and person. That they’d pass over ‘Bangtan’ and ‘ARMY’ and get through to you.”

Before the global pandemic threw the world into uncertainty and turmoil, BTS had just released Map Of The Soul: 7 on February 21, with plans to bring even more fans into their orbit during a world stadium tour. “There’s nothing like seeing a full crowd in a sold-out stadium concert,” warm vocalist V told Refinery29 over email. Unfortunately, BTS had to cope with a new reality —  one that didn’t involve huge venues packed with thousands of passionate fans. But instead of wallowing in disappointment, the group members decided to do what they do best: harness their feelings into something that has the potential to heal. Their full-length can be called a “pandemic album,” but it’s also a diary. Its eight tracks (including English-language “Dynamite” and a spoken word “Skit”) are like delicate, worn pages chronicling each of the members’ thoughts, hopes, fears, and anxieties during this turbulent time — feelings that they know are very likely shared by those listening — and acknowledging that everyone grapples with hardship in their own way.

“Music holds tremendous power. It can even change your life completely. That being said, I’ve come to realize how important it is to write positive lyrics.” - SUGA

V is awash in the gloom of the moment, as illustrated in the lush acoustic ballad “Blue & Grey.” He says that the song’s final lyrics — “after discreetly picking up the words floating in the air/  I now fall asleep at dawn” — are his favorite he’s ever written. The old school hip-hop track “Dis-ease” describes the feeling of total burnout, and the struggle of having to quiet your own brain. “Everyday it consoles me/  we’re all the same, ain’t so special,” spits rapper j-hope. He explained, “It’s my favorite line because it makes me feel like I can take some of the pressure off my back about being where I am now.”

The 20somethings have never been afraid to share their unease. But now, as we’re all perched on the edge of a cliff with no obvious road forward, they aren’t afraid to envision a brighter future. This is the comfort that fans rely on the group for. In BTS’ 2020 documentary Break The Silence, the ever-introspective SUGA said that the music you listen to growing up is crucial in building your value system. “[Growing up,] I learned that music holds tremendous power,” the rapper says now. “It can even change your life completely. I’ve come to realize how important it is to write positive lyrics.”

“My favorite lyrics from the album are, ‘The day will come back around as if nothing happened’ from ‘Life Goes On,’” tenor and affable oldest member Jin observed. “It gives hope that a good day will come once we endure this period.” The self-described introvert notes that he makes sure people “feel happy and receive positive energy” when they see him. “I have a dark side like everyone else,” he admitted. “However, I try to show my best self to those around me.”

BE is arguably the group’s most unique fingerprint yet. Each member took an even more active role than usual in the album’s creation beyond writing and producing. Doing the bare minimum has never been in BTS’ vocabulary.

While writing will likely always remain closest to RM’s heart (“My favorite part of the album-making process is when I complete writing the lyrics to a song and listen to the final master track for the very first time”), the 26-year-old additionally flexed his artistic muscles and took on an album design role for BE. Noted aesthete V, who tells us he credits Claude Monet’s La maison du pêcheur, Varengeville and Impression, soleil levant as the art pieces that changed his life, took charge of the album’s visual direction. 

Jin, SUGA, and j-Hhope had their hands in a little of everything as BE’s production coordinators. The latter, however, feels most at home in dance: “I can express my feelings and emotions in ways I can’t in words through dance. The moment my body feels the music is always exhilarating,” the buoyant rapper said. So does the lithe Jimin (“When I dance it feels like my emotions and movements flow with the overall feel of the music, whether it's bright and airy or dark and moody — I think I just let it go”), but his primary focus was on A&R for BE.

Jung Kook, affectionately nicknamed the group’s golden “maknae” (youngest) because of his innate ability to excel at, well, everything, was tasked with using his filmmaking skills to helm the music video for BE’s lead single, “Life Goes On.” But even this multi-hyphenate — who feels most like himself when he’s “feeling simple-minded as well as deep in thought” — couldn’t help but feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "Since it was my very first time directing, it wasn’t easy, and I felt some pressure. However, I think I learned a lot through the experience,” he said. 

How would the 15-year-old debut Jung Kook feel about seeing his artistry evolve in this way, seven years later? “I’m not sure 2013 Jung Kook would want to see himself now,” he joked. “If I knew myself today I wouldn't have tried as hard.” He’s being cheeky: The music video perhaps looks and feels less polished than the highly-produced BTS productions of years past, but that’s what makes it all the more special. We get to see BTS exactly how they see themselves. 

Seven years into their meteoric rise, the seven members of BTS are able to use their personal differences to seamlessly work together. BE allows the men to lean into their individuality in full force. It’s reflected most obviously in the concept art, where each member is photographed sitting alone in a room designed to reflect his aesthetic (RM, warm and natural; SUGA, sparse and reflective; Jin, dazzling and soft; Jimin, floral and elegant; Jung Kook, moody and electric; V, artistic and serene; j-hope, vibrant and trendy). “The members know how to treasure something and be true to what is precious to them,” noted Jimin — that’s the part of BTS that fills him with the most pride. 

One of the most compelling things about this era of BTS, however, is that it reveals a group of men who are arguably more distinct from one another than ever before, but are still somehow just as — if not more — unified. RM, resident metaphor enthusiast, tends to put it like this: "I consider ourselves as seven of us who are in the same boat but looking in different directions. It's okay to look at the other directions. The important thing is that we know that we are on the same boat.” And amid the shared experience of cancelled plans and thwarted expectations that is 2020, they are also inviting everyone to climb aboard. It’s what they’ve been doing since the beginning, and it’s right there at the end of “팔도강산(Paldogangsan):”  “Look up, we’re all looking at the same sky/  This may make you cringe a little/ but everyone is awesome/ We can all understand each other, right?”

Extra from the interview transcript

You've in many ways opened the door for more people to enjoy music from all parts of the world. What do you hope that the future of popular music looks like?

RM: I hope it continues to stay close to people and give them comfort in times of sadness and energy in times of happiness.

Can you share any specific anecdotes from working together in these subunit combinations for BE?

j-hope: Jimin and I worked on a song together for the first time. It wasn't included in this album, but it was a great experience, and we hope to fine-tune it to reveal to our fans as soon as possible.

Jimin, your "Black Swan" solo performance during the virtual concert had you connecting back to your contemporary dance roots. How did that feel? How would predebut Jimin feel watching you now?

Jimin: I think predebut Jimin would be very proud of who I am now. He would have made even greater efforts if he had seen himself now proudly doing solo performances as a member of BTS.

Source: Refinery29

[everytonki]

Timeworks berkeley california

Timeworks berkeley california plus#

San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance Expansion Look for both Hayward and San Carlos to increase minimum wage rates beginning January 1, 2021.

Timeworks berkeley california plus#

Note: Santa Rosa’s minimum wage rates will increase again on January 1, 2021, and will be $15/hour plus annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for both large and small businesses. Santa Rosa: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Santa Monica: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Pasadena: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Novato: $15/hour for employers with 100 or more employees $14/hour for employers with 26-99 employees $13/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Malibu: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas): $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Los Angeles City: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Fremont: $15/hour for employers with 26 or more employees $13.50/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.Below are the following cities in California that have increased their minimum wage effective July 1, 2020: July is here, and several local minimum wage increases have taken place here in the Bay Area. Minimum Wage Increases in California (July 1, 2020) Citrix Receiver (For Online Payroll MasterLink).COLLECTING: retro kitchen illustrations (10).COLLECTING: presidential memorabelia (8).ARTIST: TMNK - The Me Nobody Knows (17).ARTIST: Mary Morris Steiner Lawrence (5).ARTIST: Deaf Performing Artists Network (1).ART BY TECHNIQUE: stone lithography (6).ART BY TECHNIQUE: reverse painting on glass (5).ART BY TECHNIQUE: chromolithography (9).Please enable JavaScript if you would like to comment on this blog. There's more, but I'll leave that for another post. Tove Ohlander also will custom etch the bowls and other pieces that she and her partner Rich Ahrentzen make. Great, perfect holiday gifts, they can be a tabletop decoration, or hang from a tree or mantle. But I've got a bunch here now.ĪO! Glass, whose retail shop is right here at PSAW (separate store - common roof) are in high production for their very popular little Sno Folk. No two alike, only while stock lasts since buying them is a random operation. I've been collecting typewriter tins and cigarette tins, lovely for both their shapes and graphics. At $45, this is a gift that will be loved for generations. in Nebraska, but I'm lucky enough to be able to sell his lamp-work jewelry. Marc used to live in Burlington and his glass studio was one of my favorite places. No two of these pendants by Marc Kornbluh are alike. At $20 a pop, these are also a fun and charming gift. They inspired me to offer PSAW mini prints by PSAW artists, made to fit the frames. Made of pure acrylic and tiny magnets by a small company in New York, (although manufactured in Thailand) these are the original Magnet Frame. At $28 these are a sensation and very popular with my customers. Not new to PSAW but one of my favorites, the Canetti Museum Magnet Frame. I also have Lotte Jansdotter and Paul Frank as well as assorted classic botanical images.Ĭanetti Museum magnet frames and PSAW mini prints Above are some sets with images by Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Geninne D. Now that our local paperie, Scribbles, has closed (alas) I'm trying to fill the void a tiny bit. Mostly I've collected postcards and notecards, but anything with pretty images and shapes will catch my eye. I've been a stationery lover my whole life. Notecards, portfolios, labels, sticky notes etc. Click the small image and it will pop up!

[gwtrust]

Anime conji 2019

#ANIME CONJI 2019 FREE#

Apparel Retro Game Varsity Jacket Front (2019) Retro Game Varsity Jacket Back (2019) Rainbow Cardigan (2022) Little Witch Sweater (2019) Ice Cream Ita Bag (2022) Ice Cream Button Up (2022) Rainbow Button Up (2022) Waifu Paradox Penrose Baseball Tee (2021) Blood Bag Pochette (2022) Hats Galaxy Whale Hat (2020) Cherry Blossom Beret (2021) Moon and Stars Beret (2021) Duck Hat (2021) Cloudy Sky Beret (2021) Peony Hat (2021) Charms and Keychains Soju and Sake Charms (2022) Plush Bird Keychains (2020) Food Charms (2020) Lanyards Bird Lanyard (2018) Moon Bunny Lanyard (2022) Succulent Lanyard (2018) Stickers Too Kawaii To Die Stickers (2018) Ghost Stickers (2020) Bunny Girls Sticker Sheet (2021) Weapon Girls Sticker Sheet (2021) Maid Girls Sticker Sheet (2021) Menhera Girls Sticker Sheet (2021) Pins Hard Enamel Ice Cream Pin (2022) Wooden Cacti Pins (2019) Wooden Milk Pin (2020) Etc. However, the SPJA stated it still planned to hold the 2021 event on its normal July dates. I know theres recently been a minimum of 3 'Letting Go' AMVs that have been applying to competitions and were all in the same categories, so just having our names added would save a little bit of confusion. On April 17, 2020, the SPJA announced that it was cancelling Anime Expo 2020, citing 'health and safety' concerns. Weve got a double header weekend (technically, its a triple header since well have a FUNimation booth at Anime Conji in San Diego as well) While Rojas. I wish they would have put the creators name next to each video title instead of solely emailing us separately. (6. In the months leading to the 2020 event, a global coronavirus outbreak created concerns related to large gatherings such as Anime Expo. More recently, I have started creating apparel, hats, and other items for daily use. 33 Anime Conji Convention Updated: Anime Conji is an annual three-day anime convention held during May/June at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley in San Diego, California. Initially, I sold mainly plushies but began expanding to charms, stickers, and lanyards. Contents 1 Programming 2 History 2.

#ANIME CONJI 2019 FREE#

I began selling my art under the name “Arrupako” in 2016. Anime Conji - Wikipedia Anime Conji From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anime Conji was an annual three-day anime convention held during May/June at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley in San Diego, California.

[indieretronews]

[frczalera]

!!Welcome to the 2nd annual White Lotus Inn Beach Bash!!

Hosted by: the Free Range Chocobos FC on Zalera When: SATURDAY AUGUST 22nd 2020 at 8pm EST. White Lotus Event Discord: https://discord.gg/5TjN3tj

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Looking for a night lounging on the beach? Well this is the evening for you! Join us for a beach-side venue social with some exciting contests throughout the evening. This year our theme is the vibing look of aetherwave. 

Aetherwave is a recent revival of a hyper-specific cultural art form discovered in studies of the ancient Allag. The genre is defined largely by its surrounding subculture, with its music inextricable from its visual accouterments. Aetherwave builds upon the experimental and ironic tendencies of late Allagan aetherial designs, while also being associated with an ambiguous or satirical take on reliance on the machine and technoculture. The name derives from "aetherware", a term for aetherochemical experiments that were attempted but never released due to failure. 

In short, the Aetherwave aesthetic is a retro, infectious music & art movement catching fire in Eorzea’s orchestrions and clothing shops today.

Get on your most psychedelic swimwear, your shiniest shades, your biggest hair, and come enjoy some fun in the sun. Take part in our glamour aesthetic contest and see if you are the most fabulous guest of the evening!

We’ll also be doing a Watermelon Crushing Contest. Who has the strongest thighs? Do you think you can beat the heat with some cold watermelon destruction? Show us what you got! There will be several rounds and the winner will be getting a grand prize and the title of Watermelon Champion for the evening! 

Contest Prizes: The champion of the watermelon contest will win the Eldthurs mount and the winner of the aesthetics costume will win the full Dalmascan Draped Set. 

There will be an open bar and menu with lots of summer Hingan snacks.

Please see the fun in the sun slide show we have made for this event!

@crystalxivrp @mooglemeet @ffxiv-crystal-rp

[retronator]

The last 10 years of pixel art

Retronator the blog is exactly 10 years old right now (+ an hour or so more since I can’t seem to stop editing this post)!

I want to take this opportunity to look back at the teenage years of the 21st century and reflect on how the pixel art scene has grown over the years. I only promise a personal perspective, pieced together from my faulty memory and a bit more reliable archive of 1,700 posts on this blog.

2010

Social media sites emerged already in the late 2000s (Facebook launched in 2004, Twitter in 2006, Tumblr in 2007), but it took quite some time before they caught on, especially outside the US. I joined Tumblr in July 2010 and there were relatively few pixel artists active on the site. @jinndevil​ and @unomoralez​ go the farthest of those that I followed. The first post I reblogged was a Back to the Future piece from @megapont​ (via some blogpost share, since Megapont duo didn't join till 2013).

What was huge on the network however was sharing retro-gaming artworks by blogs like @it8bit​ and @gameandgraphics​. This included many pixel art pieces and it helped grow a community of fans that adored both old games and pixels.

2011

I'd put 2011 down as the start of the hi-bit era of pixel art games, championed by the release of the iconic adventure game Sword & Sworcery. Pixel purism of the initial pixel art movement was left behind by mixing pixels with high-res special effects like soft shadows and vignetting. Also, spaghetti legs started their fad period.

Artists such as @probertson​, @drewpixel​, and @merrigo​ started their days on Tumblr, gathering huge audiences over the years. Meanwhile, Retronator grew to a whooping 100 followers by the end of the year.

2012

Tumblr's fan spirits were going stronger and stronger, to which I threw my own logs on the fire by releasing Tribute, my biggest and most popular piece of fan art I created so far.

The highly anticipated FEZ got released (to critical acclaim and other more controversial consequences), further bringing pixel art in front of the mainstream gaming audience.

From newly-followed artists, @johanvinet​ was damn inspiring with his smooth animations. Anything GIF did immensely good on the Tumblr dashboard.

2013

This was THE year for Tumblr. So many new artists joined, it was hard to keep track. Anyone from established names like Mojang's art director @jnkboy​ and @konjakonjak​ of Noitu Love 2 fame (later Iconoclasts) to pixel art beginners such as @waneella​, now one of the most well-known illustrators in the scene.

The push for modern art direction with pixel art games wasn't stopping either. Not that amazing, more traditionally styled titles (with fresh color palettes) weren't present, as Chasm's debut on Kickstarter showed, but it was Hyper Light Drifter that really stole everyone's heart (machine) on the same crowdfunding platform. Gradients and smooth dynamic shading became unapologetically part of the pixel art (gaming) vocabulary from then on.

When Papers, Please got released at the end of the year to universal appraisal, a new example was set for showing that pixel visuals don't necessarily need to be the most polished, technically-impressive pieces of artistic expression, they can also be simple—the majority of detail-filling can be offloaded to the player's imagination.

2014

Pixel purist ideology was a highly debated topic. Dan Fessler, the background artist on Chasm, did a strong push against the tighter set of constraints which said you should only use 'clean' tools such as the pencil and color fill to complete your artworks. Dan instead only cared about clean results, pioneering in the process the technique of HD Index Painting that used the depths of Photoshop layer magic to get otherwise identical results. And there were plenty of others right around the corner that wouldn't even care about keeping the results married to traditional pixel art ideals.

Still, the majority of pixel art at this point was very orthodox. I started the Artist Feature series that showcased my favorite artists and none of them did anything controversial (nor they needed to). The biggest break from the old days was mainly highly increased color counts that allowed for subtle transitions without dithering, and free color picking without creating predefined color palettes. Octavi Navarro started his highly iconic @pixelshuh​ scenes, and the completely unknown @8pxl​ started her journey towards experimentation with pink sky gradients.

Even more importantly, Pixel Dailies were born on Twitter, following Ben Porter's 365 days of doing pixel art daily.

2015

I called 2015 The Year of Pixel Dailies in the end-of-the-year article in my newly started Retronator Magazine. The Twitter community really exploded this year, bringing in many new artists to the medium, with Pixel Dailies serving as a platform to raise visibility to everyone, old and new. I found out about @weilarddrake​ and @orange-magik​ this way, Slynyrd, @iceztiqarts​, @igorsandman​ … Other freshly-discovered people on tumblr were @kirokazepixel​ (one of the most prolific artists on the scene), @faxdoc​ (his learning journey was inspiring enough for its own article), and Talecrafter with @deathtrashgame​ (starting a whole new style of aliased, low-res painting without caring about individual pixels).

The discussion whether pixel art could survive past its nostalgic roots was still in the air, stirred by opinions such as A Pixel Artist Renounces Pixel Art. History is proving them wrong however, with pixel art stronger than ever in 2020. It's not a visual language people born after the 80s couldn't understand.

New-school voxel art pieces started trending with the advent of Magicavoxel, pioneering the development of pixel art's sibling in 3D. The first pixel art convention Pixel Art Park was held in Tokyo. And (important for me personally), I came up with Pixel Art Academy, an adventure game that would take my ambitions in pixel art education into the future.

2016

After 9 years in development, Owlboy released! Also Hyper Light Drifter! And Stardew Valley! And Kingdom! Pixel art games were not dying, they were on the rise.

Edge (the popular British video game magazine) published a special 200+ page issue called Art of the Pixel. It featured contemporary artists outside the gaming context, championing the aesthetic's transition from its video game roots into its own art form.

Pedro Medeiros of @studiominiboss​ started his famous series of GIF tutorials, subsequently encouraging many others to share their knowledge in the popular square format. Tumblr still saw new artists joining the platform, such as @motocross-arts​ and @apolism​ (two thirds of the Japanese trio The Ultimate Pixel Crew), while others like @6vcr​ started their first pixel explorations that year. @brunopixels​, an old-schooler on the platform like me, sparked the Octobit movement, a pixel art alternative to Inktober.

2017

Further new names on Tumblr included @guttykreum​ (outdoorsy perspective pieces) and @scrixels​ (one of the most consistent daily posters with over 1,000 artworks by now).

The annual Shibuya Pixel Art Contest joined Pixel Art Park at promoting the art form in Tokyo, Japan (and worldwide really). Lospec became the new go-to resource site for pixel art, picking up the mantle from PixelJoint and Pixelation that—while still active—stagnated technologically and feature-wise.

More than anything, pixel art games were everywhere. Maybe it only seemed to me this way since I was able to go to the Game Developer's Conference as press and had the chance to interview many many people in the scene, leading to over half a year of daily content on this blog. Indie games felt stronger than ever with so many of us full-on realizing our dreams of creating our own games professionally. The one that left the biggest splash on the scenes was no doubt The Last Night, announced front and center in-between AAA titles during Microsoft's E3 conference. The brothers Soret pushed the art direction even beyond the hi-bit era moniker, fusing 3D, shaders, and modern cinematography with pixels in an iconic combination that, like Sword & Sworcery's spaghetti legs, was so atmospheric that it couldn't be resisted by future imitators.

2018

Another game that pushed technological boundaries was Pathway, finally stepping into full light in 2018 and releasing one year later. I still think it has the most advanced pixel art graphics engine to date, using voxels and other tricks under the hood to deliver a completely dynamically lit environment while retaining the pixel-perfect 3/4 view aesthetic. Pixel art games were firmly part of mainstream gaming by now, with Celeste winning many awards alongisde pixelish Return of the Obra Dinn, further cementing the presence of pixels as an ever-evolving medium capable of expressing very different art styles.

I decided to focus solely on developing Pixel Art Academy in 2018, putting this blog on relative hiatus with very sporadic updates towards the end of the year. But I never let it die. I thoroughly enjoy writing about the scene and my interest in the art form only grows with time.

2019–2020

Ironically, the closer the years are to the present, the less I remember what things stood out most. Maybe it's because my brain hasn't had the chance to automatically prune my memories yet from the overload of information that is the interwebs these days. Pixel art seems so out there, so much of my everyday life, encompassing me on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, DeviantArt … Even on TikTok you see kids zooming out of their freshly pixelized Minecraft photographs they call pixel art. The medium is alive, and more than ever.

As for the Retronator blog, from its zero followers exactly 10 years ago, it grew to 100 after a year and a half, 1000 the year after, 10k when it was 5 years old, and 30k just last month. Tumblr is still the platform where most of you follow my pixel art reports and I don't intend to stop anytime soon.

Here's to the next decade! Thank you all for reading. <3

[crescent-ffxiv]

The 5th Annual GLAM & Glitz Prom!

Hosted by @crescent-ffxiv , @drunkenmoogle , @keepers-kiss

Who: You, your beau, your besty, basically everyone! When: FRIDAY, May 29th @ 8:00pm EST - 2020 Where: Golden Saucer - Manderville Lounge West Why: Crescent, Drunken Moogle, and The Keeper’s Kiss aim to provide a fun, unique take on a traditional dance social.♥ What: An In-Character Prom Night with immersive romantic~ [cheesy] music streaming @Crescent-sound

*Thank you to @sylastair for the absolutely bangin poster!*

F E A T U R I N G:  [Masterlink with all information HERE]

🔸 Retro Prom Music Dive deep into nostalgic ‘retro’ prom music with us OOC! It can be from any decade as long as it is prom-esque. An hour into the event [after our house set] we’ll open the queue for you to DJ your favorite prom dance music! Do your worst!

🔸 Souvenir Photographs! Want to remember this special night forever [forever-ever]? Sign up to have a  picture taken solo, with your hot date, or a besty and capture the memory! We’ll edit them with a heaping spoonful of glitter and post them online for you to save!

🔸 Prom Dice Roulette Sign up to be paired with a random patron and engage in a strange and or exciting activity together! What fun! This is a great way to get off the wall and meet someone new ♥

★ We’d adore your help in spreading the word, thank you!★

[nwbeerguide]

After tallying some 18,831 votes, the BC Ale Trail selects R&B Brewing for the "Best Brewery Experience Award".

Press Release

… (Vancouver, BC): The beer-drinking people have spoken. After counting more than 18,831 votes cast by 4,219 beer lovers around BC, Vancouver’s R&B Brewing came out on top to win the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience Award for 2021.

images courtesy BC Ale Trail and R&B Brewing

“It’s an honour and a privilege to give this award to one of the OGs in craft brewing in BC,” said Ken Beattie, Executive Director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild. “This award gives folks all across BC a chance to single out breweries that work hard to create amazing consumer experiences — from the quality of beer they produce and the food they serve to the lively atmosphere and welcoming spaces found within their tasting rooms.”

An ‘East Van Original’ and one of the city’s first microbreweries, R&B Brewing was launched in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Brewery Creek district by Rick Dellow (The ‘R’) and Barry Benson (The ‘B’) in 1997. It quickly found a loyal local following as it blazed a trail for the burgeoning BC craft beer scene that exists around the province today.

“When we set the brewery up,” said Barry Benson, R&B Brewing co-founder and sales manager, “you could either be at a microbrewery that produced in-house and sold out-house, or you could be a brewpub that produced and sold in-house, like Spinnakers [in Victoria].”

R&B was bought by Howe Sound Brewing in 2015 and a consequent injection of funds gave it a fresh lease on life. The prevailing ethos has remained the same at R&B since its inception: an eclectic team of inspired individuals with diverse skills and experience that embraces brewing innovation and produces authentic artisan brews emblematic of who they are and where they live and work.

"This award means a lot to us," added Benson. "Now I get to do what I really like, which is going out, selling beer, meeting new people. The brew crew we have is the most amazing brew crew ever. The front of house staff is great. It's a pleasure working with this group."

Today, R&B includes both the brewery and a cozy, retro-styled and family-friendly ale & pizza house full of trinkets, ornate lighting and vintage speakers with a kitchen specializing in attractively priced pizzas, salads, sandwiches and bar snacks. The brewery, meanwhile, holds fast to its heritage with classic, multiple-award-winning brews like Raven Cream Ale and Vancouver Special IPA, while branching out into more daring styles like B-Side Boysenberry Rice Lager and New Brighton Dry Hopped Sour.

R&B Brewing is one of 11 breweries on the Vancouver – Brewery Creek Ale Trail — part of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood where the city’s earliest breweries first set up shop in the late 1880s — and part of a growing family of almost 200 breweries located throughout the province on 20 different Ale Trails.

Presented by BC Ale Trail and West Coast Traveller, the 2021 award marks the fourth time the annual award has been bestowed on a beloved, fan-favourite BC brewery. Past winners include Powell River’s Townsite Brewing in 2018, Comox’s Land & Sea Brewing in 2019, and Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewing in 2020.

To get out and explore BC’s best craft breweries, visit the BC Ale Trail website today, and download the app to collect reward points at all the breweries visited and redeem them for prizes and discounts.

…

– 30 –

About the BC Ale Trail

The BC Ale Trail is brought to you in partnership by Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild. A BC Ale Trail is a series of self-guided itineraries highlighting local craft brewery destinations and the super, natural landscapes that surround them. Explore more than 170 breweries across 20 Ale Trails in five regions around the province. New experiences are brewing nearby. For more information, visit https://bcaletrail.ca.

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3aNE2Ls

[sleepykittypaws]

2020 Christmas Ads

Tis the season for festive, heart-tugging holiday ads from around the world! Absolutely adore these long form holiday ads, that are often more mini-movies, and frequently as good as any Christmas special. 

To make them a little easier to find, I’ve compiled all the heartfelt, emotional and imminently re-watchable 2020 Christmas advert links on one page…

In alphabetical order by company name 

Updated: December 31, 2020

Aldi “Peel the Need” - This Top Gun take off is part one of Aldi’s 2020 two-part Kevin the Carrot epic. 

Aldi “Peel Your Way Home: Kevin’s Journey” - Part two of Kevin the Carrot’s epic journey home, with James Broadbent as Santa.

Aldi Australia “Synchronised Santas” - A summer-set Down Under humor ad.

Amazon “The Show Must Go On” - Inspiring and uplifting way to work in 2020 reality. 

An Post “This Christmas, Make a Memory” - Irish postal company reflects on keeping in touch in 2020

Argos “An Evening with AbracaDaisy & The Incredible Lucy” - The UK retailer goes lighthearted 

Asda “That’s an Asda Price Christmas” - A more typical supermarket ad that acknowledges 2020, but doesn’t dwell on it.

Australia Post “Spread the Merry” - A little girl makes a bird’s holiday wish come true with a little help from the post office.

Barbour “Father Christmas to the Rescue” - Barbour returns to The Snowman well, with slightly less magical results than the original.

Big W “Bring on Christmas!” - Dad makes his little boy’s Christmas wish comes true in this Down Under family surprise.

Bude Post Office “You’re Never Alone” - Another poignant reflection on 2020

Capital One “Holiday Late Night” - John Travolta and Sam Jackson star in this U.S. Christmas ad.

Cat’s Protection “Casper’s Magical Journey” - Super charming mini-movie from the folks at Aardman animation.

Chick-fil-a “The Spark” - Hopeful, animated ad.

Cirencester “A Christmas Wish” - A little girl dreaming of Christmas snow.

Clarins “Christmas with Clarins” - Clever, colorful animated clockworks

Coca-Cola “Letter to Santa” - The Taika Waititi-directed clip is probably my favorite of the season so far.

Co-op “Everyone’s Giving Double” - The UK member shop promoting their charity efforts with a clever rhyme.

David Jones “The Home of Christmas” - Nostalgia is the name of the game in this through-the-ages Christmas window ad.

DFS “A Comfy Carol” - The UK furniture store ad features Wallace & Gromit, but as charming as they are, it’s still fairly lackluster.

Disney Stores UK “From Our Family to Yours” - Moving, generation-spanning animated ad.

Doc Morris “Affair of the Heart” - This German drugstore’s poignant ad is my favorite of the season.

Dutch Lottery “Frummel” - This very sweet ad proves that black kittens are definitely not bad luck.

Erste “Edgar’s Christmas” - These animated mini-movies have become annual traditions for the European bank, and this one is very sweet.

Etsy “Nana” - An emotional, socially-distanced celebration

Etsy “New Guy” - A swift, sweet LGBTQ+ story of meeting the parents at the holidays.

Ford Motor Company  “Vacation” - Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their iconic roles

Gucci Gift “Office Party” - Retro, festive fun.

H&M “Bring on the Future” - Good riddance 2020 is this the theme here, but in an upbeat way.

Homebase UK “Christmas Monster Fairy” - Not exactly in the spirit.

Hobby Lobby “Christmas is What You Make it” - The twist ending makes this one worth watching more than once.

Home Store + More “Realising What Really Matters” - Sweet family story from the Irish retailer.

Innocent Drinks “A Jolly Safe Christmas” - Sweet, animated rhyming ad about how Santa will stay safe during a COVID Christmas.

JayCLife “We’ll Meet Again” - Reminder to stay connected to those we love in 2020.

John Lewis “Give a Little Love” - The granddaddy of all holiday ad makers closes out 2020 with a positive, pay it forward message.

Joules “Christmas at the Click of a Button” - Wallace and Gromit decorate for the holidays.

Kaufland “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” - German supermarket’s fun, sparkly production number

Kohl’s “Give With All Your Heart” - Willie Nelson croons on this socially-distanced, seriously emotional spot.

Lego “And I Think To Myself…” - Unsurprisingly, creativity is the theme of this quite funny ad.

Lidl “Big on Christmas” - The UK supermarket went more straightforward with its animated ad, which it does at least cleverly acknowledge. 

Lidl Ireland “We Need a Little Christmas” - Cute elf animation, but not a story ad.

Lowe’s “The Journey of a Christmas Tree” - mini-doc on where Lowe’s gets their fresh-cut Christmas trees

M&M’s “Science Fair Santa” - Proof Santa is real, part of the Mars-sponsored, Disney-made “Bite Size Holiday” series

M&M’s “Come In” - The Christmas kindness of strangers—or are they? Part of the Mars-sponsored, Disney-made “Bite Size Holiday” series

M&M’s “Santa Won’t Leave” - The Big Guy wears out his welcome; Part of the Mars-sponsored, Disney-made “Bite Size Holiday” series

M&M’s “Swapsies” - Perfect gifts aren’t always perfect for you; Part of the Mars-sponsored, Disney-made “Bite Size Holiday” series

Macy’s “In Dad’s Shoes” - Totally ignoring 2020 reality, for a very average holiday ad.

Matalan “It’s a Matalan Christmas” - The UK retailer acknowledges the year’s weirdness, but focuses on merry.

McDonald’s UK “Inner Child” - The latest in their Reindeer Ready series is more emotional than most.

Meijer “You Better Not Pout” - Taking 2020 into consideration but not lacking in Christmas magic.

Memories “A Gift They’ll Never Forget” - This one hits you hard in the feels. 

Mercedes-Benz USA “Plushie” - Short, but sweet story.

Merry Hill “Keep Believing” - Christmas is coming this year, despite it all.

Microsoft “Find Your Joy” - A dog’s eye view of the world.

Migros “Live Well” - The Swiss supermarket highlights charity and giving

Morrison’s “Making Christmas Special” - The no-one-wants-to-look-back-at-2020 opening is the best part of this upbeat ad.

Myer “Bigger than Christmas” - Aussie retailer bringing some much needed humor about 2020. (Easier there, where the pandemic is under control.)

Nimbus Beds UK “Stop Loneliness” - Tear jerker for sure. 

O2 “Unwrap the Magic of Christmas” - Frosty feelings with animated skating.

Oreo “First Christmas” - A new elf gets a little help

Pay Pal “Super Train” - UK ad for the Turkey Dash, made by Aardman Animation.

Penny “Imagine If” - Touching animated ad from the German supermarket.

Plenty “X-mess” - Paper towel brand goes a little gross for their Christmas ad.

Ring “Favorite Time of Year” - Carrie Underwood highlights this one.

Ritz “Where There’s Love, There’s Family” - Sweet, inclusive story that has nothing to do with crackers, but everything to do with being decent, kind and compassionate human beings

Sainsbury’s “Gravy Song” - Part 1 of 3, with other two coming soon.

Sainsbury’s “Perfect Portions” - Part 2 of 3 ads focused on family phone calls and movies.

Sainsbury’s “Big Sarnie” - Part 3 of 3

SNL “December to Remember” - Not a real commercial, but exactly what all those ridiculous holiday car commercials should look like.

SodaStream “The Small Things” - Snoop Dogg makes Christmas fun

SuperValu Ireland “Is He Coming?” - The Irish supermarket tackles COVID restrictions head on and somehow makes it heartwarming.

Swan “Christmas 2020″ - Narration-free ad, featuring how the magic of Christmas still exists, even if we can’t be together.

Tesco “No Naughty List” - Clever and fun way for the supermarket chain to address all that 2020 was, while still being funny.

TK Maxx “The Lil’ Goat” - The UK version of TJ Maxx is short, but goes for humor.

Toys R Us Australia “Make it a Christmas to Remember” - a wistfulness turns to joy ad from a country where people can actually be together for the holidays. 

Very “Christmas is this Very Moment” - A funny look at how real Christmases aren’t like the commercials.

Vodaphone “The Magic of Connection” - Virtual joy in a largely virtual year.

Walker’s Crisps “A Sausage CaRoll” - Very, very British. For instance, you have to know who LadBaby is to get this one.

Walmart Canada “Joy Begins Here” - Teddy leads a toy charge

Westfield “The Night Way Before Christmas” - Nothing stops Christmas.

WestJet “Christmas Miracle” - This annual charity series from the Canadian airline went local and documentary-style for 2020.

Woodies “We’re All Homemakers”  - Caring for one another is a common, much needed, 2020 message

Woolworths “Sharing the Spirit of Christmas” - Santa magic Aussie holiday ad.

World Wildlife Fund “Elephant Trail” - This habitat loss ad is effective, if not festive.

Xfinity “The Greatest Gift” - Steve Carell plays Santa in this 2020-humor-filmed ad

[dherzogblog]

songs/20

Happy Holidays Everyone! I started making these yearly playlists in 2001 as an attempt to connect with friends in the wake of 911. It was just before the dawn of ITunes, and way before social media. We were not in touch like we are today. I burned dozens of individual cd’s one at a time, printed up customized jewel case covers and snail mailed them all out. It was an annual month-long labor of love. Over the past few years, streaming music has made it much easier and faster to compile and distribute, and frankly much more fun. I still look forward to putting the playlist and blog together and sharing it with all of you. Particularly this year as it gives me a chance to connect with so many friends I haven’t seen in quite some time. It was a tremendously challenging year for all of us. I was grateful to have had my family here in LA the entire time, we remain healthy and well. The west coast Herzogs know just how lucky we have been. The next year will not be without its own challenges, but I'm hopeful we are able to move past this pandemic and the exhausting events of the past 4. More than that, I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2021. Until then, be safe, be well, and be good to one another. Enjoy the music.

ox peace, dh

Los Angeles CA. December 2020

Khruangbin - Time (You And I) Don’t ask me to pronounce the name of this eclectic trio from Texas, but this dubby disco tune had me returning to its chilled out groove often during the last few decidedly “un-chill” months. Dreamy and funky, the groove takes me back to NYC’s early 80′s club scene and Ze Records releases from the likes of Kid Creole and Coati Mundi.

Anderson .Paak- Lockdown Scenes from the front, June 2020

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Bill Withers (1938-2020)- Use Me The legendary Bill Withers left the playing field at the top of his game in the early 80′s, hardly heard from again. And while he didn't pass from Covid, his healing pop hymn Lean On Me seemed to be everywhere as people found music to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Withers left behind a legendary and enduring group of hit songs that moved easily from soul to folk to pop, not to mention the subtle rolling funk of this one.

Black Pumas- Fire Strong debut from an unlikely Austin duo that garnerd both buzz and grammy nods. The critics are calling it “psychedelic soul”. Not quite sure that nails it, but like the artists coming up next, they’re carving out new ground while drawing inspiration from classic sources.

Gabe Lee- Babylon

Marcus King- Wildflowers and Wine

Charley Crockett- Welcome to Hard Times

Three artists that are literally changing the face of Country and Americana music. Soulful, authentic and diverse, reaching back for inspiration but always looking forward. If you like this sort of stuff they are all worth checking out. Each album is filled with quality songs.

Low Cut Connie_ Private Lives Philly’s Low Cut Connie are back at it with a double album that plays like the soundtrack to a boozy night at your favorite bar. Sweaty, funky and not a little bit messy. If Peter Wolf and Bruce had a kid it would be this blue eyed soul boy. Adam Weiner grew up in the shadow of the Jersey shore and can't help but have a bit of that E Street hustle.

Willie Nile- New York at Night One of New York’s beloved adopted  son’s dropped this love letter right into the jaws of a battered metropolis driven to its knees by the pandemic. It was heartbreaking to listen as the “city that never sleeps” came to a full stop. Somehow I still found myself coming back to it, imagining night’s ahead, when NYC is back on its feet and I’m roaming its streets. Looking for music, a beer, or maybe just a slice, and fueled by the irreplaceable energy and promise of the greatest city on earth.

The Long Ryders- Down to The Well Americana pioneers the Long Ryders reunited last year for a surprisingly solid album. This single sounds like it could have been recorded during their 80′s heyday featuring their trademark Byrds like jangle and harmonies, but the lyrics mark this song as unmistakably 2020.

The Speedways- Kisses Are History UK power pop outfit reach back to the the 60′s on this sweet slice of retro pop perfection.

Billie Joe Armstrong- That Thing You Do

In the early days of the pandemic we had all our kids (+ a significant other) at our house for a few months. It worked out great and we were luckier than most. The biggest issue was keeping enough food, weed and wine around.  There were some great nights with amazing meals, followed by gathering around the TV together. We re-watched The Sopranos, binged Billy On The Street, and revisited some of our favorite movies. One night we went back to a old family favorite, Tom Hanks’ underrated love letter to the one hit wonders of the post Beatles era, That Thing You Do!  I’ve seen the movie several times and it never fails to please. A true feel good film and a perfect Kodak snapshot capturing a simpler time in American pop culture. 

While we watch the unlikely chart topper’s The Oneders  fizzle as fast as they rose to fame, its not really the point. The movie is really an old fashioned love story. Playing like a perfect hit song you can listen to over and over, full of both hooks and heart. I always thought the title track, written by Fountains Of Wayne leader Adam Schlesinger  (who we lost to Covid), brilliantly captured the British Invasion sound every group wanted after The Beatles stormed America. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong must agree. During the pandemic he cut an album’s worth of cool covers including a faithful version of this one.

Gerard Way (W/Judith Hill - Here Comes the End A tale of discovering music in 2020:  Heard this on a Netflix trailer for the series The Umbrella Factory. Turns out it is performed by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) who also writes the comic book the series is based on. (got all that?) He’s joined on this searing garage/psych rave up by the talented and versatile Judith Hill doing her best Merry Clayton.

Hinds- Spanish Bombs I’ve been following this Madrid based, all female outfit of punky garage rockers for a few years now. I think they are pretty great. This track, recorded for a Joe Strummer tribute bursts with an unbridled joy the stone faced and politically minded Clash could never muster. I bet Joe would love it though

The Secret Sisters- Hand Over My Heart Have enjoyed their harmonies for some time now. This one gives me vague Wilson Phillips vibes and I don’t really mind. 

Tame Impala- Breathe Deeper I know I’m supposed to like this guy, all the cool kids do, I’ve even seen the band at Coachella. Over the years very little of the music has stuck to me, but the pandemic offered a bit more free time to dig into this funky dubby, chilled out jam, and it stuck with me. Not to mention that 2020 was all about deep breaths.

Ledisi (feat.Corey Henry)- What Kind of Love Is That Ledisi is back with some slinky, sultry R&B and jazzy vocals

Dinner Party- FreezeTag An R&B/Jazz collective featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder and Kamasi Washington use sweet soul on heartbreaking and all too familiar tale..

Toots and The Maytals- Time Tough  I’ve written an awful lot about my love for Reggae over the years. Right after Bob Marley kicked the door down for me, Toots showed me around the house. Ska, rock steady, and roots. He was true reggae royalty and sadly we lost him to Covid, just after he released what would be his last album. Check my Toots tribute blog and playlist.

Mungo’s Hi Fi- The Beat Goes SKA! These clever UK roots reggae collective never fail to surprise. This kitschy Sonny & Cher cover managed to make me smile every time I heard it. No mean feat in 2020

Stone Foundation (feat. Durand Jones)- Hold on To Love Frequent collaborators with Paul Weller  (he appears on a track on the album), Stone Foundation are back with another batch of their UK soul revival stylings. This one features Durand Jones ( of Durand Jones & The Indications) on vocals and some great reggae style horns at the top.

The Pretenders- You Can’t Hurt A Fool Can’t resist a good torch song, especially sung by the smokey voiced Chrissie Hynde. Was kind of shocked at how many good songs were on this album.

Shelby Lynne_ Don’t Even Believe in Love Sultry country soul and one of her strongest albums in awhile.

Jaime Wyatt- Neon Cross Outlaw country has a new bad girl. And in case you didn’t think she was serious, she enlisted producer Shooter Jennings (and his mom Jessi Colter on one track) to help make her point. 

Daniel Donato- Justice 25 year old guitar prodigy call his music “cosmic country”.  Ok, now I’m listening. You should be too.

The Jayhawks- This Forgotten Town 30 plus + after their debut this Twin Cities alt country group led by founding member Gary Louris continue to deliver. They find their inner Neil Young on this one.

Lucero- Time To Go Home God I wish I was in a bar right now listening to this, even if I might be crying in my beer.

John Prine (1946 -2020)- Lake Marie We lost so many this year, but this one really stung. A true American songwriting treasure, who was still making great music against all odds right up to his untimely passing. His songs are known for their simplicity, and economy of words. but this one goes against the grain. I’m still not exactly certain what it’s about. Sorrowful and haunting, yet somehow uplifting and redemptive. I heard him perform it live here in Los Angeles a just over a year ago and it has stuck in my head ever since. There is surely a place in heaven for the great John Prine.  He sang about it on his final studio album in 2018. Ironically it became the last song on his last record.

Thanks for making it this far....

***Play the entire songs/20 Spotify playlist HERE!***