#alex somers

[machazer]

When my brain is out.

[sinceileftyoublog]

Julie Byrne Album Review: The Greater Wings

(Ghostly International)

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Albums billed as being shaped by grief often don't follow linear rules, or at least a perfect pipeline of death to grief to songwriting. Famously, when Jeff Tweedy sang, "Tall buildings shake / Voices escape singing sad sad songs," on "Jesus Etc.", released in 2002, many listeners thought the line to be about 9/11, even though Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was finished before the attacks. More recently, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' Skeleton Tree hit shelves after his son Arthur tragically died from a fall; during its recording sessions, Cave amended many of the album's lyrics, which had been initially written by the time his son passed away, but to this day we don't know exactly what changed. On the title track to singer-songwriter Julie Byrne's new album The Greater Wings, she declares she will "name my grief to let it sing," rendering that grief a living, breathing entity, almost a character in the album. Halfway through the making of the record, Byrne's creative partner Eric Littmann suddenly passed away. After shelving it for six months, Byrne completed the album with producer Alex Somers, her first time in a conventional recording studio. The result is a stunning canvas of reflection on things that are no longer for this world, from people to relationships, filtered through Byrne's blue-colored glasses.

Really, a more apt timeline for comparison to The Greater Wings is Bell Witch's Mirror Reaper, an album that acts as a tribute to a former member while including documents of their physical presence, more living artifact than ghost. On Mirror Reaper, it was the late Adrian Guerra's voice; here, Littmann's synthesizers shine throughout the record, like his arpeggios harmonizing with Marilu Donovan's harp on "Summer Glass" and his wobbly instrumentation on "Conversation Is A Flowstate". To see how Byrne and Somers owned the material from there is breathtaking. It's hard to remember that before her previous record, Not Even Happiness, Byrne was a DIY folk singer. That album's glassy closing track "I Live Now As A Singer" not only informed The Greater Wings' expanded aesthetic, but it's proven to be a total turning point in Byrne's career. The production flourishes and additional instrumentation on The Greater Wings are sometimes subtle, but they move mountains. Synthesizers shimmer alongside acoustic guitar on the title track. Somers' backing vocals on "Portrait Of A Clear Day" nestle among Byrne's lead vocal turn, Donovan's harp, and Jake Falby's strings. "I get so nostalgic for you sometimes," Byrne sings, her hazy memories perfectly contrasting the crispness of the music.

In fact, contrast is a defining feature of The Greater Wings. On emotional centerpiece "Summer Glass", Byrne's words consist of recollections of specific moments in time ("You lit my joint with the end of your cigarette," "The tattoo you gave me lying in bed"), all-encompassing devotionals ("You are the family that I chose"), and broad therapeutic goals ("I want to be whole enough to risk again"). Even the instrumental "Summer's End" showcases the tactility of Donovan's harp against the atmospheric wash of the synthesizers and echoing bells. And Somers added textures to Littman's initial work on "Conversation Is A Flowstate", making it a harmonic, yet percussive and conversational push-pull as Byrne recites affirmations: "Permission to feel it, it's alright / Permission to grieve, it is alright / Healing can be heartbreaking, it's alright."

Making yourself "whole," or as close to it as possible, is not an easy or definite process, in life or in music. Even on a song like "Flare", Byrne goes through multiple so-called "stages of grief," including bargaining and acceptance, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma's modular synth buoying her words. The Greater Wings, then, is as close to universal art as it gets, a treatise on the human penchant for imperfection, for being naturally unable to fully appreciate something while it's there. "I tell you now what for so long I did not say / That if I have no right to want you / I want you anyway," Byrne sings with smoky heartbreak on "Lightning Comes Up From The Ground", a title that makes literal what happens when an event in your life shakes you to your core: It turns your world upside-down.

[bob-the-movie-man-film-reviews]

Nickel Boys (15): An Astonishing and Deeply Affecting Movie Masterpiece.

One Mann's Movies Film Review of "Nickel Boys". As the poster screams "A New American Masterpiece" and I quite agree. Stunning. 5/5.

A One Mann’s Movies review of “Nickel Boys” (2024) (From the 2024 London Film Festival). Wow… just Wow. If I hear the words “And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to…. Nickel Boys” I would be surprised… (I doubt it will get the marketing required)… but I would also be delighted. Bob the Movie Man Rating: “Nickel Boys” Plot Summary: It’s Tallahassee in the ’60s. Elwood (Ethan Herisse) is a…

[a-wayfairing-stranger]

Somer's "Eddie" vs Alex's "Richie" vs Leta's "Ibby" & "Eli." which one wins in making the nicknamed person melt the most?

[wornoutspines]

The Last Thing He Told Me (Pilot Review) | Surprisingly Faithful

I watched #TheLastThingHeToldMe when it premiered, because I like how it is cast and love the potential the story has but I'm surprised by show. #JenniferGarner #AngourieRice #AppleTVPlus #NikolajCosterWaldau

Creators: Laura Dave (Novel) & Josh SingerCASTJennifer GarnerAngourie RiceNikolaj Coster-WaldauAisha TylerGeoff StultsJohn Harlan KimAugusto Aguilera Review The end starts at the beginning and the beginning starts at the end. If you’ve read the book this will make sense in conjunction with the first minutes of the two-episode premiere. The show has a sleek look that gives makes it a little more…

[coire-non]

First chapter up; with thanks to @elhnrt ‘s incredible art pulling me out of my longest writing slump

Kimblings by Alex Somers has become the ongoing soundtrack to this, so the mood can only brighten from here!

[charseraph]

Not sure what your taste in music may be, but after reading through some of your setting/character tags, “breadwinner” and “only as good as my god” by everything everything distinctly remind me of your bad ending setting. so, enjoy!

Thank you for the song suggestions!

My taste in music is hard techno, some ultrafunk, and the atmospheres Alex Somers makes.

I actually do have a Bad Ending playlist. Here it is!

[brokehorrorfan]

The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King's The Stand will be published in hardcover and e-book on August 19, 2025 via Gallery Books.

Edited by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, the anthology features 34 short stories based on The Stand. It includes an introduction by Stephen King, a foreword by Golden, and an afterword by Keene.

Contributors include Wayne Brady & Maurice Broaddus, Poppy Z. Brite, Somer Canon, C. Robert Cargill, Nat Cassidy, V. Castro, Richard Chizmar, S.A. Cosby, Tananarive Due & Steven Barnes, Meg Gardiner, Gabino Iglesias, Jonathan Janz, Alma Katsu, Caroline Kepnes, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Josh Malerman, Ronald Malfi, Usman T. Malik, Premee Mohamed, Cynthia Pelayo, Hailey Piper, David J. Schow, Alex Segura, Bryan Smith, Paul Tremblay, Catherynne M. Valente, Bev Vincent, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig, Wrath James White, and Rio Youers.

Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—generations of writers have been impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of characters. Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World As We Know It features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

Pre-order The End of the World As We Know It.

[machazer]

Jonsi and Alex.

[satvns]

closed starter for @scinglives

muse: alexandria 'alex' somers. mid-thirties. bisexual. she/her. pediatrician.

"oh ..―hey," she said abruptly to the familiar stranger sitting beside her at the bar who she vaguely could remember his name from their rather awkward first and only date. "if i knew any better i'd say you were stalking me," she joked for a moment as sipped on her glass of wine. "you're one of the groomsmen, right? um, malcolm, was it?"

[briankeene]

F.A.Q. The End Of The World As We Know It: Tales From Stephen King’s The Stand

What follows are the Frequently Asked Questions for THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: TALES OF STEPHEN KING’S THE STAND — a forthcoming anthology edited by myself and Christopher Golden. Please bookmark this page and check back from time to time, as I will update things as they develop.

Q: What is this, exactly?

A: An original short story anthology based on master storyteller Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestselling classic The Stand!

Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—generations of writers have been impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of characters.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World As We Know It features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

Q: Who is in the book?

A: Featuring an introduction by Stephen King, a foreword by Christopher Golden, and an afterword by Brian Keene. Contributors include Wayne Brady and Maurice Broaddus, Poppy Z. Brite, Somer Canon, C. Robert Cargill, Nat Cassidy, V. Castro, Richard Chizmar, S. A. Cosby, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, Meg Gardiner, Gabino Iglesias, Jonathan Janz, Alma Katsu, Caroline Kepnes, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Josh Malerman, Ronald Malfi, Usman T. Malik, Premee Mohamed, Cynthia Pelayo, Hailey Piper, David J. Schow, Alex Segura, Bryan Smith, Paul Tremblay, Catherynne M. Valente, Bev Vincent, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig, Wrath James White, and Rio Youers.

Q: Who is the publisher?

A: Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, are publishing the hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook editions in North America. Various foriegn language editions will be published by various foreign publishers.

Q: So there will be hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook editions?

A: Yes. The hardcover and the eBook are already up for preorder via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all other booksellers. (Note: as of 10/16/24 Amazon’s hardcover link does not yet work, so check back often or use a different bookseller). You can also preorder from Overlook Connection and get a limited edition dust jacket by Glenn Chadbourne, as well as other cool collectibles.

Q: What’s the cost?

A: The hardcover is listed at $35. The eBook is listed at $16.99. The hardcover that comes with the extra dust jacket from Overlook is $69.95.

Q: Will there be a signed limited edition or a special collector’s edition of some kind?

A: Probably, but it is too early to say for sure.

Q: You listed the contributors above. Anything more you can tell us about the actual stories?

A: Sure. The book is split into four parts. Part One takes place during the initial spread of Captain Trips and the dreams. Part Two takes place between the migrations to Boulder and Las Vegas and the Hand of God moment. Part Three takes place after the conclusion of the novel, detailing the world in the decades that follow. And Part Four takes place… well, that would involve major spoilers.

Here is the finalized Table of Contents:

Foreword by Christopher Golden

Introduction by Stephen King

PART ONE: DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS

Room 24 by Caroline Kepnes The Tripps by Wrath James White Bright Light City by Meg Gardiner Every Dog Has Its Day by Bryan Smith Lockdown by Bev Vincent In A Pig’s Eye by Joe R. Lansdale Lenora by Jonathan Janz The Hope Boat by Gabino Iglesias Wrong Fucking Place, Wrong Fucking Time by C. Robert Cargill Prey Instinct by Hailey Piper Grace by Tim Lebbon Moving Day by Richard Chizmar La Mala Horla by Alex Segura The African Painted Dog by Catriona Ward Till Human Voices Wake Us, And We Drown by Poppy Z. Brite Kovach’s Last Case by Michael Koryta Make Your Own Way by Alma Katsu

PART TWO: THE LONG WALK

I Love The Dead by Josh Malerman Milagros by Cynthia Pelayo The Legion of Swine by S.A. Cosby Keep The Devil Down by Rio Youers Across The Pond by V Castro The Boat Man by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes The Story I Tell Is the Story of Some of Us by Paul Tremblay The Mosque at the End of the World by Usman T. Malik Abigail’s Gethsemane by Wayne Brady and Maurice Broaddus

PART THREE: LIFE WAS SUCH A WHEEL

He’s A Righteous Man by Ronald Malfi Awaiting Orders In Flaggston by Somer Canon Grand Junction by Chuck Wendig Hunted to Extinction by Premee Mohamed Came The Last Night of Sadness by Catherynne M. Valente The Devil’s Children by Sarah Langan

PART FOUR: OTHER WORLDS THAN THESE

Walk On Gilded Splinters by David J. Schow The Unfortunate Convalescence of the SuperLawyer by Nat Cassidy

Afterword by Brian Keene

[matcheadz]

Host Of Seraphim: Reading Ambience :)

As promised (and I DID DELIVER) the reading playlist for Host of Seraphim. It starts at chapter 1 and ends at chapter 10. Everytime I update, I will be adding maybe 15 minutes of music and reblogging this post with the additional songs + clarifications on which chapter they're for.

If you read faster or slower, dont worry, I GENERALLY didn't try to link songs up to specific moments. Generally. Sometimes it'll work out like that. Maybe. You'll just have to see, huh? :)

Chapter 1: Dressed in Quiet Retrospect

Legacy - Kota Suzuki

Any Special Orders? - Hiromistu Maeba

At Night - Max LL

Suite bergamasque, L. 75: No. 2, Menuet - Arr. For Harp - Claude Debussy, Marie-Pierre Langlamet

Chapter 2: Hope All Abandoned

Charon's Burden - Max LL.

Constellations - Max LL

Live With Me - British Sea Power

Dirtmouth - Christopher Larkin

You've Got a Good Heart - Alexander Temple and Alex Seaver

Chapter 3: What You Know That I Won't

Eternal - From the Keys

Everyone Has Their Own Desires - Max LL

Stubborn To The End - Alex Seaver

Interlude - Akira Senju

Happiness - Akira Senju

Var - Sigur Ros

Chapter 4: Of Sunflowers and Angels

A Story of Opposites - Alexander Temple

Five (Instrumental) - Sleeping At Last

Isn't It Lovely? - Yoko Shimomura

Kairi - Yoko Shimomura

Riku - Yoko Shimomura

I Can Help Them - Alexander Temple

The Mist - Max LL

Falling Stars - Max LL

Chapter 5: Similarities and Differences

Instrument of Surrender - British Sea Power

Lullaby of Resembool - Akira Senju

Friends in My Heart - Yoko Shimomura

Home ~ a house on the hill~ - Akira Senju

Bistro Fada - Stephane Wrembel

Vulture Meets Culture - Daniel Pemberton

You Can't Escape the Past - Alex Seaver

Chapter 6: Our Inadequate Attachments

ZA/UM - British Sea Power

The Doomed Commercial Area - British Sea Power

Cordon de Plata - Gustavo Santaolalla

Ella - Gustavo Stantaolalla

Swimming & Horses - Michael Brook

Guarunteed - Humming Version - Eddie Vedder

Just Breathe (Instrumental) - Pearl Jam

The Wolf - Eddie Vedder

Vanishing Grace -Gustavo Santaolalla

Chapter 7: Your Silence Is Violent

'O Sole Mio - Mandolini di Sorrento

Fi's Lament - Hajime Wakai

Amelie - Pascal Desprez

Suite espanola, Op. 47: Asturias (Leyenda) - Isaac Albeniz, Narciso Yepes

Detective Arriving on the Scene - British Sea Power

Stella's Lullaby - Max LL

Chapter 8: Our Language Barriers

The Choice - Gustavo Santaolalla, Alan Umstead

The Alchemist - Akira Senju

Kairi II - Yoko Shimomura

Wash My Dreams Away - Borislav Slavov

You're a Jinx - Alex Seaver

Unbroken - Gustavo Santaolalla

In All Our Complexities - Max LL

Falling Stars - Max LL

Twin Decks -Arne Nordheim

Chapter 9: Hell Hath No Fury

Red Rock Riviera - British Sea Power

Last Light - Borislav Slavov

Children Are Burying the Doll - Theodor Bastard

Twisted Force - Borislav Slavov

Revenge - Alex Seaver

Chapter 10: Hear My Plea

Tiger King - British Sea Power

Far Beyond The Pasturelands - Max LL

Varðeldur - Sigur Ros

Hvalir í útrýmingarhættu - Sigur Ros

63º32'43.7"N 19º43'46.3"W - Sigur Ros

Sorry - Alex Somers

[starcel]

Schappelle Corby. John Frusciante. Eli Somer. Inka Williams. Ariana Grande. Steve Irwin. Peter Garrett. Kerry Armstrong. Alex Koenig. Bailey Smith. Clara Berry. Shauna Sand. Krishna.