#also sorry for all the taylor swift these are from 2014

[jackiequick]

In fifty years, will all this be declassified? | Agents Of SHIELD Fanfic

Pairing: Amelia M. Parker & Grant Ward (WardParker)

Summary: In other words, suffering is worse than falling down low..

Characters feature/mentioned: Kara Palamas, Melissa Wallace, Marlene Kassdy, The Young Avengers

Timeline: Set a year after Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Agents Of Shield Season 2 (2014-2015)

Warning: Mentions of torture, blood, needles, heartbreak and fighting

Fic Type: Angst

——

A/N: Goodness, someone help them all. Also sorry if it's a long fic! I hope you enjoy it ;) And yes I reference a Taylor Swift song as the title hehe

Inspired by: Agents Of Shield 2x21/22

—

Dry pastel lit color faded between the clouds, as the soft yet grime shades filled the room. 

The air thick with dust and the distant sound of wind howling against the cracked windows. A mild, yet faint screeching pierced the silence, mingling with the rhythmic dripping of water somewhere in the shadows.

The autumn chill that sinked though the cracks of the door made its way towards her body, responding her eyes to slowly flutter open. She squinted her eyes turning her around to see the area she was set in.

Confusion wrapped around her like a mask; the last thing she remembered was sifting through the scattered remnants of an old agent’s life in a deserted apartment, searching for files that could’ve been used for other purposes.

It was darkly and dimly lit when she made herself present in that apartment reaching for the last lines of the forgotten report, hearing a soft thud, a shadow looming behind her—then nothing.

Amelia blinked, forcing her mind to piece together the fragments, but all she grasp was the nagging dull pain against her neck. Her fingers twitching waking themselves up only to hit a wooden board. She glanced down to noticed her wrists were against a table, yet her ankles were tied backwards to the chair.

She tugged against the restraints, but they held firm, the rough fibers biting into her skin. Panic clawed at her throat as she took in her surroundings: the rusted beams overhead, the scattered debris underfoot, and the faint light filtering through the grime-coated windows.

With every strained breath, the cold air seeped deeper into her bones, heightening her senses. The screeching outside grew louder, mingling with the pounding of her heart.

Just then, a door creaked open somewhere in the warehouse, and her breath caught in her throat. Amelia huffed and winced catching sight of who it was.

Grant Ward.

Following behind him was Agent 33, Kara Palamas, an a former SHIELD agent. Her was brain given some deep suffering, due to memory loss from Daniel Whitehall and of course she was helped afterward, tested by Fitzsimmons, then she left again. More or less…

Grant smiled sitting across the table from her. One of fingers lightly pushes a strand of hair away from Amelia’s face to see her clearly. Grant will never admit it but he didn’t like having her kidnapped, but he needed SHIELD to reveal any information that had on the Projects and Daniel Whitehall.

Amelia was one of SHIELD most well known and possibly active agents they had. According to the rumor mill she was loved and appreciated, having help put The Young Avengers together, being his co-captain in the very beginning of Coulson’s team back in 2013 and the list went on.

But he knew that Amelia Parker only scratched the surface, of the people she was surrounded by. He knew that none of the recruits and so-called friends truly cared for her, watched her six. If they did care, they would’ve found her by now. Hell, Agent Hill was the one who pushed her senseless into being the agent she was today. 

The poor workaholic agent who was pushed to the brink of it all, making the choices to see the good in others and step in to put herself in danger for the sake of the people around her. 

For the sake of the mission. 

Pushing down all the hurt and blame for her own sake. Taking the hits, making the kills and watching the ones she cared for suffer. 

All Grant wanted to do was keep her safe, have her join him in the mist of SHIELD’s fall back in 2014 and live on the run. But she refused to stay with him.

Because her loyalty was too high and her trust in others were on the balancing act of being destroy right before her eyes.

And yet, here she sat in front of him, her own green eyes staring right into his brown ones.  

“Hi baby.” He said in a calm low tone. 

She held a tight calm smile as she responded, “Hi.

“I’mma cut to the chase. You do know why you’re here, right?”

“Cause you miss me, hon?”

Kara, who was standing a few steps behind Grant, crossed her arms and held back a scoff at her remark. She knew the two had history, which annoyed her completely.

“Miss you? That’s a bold assumption,” Kara shot back, forcing the humor even as her pulse raced slightly.

Grant leaned forward, the smile fading as he studied her. “You’re in a warehouse, tied to a chair. I don’t want to play games, Ames.”

Kara shifted, her posture rigid as she eyed Amelia. “You don’t have to protect her anymore, Grant. She’s not one of us…”

“Not one of us?” Amelia echoed, the bite in her voice sharper than she intended. “You think that just because you’re playing for a different side now, it makes you less of a traitor?”

Kara bristled, but Grant raised a hand, silencing the tension in the room.  “This isn’t about sides,” he said, his tone even but strained. “It’s about information. SHIELD’s been sitting on something big, and I need you to help me find it.”

Amelia’s mind raced at the thought. The thought of betraying her former team sent a chill through her. “And what if I refuse? What makes you think I will help you?”

He leaned closer, intensity radiating from him. “Then you’ll stay here. And trust me, we both know I always find another way to get what I need. But it won’t be pretty for you.”

“Is that a threat, baby?”

“Call it a promise. I said don’t ever want to hurt you, Ames, not again, but if it comes to it, I will.”

Amelia’s eyes fell of Kara and exhaled, “And her?”

Grant noticed her gaze and leaned backwards. His expression turned serious as he said, “Kara, is none of your concern.”

“Liar. What is it that I did that so wrong to her?”

Kara shifted and met her gaze, leaning forward with a slight glare. “You know what you did, you're responsible for my kidnapping, you and Wallace had my location rigid and led me to Whitehall. When I did escape, Marlene and the others were late to get me back to base. I was tortured and enslaved for what felt like ages!”

Amelia’s eyes darted as she shifted, trying to stand up from her chair. She snarled, “The location was rigid to begin with! It wasn’t mine or Melissa’s fault. It was none of our faults!”

“Then apologize!”

“For a miscommunication? I did weeks ago!”

“It wasn’t enough.”

“..why have it be just me? Not strap Melissa or anyone else to a chair?”

That’s when Kara allowed a small smirk to appear on her face.

“Because. Melissa will just give me a snarky remark and scream, she’s not trained for the physical and mental discomfort across the body. But you are.” Kara explained to Amelia.

Amelia’s eyes darted back to Ward with a warning tone. “Grant.” She muttered. 

Grant stood from his seat and grabbed a device from the wall as he contained the explanation to a minimum, “We’re using you as an advantage here, Ames. If we want SHIELD to give us what they want as well and see a piece of them crumble, why not have one of their finest agents be the representation of it all?”

“Which means?” Amelia asked.

“We will keep you here.” Kara said, “In result, disorient the other agents such as Melissa, Marlene and your precious boyfriend, who I bet has no idea that your gone, into running around in rampage looking for you. The more pain you inflect, will give the others no choice but to give us the information needed.”

Amelia’s heart raced with a mix of fear and defiance as the words hung in the air. 

She scoffed as a small smile broke across her face. A shake chuckle escaped her hips for whatever reason. “You’re both just petty and delusional.” Amelia remarked. “Even if it I am not found by them, and I’m tortured. You realize that The Young Avengers will get concerned and try to find me, right?”

Grant crossed his arms and shook her head, as he strapped a wires and tightened the chair a bit more. Beforehand, he used anesthetic to remove any sensation of pain from Morse-Parker, however the sensation of the shockwaves and needles will be an unbearable pain, hitting her body all at once. 

Kara claimed to many beforehand, that was the pain she felt when she was harmed by Whitehall and when she regained control of her mind once again. 

When no one answered her remarked about The Young Avengers—Liane, Rick, Rochelle, Cole and the others—would grow panicked and try to find her, it was a clear as day response. They were too busy and selfish to care for others’s turmoil to save them. Kara and Grant convey that answer by just exchanging a glance at Amelia.

 Amelia's heart raced, a mixture of defiance and dread coursing through her veins. “You really think that will work? You’re underestimating them.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, masking the worry gnawing at her.

Grant tightened the straps, his brow furrowed with frustration. “It’s not about underestimating them. It’s about making them desperate.”

Kara’s smirk faded as she stepped closer. “You think they care enough to risk everything for you? They’ve got their own battles to fight. You’re just a pawn in this game, Amelia.”

The weight of her words hit harder than any blow. Memories of laughter and camaraderie flashed through Amelia’s mind, but the shadows of doubt loomed larger. She shook her head, unwilling to let them see her falter. “You’re wrong. They won’t stop searching for me.”

Grant leaned back, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “And if they do find you, what then? You think they’ll storm in here and rescue you? They don’t even know where you are.”

Kara stepped closer, her voice low and chilling. “They’ll waste time chasing ghosts, and by the time they figure it out, it’ll be too late.”

-----

A silence fell, heavy with unspoken truths. Amelia felt the chill in the air deepen, a reminder of her vulnerability as the hours went by. She felt herself growing hungry and weak by the second, as her eyes tried their hardest to not give into the weight and close themselves.

Deep into the night, the weight of Grant and Kara’s words hit pierced harder than any words. Every moment spent in the room, tied to the chair, her wrists trying to wiggle out of the restrains and the needles digging into her fingers send an engulfing pain across her body. The wires sending shockwaves through her body, were just as bad, she could practically taste the metal in the air, under her skin. 

Amelia was on the brink of giving into the pain and torment, that she was lost caused. She wasn’t going to be saved. That Kara and Grant were right. She was fool to think SHIELD and The Young Avengers—her friends—would care to save her. To release any evidence in hopes of having her come back to them.

That loyalty and trust that tied her to her team was slipping between her fingers.

She could’ve sworn she heard typing of a laptop and invoices being messaged between the two in another room, whenever Kara or Grant weren’t inside with her. She could hear Grant’s low murmur, the occasional sharp retort from Kara. The sound of certain agents from the messages, such as Marlene, her voice was faintly heard, so was Melissa. A flicker of Jeremy’s tone of voice and a few others that she didn’t quite recognize.

She wondered if Jeremy was negotiating a deal to the data on Whitehall or some kind of information in general. She wondered if Melissa trying to relocate the trace of the phone's pattern to her location, or maybe Marlene had just threaten to murder Ward.

Gods know what the others on the line must've been discussing.

However nothing from The Young Avengers.

As for their mouths moving? Conversation between the three echo though the warehouse, a mixture of screams, snarky remarks, and words that were sharper than a knife. Grant was one of the few people, who knew her better than anyone, he had a hand in training her and sense her downfall from a mile away. 

He knew that she knows that there was no one coming from her. And if they did. They would be too late, suffering the lost of someone who they assumed, they care for deeply. It was a twisted symphony of betrayal and desperation that echoed around her, each note driving the point home: she was alone.

Speaking of echos being said, at one point, when Amelia refused to once again to apologize to Kara, the closure to heal according to Grant, the brunette slapped Amelia across the face before she walked around the chair with a wicked smirk.

“If you want a nice view of my ass, sweetheart, that will be...” Amelia said in a slight witty tone, however her voice trailed off, hearing the sound of fabric and a wince of a blade, “..what is she doing?”

Grant didn’t let her swift her neck around to see the damage about to inflect upon her, instead snatching her chin under his fingers, forcing her to face him. For a fleeting moment, his gaze softened, a hint of regret flickering in his brown eyes.

“You don’t have to do this, Ames. We can work this out—” He said in a soft tone. 

“No.“ Amelia cut him off, her tone resolute, almost shaking in a hush tone, “Not like this..”

Before she can even repeat her words, a sharp passing of a knife slide across the back of her knees, her inner knees, as she let out a deep whine. She squeezed her eyes and gasped breathing heavily, her chest rising and fall, due to the action taking place. Her eyes water as she gulped, catching Grant’s gaze as she tried to wipe her face towards Kara.

Amelia’s breath came in ragged gasps, the pain radiating through her legs, refusing to show weakness, however it was clear. Grant’s grip on her chin tightened, his gaze searching hers for a flicker of compliance.

Kara stepped closer, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “You really think you’re in control here? You’re tied up, and your friends are miles away. This is your reality now.”

Amelia felt the weight of her words sink in, but she wouldn’t give in just yet. “And if I break? If I give they what you want? What happens then?”

She shrugged, a cruel smile curling her lips. “Maybe we’ll let you go. Maybe I won’t. It all depends on how entertaining you are.”

Before Amelia could respond, Grant’s expression shifted, a flicker of anger crossing his face. “Enough, Kara. This isn’t a game.”

Kara rolled her eyes, dismissing his concern. “Oh please, Grant. You’re not her keeper. She made her choices.”

Amelia’s eyes flickered between the pair. Despite Grant’s protectiveness over her, he was true as day that he cared for Kara just the same. He may claim to still love her, but his heart had made space for Kara. She scoffed, honestly, with how delusional they both were, they desires each other. 

“Choices?” Amelia scoffed, her voice steady despite the pain. “Um, I didn’t choose to be here, and you know it.”

Grant’s jaw tightened, a mix of frustration and a hint of guilt flashing across his face. “I didn’t want this for you, Amelia. I wanted to protect you.”

“By letting Kara and yourself torture me?” she shot back, her gaze unwavering. “You’re not protecting me, Grant. You lied to me once, you’ll do it again.”

He always said that one thing, she will understand everything he ever done, but she won’t. One look from Kara and Grant, and she realized she was more than a pawn, in this sick game. She’s the queen. The moment she decide to cooperate or her teammates come and find her, give them any information about Whitehall, the game changes. 

If she might even survive this.

----------------------

The hours went by, no help, no hope of salvation—none. 

It was hopeless.

She whimpered and winced, gasping for air as her fingers were being pierced by needles and her body was attached to the wires from earlier. She has been yelled at, bleeding and bruised.

She was purely shaking at this point. At least she was able to convince Ward to release her ankles for some breathing room. However, she was cold. From her feet to her toes, despite the clothing she was wearing, she was feeling the air bouncing against her skin.

As she wiggled her wrists against the restraints, searching for any weakness, the faint sound of footsteps approached. She held her breath, heart pounding, readying herself for whatever was to come.

The door creaked open, and Grant stepped inside. He paused, meeting her gaze with a mixture of concern and resolve. 

“You okay?” he asked, a hint of sincerity breaking through his hardened facade.

Her voice was slightly shaky under her breath, “Is that even a question?”

“Ames.”

“Not even close, and you know it.” 

“It’s gonna be a long night, I knew you’ll be tough. Coulson’s got an eye for talent.”

“So did you..”

He sighed, his harden facade slowly returned, as a tone that was undoubtedly unreadable appeared. He sat down across from her. Her breathing was deep and hitched, her glares softened ever so slightly, before slowly hardening once again.

“You and I are a lot alike, Ames.” He began, his voice simple yet smooth. “Emotions buried deep inside where nowhere will ever find it.”

She shook her head lightly, “Why’s that? Because you know me very well?” “Because the reason why you kill and fight and recruit others..it’s not because you feel it’s a duty.”

“It is..you caught onto that lesson very early on. Being pushed to the prime level, because it hides whatever uncertainty you have..”

“That’s what you think? Are you referring to me or yourself?”

Amelia paused remembering a conversation she had with Skye involving the context of Ward. He kills because of his emotional attachment and his desire to help, not just for his own desire but for a gain. 

But there was something more to that.

After a moment Amelia said under her breath as she admitted, “..it’s not because of nothing, or that it’s a duty to serve..it’s because you feel too much..i feel too much..”

Grant watched her eyes gearing up, the shift in her eyes, at the realization. The pain, the despair, the suffering, the repeated questions and conversation. It was like memories flashed—every laugh, every time she was snapped at, every snarl or glare, every moment of believing in trust and faith—it all came crashing down upon her.

The right push and she can be forced to see the truth, even if she denied it. Hell, the words that Amelia said hit Grant as hard a brick. It wasn’t false, he did care, sometimes way too much. But like he said, he buried it deep, to save himself the heartbreak and torment.

However he did say if Amelia didn’t corporate, or if SHIELD didn’t release information on Whitehall, he will do a certain job. One that she has seen done before..

“Baby, listen to me.” Grant said, bringing her back to the moment holding up needle in-between his fingers. “Kara needs closure. Your teammates are already suffering with no idea where you are, thanks to Kara. But you, just admit you betrayed her and we can end this.”

She scoffed, “You’re such a hypocrite, you know that? Betray her? Honey, may I remind you that you betrayed your whole entire team! You betrayed me.”

“For the—! For the hundredth time, I was loyal to Garrett, not HYDRA!”

“For the hundredth time, I don’t care!”

“Amelia!”

“What?! You always have that excuse or decide to blame Garrett for your choices!”

“We both know, if it was the other way another and you were in my shoes, you would understand! We talked about this!”

“I know! And for the that, I say, screw you!”

That’s when Grant leaned forward against the table, his body dangling among the chair he sat in. Their face were mere inches apart, they can feel the other’s hot breath against one another’s face. Every scare, bump and bruise, laced across their face.

The tension was heating off their bodies, their breathing was thick and hitched. 

“You don’t know me as well, as you think you do.” He growled under his breath, his back arched and his palms pressed against the table.

“Sure I do, baby.” She responded, growling in the same exact intensity.

However she held a light smirk, ripping off her restraints that she spent the last hours  loosing up, grunted as she both hands grabbed the back of his neck and slammed his face into the table.

She held out a breath, snatching the needle from his grasp and stabbing him with it. Grant broke free from her grasp just as quickly, as Amelia stumbled backwards. He launched at her as she jumped over the table and kicked him the chest. 

Before they two knew it, they were dancing around, blocking and trying to punch one another into corners. Spinning, turning and trying to slam the other into a wall. Grunts, pounding from footsteps against the ground, shouts and screaming were heard from within the warehouse, as they broke though the walls and into the hallways.

--------------------------

At one point, Amelia raised her height was going to cause her a real disadvantage, Grant was taller than her by a lot. So just as he was about to launch at her once again, she reached up to a poll, grasping a tight grip before swinging her legs forwards launching Grant to break though the window of the door. 

“I taught you well..” He muttered, a hint of pride in his voice, before grabbing her and swinging the brunette around as they head butted one another hitting against the tight narrow hallway.

Amelia head was slammed backwards, pounding firm near a wall, before her body slid downwards onto the floor as she grunted and let out a groaned. Grant towered over her just as Kara hurried in, holding her gun towards Amelia.

She was ready to shoot her, but didn’t, yet. She wanted to hear the apology, understand her pain. She exchanged a look with Ward.

“Anything you want to say to Kara?” Grant asked, letting out a deep breath.

Amelia’s eyes darted between the door of them, her vision was blurry as she said, “..yeah.”

“She’s waiting.”

“I’m not sorry anymore..” Amelia muttered under her breath. 

Kara exhaled, lowering the gun, “This isn’t right..I’m not feeling, she’s not sorry..”

Grant took the gun from her stuffing it into his back pocket and placed a hand on her shoulder, “It’s alright, baby, I know what to do..”

Her gaze flickered between the pair, one look from Grant and Amelia knew what was coming for her, he going to pull the trigger. The hours were running up. 

He’ll do the one thing she seen him do, only once, years ago. 

It will not just make her suffer but the ones who claimed to love her...

~~~~~~

~~~~~~~

AHH! It was a lot I know but let me know what you think! Thoughts, comments and what you love about it all. Pls like, comment and share for more.

Tags: @gaminggirlsstuff @gcthvile @missstrawbs2001 @djs8891 @starkleila @aidanxsophxoxo @mandylove1000 @yetanotherwells @rickb-chaos @topgun-imagines s @hardballoonlove @buckysteveloki-me @sherloquestea @ximehs @savemewattpad @theonlyblackcanary y @terry-perry @triptuckers @daughter-of-melpomene @superspookyjanelle @infinetlyforgotten and etc

[moonshynecybin]

To me, all Taylor swift songs about an age gap are actually about rosquez. Specifically dear John

sorry this doesn’t answer you entirely but i read it back and it got me THINKING. about marc age 20-22 versus marc age now. and again i’m listening to my podcasts having thoughts. as i do. and they’re all talking about how visibly HAPPY marc is this season. like we’ve allll noticed the dancing the twerking the VERY public and endearing goofy clownery. marc voice i am show :3 and all the podcast guys seem to agree it’s the happiest he’s been in a while, but notably NOT since 2019 (when he was at the height of his powers wielding competitive momentum like a fucking broadsword). they say it’s the happiest he’s been since 2014 ! way back ten years ago when the sky was roses ! which. YEAH that was his most dominant season. but. BUTTTTT. i would also wager (yaoi googles on please hold) that kind of happiness preceded the flavor of the sport changing for him pretty dramatically due to his feud with valentino…. post breakup hits different… and now vale’s GONE. marc sees him like five times a year. out of sight out of mind, at least a little. marc maybe doesn’t have to THINK about him every single day that he’s at work two feet away from him in a press conference. so you take that and add that his arm is something resembling a little more functional (still obviously very fucked lmao) and he’s on a good bike and he’s not winning yet but he’s maybe feeling like his old self a bit more. and i imagine that all feels pretty good !!!

[foxes-that-run]

He remains a blank space (so to speak) on which we can project any style (so again, to speak) of fantasy.

Hot Golden Boy Harry Styles

The One Direction heartthrob is the center of the pop universe.

Rolling stone 4 December 2014 (x) online (different) (x) Rob Sheffield

In 2014, Harry Styles is more than a pop star. He’s the place where pop dreams intersect. Daylight in Los Angeles—did that kill anyone’s buzz? Ah, no. It just inspired people to turn the site into a fan shrine—and to try to sell his vomit on eBay. Harry’s response? “It’s worrying that this is the world we live in.”

Sorry, dude, but when women are worshiping your yack puddle, you’re the embodiment of all that glitters right now: a new paradigm of manhood. A pinup boy. A feminist icon. A 20-year-old pop prince with bold Men At Work lyrics tattooed on his body—“never gonna” on his right foot, “dance again” on his left.

A stud with four nipples, perfect mop-top hair, and that James Dean daydream look in his eyes. This guy actually wore a Rush T-shirt while on a date with Taylor Swift—now that’s some next-level confidence.

Harry fits every style of pop obsession, from filthy fan fiction to squeaky-clean teen dreams—the shiny and the sleazy, the romance and the raunch. When the world beheld photos of Harry puking his guts out by the side of the road in broad daylight, did it diminish him? No. Instead, his magic angel chunks elevated him into a rarefied level of reality.

Harry’s enthusiasm is the key to One Direction’s astonishing longevity. If he has any inner turmoil, he keeps it to himself. He remains a blank space (so to speak) on which we can project any style (so again, to speak) of fantasy.

He’s inspired a new book: Anna Todd’s After, a soft-porn novel that’s already been touted as this year’s Fifty Shades of Grey. It might be the first work of Harry Lit—but that depends on how you interpret Shakespeare’s Henry V, which now also reads like soft-porn Harry fan-fic. (“Every wretch, pining and pale before/Beholding him, plucks comfort from his looks.”)

In 2014, anything worthy of the name “hotness” is mixed with thin nonsense.

[thegreatimpersonator]

i read this analysis of taylor swift that has stuck with me. basically the person said that taylor never goes "all in" to something. for example, her albums like reputation being labelled as r&b or folklore/evermore as indie aren't 100% r&b or indie...she does just enough for it to be labelled as that but keeps things neutral as well. so it's not too much or too little of it. same goes for her philanthrophy and activism. she'll post a cute little 1989 themed graphic to tell her fans to vote but won't call for a ceasefire. so one can say she's politically active--but to an extent. with her directed vidoes and stuff too which are now highlighted on her website under her new album is so funny to me because her directed video are NOT good. they're not bad but they're also not good or stunningly artistic in any way. they just rely on mediocre CGI and easter eggs. and with this new album...gosh im sorry but that name and cover looks like a sophomore english major from 2014 tumblr made it. pls i can't take it seriously. even those lyrics?? its giving im a poet and i know it. i definitely see taylor wanting to move on to mature music as she gets older but she needs to learn how to go /all in/ to something. i think her fans are a lot to blame for this because she'll breathe and fans will say "WOW GENIUS" like no. taylor is unfortunately a people pleaser and will never be able to grow as an artist if she doesn't take a risk and actually go all into a project. and for the love of god stop working with jack antonoff!!! all her music sounds the SAME

Yeah I reblogged a post that said this same thing. She does just enough to make it look different and impactful but it’s still the same lane, doesn’t move or shake anything.

[consumed-by-fandom]

MY ARGUMENT FOR WHY LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO BY TAYLOR SWIFT FITS OSWALD COBBLEPOT A LITTLE TOO WELL

So people seemed quite interested in my thoughts on this sooo here ya go! :p

Spoilers for Gotham (2014) obvs

For context the song fits with Oswald’s Season 3 Arc, where he becomes mayor of Gotham and is taken down and killed by Edward after Oswald kills Ed’s ‘weird ass totally-a-clone-of-his-dead-ex’ girlfriend, Isabella. Oswald survives because of course he does, and plots his revenge against Ed for the rest of the season. AND HE FUCKING GETS IT BECAUSE HES OSWALD FUCKING COBBLEPOT

Anyway lets get into the lyrics shall we?

First off, Riddler is known for his games and puzzles, and in particular his whole revenge plan might have been seen as a game to both of them, with Ed seeing it as a strategic game to destroy Oswald, and Oswald seeing it as a childish game played unfairly to Ed’s own agenda. The tilted stage also ties to Riddler’s showmanship and love of being in the spotlight, as well as how, to Oswald’s perspective, he’s putting himself up on a pedestal while criticising Oswald despite everything Oswald has done for him (I think Oswald definitely saw Isabella’s murder as an act of kindness or love, the latter might be canon too?) Oswald being forced to play the fool is pretty self-explanatory, he was thrown through the rings of Ed’s deception and tests none the wiser to Ed being the culprit.

I think even Oswald would have to admit that Ed outplayed him, using everything he knew about Oswald, all his weaknesses and vulnerabilities, to completely ruin his life and prove a point (even if that point got disproven because he accidentally proved Oswald WAS capable of real love lmao) And how Oswald, as paranoid and wary as he is, still did not believe for a second that Ed would betray him. (This is unrelated but Oswald’s trust issues is so sad to see because as the show goes on he gets increasingly more distrustful of others and by season 5 it doesn’t take much for him to go “YOUVE BETRAYED ME I FUCKING KNEW IT” poor lad). Anyway Ed is a pro at shit eating grins, and has no qualms lying to others, something I think hurts Oswald even more because he always believed that they’d be honest with one another (even though he went behind Ed’s back… hes a bit of a hypocrite guys) But Ed is also one to gloat and mock, perhaps even more than Oswald, and he definitely rubs it in Oswald’s face when he reveals that it was his plan all along, that he was behind everything. Stretching a bit with the gun here but I like to think that Oswald believed they were always on the same page, that Oswald would always call the shots so to speak, that he was the one in control. Ironically it was the shot that Oswald took that pushed Ed to take a shot of his own (i am NOT sorry for the wordplay >:] )

Speaking of wordplay. “Isn’t cool” Ahahah. Get it. Cuz. Cuz ed gets… anyway.

What does Oswald Cobblepot do best when wronged? Plan an elaborate revenge scheme of course! He learns from his mistakes, learns more about who Edward is as a person, and also learns not to let love weaken him :,). His revenge against him does what Ed initially did to him - use his flaws and characteristics to his advantage. And Oswald PLAYS HIM LIKE A FIDDLE by practically leading him to his doom, right until the reveal by the pier. Him escaping death is also surprisingly common for him, surviving from the pier not once, but TWICE by this point in the show. Not to mention all the other murder attempts on his life. The list of names would relate to Oswald’s growing enemies, his revenge hitlist so to speak, with Ed being at the very top for obvious reasons.

I think Oswald would definitely blame other people for his behaviour. Like “you made me this way, you provoked me, you forced my hand.” No dude you just love murder and vengeance get over urself. I MEAN he probably knows he’s ‘just like that’ but he’d still blame people anyway lmao.

When Ed got shipped to Arkham for girlfriend strangling and cop killing Oswald eventually got him out so he could be by his side as he campaigned for mayor of gotham, and he was pretty dedicated to being there for Ed as Ed was for him, even including him in paintings and promoting him to chief of staff. He loved him so much, and would do anything for him (even if it meant doing what he thought was for his benefit. Like killing girlfriends.) So naturally Ed ruining his life and then going off and making a name for himself as the Riddler would absolutely piss Oswald off, because to Oswald he had been so generous and a good friend/potential life partner, and this was the thanks he gets? I could also see Riddler’s rise to prominence as something Oswald would be jealous of, because thats his crime spotlight he’s stealing dammit!

Also. Also Ed stole the keys to his heart ahahahAGUGHUGHUHGAHGHH

Gotham is full of drama all day everyday 24/7, I have to imagine even Oswald gets sick of it after a while lol. Anyway he’s very good at losing himself to his own plans and thoughts driven by his emotions, pushing the rest of the world aside so he can solely focus on his revenge. He never forgets a grudge, he always gets what’s “deserved” to him (and he’s actually really good at getting revenge too, using Ed’s eventual sentence as an example). Ironically that also fits with how Oswald got his punishment for Isabella’s death, but now he’s paid the price, its Ed’s turn (and anyone else who Oswald had a vendetta against at the time. Which was probably a lot of people idk Oswald makes a lot of enemies in the show)

Again, Oswald has MAJOR trust issues and this paranoid only grows as the show goes on and more people betray or leave him. He’s also pretty sly himself, and if his plans include completely screwing you over for whatever reason, you better bet he’s going to do it.

As for the latter lyric…

Do i even need to explain this one?

There isn’t much I can link for this it just seems like something Oswald would say lmao

Aaaaaand thats all! I didn’t go over repeating choruses for obvious reasons, but that’s my own brainrot explanation for why this song fits him soooo well. Now if you’ll excuse me i’m going to daydream about the animation that would go to this that I’ll probably never do.

[rainydawgradioblog]

Rainy Dawg Radio's Favorite Albums of 2014

The Blawg Team got together and compiled their top five albums of 2014, ten years later.

Emi

Chuuwee, Trizz - Amerikka’s Most Blunted 

One of my favorite rap albums ever, Chuuwee never got his limelight. Fun vocal interludes in between brilliant sampling and blunt, catchy verses.

Twin Peaks - Wild Onion 

Good indie music from my middle school days. 

Ariel Pink - Pom pom 

I don’t care that he stormed the capitol. 

(Editors note: Rainy Dawg Radio does not endorse the January 6th insurrection.)

Nicki Minaj - Pinkprint 

Iconic, formative album. My sister had it on CD and put the foldout poster from the case on our wall. 

Mac Demarco - Salad Days 

Nobody can’t not like this one.

Sean

Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence 

Lana Del Rey embodies “the woman on the side” on her gothic Ultraviolence. Sex, money, and infidelity circulate the project as Lana channels a “mistress” persona on swirling Americana instrumentals. 

FKA Twigs - LP1

On her debut LP1, FKA Twigs’ voice effortlessly glides across delicate, porcelain beats that sound like they could shatter at any given moment. Exploring themes of sexuality and devotion, Twig’s invites the listener to step into her world.

Aphex Twin - Syro

Richard D. James’ most intimate digital experiments come to life on Syro. Skittering breaks layered with acidic bass lines ricochet across the tracklist, creating a delightfully unpredictable listening experience. The project is peacefully brought to an end with the astounding closing track aisatsana [102].

Arca - Xen

Arca’s iconic debut Xen combines hazy synths and drum samples with dissonant acoustics. Through the harshness, Xen’s haunting beauty never ceases to shine through.

Tinariwen - Emmaar

The nomadic Taureg rock group made their triumphant return in 2014 with Emmaar after being displaced from Mali. Despite being recorded outside their homeland, Tinariwen makes no compromises on Emmaar; their smoldering lead guitars and resilient lyrics are as strong as ever.

k-murph

mitski - bury me at makeout creek 

although the competition is steep, i believe bury me at makeout creek is mitski’s best. although i adore every mistki album, only this one has “last words of a shooting star”. and “francis forever”. and “i will”. and every song on the album. i rest my case. 

hozier -hozier

hozier’s debut album will forever stand to me as one of the most enchanting projects of all time. his lyrical genius, beautiful vocals, and sheer force of mystical magical forest man-ness propel this album to the status of a forever classic. i love you hozier. i’m sorry i passed out in the pit of your seattle show four times. 

TV girl- french exit 

french exit has some of the most enjoyable production out of any album i’ve ever heard. every time i play “lovers rock” at the function, the crowd goes wild. guaranteed! also, apparently, this album was released on my 10th birthday! cool!

adrienne lenker, buck meek - a-sides

i love adrienne lenker more than maybe any other person on earth. the haunting beauty of this album is incredible. also b-sides. this kind of includes both, because i’m famously indecisive. i’ve always said i think adrienne lenker is the perfect artist for some good old-fashioned washington clouds and rain. 

taylor swift - 1989 

sue me. i simply cannot resist a little bit of sparkle and glitter and corny pop—plus, 1989 undoubtedly marked a cosmic shift in our universe. the impact of “blank space”, let alone this album, is undeniable. 

Ben

Mitski  - Bury Me At Makeout Creek 

Had “Texas Reznikoff” not opened this album, it would still be my favorite album of 2014, but it does, so Bury Me At Makeout Creek is also one of my favorite albums of all time. 

Pinata - Madlib/Freddie Gibbs  

At fourteen or fifteen years old, you (I) discover an album that not only contains strictly songs you enjoy, but also makes you want to discover more music that sounds just like it. That was Pinata for me… also the production on “Knicks” is ridiculous. And “Shame.” “Robes” too. I’m constantly asking myself “how did he do that” in regards to Madlib’s work on this, but he’s not really reinventing the wheel or anything, it’s just like he woke up and decided to make the best beat you’ve ever heard seventeen times.  

Black Kray - 700 Dagreez  

I was very late to the Black Kray party but I’ve come to understand 700 Degreez as one of the best cloud rap projects ever released. No album released since has mingled lyrics about crying your eyes out and putting 28-inch rims on a NASCAR Chevy so seamlessly. 

Black Messiah - D’Angelo

“Really Love” alone justifies this album at #4 to me…

How To Leave Town - Car Seat Headrest 

Confession: I listened to How To Leave Town for the first time two weeks ago. However I’ve listened to “I Want You To Know That I'm Awake / I Hope That You're Asleep" enough since then to last me a lifetime, so I feel entitled to putting it on my list. 

Parks

Ten years ago, American/UK album releases were a mess. Two albums stood out to me as being worthwhile… see below 

Spoon- They Want My Soul

They Want My Soul is exactly what is to be expected from Spoon. It’s a solid record. “Rainy Taxi" and title track, "They Want My Soul" are standouts.

Les Claypool - Primus and The Chocolate Factory With the Fungi Ensemble

In a dark year for music, Les Claypool blessed us with his presence, if only for a moment. Primus and the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble has exceptional instrumentation and is delightfully creepy. 

Honorable Mentions: 

The War on Drugs- Lost in the Dream: Great album, just not too familiar with it. 

Tom Petty- Hypnotic Dream: Its a 2014 Tom Petty album. 

Dishonorable Mention:

Pitbull- Globalization : Thank you dear Pitbull for defining my middle school experience. 

Zola

Taylor Swift - 1989

Pop perfection. Perfectly emulates the vibes of the mid 2010’s. One of the first times I remember an album being everywhere. Had 6 singles, all of which achieved massive success, proving that Taylor swift was a crossover mastermind. Unfortunately she desecrated “Style” when rerecording it. Thank you mom for buying this on cd. 

Lana Del Ray - Ultraviolence 

A perfect follow up to 2012’s Born to die. Helped her usher in a new sound while still staying familiar to her roots. Almost featured Lou Reed. 

Lorde - Pure heroine

While technically not released in 2014, nothing encapsulates the 2014 tumblr vibes than Pure Heroine. Lorde ran tumblr, she ran south park, and she ran the radio. It gets a spot on my 2014 list because I was genuinely obsessed with this album in 2014. 

TV girl - French Exit. 

TV girl’s debut album, which unfortunately did not catch on until tik tok got a hold of it. Featuring the ultra classic “lover’s rock”.  The impact this album had on teenage girls in 2021 cannot be understated. 

Tove lo - Queen of the clouds. 

Stunning debut from Tove Lo. The album is a concept album split into three parts, “The Sex”, “The Love”, and “The Pain''. Overall a 2014 sleeper hit with some memorable bangers. One time “talking body” came on my sixth grade social studies pandora during class time, and I remember some random kid in my class singing along. On the plus side he's now a kicker on the Oregon State football team so maybe he was onto something. (#31)

tide2004

Flowers Taped to Pens - s/t 

San Diego screamo. Very unique and influential sound. This album is one of the first screamo releases that I really got into a couple of years ago.

Machine Girl - WLFGRL

Electronic/digital hardcore from Long Island. My best friend Maddie and I listened to this album constantly the summer before I went to college (favorite tracks: “Krystle”, “Ghost”, and “Mg1”). 

Alex G - DSU 

My favorite Alex G album. I bought the CD last year and I have the lyric booklet up on my wall. When I saw him live he only played one song off it :/

OFF! - Wasted Years 

Los Angeles hardcore punk. Ex Black Flag/Circle Jerks

Cuckoo - Magpie e.p. 

Math rock from Hakodate, Japan. I love the guitar on this album so much. Really good staring out the window music, reminds me of taking the train down through California for the first time. 

Pal

This took some research, because the music that I was listening to in 2014 consisted of “Fireflies” by Owl City, 1989 by Taylor Swift, the Weezer Christmas album, and that one U2 album that got downloaded onto everyone’s iPod. but looking back, there were some really great albums that year.

First and foremost, we have to talk about Mitski’s Bury Me at Makeout Creek. That album dosen’t have a bad song on it, and I can’t count how many times I’ve played it all the way through. “I Don’t Smok”e actually shatters my ribcage every time and so does “I Wil”l, and “Drunk Walk Home”, and “Townie”, and like every other song also. It’s incredible.

You’re Gonna Miss it All by Modern Baseball was a staple of my sophomore year of high school. It was written when the band was in college and realizing that they were going to be graduating soon and moving on with their lives. Coping with that feeling is a lot, and “Fine, Great” as well as “Your Graduation” will probably resonate with most people who feel like they’re losers in a small town.

Syro by Aphex Twin isn’t my favorite Aphex Twin album, but sometimes I put it on just to feel like I’m hanging out in one of those star nurseries the James Webb telescope keeps taking pictures of. 

Alvvay’s self titled is the perfect thing to throw on to get some good old fashioned pining in. It’s indie/dream pop sound is light enough to not make you too sad, but also not peppy enough to get your hopes up too high. Also, it just sounds amazing. I’d eat it and it would taste like caramel and strawberries maybe.

How to Leave Town by Carseat Headrest is one of CSH’s best albums in my opinion. It’s more electronic and the themes of teenage romance in their earlier stuff fade more into adult uncertainty. 

Too Bright by Perfume Genius is what I think of when I think 2014. I remember my dad playing Queen in the car on the way back from summer camp. Looking back on it, the album's emotional explosion of empowerment, queerness, drag, and radical self-acceptance is incredibly powerful, and I will definitely be playing it more.

Steven Neff

 La Dispute - Rooms of the House

One of my favorite albums ever. I revisit this album so regularly so I can practice my cold hard scowl while walking home from class in pouring rain. Woman (In mirror) is genuinely a perfect song. 

Adrianne Lenker + Buck Meek - B-Sides

The pinnacle of absolutely crushing acoustic singer-songwriter projects. It is incredible to think that this project is now ten years old considering Big Thief’s increase in cultural relevance. This was before Big Thief was formed as a band and a year before the two got married as well which you can just feel that emotion in this project. I weirdly like the B-Sides far more than I like A-Sides.

Car Seat Headrest - How To Leave Town

Will Toledo. Man. I believe that he claims that How to Leave Town is just a compilation album of stuff that he was working on around the time but you would never tell. “The Ending of Dramamine” and “Hey, Space Cadet” are in the running for my favorite opener and closer to an album genuinely ever. 

Modern Baseball - You’re Going To Miss It All 

Nostalgia packed up into thirty mins of angst. The quintessential midwest emo album. Timeless. I can sing the entire album from front to back without missing a single word.

Freddie Gibbs, Madlib -Pinata

Not a single skip all the way through. Madlib masterclass as always making it real easy for Freddie Gibbs to do what he does best. “Deeper” is such a good song and easily my favorite Gibbs song ever. 

Sofia

Dean Blunt - Black Metal 

Mix of alternative/indie and Americana, among other things, that really works when you’re trying to pass time. I first got into this album over the summer when I heard “100” for the first time on vacation – big fan of “HUSH” because of the jazz kind of thing it’s got going on. I also like the way Dean Blunt uses samples in this album; he samples “Over Your Shoulder” by the Pastels in “100” and “For You” by Big Star in “LUSH”, both of which work really well. 

Whirr, Nothing - Whirr & Nothing (Split Version)

Noisy and heavy shoegaze/rock split EP. Listened to this EP a lot over the summer lying in bed and counting down the days until I could leave town and come back to school… My favorite song is “Chloroform” by Nothing because it does a quiet-loud-quiet thing that I love. 

Brian Jonestown Massacre - Revelation 

Dense, long shoegazey psychedelic rock album. The title track (“Vad Hände Med Dem?”) is sung in Swedish. I listened to this album on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island on a stormy day, which is exactly what it calls for, I think. When I put this album on I skip “Duck and Cover” because it scares the fuck out of me.

Alex G - DSU  

Another album that’s great for summer listening. Alex G’s high-pitched voice works really well with the twangy guitar and piano. The lyrics to the tracks on this album are enigmatic as ever, with a bunch of sentimental/emotional lines (“I love you, Harvey, I don’t care” in “Harvey”, for example). Seeing “Sorry" live during his acoustic Seattle show changed my life fall quarter freshman year.

Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

This album is mostly on my list for nostalgia – I did a decent amount of listening to this sophomore year of high school, and I feel like this is the type of music, that lazy-day mix between melancholia and indie guitar. Even though “Chamber of Reflection” got beat to death a few years ago, I still think it holds up, although I’d say my favorites are the first three tracks (so “Salad Days,” “Blue Boy,” and “Brother”). Recorded in Mac DeMarco’s Brooklyn apartment!

Dawson

Aphex Twin - Syro 

Slightly less game changing compared to 30 years ago, Aphex Twin’s Syro shows the continuation of his sound. While hits like “180db” grow popular on social media, ambient songs like “aisaitsana”appeal even to audiences not interested in electronic music as a whole.

Machine Girl - Wlfgrl

While in my opinion Wlfgrl is significantly overrated by fans compared to the rest of Machine Girl’s discography, it still shines through as a beautiful album. Their debut on streaming services, this album continues to draw in new fans more than recent works, and esoteric sampling introduces fans to various other niche works such as “The Machine Girl” and “Ginger Claps.”

Joy Again - Forever  

No longer named Forever Lesbians, the debut album by Joy Again remains an homage to their former name. A mix of intriguing instrumental tracks and melancholy hits, Forever’s 30 song, 1 hour 17 minute runtime makes current Joy Again fans jealous with its length. The combined length of Joy Agains entire discography since 2014 is less than the length of Forever.

PUP - Self Titled

PUP’s self titled album still hits hard today, despite its 10 year age. Hits like “Reservoir” and “Factories” are a clear demonstration of the talent the band has - vocalist Stefan Babcock’s grandmother’s comment about a “pathetic use of potential” (resulting in the name of the band) are easily proven wrong on this record.

Death’s Dynamic Shroud - NEON GENESIS EVANGELIS 

A precursor to their 2015 hit I’ll Try Living Like This, NEON GENESIS EVANGELIS is a must listen for fans of the band. The song “CD Player” is an earlier version of the much more popular song “CD Player, Pt. III”, my personal favorite, “Strange Scenery” creates beautiful soundscapes that almost evoke imagery of the aforementioned strange scenery. 

Skyler

(In no particular order)

Kagayaki - Masakatsu Takagi One of my favorite albums of all time. Pure joy for the entire runtime, Masakatsu Takagi’s ear for contemporary classical composing on top of sonically effervescent soundscapes is genuinely so beautiful. I’ve cried to this album –I wanna say, like– 10 times over. His ongoing Marginalia series continues the grounded, blissful tones that Kagayaki started and I couldn’t be happier.

N****s On The Moon: The Powers That B Disc 1 - Death Grips

Conversely, the first half of what would be a completed The Powers That B is composed in what’s nearly an opposite direction to Kagayaki. Compared to their other works, it’s easily overlooked (and while I can absolutely understand why), N****s On The Moon’s dynamic, Björk-fuelled brutalist production and harsh lyricism is such a good time.

You’re Dead! - Flying Lotus

Really incredible hip-hop/jazz-fusion record by Flying Lotus. I remember being given a hand-me-down of this record on vinyl (along top of a fresh copy of his 2010 LP Cosmogramma around 2016, thank you Nolan) and just gawking at the interior artwork while listening to “Tesla.” Really incredible stuff.

Three Love Songs - Ricky Eat Acid

BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER. Ricky Eat Acid’s Three Love Songs is in a similar breadth to that of Takagi’s Kagayaki in its minimalist, earthy tones with tracks like “Big Man’s Last Trip Outside” to the grand orchestral airy vocalizations on “I Can Hear Breaking As One,” all accompanied by rounding Moog synths. Sounds like the word “honeycrisp.” 

Gray Data - Five Star Hotel

Bombastic harsh noise with gripping discordant beats, Gray Data’s expansion on hardcore EDM means so, so much to me. Incredibly funny and inventive use of sampling (thinking of the siren on “Outside Solaris”). Hypnotic and migraine inducing in the best way possible. 

Honorable Mentions: Swans - To Be Kind; Sun Kill Moon - Mom, Benji 

Willow Goetting

BLAWG 2014 top albums

Machine Girl - WOLFGRL (2014) (Electronic/breakcore)

Machine Girl is one of the most iconic alternative electronic artists to come out of the 2010s, and has had a large influence on the rise of ‘hyperpop’ and similar genres. WOLFGRL is a favorite of mine not only because of its impeccable tracklist, but also because it heavily features samples from Ginger Snaps (2000). Top tracks: “Frenesi (Machine Girl GabberTrap Mix)”, “Mg1”, and “Out by 16, Dead on the Scene”.

Waveless - Waveless EP (originally released 2014 on BandCamp–says 2017 on Spotify but IDC) (Shoegaze)

The first song on this album is one of my favorite shoegaze songs of all time, and the whole EP is an incredible release. I am pretty sure the band is long gone and broken up now, but it's been a favorite of mine this winter. Top tracks: “Nausea (song for Proski)”, “UPCLOSE/UNCLEAR.”

Alex G - DSU (2014) (Indie rock)

DSU still goes down as one of Alex G’s best albums to date–a perfect follow up to the 2012 release TRICK. It also features a re-recording of the demo “After Ur Gone”, which definitely still recirculates on Spotify as a favorite pick of the rampant ‘alex g archive’ accounts. Top Tracks: “Serpent is Lord”, “Axesteel” and “Harvey”.

Mac Demarco - Salad Days(2014) (Indie/synthpop)

Salad Days planted the seed for the explosion of indie artists from 2014 onwards, with his style still inspiring so many acts coming out today. I still hear “Chamber of Reflection” playing in coffee shops to this very day. Top track: “Treat Her Better.”

 Jessica Lea Mayfield - Make My Head Sing…(2014) (Singer-songwriter)

Very sweet and lovely springtime music for when I need some easy listening. I listened to it a lot when I was about to roadtrip to Montana last May, so it holds a very special place in my heart. Top tracks: “Seein* Starz” and “Standing in the Sun.”

Thanks for reading! Be on the lookout for the next joint Blawg Team post, which will see our writers put together some of their favorite lines in music history...

[harmonicabisexuals]

7 and 23 for the musical asks game!

*shows up three days later with coffee* sorry i was busy and forgot about this ask lmao

7. do you prefer cds, streaming, or vinyl?

I actually have a very complex answer to this lol...I definitely always prefer physical media over streaming but I am also a hypocrite who loves the convenience and portability of streaming so I still have an apple music account and use it almost every day. That being said, there are some albums that are just MADE to be listened to on vinyl and I am very proud of my vintage vinyl collection and very sad I had to leave 98% of it at my parents house bc I just recently moved to Europe. (for example, one of my most unpopular opinions is that I actually like the wall of sound production on ATMP, but I also think it sounds so much better on my original press vinyl than it does on streaming, so that makes me wonder if the medium people are listening to 60s/70s albums on are influencing their opinions on them, particularly on their sound and production). On the other hand, I have mixed feelings about the current vinyl boom bc while buying physical media is always good, in my experience a lot of these new albums that often come out with multiple limited edition vinyls (ex. taylor swift) are 1) not produced in a way to sound the best on vinyl since everything is done digitally these days, and 2) the actual quality of vinyl presses has gone down SO much even in just the past 5 years that a lot of these new releases and even new presses of older albums just sound shitty or have skip problems right out of the package. Seriously, I started buying vinyl around 2014 and I never had these types of problems with brand new presses until the last 3 years or so. So in that case, now if I really like a new release album enough to buy a physical copy of it and I think the production style won't translate as well on vinyl and/or I don't trust the company that does the vinyl pressings for the artist I'll buy it on CD instead!

23. how did you discover your favorite artist?

It's impossible for me to choose a definitive favorite artist but I am deep into a Bob Dylan phase rn because my life is very stressful and uncertain atm and his whiny singing and blaring harmonica always relaxes me lmao. so I guess we'll go with that. I first discovered bob in high school when I listened to "like a rolling stone" and it literally altered my brain chemistry. so I always loved that song and a few others here and there but never really did a deep dive on him (I think I tried to listen to highway 61 revisited and blonde on blonde and didn't really Get It at the time) but about a year ago I started listening to Joan Baez and I fell in love with her and her bob covers, and I was like okay maybe I'll give him another shot and then weirdly enough I stumbled across "shelter from the storm" after rewatching jerry maguire dkfsjkdf and listened to all of blood on the tracks and the rest is history <3

Send me Music Asks! (I promise to actually respond this time)

[uniquejellyfishqueen]

A collection of blood from Taylor Swift

“Poison blood from the wound of the pricked hand

You made a really deep cut

Screamed “Fuck you Aimee” to the night sky, as the blood was gushin

You’re an animal, you are bloodthirsty

“I might just die, it would make no difference”

Down bad, waking up in blood

Staring at the sky, come back and pick me up

And baby, now we’ve got bad blood

All that blood shed, crimson clover

I gave my blood sweat and tears for this, hosted parties and starved my body.

If you live like that, you live ghosts

If you love like that, blood runs cold

Blood’s thick but nothing like a payroll

Marked me like a bloodstain

And you can aim for my heart, go for blood. But you would still miss me in your bones.

Past the blood and the bruise

The crown is stained, but you’re the real queen

I looked around in a blood-soaked gown

Bad was the blood of the song in the cab

Red blood, white snow

Flesh and blood amongst war machines

You’re the new God, we’re worshipping

Like you’d get your knuckles bloody for me

And how the blood rushed into my cheeks

And I’m not even sorry, nights are so starry, blood moon lit”

Factor XI and Factor XII play a role in blood clotting..

*I am so not a doctor but I know how to read…

Factor XI is a rare clotting disorder that affects about 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. It’s caused by a mutation in the F11 gene. It’s also known as hemophilia C. (TS has 11 helmets for the car for Indy, she has 11 albums…)

Signs and symptoms of factor 11 are frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding under the skin, bleeding of the gums, prolonged bleeding after childbirth, prolonged menstrual bleeding.

It was first recognized in 1953 in patients who experienced severe bleeding after dental extractions.

-“don’t worry we took all her teeth”

Factor XII can interact with fibrin to create a tighter clot structure

*Hemophilia, a rare condition of the blood that prevents clotting during injuries, they lack a protein that contributes to clotting called Factor VIII (The blue nail.) it is believed that Hemophilia was passed down for generations by Queen Victoria to her three children and is therefore known as “The Royal Disease.”

*India has the second largest number of Hemophilia patients. Most patients in India do not have access to cure because of its rarity and high costs.

Factor II (black nail) deficiency. Is a rare, inherited or acquired bleeding disorder with an estimated incidence of one case per 2 million population.

On the clock it has her right thumb with the black nail (6th album) at the 2. (Added together equals 8)

Her left thumb with the blue nail (5th album) is at the 8. (Added together equals 13)

**another fun blood fact is

Christmas Disease also known as hemophilia B or factor IX (mirror of XI) a bleeding disorder that occurs when a gene that helps blood clot is mutated. The disorder was first described in 1952 in a patient named Stephen Christmas, and is named after him. Symptoms of this can include bleeding into joints, which can cause pain and swelling. (She mentioned her hand cramping during one of the European shows. -> show 97 N1 in Edinburgh on 6/7/2024. She also played “ ‘Tis The Damn Season” which had been removed from the set on 5/9/2024 on the 1st show of the European Leg.)

The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection was released on 10/14/2007 (17 years ago) and it was 7 years and 13 days before 10/27/2014 (1989’s birthday)

7/13 she wore the new Fearless dress and a new TTPD dress 2/11. (112) also is that a nod to “My baby loves me like I’m brand new” like she wasn’t as fearless as she should have been before.

8/13

World organ donation day

*2003 was the first HIV- to HIV + kidney transplant.

*there are 42 voting members on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. The Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation has up to 11 members, including the Chair.

*According to Donate Life America there are more than 100,000 people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. Even the largest football stadium in the US could not fit the number of patients on the national transplant waiting list…(its also so interesting that they would write that on their website, if their mission is to save lives why are they wasting time worrying about the biggest football field?). Well would you look at that. The largest football stadium in the US is Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House”. (I am now picturing Stephen Colbert saying “Not in my house.”) the capacity in the big house is 107,601 but has host crowds of over 115,000…isn’t that a fire hazard? The Big House is located in Ann Arbor and is home to the Wolverines. It was built in 1927, the record attendance was in 2013 when Michigan hosted Notre Dame with a crowd of 115, 109. Since 11/8/1975 every home game at Michigan Stadium they have had a crowd of over 100,000

*the 10th largest stadium in the US is the Rose Bowl. More to come on this.

*the 13th largest stadium is Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL 😏 which a “Swiftie” Society hosted 2 listening parties there. 1 for 1989 TV and the 2nd was for TTPD. 5/11 on 5/11/24 N3 in Paris she played Fearless track 2 and Midnights track 4… (Like the 42 voting members. Or is it a nod to Jackie Robinson? His biopic was released 4/12/2013) 10+2 (12) 2+4 (6) -> 12/6 is N1/3 in Vancouver. The last stop.

12/6 is Miners day 😂 thats punny. But also Princess Diana was an advocate for the Mines. And TS the song mine…and also the use of mine pertaining to the ego problem, back to I, Me, Mine…. My name is. The identity problem of the performers but also being able to keep the connection to their true selves and never losing themselves to the monster they have to become to survive.

12/6/1790 the US Congress moves from NYC to Philly

12/6/1865 The US State of Georgia ratifies the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution

12/6/1897 London becomes the world’s first city to have licensed taxicabs

12/6/1907 In Monongah, WV a coal mine explosion kills 362 workers

12/6/1917 More than 1,900 people are killed from a munition’s explosion near Halifax, Nova Scotia

12/6/1941 During WW2, Camp X opens in Canada to train Allied Secret Agents for the war.

12/6/1973 in a vote of 387-35 the US House of Reps confirm Gerald Ford as VP of the US. That was close..

12/6/1992 Jerry Rice, wide receiver of the San Francisco 49ers catches NFL record 101st touchdown in a 27-3 win over the Miami Dolphins.

12/6/1992 The San Francisco Giants sign Pirates outfielder Barry Bonds to a record $43M deal.

12/6/2017 the US states 45th President Donal Trump’s Administration officially announces the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Christian feast day: Jeremy Taylor who was a clerks in the Church of England who achieve fame as author during the Protectorate (12/16/1635-5/25/1659) of Oliver Cromwell. He is sometimes known as the “Shakespeare of Divines” for his poetic style expression, and he is frequently cited as one of the greatest prose writers in the English Language.

*so like the greatest in the league 😏

National left handers day

*Phenomenal “I write with the left, same hand I hold the mic with” also this was for South Paw featuring JG. But Paws make me think paws of a dog, like the dogs in the Blank Space video?

8/13/1860 Annie Oakley birthday

*MW ft Ben Burgess (common name, just like the name of her cat.) Outlaw “Till you rolled in like Annie Oakley with them guns blazing”

->”rip the bandaid off and skip town like an asshole outlaw” hits different.

-> “Bandaids don’t fix bullet holes” Bad Blood -> “Bandaid on a Bullet hole” MW

8/13/1906 The all black infantrymen of the U.S. Army’s 25th regiment are accused of killing a white bartender and wounding a white police officer in Brownsville, TX. They are later dishonorably discharged, their records end up being restored to reflect the honorable discharge but they were no financial settlements.

That sounds like the Central Park 5 and the West Memphis 3.

8/13/1918 BMW is established as a public company in Germany

8/13/1943 Evangelist Billy Graham marries Christian author Ruth Bell in Montreat, NC.

*is this the Grahams we are supposed to meet?

8/13/1964 Peter Allen and Gwynne Evan’s are hanged for the murder of John Alan West becoming the last people executed in the UK

8/13/1965 Help is released by The Beatles in the US

8/13/1969 The Apollo 11 (11 again..) astronauts enjoy a ticker-tape parade in NYC. Paste that evening at a state dinner in LA Richard Nixon awards them the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

8/13/1995 Mickey Mantel died

[littlebassoonist]

Back in 2014 I did a research project on dialog in literature, specifically looking at the use of dialog tags ("she said" or "said Jane" or what have you). I incorporated a lot of examples of dialog to demonstrate them in action, but when I had to come up with fake conversations in this paper, I totally blanked. So a couple of times, I cribbed lines from Taylor Swift.

Specifically, I know I used WANEGBT, like so:

I say, "I hate you."

You say, "I'm sorry."

I say, "I love you."

(I think I was demonstrating how putting the tag at the beginning could interrupt the flow or build tension, idk, it was 10 years ago.)

I didn't think much of the Taylor Swift stuff because I also wrote examples where people talked about Hannibal and Avengers. (It was 2014, ok?) It was just another interest of mine I incorporated into the project.

But now I can't stop thinking about dialog in Taylor's music and how it works in her storytelling, how looking at the lyrics in my CD case recontextualizes some lines I didn't read as dialog when I was just listening. I just wish I could impart all of this to my 2014 self because there is a thesis wanting to be written here, but I am now almost 30 and not in a position to write that shit.

That project did win a school-wide award, and I got paid as a research assistant for a semester, so... that was nice.

[cyarskaren52]

The 10 Best Sexy Christmas Songs, Ranked

Kayla Kibbe

Friends, it’s that time of year again, by which I of course mean time for me and my former-Catholic-school irreverence to ruin the holiest of holy days by making it a sex thing. As we here at Cosmo have so generously demonstrated over the years, there are plenty of ways one can go about doing this, like giving the internet a veryintimately detailed description of how much you want to fuck the Grinch, or ranking his fellow Christmas movie villains on their comparative bangability. 

But, as Taylor Swift might say, don’t blame me. In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas was weirdly horny well before I got here. There’s Santa’s obvious sugar daddy thing, literally so, somuch more yuletide pornography than anyone could possibly want, plus whatever’s going on with The Rockettes, which, as far as I can tell, is a supposedly family-friendly spectacle that seems to center on sexy dancing ladies with legs for days, just saying. (Christmas is a horny and confusing time, isn’t it? Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon.) And then, of course, there’s the sexy Christmas songs. 

Horny holiday music tends to represent a particularly unhinged subgenre of this seasonal catalog, anchored by kind-of-cringe classics like “Santa Baby” and the one where the kid catches his parents making out—which, literally why? I hate absolutely every aspect of that song and have never met a single person who feels differently. If you are that person, please let me know what I’m missing. JK, please never attempt to contact me—we are not the same and I want nothing TF to do with you and your rancid taste in Christmas music.

More From Cosmopolitan

 

Anywayyy, I’m happy to report that in more recent years, unnecessarily sexy Christmas songs have gone through a pretty substantial glow up. I’m not saying many of them are really any more hinged, per se, than their predecessors. But they’re definitely better. And so, I, your resident chief of sexually-charged Christmas content, present to you my official ranking of the best, not-cringe sexy Christmas songs. May this soundtrack bring you peace as we all navigate this horny and confusing time together.

10. Santa Tell Me (Naughty Version) — Ariana Grande

Look, I’m just gonna say it: Ariana fully phoned it the fuck in on this one. When I first heard she was releasing a sexed-up version of this 2014 instant classic nine years after its OG release, I was like, “Wow, maybe a horny ‘Santa Tell Me’ is what my life has been missing for the past near-decade. Save me, horny ‘Santa Tell Me.’” And then she gave us two lines. TWO. LINES. That’s it. The entire rest of the song is exactly the same. She didn’t even throw in a fun and flirty outro. Nothing. Listen, ordinarily I respect Ariana’s quiet-quitting-coded choice to blissfully ignore her fans’ increasingly thirsty pleas for new music while she’s busy banging SpongeBob and being blonde. But this time, frankly, I expected more. The only reason this half-assed cash-grab even made this list is because I still respect Ariana’s reign as the rightful Queen of Christmas Pop (sorry, Mariah), but honestly, I fear her throne may be in danger after this travesty. I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.

9. Santa Baby — Ariana Grande, Liz Gillies

Okay I know I just called ”Santa Baby” cringe, which it is. But as far as renditions of this immortal ode to wanting to fuck Santa go, the Ariana and Liz Gillies version is superior. (Obviously Eartha Kitt’s reigns supreme, but I’m talking modern-day covers.) On a semi-unrelated note, I would also like to take a moment here to shout out baby Taylor Swift’s version, which is rendered remarkably sexless thanks to Debut Era Tay’s faux twang. Trust me, nothing sucks the sex out of things quite like a fake-ass country accent, which ends up making this song more cute than horny and thus...actually kind of better?

8. Glittery — Kacey Musgraves

This 2019 banger isn’t suuuper horny, sure, but it is at least a little bit sexually suggestive. I mean, getting shaken up and turned upside down by a lover doesn’t not sound kinky.

7. Cozy Little Christmas — Katy Perry 

“A little whisky, we’re getting frisky,” and by “we,” Katy Perry apparently means she and Santa, with whom she enjoys a nude couple’s massage in the predictably over-the-top music video for this playfully flirty little number. TBH, I’m kind of surprised Katy Perry, queen of campy horn, hasn’t blessed us with anything more explicit in the holiday music department, but this will have suffice until she sees fit to drop a festive version of ”Peacock.” (“I wanna see your...yule log?” Just a suggestion!)

6. ’Tis the Damn Season — Taylor Swift

Okay, so this isn’t really a Christmas song in the traditional sense, nor is it really horny in the typical tongue-in-cheek kinda way that defines this subgenre. What it is, however, is a song about banging your high school ex when you go home for the holidays and also yearning, which I think definitely qualifies it for this list. If you feel differently, kindly submit a formal complaint to Kayla @ JK, don’t contact me dot com.

5. Buy Me Presents — Sabrina Carpenter

In which this rising Queen of Horny Christmas (Ariana, watch your back), implores her lover to drink her like a glass of warm milk and keep her “stocking” filled, because if he doesn’t deliver she’ll just fuck Santa instead. Ladies, it never hurts to remind your man that you have Other! Options!

4. December — Ariana Grande

Ah, yes, Christmas & Chill, the EP of exclusively horny Christmas bangers that cemented Ariana’s (ahem, now wavering!) status as the true Queen of Christmas Pop. Merry Christmas, here I am boy, indeed.

3. Wit It This Christmas — Ariana Grande 

In which Ariana dares to ask the question on all of our horny, confused minds this time of year: “Are you down for some of these milk and cookies?”

2. Christmas Tree — Lady Gaga ft. Space Cowboy

My elder Gen Z is showing with this one, but listen—if you, like me, were in sixth grade when this song came out, it was a whole damn thing. Like, your crush Tyler probably played it for you on his iPod Shuffle at recess and you smiled knowingly at the lyrics even though you weren’t really quite sure how to decipher all this horny holiday innuendo because you were 11 and hadn’t 100 percent figured out how sex works yet, but also because it turns out sexual innuendo in Christmas music is pretty much borderline nonsensical as a rule. Which brings us to….

1. A Nonsense Christmas — Sabrina Carpenter

Ariana, take notes. This is how you sex up a re-release of an existing song, okay? Sabrina committed to the damn bit on this one and she nailed it. She did not have to go this hard, but she did. And, that, friends, is the true spirit of horny Christmas.

Kayla Kibbe (she/her) is the Associate Sex and Relationships Editor at Cosmopolitan US, where she covers all things sex, love, dating and relationships. She lives in Astoria, Queens and probably won’t stop talking about how great it is if you bring it up. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

Sent from my iPhone

[foxes-that-run]

Little Freak

Did you dress up for Halloween? Little Freak is a sweet song, Harry is thinking about an ex and looking at the relationship with distance. It has many references to Taylor. It was written when he was in Tokyo Oct-Dec 2018. Taylor had her last Reputation concert 21 November, 2018 in Tokyo.

Little Freak was written on bad rental gear, he said it went through 19 versions before finally being on Harry's House. Ophelia is possibly written at the same time, it references Tokyo. TBSL is similar, references Taylor in a similar way, but Harry said it was written in Bath later.

To Howard Stern, Harry said if a song didn't make a previous album why would it make this one, however noted 2 songs on Harry's House are older, but they fit sonically on the album. There is another great post here.

Lyrics

Little freak, Jezebel You sit high atop the kitchen counter Stay green a little while You bring blue lights to dreams

Jezabel is possibly a reference to 'Slut!' Taylor also references this line in the opening of the Bejewelled MV "the prince would not have anything to do with that Harlot again."

Harry references kitchens in Haylor songs Sunflower Vol 6 (kiss in the kitchen), Two Ghosts (fridge light washes the room white), here it is a device to remember a calm intimacy with his muse

A Blue film is an adult film, the last line is a wet dream.

Starry haze, crystal ball Somehow, you've become some paranoia A wet dream just dangling But your gift is wasted on me

The starry haze, crystal ball is a reference to the Ready for it...? MV. Which is about Harry, he also referenced it in To be so Lonely. Ready for it also references a sexual dream "In the middle of the night, in my dreams (eh) / You should see the things we do (we do), baby" It was an impressive tour open too.

The paranoia refers to the complicated nature of their relationship (Fine Line, DBATC) he is asked about her a lot and while their songs imply they interact, they are almost never seen together so they may work hard at that.

The wet dream, just dangling, to me means unfinished business with her that he doesn't know how to resolve.

He feels her musical gifts are wasted on him, (they aren't Harry, you're the best muse)

This producer video comments on the use of a Linn drum machine as something Jack Antonoff uses on Taylor Swifts songs. (26:30)

I was thinkin' about who you are Your delicate point of view, I Was thinkin' about you I'm not worried about where you are Or who you will go home to, I'm Just thinkin' about you

This verse refers to another Haylor Reputation song, Delicate, which also tells of sexual tension. However, here Harry uses the song title to flatter her and adds that he is not feeling possessive, just thinking of her.

Did you dress up for Halloween? I spilt beer on your friend, I'm not sorry A golf swing and a trampoline Maybe we'll do this again

This verse refers to Taylor and has links back to their time dating.

Taylor does dress up for halloween, like this 2014 1989-era Pegacorn. Harry and Taylor were also both in Tokyo a few weeks after Halloween

The spilt beer is often thought to be this photo of him with Karlie Kloss on a fashion persons yacht. It looks like water in front of him but I like to imagine this is it.

Blank Space MV Taylor took a golf club to a classic luxury car. Harry has many nice classic cars. In the Red era when they first dated Taylor had a trampoline on her tennis court and it also featured in the 22 MV.

in the close he asks maybe we'll do this again, I interpret that as maybe be together again one day. Olivia, WITW and Someday maybe have similar messages.

Tracksuit and a ponytail You hide the body all that yoga gave you Red wine and a ginger ale But you would make fun of me, for sure

Above I have a grab from Miss American, which was filmed during the Rep tour, in most of the back stage, home or recording scenes she is wearing a variation on a tracksuit and ponytail.

Red wine and ginger ale mixed is a seltzer type drink, here it is an 'easter egg' as there are red wine references in a lot of Haylor songs: DBATC (My time, my wine..), Clean (You're still all over me like a wine-stained dress I can't wear anymore), Maroon (The burgundy on my T-shirt when you splashed your wine into me), Olivia (This isn't the stain of a red wine, I'm bleeding love) and Grapejuice ("Give me something old and red")

I disrespected you Jumped in feet first, and I landed too hard A broken ankle, karma rules You never saw my birthmark

In the last verse Harry has started reflecting on how things ended, he acknowledges he disrespected Taylor. This may refer to the time in Now that we don't talk.

Harry broke his foot playing football while on tour in Ireland in October 2015, this is close to the time period in NTWDT, Harry includes a reference to Karma, Taylors maybe album, evential song from that time period.

Harry has a birthmark on his back so many think this means he has and will never turn his back on her. (I have seen another fandom say this means they were not intimate, dude- strangers on the internet can link to it)

to me the birthmark is not literal, I think she never saw his full self because of his age & the band. He spoke to both Howard Stern and Zane Lowe about all of his adult decisions being made as part of a group from 16-20. It was in a context of leaving One Direction. To me this emotional coasting (he says he was 'away' in TBSL) was a factor in the events of NTWDT and Is it over now?

But both of these are true, he won’t turn his back on her and he wasn’t his full self then.

[pensandlakes]

Letter #3! Thank you, Tay!

Happy thanksgiving @taylorswift!

Just want to get out there that I am so thankful to live in the same lifetime as you. Your music has been such a crutch I heavily relied on as I navigated life all throughout these years.

From the first time I heard Invisible, Tied Together With A Smile, Mary's Song (Oh My My My), and I'd Lie (sorry Tay, I really thought that was an official release -- my 14 year old self never knew!), I gravitated towards you! Life was hard (or so I thought) as I teenager, and having you write these songs that perfectly encapsulated what my heart feels but my mouth can't exactly speak? It was just a blessing! I still remember crying to Teardrops On My Guitar for months because that bridge just nailed right through my bone!

When I finished high-school (technically 10th grade in US school system) in 2009, I distinctly remembered listening to The Best Day bawling my eyes out cause it just spoke to me a ton. I wrote the bridge on my parents' card during our tribute right before I walked the stage to receive my diploma that day.

There is a video I found From back when I was three You set up a paint set in the kitchen And you're talking to me It's the age of princesses and pirate ships And the seven dwarfs And Daddy's smart And you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world.

It still makes me cry!

In 2012, in the midst of my first real heartbreak, you released All Too Well and The Moment I Knew. I broke myself, and yet again, I leaned on to your music to somehow get me through that darkness.

And maybe we got lost in translation Maybe I asked for too much But maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up...

Time won't fly, it's like I'm paralyzed by it I'd like to be my old self again But I'm still trying to find it...

God knows I did try to find my old self, but I wasn't able to. I completely revamped myself after that. And coincidentally, you went through the same thing around the same time, and then 1989 was born in 2014!

You also had a monumental effect when it comes to my academic journey as well! I used to ace my English exams, write outstanding papers, and my vocabulary building game was strong! I even made it to our school's paper as Assistant-Editor-in-Chief. I truly think it was you (and Harry Potter) who galvanized my love for words and literature. The world insurmountable? When I head that in The Lakes, I honestly just guffawed the shit out of my self cause that particular word has been one of my favorites to use since around 2008. Oh Tay, I wish you'll end up writing books (in whatever genre you love -- fiction, biographical, a cook book even), cause I just know I'd devour that and make it my whole personality (like I already do with all of your works).

So much happened between 2014 to now. You lost your reputation but came back stronger. You found love. Reputation. Smashed records. Reputation Stadium Tour. Lover. Pandemic. Folklore/Evermore. Smashed records once again. Fearless TV. Red TV. The legendary Eras Tour started. Lost love. Speak Now TV. Found (possible) love again. 1989 TV. All while beating records and winning awards left and right!

I had my fair share of an eventful life as well -- not as eventful as yours though. I never really thought I'd make it to this decade of my life even. I'm just thankful that I decided to stay because had I given up, I wouldn't have been able to witness the new heights you've propelled yourself to! I cannot imagine not getting to hear the lyrical masterpieces in Folklore and Evermore! Nor would I have been able to hear all the freaking vault songs!! That would've been such a tragedy! Reputation could've been my last Taylor Swift album.

There were so many moments in my life wherein I wanted to just bow it out, and the only thing that kept me from cutting the thread of my own life is the exact thought: "You got to stay, Tay has more albums to release." And boy am I glad I pushed through! See. You kept me alive and breathing!

So yes. I am thankful and grateful for you. More than you can ever comprehend. It's not just because of your songs, but just you... yourself. I really don't get why people hate you, Tay. You just radiate "good person" energy. You don't deserve all the crap they throw at you. Yes, you're imperfect, but you definitely belong to the better people category in this Earth. I wish they can just stop. Why can't we all just live in love and peace, right?

Anyway. Once again, Thank You! I hope you'll have a good Thanksgiving! I know things are not so great right now. I do pray to the forces up there to keep you safe and surround you with love.

Love you, Taylor! Forever and always! I absolutely have been having the time of my life fighting dragons with you!

[dreamland-ivy-reads]

spell out your username with songs

I got tagged by the loveliest @multiimoments and @emjayeingray to spell out my URL with song titles. It took me forever because it's so long

I'm supposed to tag people but really consider yourself tagged if you see this because tagging gives me social anxiety lol

D - Don't Blame Me by Taylor Swift, this song live is basically like an out of body experience, and I can't wait for Rep (TV) This is me asking, begging, for the live version to drop

R - Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac, the live 1966 version from the deluxe version. I have grown to reallly really like and listen to Fleetwood Mac andd this song was the first that I hadn't heard in other places

E - Evermore by Taylor Swift, the piano part towards the end of the song makes me think of sunlight and all things light, and I'm an Evermore girlie I wasn't sure about the piano picking up at first but then it just clicked in my brain and I'm obsessed

A - A&W by Lana Del Rey, Am I super late to the Lana train? Absolutely. But I have finally seen the error of my ways. Mainly I stopped judging her music on the one single I heard, Summer Time Sadness which I HATED, also I stopped avoiding things because other people liked them This was the first album that came out since I've begun to listen to her, and this is my favorite song off of it

M - Mermaids by Florence and The Machine, this song is EVERYTHING, I'm absolutely obsessed with it and have been since it released. It's like my little hyper fixation. Florence can do no wrong.

L - Little Freak by Harry Styles, I loved this song the moment I heard it, and I actually realy relate to the idea of the song. It was a crime this song didn't make the set list

A - Another Brick in the Wall pt 2 by Pink Floyd, I had a whole classic rock stage where I went back to listen to all the classic songs and this one was arguably my favorite of them all (and it still is if i'm honest)

N - No Light, No Light by Florence and The Machine, This song is literally Feyre in ACOTAR and I love a good book to music connection If I can't relate to it then I can find someone I've read about

D - Difficult by Gracie Abrams, this song has been so important in my self-healing journey Ironic in a way with the lyrics I know I was very lucky that Gracie opened at my Eras concert

-

I - I Want You (She's So Heavy) by The Beatles, favorite Beatles song ever! This song can come up on shuffle with any vibe and it will always become the vibe. I am literally incapable of skipping this song

V - Voulez Vous by Abba, is Mamma Mia one of my favorite comfort movies? Yes. Did they get me to listen to Abba? Absolutely. Do I also listen to the movie soundtrack? 100%

Y - Year In Review by The Black Keys, I'd say the Black Keys are one of my now core bands that I know I'll always like amd listen to, and they have quite a few songs that I relate to personally or just absolutely love the sound of this one is kinda both

-

R - Regret Me by Daisy Jones and The Six, I totally did include a fake band from a show based on a book. Sorry, not sorry because they're going to be in my top played this year for my wrapped. I literally can't bring myself to stop listening to them though

E - everything I wanted by Billie Eilish, probably one of my favorite Billie songs

A - Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene by Hozier, I'll be honest and say that I had been meaning to listen to Hozier for YEARS but somehow I always forgot or didn't get to it. BUT now that I have thx Daylist I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner because the hype was real and warranted

D - Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys, it was my first introduction to them as a band so this song has a special place as does the peak 2014 Tumblr era but you know without the toxicity

S - Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, the Twilight scene with this song is ICONIC for a reason, also I used to have the DVD as a kid and it has the Wembley performance of this song and another Muse song, and when I tell you I had them on repeat, I mean it Siriusly hehe I'm sure I saw it a 17377274793 times

Did I have to be this thorough? Probably not, oops

[9ine9ine9ine6ix]

Oh yeah, we definitely didn't start using the term "fancam" with Loona

(had to photograph laptop screen, sorry) I ASK YALL A QUESTION AT THE END

ID:

1) A search trends graph from Google Trends with the search parameters /worldwide/2004-present/All categories/web search for the term "fancam." My mouse is hovering over a point in April of 2012 where the term was searched a recorded 34 times.

2) A screen capture of results on the Wayback Machine when you search "fancam." I photographed specifically a website called "Taylor Swift Fancam" from 2013-2016, a "Steelers Fancam" site (usa football) from 2014-2016, and a "Fancam dot Co dot Za" from 2011 for something called the Gigapixel Fancam, but I can't get the actual snapshots to work, so I'm unsure what was hosted on that one.

ALSO- I'm pretty sure there are false cognates in other languages that sounds just like the word "fancam" but doesn't mean anything like "video focusing on a celebrity performing to show to other fans online." Keep in mind I can only effectively search through the English internet with my current language skills

Anyways, this is super interesting! Any other older emos remember videos of mcr and fob being called fancams like I do? When did you first see the word used, and what community? Do you know a non-english word that would be romanized like "fancam" that could impact the trend results for this term?

always thinking about that post that says "what if it wasn't kpop but it was russian pop and everyone was uwu-ing about [generic eurocentric features white guy]" which is so funny because we. do?

honestly I remember fancams being called "fancams" when it was short, focused reuploads of a camera following Frank around the stage. Like I do remember the Cheorry Dupe Fancam Retweet event, but I don't remember that being the inception of fancams as we know them.

western kpop stan's learned a lot from fandoms surrounding emo revival era bands and vice versa baby

[mattholicguilt]

jessica’s x-men spotify playlists (part 1)

hey y’all i said i was gonna share some of my x-men playlists so here they are! these are ones i made a couple years ago, and then i’ll make another post for more recent ones. 

Pairings and Relationships:

You Ain’t Got No Home, Sugah - angsty rogue/gambit mix based on her leaving him in antarctica after the trial. ft. cowboy junkies, modest mouse, mumford & sons

No More Sad Face - kurt and rogue are brother and sister and they love and support each other. ft. marvin gaye, carole king, the beach boys

Depends Which Day of the Week It Is - rogue/gambit, ft. the civil wars, regina spektor, she & him

Couple of Dudley Do-Rights Making The World Safe for Whatever it is This Week - jean/scott, ft. florence + the machine, phoenix, sia

It’s Just Thoughts - scott and emma’s affair, ft. paul simon, the killers, jason derulo

Characters:

Hullo, Kitten - for ororo’s transformation from wind goddess to punk rocker. ft. donna summer, pat benatar, the runaways

I’m Not That Crazy After All - bishop. there’s lots of showtunes and drake on here. 

Supergirl Meets Veronica Lodge - monet st. croix, loml. (i mistakenly thought jubes was the first one to call her supergirl-meets-veronica-lodge but i think it was actually rictor lmao.) beyonce, avril, lorde

Everybody Can Relax, Gambit Has Returned - remy lebeau being a suave dumbass. hugh boynton, eagles, kenny rogers

Tell Me Which O’ The House Rules I Broke This Time - marrow aka sarah. i literally don’t know what happened to her but i sure liked her in xmen v2. fleetwood mac, tegan and sara, st. vincent

Stars and Garters - i love hank mccoy and you can’t stop me. rolling stones, fats domino, etta james

Still The Cutest - bobby drake. updated after he came out. simple plan, spose, backstreet boys

You Mean, ‘Cause I’m So Smart? - kitty pryde showed up to mutant school wearing a pink hat, matching pink blazer and a bedazzled shirt that said “BITCH” what an icon. kimya dawson, avril lavigne, the veronicas

The Real Slim Shady - cyclops was right! the fray, foster the people, taylor swift

You’d Be Surprised What I’ll Do If I Have To - emma frost has done nothing wrong, ever, in her life. marina, paramore, rihanna. (apparently “blank space” is on here twice and i’m not changing it.)

Ah Know Better - rogue will kick your ass. she’ll kick her own ass. blondie, regina, jaymay

[iwanthermidnightz]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/04/11/taylor-swift-breakup-joe-alwyn/

Hmm, weren't we just...

Finally, an article that does her justice. SHE’S the hero of the story. And it makes sure to highlight the fact that her genius artistry is now and always should be what she’s known for. The songwriter and artist of the decade.

In one of the defining early moments of Taylor Swift’s career, in 2008, she sat on a maroon armchair as a guest on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” chatting about her new country album, “Fearless.” Swift, prodded by DeGeneres’s rapid questions and general nosiness, revealed that one of the tracks, “Forever & Always,” was about her recent ex-boyfriend, pop star Joe Jonas. DeGeneres assured her that she would have no trouble moving on, and Swift agreed.

“When I find that person that is right for me, he’ll be wonderful,” Swift said, then smoothly delivered an instant-canon zinger: “And when I look at that person, I’m not even going to be able to remember the boy who broke up with me over the phone in 25 seconds when I was 18.”

“OHHHH!” the studio audience gasped, then broke into applause as Swift gave a satisfied smile. “No! You! Did! Not!” DeGeneres yelled, as Swift started laughing and looked sheepishly down at the floor, adding: “Sorry, I had to.”

The phone call reveal became a staple of Swiftian lore, but the incident also said a lot about Swift as an artist and celebrity: It wasn’t just that she was connecting with listeners as a teenage singer-songwriter, something Nashville executives previously did not think was possible. But she was also connecting because she was willing to be open about her heartbreak in a vulnerable, authentic and snarky way that struck a chord with fans and continued as she became a global pop megastar.

As savvy a move as it was, however, her candor set the tone for the next decade of her public image. Her dating life — and particularly her breakups — became open season for jokes, memes, award-show punchlines and numerous headlines as she dated fellow celebrities (Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, Tom Hiddleston) in her 20s and wrote songs when the relationships ended. Swift has made it clear that she found this almost-singular focus extremely offensive, telling the Guardian in 2014: “I really resent the ‘Be careful, buddy, she’s going to write a song about you’ angle, because it trivializes what I do. It makes it seem like creating art is something you do as a cheap weapon rather than an artistic process.”

Swift’s intensely loyal fan base took the cue, as evidenced this week by the outpouring of emotion over the end of her six-year relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn. Any potential mockery about breakup songs to come was completely overshadowed by out-of-control grief from the Swifties.

Entertainment Tonight broke the news Saturday evening, exclusively reporting that Swift, 33, and Alwyn, 32, were over but that the breakup was “not dramatic” and “the relationship had just run its course.” This report set the internet ablaze, with some fans refusing to believe it until a more celebrity publicist-friendly outlet such as People magazine weighed in — and People wasn’t far behind, citing an anonymous source that the news was true.

This time, Swift is the hero at the center of the story, partly because she’s so much more famous than Alwyn, known for roles in “The Favourite” and the Hulu series “Conversations With Friends,” but best known for his relationship with Swift.

But also, this is Taylor Swift in 2023: The media ecosystem has changed, with social media platforms and fans driving the narrative instead of the tabloids, and the Swiftie fandom is a universe with its own language, customs and rules that can overtake the internet with its intensity. Although her fans still speculate about her private life, Swift has made a concerted effort to move away from the “look at all of her boyfriends!” storylines that consumed her early media coverage. She stopped hiding coded messages in her lyrics about potential subjects of the songs. She and Alwyn rarely appeared together in public and wouldn’t even say each other’s names in interviews. Her sold-out Eras Tour celebrates her evolution and makes it clear that the past is far in the past.

It’s a world of difference from a decade ago, and Swift knows it. For someone who is rarely seen in public unless she definitively wants to be, it was no coincidence that she took a brief, heavily photographed stroll outside a restaurant in New York City on Monday night. Fans are already comparing her black-shirt-and-bedazzled-jeans outfit to Princess Diana’s revenge dress, and speculating that she purposefully appeared because she wanted to let everyone know she’s fine.

Swift, a self-mythologizer to her core, knows all of this, and she’s aware that the fandom is eagerly awaiting to see whether she will address the situation in concert. She recently swapped out one song on her Eras Tour set list, “Invisible String” with “The 1,” the former about soul mates, the latter about looking back fondly on a past relationship.

(LINK)