#and i get a classy vibe out of this set of songs

[bullet-prooflove]

Out of sheer curiosity, how do you imagine Ro and Pride spending Halloween? How about the days leading up to it?

Halloween is a massive thing for the both of them. Ro is from Georgia and they do Halloween the same way New Orleans does, big events that go on for days. She kinda loves the pageantry of it.

I think actual Halloween day and night is probably spend prepping the Tru Tone for a huge Halloween themed party. It’s one of the most profitable nights of the year for bars so they decide to take advantage of it. They manage to get on a  few spooky bar brawl tours so the bar stays packed. They hire a mixologist who specialises in smoky, alchemy style cocktails. Dwayne hires an amazing band to do classy Halloween themed songs, stuff like Black Magic Woman, I Put A Spell On You, things that fit the vibe of the bar. He leaves decorating to Ro and she goes all out, we’re not talking cheap streamers, we’re talking getting Sebastian to set up green and purple uplighters outside to give it a Mardi Gras spooky vibe and then play to that vibe within.

Their costumes will probably be a couples costume, white skull  make up with dark hollow eyes. Dwayne would wear a raggedy suit with a top hat, he takes the jacket and the hat off when it gets too warm and rolls up those sleeves. Ro will prob wear a black and white lace dress with limited tulle and a white rose headband that contrasts against her hair.

They’re both work the bar on the actual night so they pack the stuff they want to do into the week before.

Ro is still relatively new to New Orleans (a few years as a transplant) so she’ll probably want to do more touristy stuff that isn’t Dwayne’s thing sometimes. She’d hit a ghost tour with Sebastian and tour a few haunted houses, go to the Voodoo museum. She may go to a psychic reading with Tammy or hit a party with Chris if Dwayne is working.(Dwayne comes home to find her dressed up, passed out on the couch and gets to hear about her and Chris’s antics at work the next morning)

Dwayne would probably have spent some time seeking out the best Halloween decs in the city and would give her a tour in the convertible. He’d buy Halloween cookies for this tour and have a thermos of pumpkin spice ready. Dwayne would ask her about some of her own Halloween traditions and try to incorporate those into the time they spend together.

They would defo do the parade together, Dwayne would love the way she lights up when she sees everything. I also kind of love the idea of them doing a spooky whiskey tasting together in one of the old distilleries. As something very special and probably a surprise Dwayne would take her to one of the haunted restaurants, somewhere that does amazing food and has a rich history.

[byemambo]

We Are Lead Actors as K-Pop Boy Group Concept Photos: A Deep Dive [2/2]

We are so back, so strap up and enjoy the ride!

Aou Thanaboon as MONSTA X - Shoot Out

The way I almost ripped my hair out from this photoshoot should be studied because I learned about his existence literally three months ago when the first episode of We Are even dropped. Since then, the trajectory of my life has changed and clearly for the better, but to think that this man hasn't had an editorial cover yet (we all know why @/GMMTV so hurry up and give him his lead!) and this photoshoot is almost two years old, I need someone to hurry and do set some lights up because it's not a want but a need. Aou's image to me is the best of both worlds because of his range, from silly and wholesome to sultry and straight up sexy, and I think GMMTV needs to really consider his star value since it seems like his popularity is coming up as he appears in more series as a fan favorite. Aou's look for this photoshoot definitely screamed MONSTA X to me, especially with the styling of his hair and makeup. With MONSTA X having a grip on the industry for their strong approach to their styling and group image, Aou has the flexibility to market his visual image in that manner similar to my interpretation of Satang's edgy image in comparison to the characters they portray in the first part.

What I'd Love to See: MONSTA X - FOLLOW

Knowing Aou's dance backgroud, I'd love if he ever gets the chance of covering more songs to definitely check out MONSTA X's choreography since he's a dancer with powerful execution. Since Aou's current wardrobe and styling leans more towards neutral black and white, experimenting with lighting would be amazing for him, especially since whenever we do see him in color, blue suits his features well (not like I'm referring to his outfit during the Love Pride Parade or anything ya silly goose..!)

Boom Tharatorn as SF9 - Trauma

You're telling me this man hasn't been on an editorial cover yet...y'all need to do something about that before I start counting your days because this gorgeous man deserves a cover! Boom's aesthetic has always been very classy and put together, which I think is a great juxtaposition with Aou who's more casual with his streetwear. When I think class: SF9 comes to mind. Not only does Boom fit well height wise, but he's also within their age range to be another secret member like how I approached Satang with P1Harmony. SF9's styling once FNC Entertainment adapted them to the more mature and classic man look, their image as a group elevated away from the popularity of "louder" sound of the later half of the 2010s. Since Boom already has a more mature approach to his appearance, I think he'd also benefit from transitioning that style into his editorial when the blessed day comes.

What I'd Love to See: SF9 - Tear Drop

Y'all literally had to be there when this song dropped in real time, it was truly an experience. Tear Drop from their TURN OVER EP solidified their sultry and regal image shortly after their appearance on Kingdom: Legendary War. Boom's styling would go insane if they capitalized the possibilities of his accessories: necklace, earrings, rings, the whole nine yard. Just from his appearance on We Are as Khaofang, besides his cardigans, his necklaces were most memorable to me, which GMMTV really needs to highlight him through editorials/fashion brands specializing in accessories such as jewelry. In terms of wardrobe: take on his current style and elevate it through embellishments and ornate materials. Silk, lace, fur, you name it.

Marc Natarit as 2PM - 해야 해 (Make It)

Marc having these images was not something I was expecting, but upon viewing it: 2PM immediately resonated with me. Similar to Aou's comparison to MONSTA X, Marc has a more manly and mature vibe to him, but a heavier emphasis on his physique over his aura. 2PM had always been deemed the original "beast idols," which I think aligns with Marc if we take away his characterization in We Are as the teddy bear safe space. If given more editorial opportunities, I think he'd benefit from how 2PM has always been styled, keeping the clothing material and pattern simple but accentuating his physique through certain lines or cuts.

What I'd Love to See: 2PM - Heartbeat

If we take our fashion back a few decades: bring back heavier make up and accessories. I'd love to see Marc experiment with his make up, specifically eye makeup like eye shadow and liner. But if not make up: suits or sets with statement alterations or patterns that are specific to each individual look. Since Marc plays basketball and golf: wardrobe to emphasize his arms and/legs.

Poon Mitpakdee as SHINee - I Want You

Poon's image to me has a great duality of casual and dapper, which is similar to the juxtaposition AouBoom have but in this case, for MarcPoon. I think SHINee's concept suits him best due to their ability to walk the thin line between casual and put together, since SHINee also has a wide range of genres from boyish to mature and military like. I also associate Poon with some nostalgic wonder from his aura and facial features, which are all soft except his face shape being more angular. I think if Poon were to have more editorial opportunities, he suits a more conceptual route versus commercial, emphasis on the photographer's personal artistic style/voice. Lighting, quirky techniques like motion blur or double exposure would be interesting.

What I'd Like to See: SHINee - Sherlock•셜록 (Clue + Note)

Leaning more into the more conceptual and artistic approach to photography, I think Poon would really suit a concept that leans into boyhood/childlike wonder and nostalgia. Whether they achieve it through the stylistic choices of the photographer or through the creative choices of the stylist, I think the concept should emphasize fun, curiosity, or wonder beyond what meets the eye and can only be described in a dreamlike state. TOMORROW X TOGETHER would be my next contender.

If you made it thus far, thank you for stopping by and hearing my thoughts! This had been a thought in the back of my mind since We Are took over my life for as long as it did and has, but if you haven't seen the first part showcasing Pond, Phuwin, Winny, and Satang: you can find it here.

[fairlyqualityanon]

who're your pred/prey crushes ?

totally not collecting blorbos like trading cards shhh - 🪀

Oooooof.wav

There's a ton... I'll try to organize them. Let's start with ones I've written in some form or another.

Pred - TFA Starscream (so close with that guess lmao), anyway I've got this story I've been poking at since literally 2010 (@/wolvesinstarryskies is so supportive 💖 ) and it's gotten me through some really tough times, and yes there's a vore AU... also he's how I found out about vore to begin with (long story, it's over on my Tumblr RP blog)😳, really he's just a dick to his prey and will let them go after thoroughly messing with their head unless you can come up with some bribe worthy of Future Leader Of The Decepticons

Pred - Obey Me! Mammon, idk he threatens to eat the MC and I went "YES PLEASE", I have more fun flustering him when he's a pred than when he's prey 😼

Pred - Obey Me! Beel, it's literally canon and he's a precious boy and going hungry sucks and I'd be perfectly happy to help him not be starving 🥺 I don't care if he eats regular food at the same time as long as I'm safe

Prey - Obey Me! Lucifer (yes really), because that mans is going to take a break whether he wants to or not and I think Diavolo/Barbatos would see the humor in MC taking things into their own hands (my MC's strongest/most-expressed Sin is Pride plus she ain't afraid of this old man 😤)

Switch - Deltarune Spamton, I think he'd be easier to pay to be prey than pred, and I have a thing for robots meaning SNEO defaults to pred and I will immediately yeet myself into whatever fuel container said robopred uses no questions asked 😅

Newest obsession is Solo Leveling (IncredibleEdibleCalico actually did a piece ages back) and I only remembered after watching S1 of the anime and starting the manhwa. I mistakenly bought the books and comic (Vol 1-8) but regret neither purchase. Soooo good! 😍 Anyway here they are in super rough descending order of crush level.

Sung Jinwoo - Pred, I don't know how to put it into words, he just oozes soft pred vibes where tf did he even get that rune stone??? 🤔 maybe he saves someone from a Dungeon and discovers vore is actually pretty neat, he's comically oblivious at times and cares for his minions as people ugh the glowy eye affect it makes me weak

Woo Jinchul - Switch, professional, dry sense of humor, looked Death in the eye and only flinched when he saw the Apocalypse ahead, incredibly smart and intuitive, he's my Guilty Pleasure on this list 👮‍♂️

Song Chi-Yul - Pred, I lied here's another Guilty Pleasure, I actually literally cried at the end of the manhwa, he's only a C-rank mage but teaches swordsmanship to S-ranks, tried to save Jinwoo and Joohee but was talked out of it and regrets it to this day, he is classy and I just want to spend time with him🫡

Baek Yoonho - Prey (yes really), idk something about him makes me want to aggressively demonstrate affection, don't ever tease him about it because despite being the weakest Korean S-rank Hunter HE IS STILL AN S RANK and will cut a bitch (he was ready to beat the crap out of Hwang Dongsoo for strangling his lower-ranked guildmate edit that guildmate isn't even a Hunter and that is not a Hunter you want on your bad side srsly just Do Not The Thing)😼

Choi Jong-In - Pred, he's canonically a bit of a shit-talker and gives me OM! Diavolo vibes and I love me some playful banter with preds what is it with me and people with a red theme?? 😧

Son Kihoon - Switch, he's a sweetheart and I want to snuggle him three different ways, he cares for his strike squad and was willing to set aside a chance for tremendous personal glory as well as sacrifice his whole team to keep a literal army of High Orcs from destroying a few cities 🫂

Go Gunhee - Pred, he's a total badass who gave his all to keep Hunters from basically forming a Might Makes Right society also I have a Thing for older men I am not ashamed to admit it, Song-san is up there for a reason, the man is a Gigachad who outright rigs Hunters Association assignments to keep the D- and E-ranks as safe as possible 🙇‍♀️

Yoo Jinho - Prey, because he's just a sof' boi and must be protected at all costs, maybe he'd find it interesting and like that he was sought out for him and not just because he's Ahjin Guild's vice/Jinwoo's friend 😋

I started Stardew Valley 7/14 so there's gonna be some of that eventually my askbox is open 📨 if anyone wants to gush over their own vore crushes.

Can't forget Horizon Zero Dawn! the events of the Gemini Quest are NOT canon I refuse don't even @ me I WILL die on that hill 🔪

Kotallo - Switch, he's definitely my favorite character and I just love him so dang much, he's a fearsome warrior even without that arm and a brilliant strategist and completely loyal to the good of the Tenakth tribe as a whole, having no other ambition save serving his Chief... but I also want him to sit and relax, maybe having a stomach all to himself will give him a new perspective or insight ⚔️

Milvund - Pred, I did his miniquest back when my computer couldn't run HFW for more than 5-10 minutes but he's so precious and I'm betting would be very hesitant yet also so caring just let me comfort him 😭

Racking my brain for any other major fandoms but I can't come up with any for the life of me so have a bonus Pred TFA Cliffjumper because I have an active thread with him. ... Maybe jjks? I'd have to twist canon in knots to make Sukuna a safe pred, and there's a couple others but I haven't even finished S2 of the anime and a bunch of them are minors soooo...

>>; So much time in TFA focused on That One Smug Bastard and now I'm like "how do with other 'Cons??"

[spyral-out-keep-going]

Ok Hozier concert thoughts in order of the set list but also no order for the random things I remember

Awesome venue (Blossom Amphitheater). If I lived closer I’d go to so many shows. Also we drove through a little bit of the Cuyahoga National Park on our way out. It was a dark forest but would love to go back someday

Cool set! It looked like a scarf kinda, then the lighting and visuals changed it and the “scarf fringe” became the roots underground! Which like makes way more sense - it’s related to the album duh (yes I did have an edible before the show)

Opener Joy Oladokun was fantastic! Will be listening to more of her music. (Also the way she left the stage was so cool. The guitar sounded on all atmospheric and it was just neat)

Omg Hozier and band started off with De Selby pt 1 & 2 and it was magical. Like. It sounds like the album. But better even??

Also we stood up when he came out and didn’t sit down once - the energy was up!

Jackie & Wilson, From Eden - yes yes love them!

Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene was another one that somehow? Was better live

Dinner and Diatribes - loved the visuals they had on the screen at the back of the main stage and off to the sides. (I posted a short clip of this one)

Speaking of I didn’t record any whole song, just tried to catch all the talking bits between songs. He named all kinds of crew (and individual thank yous. Very nice) and at the end we all sang happy birthday to one of his crew team members!

There one bit where Hozier was like if you’re down there then who’s up here on stage? And the screen shows a dude with Hozier-like hair and beard got the crowd laughing - funny guy!

Next song was Francesca - 10/10 beautiful one of my favorites I love it

It Will Come Back - excellent dirty guitar and the lows he gets to make me shiver

Like Real People Do - so pretty

I, Carion (Icarian) - SO HAPPY he played this I wanted to cry

Abstract (Psychopomp) - he introduced it by of course mentioning the animal thdid mention before they started playing that “it ends on a happy note because it died a very quick death. It was fine. It didn’t suffer. Too long. It didn’t suffer too long. Happy Tuesday” (And that is a direct quote because I got that on video). Like… Sir 😆 Happy Tuesday I guess lol

Would That I - chilling the vibe a bit more - but got the crowd harmonizing which sounded so great

Just to get the crowd hype for Too Sweet!

Almost (Sweet Music) - beautiful vibes again

Eat Your Young - his voice hitting those high notes!

And of course Take Me to Church - powerful beautiful and got the progress flag out at the end 💗

They all went off stage but he came back alone (now hair up in a ponytail!) for an acoustic Cherry Wine performance. Gorgeous

Unknown - I will sha la la anytime anywhere

Nina Cried Power - another one of my favorites! And he introduced it by of course mentioning Ms. Mavis Staples and how big and small ways we can make a difference each day, and segued into the power of protest and what it’s achieved and then basically repeated what he said at Lolla (& maybe other shows?) about calling for ceasefire and a free Palestine and contacting our representatives. Like over 5 minutes and well worth it because it needs to be said. and acted upon.

Last one was Work Song. Just a perfect end.

So many kudos to the band

And seriously a tornado touched down in the area so the venue told everyone to shelter in our cars so my friend and I watched the clouds for a funnel and heard the sirens a few times and thankfully it passed and the show went on! Just a 30 minute delay of the gate opening. I know everyone there was manifesting the end to the severe weather lol

I will definitely try to see him live again. 100% with every penny! Oh yeah and Hozier thanked everyone and recognized the money spent to see him and other artists.

Very classy guy. Quality

[randomvarious]

Today's mix:

Global Underground 014: Hong Kong by John Digweed 1999 Progressive House / Progressive Trance

So, I guess I'm just ping-ponging back and forth between Global Underground mixes by Sasha and Global Underground mixes by John Digweed now. Back when these guys teamed up in the past to do things like Northern Exposure, it yielded some absolute magic, but when they're doing their own separate mixes for Global Underground, I haven't found their output nearly as satisfying. Many would disagree with me on this, though 😅.

But this Digweed double-disc is pretty frickin' good, in my estimation. And what's a little surprising about it to me, in particular, is that I actually really like the first disc—the progressive house one—a lot more than the second disc—the progressive trance one. I've definitely spieled about the late 90s era of progressive house before and how I find it to be largely boring, and the past two mixes that I've dug into from both Sasha and Digweed have much acclaimed progressive house discs on them that seem to cement my view even further.

And yet, the progressive house disc from this set really clicked with me. Diggers gets into a ~deep zone~ in the middle that I don't really jibe with, but a lot of the selections that surround that part are nothing short of excellent. The opener is this sleek and classy, talkbox-infused mix of Underworld's "Cups," by Manchester trio Salt City Orchestra, that sounds like it belongs in some kind of nocturnal-set Mercedes-Benz ad; Leiva's "Something for the Soul" has this fantastically hazy and dubby lead synth to it; Luzon brings in some old world flavoring with his sampling of a late 80s tune by Israeli world music-pop star Ofra Haza in "The Baguio Track;" and then the disc closes with a dark, brooding, and ominous monster from London's Medway, with "Flanker," a song whose constant synth chirps have a way of sounding like an approaching swarm of killer hornets who have their stingers at the ready 😧.

A good amount to enjoy in the second disc here too, especially in its latter half. Digweed runs back-to-back with two different mixes by The Netherlands' Lucien Foort, aka Funk Function; first with Science Dept.'s "Persuasion," which has a bit of an aquatic vibe to it, thanks to a catchy lead synth melody that sounds like rapid, whimsical flute stabs; and then with something smooth in Johan's "Crash." And immediately following that pair is a remix of Dutchman Hole in One's "Amrad in the 7th Phase" by the legendary Ferry Corsten, which features a great, sudden infusion of whistling synths 😌.

Still though, I didn't find this second disc to be as entertaining or cohesive or consistent as the first one. And while people rave about both of these CDs and consider the whole package to be one of the greatest commercial DJ mix releases of all time, I definitely disagree. But out of the trio of GU Digweed mixes I've now ventured into, this one might be my favorite, overall, with Sydney second, and Los Angeles definitely a distant third.

Listen to CD1 here. Listen to CD2 here.

Highlights:

CD1:

Underworld - "Cups (Salt City Orchestra Mix)" A.D.N.Y. Presents Leiva - "Something for the Soul" LSG - "Into Deep (Medway Remix)" Luzon - "The Baguio Track" Jean Phillippe Aviance - "Useless" Medway - "Flanker"

CD2:

Breeder - "Sputnik (New York FM Mix)" Science Dept. - "Persuasion (Funk Function Future Mix)" Johan - "Crash (Funk Function Groove Mix)" Hole In One - "Amrad in the 7th Phase (Ferr's Subliminal Recut)" Bedrock - "Heaven Scent (Evolution Unreleased Mix)"

[fumiko-matsubara]

hihi! i remember seeing you set hype boy by newjeans as the song that would fit chiba and kaho, and i was wondering what other kpop groups you see them (or 3e too) listing to! i hope you’re having a good day!!

I've got a couple of groups in mind but I first need to let you know that:

Realistically, not everyone in 3E would be listening to kpop + I hardly pay attention to other groups these days 😭

Kaho - EXO

She's the kind of fan who would go through any lengths to find and buy that rare but ridiculously overpriced photocard of Kai 😭

With the group not being as active as they used to be, Kaho would most likely casually hops between fandoms. Typically a boy group stan.

Chiba - Stray Kids

Kaho has been trying to get Chiba into kpop, mostly to have a shared interest with him, and her hopes are far up because kpop artists do any sorts of music genre so there's a chance he might find something he liked.

He barely budged though since his music tastes are so specific and far from what's common among kpop groups. He'd find himself liking a song or two from a group, or in the extremely rare case, finds himself liking a whole album (such as Dark & Wild by BTS).

And then Stray Kids debuted 😁

Nakamura - XG

They're not really kpop though, but they're seriously the only group I think Nakamura would actually care about.

(Especially with the old school hiphop + rnb feel they had and will still have going on)

Kanzaki - Dreamcatcher

Along with AleXa, Rolling Quartz, Pink Fantasy, and PIXY... you could pretty much tell what kind of girl groups she's typically into just based on their concepts.

Irina - HYOLYN

Honestly this is more of a strong association between the two rather than Irina listening to her songs (she totally would though, same for SISTAR as a whole).

Just that, Irina being Christian gives off the same vibes as Hyolyn randomly pulling out a bible in her "what's in my bag" video 😭😭

Maehara and Okajima - early TWICE

I just have this tiny headcanon of Okajima being a fan of idol groups in general, and TWICE's popularity in Japan can easily put them in his radar.

Maehara would also begin listening to them since he liked their songs enough and they are everywhere.

Megu - current TWICE

On the other hand, I think Megu would be more into their later music as their group image matures along with their ages. The classy feel they have in their recent releases seem to be more right in her alley.

Yada - LE SSERAFIM

Listen,

LS SSERAFIM's branding of being this gathering of strong and confident women who are fearlessly facing their future, not letting others bring them down and the past to pull them back, just screams YADA to me.

I strongly believe that she'll love them.

Plus I think she'll enjoy dancing to their choreo.

[pansy-chic27213]

A Zelda Wedding 🛡️⚔️🌱🏺

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Setting: The wonderful thing about Zelda is that you could have this wedding literally anywhere and it would work. Cathedral with stained glass windows? Temple of Time. Overgrown green forest? Lost Woods/Kokiri Forest. Grand Canyon? Gerudo Desert. Beach? Outset Island. Literally any location works for this. You could get married in a volcano! Pick somewhere that matches the feel you want for your wedding.

Decorations: Again, there are many aesthetics that fit with the Zelda series, though you’ll probably lean medieval Europe. And if you weren’t able to have you wedding at a certain location, you can still incorporate those elements, like standalone faux stained glass windows or potted pine trees. I recommend leaning into royal purple and forest green, to represent Zelda and Link and make your theming more obvious to your guests. But you could easily lean into the crystal and water aesthetic for the Zora, the snowy-feathery vibes of the Rito, the gold and jewels of the Gerudo, or the rocky-earthy decor of the Gorons. Or you could have designated sections for each aesthetic! As long as you pick a color palette and stick with it, you can get a lot of Zelda theming just out of mixing different textures and materials. Add in a Master Sword and a Hylian shield, and you can have a classy wedding that could lean more subtle or more nerdy.

Entertainment: Zelda is well known for the series’ incredible music. Don’t be afraid to not only have your guests dance the night away, but also to do “who can guess the song” trivia. If you have friends or family members who play musical instruments, you might even challenge them to play songs from the series (though you also need to think about the guests’ comfort transporting instruments). You could have a slingshot challenge, a LARP sparring area, a Korok scavenger hunt/puzzle game, and so much more! You could also do a blind raffle based on one of the series’ chest lottery games, where you put prizes in three different closed boxes and guests use tickets to vote for one they want the chance to bring home.

Food: Zelda, as far as I’m aware, is one of the easiest fandoms to find real-life versions of in-game food. There are several cookbooks dedicated to the various in-game recipes, not to mention to numerous blogs and YouTube videos where people try to create their own versions. Pick a season and try to build a themed meal around those flavors. I would like to throw in a quick promo for Aimee Wood’s Unofficial Legend of Zelda Cookbook, which I backed on Kickstarter a couple years ago. It’s an incredibly well designed cookbook, with most recipes having some kind of vegan or gluten-free options, and there’s a sections for themed cocktails, which can be made either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. I still make milk tea from Aimee’s recipe every-time I have friends over.

Overall, Zelda is a series about being silly and having a classic adventure. Think about what makes you happy, and incorporate the elements that are important to you and your spouse.

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Any Title Would Sound Like a Prince Song

Nami...thank you for incidentally making my favorite little gag moment in the arc so on point for today. I'll admit I have incorporated the fearsome Future Kick into my repertoire and use it on my boyfriend. A flower made of jewels would really solve my entire conundrum here. Bonney & Kiku. It didn't take me long to point out how well Jewelry Bonney could pick up the thread Kiku weaves through Wano. I literally did when she popped out of the water bubble.

Now that she's been properly utilized, it's time to evaluate. Yesterday's chapter review touched on this. Unlike the mirror opposite dynamic with Yamato, Bonney just tracks more and more with Kiku's odd role in this story. But there's still a couple of nagging questions. Let's take a day to take stock:

So first of all it's worth a refresher. We were already looking at the fact Kiku has a lot of untapped potential and the right background for a Quartermaster before Wano ended. Which it did, but not without playing heavily into the core aspects of how that would work and leaving Kiku conspicuously open-ended. Egghead didn't take long to set up a couple of things that could still leave that door open, and through that lens her story could be seen as being "kept warm" by elements consistently floating around. A theory at least somewhat bolstered by the Academy spinoff blatantly setting up the same shell game with Kiku & Yamato. A type of twist that works well with the classy, unassuming lady.

Enter Bonney. I had reservations but always thought she fit the bill for someone who could sensibly take that torch. Problem was, she was on the backburner for much of Egghead. An arc now about as long as Punk Hazard. Now that she's back in the limelight she actually is getting the right kind of build for that same role. Not to mention Ginny fitting it to a T. Like I said yesterday, it works for Kiku as the imposing but sweet big sister. A wifey vibe almost. Bonney is more the sharp-tongued, bossy little sister. These both just...work on this fundamental character design level. It's that idea you need to fit a role on the crew but also in an anime ensemble. Both have some "special" markers and both are fairly popular faces with solid stories already. Stories that have good prior hooks to justify a late addition.

Tale of Two Hannya, point with Kiku & Yamato is that Wano is almost a kind of jidaigeki double feature. When a core theme seems to be what we want to do vs. what we feel like we have to do...you gotta wonder about our author doing the same thing. The two split Luffy's story, mirror opposites, why would you ever focus on flashy but flawed here for half the arc over humble with hidden depths always at the edge of the limelight? Now...we're moving on to a sci-fi B movie with something different for Bonney. She's the same thing. Could fill the same role. Can't fault her for being a hothead here because it's not unlike Kanjuro and we've seen Bonney be the level head.

If you ask me, what will be the most telling is what happens when we get back. Are we jumping into the same scene? Bonney could collect herself and show a superhuman amount of composure made all the more compelling by knowing how young she is. Last arc the Supernova buddies took down Big Mom. Bonney could believably show out, girl threw a nasty kick at Luffy and tanked one from the Frontier Dome. If Egghead pulls it again and does something weird with our return to the main story? Then you gotta go back to asking who threads the needle on these vignettes we've jumped through.

[madame-fouquet]

2022 Anime Retrospective

With the year having come and gone, and a whirlwind of, frankly incredible, anime with it, it's time to do what has become a tradition for me and present my annual end of the year anime round-up! Each year it feels like I talk about just how hard it was to narrow the field as if it is something unique to that year's batch of anime, but perhaps it's time to admit that every year has a ton of great stuff that make it difficult to pick just a few to represent the best of them.

That said there were still a couple factors that made this year uniquely difficult, mainly the threat of a sweep by one particular series. However I am nothing if not fair, so I imposed a rule that I wouldn't let any series occupy more than two spots. I WILL however be doing a special mini-shout-out at the end of each category to that one particular series. That out of the way I do want to also open with a quick shout-out to some entries that didn't quite make the cut. My Dress Up Darling was a positively incredible series with an equally incredible main couple who were impossible to not root for, Marin herself being an especially lovable goober who had me constantly “Squeee”-ing along with her. Chainsaw Man was also a GREAT late-year entry that I feel is gonna really get a chance to shine in later seasons/coeurs so I'm gonna let it wait til then for me to really gush. Eve from Birdie Wing, Marin from Dress Up Darling, Chainsaw Man's Power, and Do It Yourself's own Jobko-chan are all wonderful and delightful ladies, but couldn't quite measure up to the character who did come away with this year's accolade. I do still absolutely love all of them though. And One Piece Film Red's Backlight encapsulates both an absolute banger of a song as well as a potent and emotional moment in the movie, but there were reasons it couldn't be on the list for either of those categories. That will not, however, stop me from listening to it on repeat.

Best of the Year: Call of the Night

“Take me away midnight, Bloodshot red eyes, A lullaby for grown-ups.”* The unprecedented power of the temptation offered by a street lit, not by the sun, but by the harsh burning glow of neon signs and muted business windows. The freedom you find wrapping itself around you just as the gloomy shadows of murky alleys close in on either side. The endless possibilities of the deep, dark, and beautiful night.

Crazy how something like an anime can encapsulate such profound and abstract concepts, how it can make me long for those quiet and intimate walks to a 7-11 at midnight, the way it felt like the whole town was just for me and a single other person. But conveying those feelings of nostalgia for distant memories of the romantic and unknown is clearly EXACTLY what Call of the Night was setting out to do, and the fact that it was able to so perfectly do just that is exactly why it is my best show of the year.

Call of the Night is more than just a vehicle for exquisitely communicated vibes though. It's also the story of Ko-kun and Nazuna finding each other, and trying to find meaning in their lives through that connection. Of Ko trying to come to terms with who he is, and what connecting with other people actually means. Of Nazuna trying to shake off the deep malaise that has haunted the long nights of her unnaturally long life. It is a story of people finding themselves through each other and through the freedom offered only by the mystery of the night.

Along with the harsh feelings of entropy and malaise Call of the Night also understands how to perfectly communicate things like fear, intimacy, joy, and raw sex appeal. Every other series that makes an attempt at being erotic ends up feeling sophomoric and lazy next to the subtle, classy, and perfectly potent showings from Call of the Night.

I would love to keep going on about Call of the Night, and I will! But not here. This series threatened to sweep nearly every category this year and, though I denied it that privilege, I will give the show its due and note, as an honorable mention, each thing it would have contributed to those categories. If that isn't the ultimate endorsement of a single series, I don't know what is. “Flooded with don't-do's, Smeared with shouldn't know's. Under the screen of darkness coming to get us, You're always so capricious, The Call of the Night.”* *Yofukashi no Uta by Creepy Nuts

Runner-Up: Made in Abyss Golden City of the Scorching Sun

***This is one of the first times I feel like I need to tag one of my entries with a SPOILER warning. So if you haven't watched the latest MiA season and have plans to, maybe consider skipping over this entry. Just know that I highly recommend it!*** With all the romanticism out of the way it's time to get heavy. Made in Abyss can be a very divisive series, and for good reasons, but it qualifies as a “problematic fave” for me. I'm not here to get into the weeds about the series though, what I am here to do it talk about what a fantastic follow-up this second season is to the initial outing as well as the movie.

For me, Made in Abyss was always about three things: The unrelenting power of the human spirit, the awe-inspiring beauty of the bizarre and dangerous, and the strength to retain one's identity and principles in the face of overwhelming horror that dares you to lose your way. Golden City of the Scorching Sun follows up on all of these themes perfectly, willing to pursue just how far the human spirit can be pushed while still refusing to break.

The new characters are also extremely good fits for the continuation of those thematic explorations, with new-comer Faputa having an arc that ties wonderfully into Reg's own continued growth while still also focusing on the question posed by her own existence: Even if you are in the right to seek revenge and enact abhorrent acts in its name, is it still morally just to do so? (if you were to ask me the answer is: yes.)

The new villain of Wazukyan also does a fantastic job of following up on past antagonists by continuing to show how easy it is for raw confidence and unstoppable ambition, like that exhibited by spunky protagonist Riko, to spiral into self-serving cruelty and arrogance. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the Abyss is allegory enough for the awful afterlife that I think the original exhibition leader's intentions qualify as a guiding beacon into the dark. And while a lot of parallels can be draw between Wazukyan and series supervillain bad-dad Bondrewd, I think Wazukyan's approach and mindset are different enough from the “Father of the Year” that he stands well on his own. Overall this entry was exactly what it needed to be, different enough to stand apart from it predecessors, but still fully acting on that mission statement that we started the exhibition on. And it has me just that much more excited to continue down into the Abyss and see what beautiful horrors are waiting for our heroes when they finally reach the bottom.

Runner-Up-Up: Kaguya-sama Love is War -Ultra Romantic-

Any season that has Kaguya-sama means that every other show is competing for a best of slot with Kaguya-sama. Any year that has Kaguya-sama is a year where every other show is competing for a best of slot with Kaguya-sama. This show is like the new gold standard for both rom-coms and absurdist high school comedies, and the third season shows that it absolutely refuses to slow down when it comes to “pause the show and take a minute to finish laughing” comedy, as well as absolute gut-punching emotional peaks.

I lauded the second season for achieving the previously thought to be impossible task of making me actually care about and feel bad for Ishigami, a feat which this season follows up on by continuing to feature him as a... surprisingly good guy? Yeah it's wild. It also made me form an emotional connection with Ino, despite her rather off-putting personality. Honestly Kaguya-sama really is just “the show that makes you see the good in a bunch of stupid kids.” (Gosh they're all so dumb.)

What also helped this season, I think, was giving some more screen-time and substantial growth to the long-suffering ultimate wingman who is Hayasaka. Hayasaka has spent so much time in Kaguya's shadow, having to expend so much time and energy managing her mistress's emotions that, both personally and narratively, she's had ZERO time to experience growth and handle her own problems. But now it's her turn to shine in the spotlight and express all that pent up frustration in the most normal and natural way anyone could- with a rap-battle. She deserves everything they finally give her honestly, especially considering this season also saw her being forced to confront one of the most brutal ordeals any character in the series could ever suffer... being locked in a small room while Shirogane sings. Heaven have mercy.

The absurdity of it all and the stupidity of the characters is 100% why we're here. Well, that and the fluffy fuwa-fuwa doki-doki emotions we experience from watching Kaguya and Shirogane FINALLY make some of the most substantial progress in their relationship yet. The finale of the season is a “needs to be seen to be understood” sort of thing, and has me absolutely chomping at the bit for that cinematic follow-up.

Runner-Up-Up: Birdie Wing -Golf Girls' Story-

“Golf requires goofy pants and a fat ass.” -Happy Gilmore 1996

While many of the outfits in this series are quite goofy, and a number of the asses are definitely fat, I like to think that Birdie Wing has shown that golf needs just a little bit more than that. According to Birdie Wing, golf also requires Mafia connections, amnesia, a shady underground golf teacher, the hypnotizing powers of pussy-stank, a wlw bent, and Gundam references aplenty.

Seriously though, Birdie Wing has no right making me enjoy watching, and being engaged as heavily with the sport of golf as it did. I'm not a sports show girl, it takes a rare and special series to make me tune in for the scores and drama and, well... Birdie Wing is definitely both rare and SPECIAL. Anime is the only medium that could give us mob-backed underground life-or-death golfing and get me to type that sentence with a straight face.

If Birdie Wing was JUST empty spectacle it would still probably be a pretty good time. But it somehow manages to squeeze very real character work and emotional drama in between the physics-bending drives and mob violence. The incredibly sweet and genuine budding relationship and emotions between leads Eve and Aoi is the actual driving force behind the series, even if it's easy to occasionally lose track of it behind all the VR and mechanically randomized underground golf courses.

I find myself just kinda going in circles trying to talk about this show, unable to describe it any other way than wonderfully absurd and beautiful. Birdie Wing kicks in the door to the sports-anime-bar to a perfectly timed record scratch as the other series full of spunky, hopeful, and wide-eyed high schoolers stare in disbelief at the explosive assassination of a political leader the series features as a slight aside. It takes one look around the room and dares anyone to ask what ridiculous heights it's going to get up to next. And I am so ready to see what those heights are.

Runner-Up-Up: Sasaki and Miyano

Standing in stark contrast to that last entry is something rooted more deeply in reality and subtlety. Sasaki and Miyano is such a powerfully sugar sweet romance that I feel like even the most bitter among us can find themselves drawn into the budding feelings between the leads. Along with being an exceptional example of the classic fluffy romantic comedy, Sasaki and Miyano also proves you can have your pining, and actual advancement of the relationship too.

It's one thing to have characters in a series who are genre-savvy, aware of the tropes of the story they exist in and able to note when they're happening, but it's another thing I think to have a lead who is savvy of the genre he's in (in this case Boys Love) and also in complete denial of it happening. Miyano loves to love Boys Love, but dang is the boy is in such deep denial about what that means for his own romance. I think one of the strengths of our uke-adjacent lead is that, while he spends part of the series in denial about his sexual preferences, it never comes off as paradoxically homophobic or anything. Instead we just get a young guy who had never thought to consider that liking other dudes was an option for HIM specifically, and I feel like that is a pretty relatable feeling.

I'll admit that I was worried going into this series that it was going to be yet another single coeur MLM/WLW series that spent the entire time on setting up the central relationship without ever reaching the payoff, (a trend I've been seeing a bit more often than I'd like lately.) I was then incredibly pleasantly surprised when the series ends with an actual substantial step in the advancement of the central relationship. It sounds minor, but when it comes to romance, I'm not just here for pining and longing looks- I wanna see some actual payoff dammit!

Sasaki and Miyano was never the most lavish production, but it certainly did know how to spend it's budget smartly. Things never looked awkward, or off model, and even if they weren't an incredibly extravagant effect, the colored shapes that would float by during the particularly soft moments never failed to make me melt and feel the gentleness and emotions of the moments. And I think that's the best way I could describe this show's strengths. It always made me feel the softness, the tenderness, and the love infused into it, and that sounds like the most you could ask of a romantic series.

Honorable Mention: I'm Kodama Kawashiri

I love short form series. I still consider Working Buddies to be one of my favorite anime of the past decade. The format, it seems, is ironically often allotted more freedom than its full length brethren. The amount of creativity that has to be utilized to tell a story, move a character forward, or make a point in three to five minutes can be startling. But that this series just uses that time to be painfully relatable is possibly even more impressive.

For a series that is sixty-six percent opening by volume it is astounding how much they got me to care about the titular character of Kawashiri. Maybe it's because I too am constantly procrastinating on any given project I'm currently working on, or wish I could just eat fried foods and drink beer for every meal, or have also made attempts to game the sleep system that have all ended in abject failure. I'm not sure, but I do know I would die for this pitiful little kappa woman.

And maybe that's the magic of Kodama Kawashiri. She doesn't need to strive for something profound, or accomplish amazing feats, or dig into the deep levels of the human condition and examine what it truly means to be a person for us to love her and enjoy our time with her. She just needs to remind us that, it's okay to occasionally have a mini-mart dinner or linger in the bath knowing full well there are things we need to be actually accomplishing. That deadline can totally wait, and there's no way this will come back to bite us in any way. We're all human, we're all flawed. We should all take time to slow down and let ourselves be just a little slothful sometimes. You should be kinder to yourself. I should be kinder to myself. I'm Kodama Kawashiri. And You are too.

Best Character of the Year: Riko (Made in Abyss Golden City of the Scorching Sun)

***This is one of the first times I feel like I need to tag one of my entries with a SPOILER warning. So if you haven't watched the latest MiA season and have plans to, maybe consider skipping over this entry. Just know that I highly recommend it!***

It feels a little odd giving this award to a character who made her premiere in animated form several years ago but, while Riko in the first season and movie was fantastic, I find that this season was the one where her character really materialized and compelled me. As good as she was in that first coeur, she did unfortunately spend most of its incredible final act sidelined and unconscious, so it was difficult to fully appreciate her impact. Similarly the movie felt like more of Nanachi and Prushka's story than Riko's, again making her feel like a supporting character in the story she is technically the protagonist of.

One thing that really stood out to me as Riko progressed through this latest season was how easy it would be to take her optimism and positivity for granted. Riko has seen, done, and been involved with horrors both natural and man-made beyond comprehension, but she has been left in a situation where she isn't allowed time to deal with and internalize any of it. She is being forced, constantly, to push it down and forge ahead, because to lose to her traumas and emotions now means death. So to see her allowing herself to blanket that trauma in her genuine love and fascination for the Abyss can really come across as one of the most heroic things she's done, at least for herself. She knows that she will have to confront these things some day, but she also understands that now is just unfortunately not that time.

Riko's empathy, despite the depths of human cruelty she's had to face, is perhaps the most important thing she contributes to the tenacious trio that is her, Reg, and Nanachi, and it is on full display in this season. The way she frees Vueko without a thought, the way she can answer Wazukyan's final question with her characteristic sense of wonder, the fact that she was able to forgive Maa and by extension get ME to forgive Maa. She is constantly showing that, despite the growing and impossibly heavy burden on it, she still has a heart, and that might be the one thing keeping her from becoming like so many of the other people she has encountered on her journey, and the thing that defines and separates her from the other White Whistles.

Honorable Mention: As I mentioned before, Call of the Night ran the risk of sweeping this whole year. So my CotN character shout-out goes to Seri Kikiyou: The far too relatable ennui-afflicted vampire gyaru.

Best Moment of the Year: Rose's Arm (Birdie Wing -Golf Girls' Story-)

Were there more emotionally affecting and deeper reaching moments in anime this year? Oh, absolutely. Are there any real ramifications or far reaching consequences from this event? Not really. But when I tell you that not a single other moment this year got the kind of genuine audible reaction that  came out of me when Rose's futuristic robot arm prosthetic exploded out from beneath her glove, I am being absolutely serious.

Birdie Wing had me thinking I was fully prepared for it, that I knew exactly what level it was operating on and that, while it may be able to impress me with the depths of excess and ridiculousness that it could reach, I didn't think it would have the ability to fully surprise me. And then, despite my acceptance of the mechanical modular underground golf course they were playing on, I was NOT actually ready for the reveal that Rose had a gosh-danged ROBOT ARM. And the way this information is presented to us, with it exploding off her body after making a drive? I just couldn't. I screamed. I cried. I died laughing. I said “No” repeatedly, I asked “Why?” just as often, and I had to pause and catch my breath. No one else is out here doing it like Birdie Wing, I still have trouble believing this moment actually happened on screen like that in a series about GOLF!

The fact that such a short moment could produce so many emotions and at such intensity means that I couldn't give this award to anything else. Please, if you haven't, watch Birdie Wing. This show is the completely fake real anime that anime deserves and I love its absurdity with all my heart.

Honorable Mention: I almost gave this award to Call of Night's first episode when Nazuna and Ko take flight at the end. The insert song kicking in, the ethereal lighted sky that is almost synonymous with the series, the lingering beginnings of a budding romance, absolutely incredible visual storytelling.

Best Theme Song of the Year: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Queendom (Ya Boy Kongming)

I was unsure about Ya Boy Kongming when the spring season first started up. Just reading the synopsis I didn't know if the series could actually execute such a unique concept. Before I could make a decision though, my partner rushed over to me with a video he'd found on social media and together we watched the OP for the series with all of its incredible imagery and energy as this monstrous ear worm of a song belted out alongside it. After watching that, there was no more need for waffling. I knew we were going to watch the show.

That alone should speak to the strength of the OP. The point of an opening number is to get you in the mood and headspace for the piece of media you're about to enjoy, but in this case it was the single most convincing advertisement that could have possibly been made for the series. The raw “getting hyped in the club” vibes of the song, the positively excellent energy of watching the cast dancing along or engaging in hilarious music video style shows of excess, it makes it impossible to not have a good time while it's playing. And I think Eiko herself would approve considering that all she wants to do is spread happiness to the world through music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNn9NxZH2Vo Honorable Mention: All three Creepy Nuts tracks from Call of the Night have not left my mind (or playlist) since the show ended. I'd be hard-pressed to pick only one of the three as a favorite, but considering their own Yofukashi no Uta was the inspiration for the series itself, it feels fair to give it to that one especially. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zArhnXbh3Yc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OndK9RknCYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6WjVGEVbNc

Best Movie of the Year: One Piece Film Red

So here's a fun story: A buddy of mine hit me up asking if I'd be interested in going to see One Piece Film Red in theaters with him. He'd gotten a pair of tickets but his friend he was going to go with had to drop at the last minute. I told him I'd be happy to go, but I asked, since I'd only ever read maybe a couple dozen chapters of One Piece and picked up some other bits of info through cultural osmosis, if he'd be okay with me occasionally leaning over and asking who someone was or if I was supposed to know something from the series or not. He then confessed that he knew even LESS than that about One Piece and had primarily gotten the tickets because the buddy who had dropped was a huge fan.

I think that is able to speak more to the strength of the movie than anything else. If you at least know the basics of how the world of One Piece works and who the Strawhat Pirates are, you are going to be able to enjoy this movie I can assure you, because I absolutely did. And I didn't just enjoy it, I fell in love with it. More-so than anything else, this film has gotten me the closest to finally going back and tackling the insurmountable task that is “catching up on One Piece.”

I'm a fan of musicals, and especially love when an anime is a musical (Go watch Starmyu) but after Uta's bombastic performance of “New Genesis” I had just assumed it was a clever diegetic opening number. But when she started singing again during the lighthearted battle with the various pirates during “I'm Invincible” my attention was once more piqued. And when she unleashed the absolute banger that is “Backlight” during that heartbreaking confrontation, I knew this was something very special.

And perhaps, fittingly, Uta is that special something that made the movie so great. The combined performances of Kaori Nazuka (speaking) and Ado (singing) help bring to life a character who is so much more compelling and deep than I was prepared to give her credit for going in. This movie is just as much, if not more, her story than that of the Strawhat Pirates whose series it occupies. From what little One Piece I had engaged with I was already quite taken with Shanks, but his daughter has proven to be a character who I hold even more near and dear to my heart.

If you're a One Piece faithful, you've probably already seen this movie. If you're a One Piece casual who has been waffling on it, do yourself a favor and see it now. And if you're a One Piece Newbie or just someone who has heard a lot but never taken the leap, this is your ship coming in, and it's time you climbed aboard.

Worst of the Year: The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting

***Disclaimer: I only vote a series “worst of the year” that I have watched all or the majority of. I will not vote for something that I tried for one or two episodes and dropped due to not liking it, so this often ends up as more of a “least favorite” or “most disappointing” category. I also will NOT vote for something with an infamous reputation. I know by word of mouth of some truly ABYSMAL shows, but I didn't watch them, so it's not fair for me to give them that flack (No matter how well deserved).***

With the now usual disclaimer out of the way let's dig into the crimes committed by this series and the manner in which it has disgraced the family name. Don't misunderstand my thematic hyperbole, Yakuza Babysitter is by no means an abhorrent show, but it is a series that seems to have somehow misunderstood its own core concept and the potential contained within.

Lots of people, myself included, love the comical juxtaposition of something like members of  organized crime syndicates and mundane heartwarming activities, just look at the explosive popularity of the Yakuza game series. However when you do something like this you need to nail down what the very specific tone or tones you're going to be working with are and present them fully and succinctly from the beginning. Which is not something YGtB ever really did? The beginning of the first episode implies that we're going to be primarily in for the cross-section of Toru's violent, unhinged personality and the sweet and innocent activity of caring for a young child. But we rarely ever see Toru enact that much violence, and when we do it's always for the sake of others, or in the name of righting wrongs. We never really actually SEE much that reinforces what we're constantly told, that Toru is an madman on the edge, only barely contained by the family head's strength of will.

And that's where the series mostly drops the ball. We're constantly being told things, but never shown the evidence of their truth. There's this mysterious and threatening individual who pops up at the end of several episodes to attempt to spread a foreboding cloud over the future, but the rest of the series never commits to this concept (at least not up til the eighth or ninth episode when I finally gave up.) Though frankly I wouldn't blame anyone for dropping during the absolutely awful time of a head-scratcher that was the fourth episode. Here's a writing tip: Just because you've cleared the three episode test, if you haven't fully nailed down your core vibes and concepts, or even introduced all the members of your primary cast, it might not be a good idea to air an episode that you admit UP FRONT is completely non-canon and is just wasting the viewers time.

[allthemusic]

Week ending: 21 April

We are being spoilt for choice at the moment. As I've said a few times, I really do think the mid-1950s is a bit of a transitional period. Rock and roll hasn't arrived in Britian, but a lot of the songs we're now hearing sound distinctly different to the stuff you'd hear in the 1940s and earlier 1950s. Less proper and formal, in a way - long may that continue!

Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White) - Eddie Calvert (peaked at Number 1)

I loved this song first time round, and I haven't mysteriously started disliking it. I've said before, for me, if I already really like a song, I'll be strongly inclined to enjoy all covers of it, even if they're not great quality. And this is by no means that. This is a very serviceable version of a song I already liked.

To be honest, I've not much more to say that I haven't already said on the last post about Pérez Prado's version of the song. I kind of expected this version to sound a bit watered down or inauthentic, it being a British cover of a Latin song by somebody called Ronnie Hilton - a decidedly non-Hispanic-sounding name, fitting for this Preston native. But actually, it's mostly just quite a faithful cover, down to the best bit of the original, the woozy slow-down trumpet work.

If I was nit-picking I might say that it's got a bit less of a clear clave rhythm in the percussion, and maybe a little less energy in the non-trumpet instruments? It's also missing the "hyurgh" shout, which was arguably the best moment in the original. However, the trumpet makes up for all that in its sheer riotous enthusiasm, and to be honest, I think if I wasn't paying attention I might not notice all the other differences I noticed. This is just a very similar cover to the original.

I do wonder what the point of covers like that is, sometimes. A cover that dramatically changes a song's vibe or genre, that I get (it's like an AU fanfic, it's the same pleasure). But a perfectly faithful cover confuses me... the original already exists?! I guess it might have come down to some vagaries of 1950s record production and distribution logistics, and just what version of a record people could actuallly get hold of and heard on the radio, but still. Pointless, at least on the face of it.

Not that I'm complaining about more of this song. Did I mention, I love this song?

Ready, Willing and Able - Doris Day (7)

A Doris Day song I've not heard of! I'm not surprised, exactly - she did a lot, and I'm not a superfan or anything - but I am excited, because most Doris Day songs I've come across so far have been real highlights. Secret Love, in particular, I could listen to all day. Doris' voice and general persona is gorgeous, this project has really sold me on her.

We start very strong, with a fast, jazzy opening, Doris singing about how I'm ready / Willing / And able / And honey, now, it's up to you. She's up for some loving, but wants her suitor to commit and make a move. It's a confident, ballsy opening, underscored perfectly by some jazzy trumpet blasts, full big band vibes.

Doris' voice is indeed the star attraction here. She's up against some big brassy sounds and her performance is never once overpowered by it.

I'm also impressed by the modernity of Doris' strightforward proposition here, as she outright states that I'm ready, able and willing / To join you in a little fun / But I won't take second billing / I've got to be your number one. She's taking the lead, stating what she wants, and making the moves to get it, but she's also clear on her boundaries. You get the feeling that Doris is absolutely setting the pace in this relationship, and honestly, it's sexy as anything.

Even sexier, though, is the section just before the end, with the quieter, sultrier lines, all I'm ready / Oh yes, you know I'm ready, baby. It's not explicitly about sex, but it easily could be, you know? Keeps the song classy, for sure.

And then we've got the final section, as Doris blasts out lines about how Now I've stated my condition / I've got lots of ammunition. There's something rock and roll both about the attitude here, and the chord that plays under it. I know I say this periodically about lots of songs I like in this era, but you really can hear the new sounds of rock and roll percolating into places you wouldn't expect them, and this is one example, I think.

Awww, I just love this song. I had a good feeling about it, and my good feeling paid off. Go listen. Not many songs from this project end up in my liked songs list, but this one definitely will.

It's from a musical film, Young At Heart, an update of an earlier film called Four Daughters, where Doris plays opposite Frank Sinatra as the love interest of a songwriter who moves to a small town and gets into romantic hijinks as three sisters all fall for him. The plot summary sounds a little complicated, but it does sound cute - and either way, I think I'd watch it, just for the musical talent!

Stranger in Paradise - Tony Bennett (1)

Something must have been in the water this week in 1955, because here we've got another song that I know, and that definitely stands out. The tune, in particular, is beautiful and iconic. I remember hearing this song for the first time and thinking I already knew it, which is the mark of a catchy hook.

It's also possibly a product of the song's somewhat complicated genesis? It's a song from a 1953 musical called Kismet, itself adapted from a 1911 play, which is an "Arabian Nights" styled fake folk tale romance, set to music by the Russian-Georgian Romantic composer Alexander Borodin, including this song, which is based on one of the Polovtsian Dances from the 1890 opera Prince Igor. This opera, itself based on a much older Russian epic poem, is about the 12th century prince of Novgorod, Igor Svyatoslavich, fighting against Cumans, a Turkic people in the south of modern-day Russia, who were also called Polovtsians. So there are loads of layers of exoticism and historical romanticisation going on even before you look at the lyrics and vibe of the song. And then the musical's duet has been turned into a solo song for a male singer, so that changes it and adds layers again.

We begin with "ooooos" from the backing singers, outlining the main theme to a lush backing of strings and woodwinds, before Tony comes in, an ambitious, soaring leap in his very first line urging his lover to Take my hand / I'm a stranger in paradise.

It's all about the transcendant feeling when you're in love, and I have to say, the lyrics are beautiful. In quick succession, we get lines about how I saw your face and I ascended / Out of the commonplace / Into the rare and about how Somewhere in space I hang suspended. It's a level of earnestness and purple prose that would normally jar, but here it feels thematically appropriate. Love takes you away from the everyday, so why shouldn't your language also be elevated away from the commonplace?

We also get the sense of a certain danger or desperation. From the idea of Tony being left starry-eyed and being lost in a wonderland, to lines that are more explicitly about how There's a danger in paradise / For mortals who stand beside an angel. Tony's lover is something else, and that has a certain fear about it, too. He's worried about getting hurt, still feeling himself a stranger, not wholly "at home" in this realm of perfection that he's somehow ascended into.

And yet the song ends hopefully, with a hope that Tony's love might open their arms to the titular stranger And tell that we need be / A stranger no more. It's a beautiful, hopeful ending, and I like it a lot! Tony really sells it, too - there's a grand sweep to his voice, but also a certain vulnerability in the lines that need it. And all that while maintaining good clear diction - important with such wordy, twisty lines.

Actually, I'm realising thinking about it that it's quite a cerebral, twisty song more generally. The lyrics are hard to follow the first time you hear them, even just in terms of syntax, and there's a certain ambiguity to it, even in what it means to be a "stranger in paradise" and how that changes over the course of the song.

I like that about the song, to be clear, and I also think you can enjoy it without making it that deep. It's pretty and catchy and Tony Bennett can sing nicely. In some ways that's all you need to know.

I could name almost any of these three as my favourite. They're all great. But only one made my liked songs playlist, and in my books, that's a surefire way to earn the final title. So, without further ado...

Favourite song of the bunch: Ready, Willing and Able

[musicarenagh]

Introducing an Exclusive Chat with Artist Katelyn Paige Have you ever come across a song that feels like a journey through love’s rollercoaster? Katelyn Paige’s “Miles to You” captures that ride perfectly. It’s the soundtrack to every emotion you’ve experienced in pursuit of that special connection. You can cry to it, you can jam in your car—it’s a double win. Paige’s ability to blend her lyrics with the song's changing vibes is magnetic. Her vocal range is consistently impressive, making her stand out. And she’s not stopping here; we’re all eager to see what’s next in store from her. Today, we've got a chance to sit down with Katelyn Paige, also known as KPZ, and Mister Styx of Musicarenagh, to dive deeper into her music and the inspiration behind her captivating sound. Listen to Miles to you below https://youtu.be/tkscXowJVeU Follow Katelyn Paige on Youtube Tiktok What is your stage name KPZ Is there a story behind your stage name? I got my stage name from my best friends growing up. They always called me that, and it just stuck. It's all about those tight bonds and good times we had together Where do you find inspiration? find inspiration in life's ups and downs, channeling my emotions into my music What was the role of music in the early years of your life? Music has been my lifelong companion. I began singing before talking, rounding up cousins for family musicals. Wrote raps in 5th grade for commercials, always rocked talent shows with my voice. It's been a joyful journey from the start! Are you from a musical or artistic family? Not at all. My dad was a music junkie though. Had so many CD’s and music always playing around the house .. even the bathrooms. My grandma can sing too Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? My mom . She always told me to follow my dreams How did you learn to sing/write/to play? Honestly just by the feeling of it. Music feels like apart of my soul . I did take vocal lessons with Mama Jan studios in 2021 and learned how to do my warm-ups and a few scales. What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? Jingle Ball, Justin Bieber! How could you describe your music? It's a mix of pop, hip hop, rap, and a dash of Southern charm. It's a vibe that's all its own Describe your creative process. My creative process starts with a feeling, lots of work, and ends with a song. My producer sets the vibe, and I add the lyrics. It's all about capturing the emotion and making it into music. [caption id="attachment_53250" align="alignnone" width="1440"] My creative process starts with a feeling, lots of work, and ends with a song.[/caption] What is your main inspiration? My fans What musician do you admire most and why? I admire Alicia Keys the most because she creates amazing music with deep lyrics, and her style is classy. Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? Definitely Who do you see as your main competitor? I don’t really “compete” with anyone . Im more of a collaborative type person . So Katelyn Paige vs KPZ What are your interests outside of music? Outside of music, I love playing with my dog Otis, having wine nights, dancing, throwing parties, and getting into decorating and organizing. If it wasn't a music career, what would you be doing? Probably dentistry full time or competing on a Worlds team for competitive cheerleading What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? Not knowing the business side in the beginning as well as should have. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? Social media populace being a priority over great music . Why did you choose this as the title of this project? Gin & Toxic? Drinking to kill the buz of a toxic relationship. & i thought it was cleaver like Gin & Tonic What are your plans for the coming months? Releasing 1 song every month Do you have any artistic collaboration plans Not yet What message would you like to give to your fans?

Hey! Thanks for the love! Follow me on socials for the latest and greatest tunes. Stay tuned—it's about to get lit!

[cristianwhyc612]

How to Explain fake bags online to Your Grandparents

I suppose everybody has long been there, that instant of standing before a window Show, gawking at a good looking replica bag in the store window… It really is Just about hypnotic-like state, sometimes I’m not able to pull myself far from it! I signify, replica luggage guaranteed are stunning, and the high-excellent kinds far more so…It truly is why this subject’s generally a favorite when good friends And that i sit down for the chat.​

Suffice it to state, it has been a while considering the fact that I to start with grew to become curious about duplicate bags.​ I bear in mind currently being incredibly identified to discover the proper bag that would be the right healthy for me.​ I had been seeking to purchase a bag that in shape me into a ‘T’, one that was sturdy, strong and wouldn't conveniently buckle in a few days.​ Ultimately I discovered a thing that caught my eye and I just understood that was the a person! Me and that bag experienced a link, of course!

I do think The trick to getting the ideal replica bag lies in getting the tolerance to search for the right one particular.​ It's really a little bit seeking to sift with the many bags that arrive in various models, products, colours, sizes and shapes accessible on the market.​ So I needed to set some perform into discovering the best 1, but it absolutely was worth it ultimately.​ I such as the leather kinds given that they glance sophisticated and past a lot longer when compared to the Other folks.​

Then there is certainly the pattern.​ Now, this is very essential because it speaks volumes about your individual fashion.​ From curated models, specially crafted prints and luxe textures to vibrant geometrics, Every person should be capable to select a little something they find classy and trendy that matches their vibe and attitude.​ With each individual new masterpiece I uncover, my delight grows.​ The variety that duplicate bags present definitely shock me and mesmerize me simultaneously.​

I constantly make sure to decide on top quality in advance of the rest.​ Genuine reproduction baggage are robust and sturdy, you don't need to get trapped carrying something which looks fashionable but quickly starts tattering absent with the seams.​ It is really essential to get the proper bag, so I identified to guarantee I bought a thing that would final in the many years, and I found an ideal fair-priced just one.​

At this time, It really is like my replica bags online modest Mate that faithfully will come alongside wherever I'm going.​ It carries my trusty pen, songs player, tissue packs and a number of other required paraphernalia.​ The bag has long been with me For some time, nonetheless it still appears to be like very good as new.​ No surprise why reproduction baggage are getting to be A lot more well known, I guess people just want to have the most price out in their money.​

fake bags

Effectively, my Close friend, I just purchased a stunning bag on the net, and I was so fired up to show it off for you.​ Of course I am no fashionista but I do know a pretend bag Once i see 1.​ It failed to take me very long to realise all wasn't what it appeared.​

I began to question it the moment I saw it.​ There have been some rather noticeable notify-tale symptoms that it absolutely was a 'dud'.​ To begin with, it was just as well great for being true – it absolutely was way less expensive than you would probably anticipate it for being for its high quality and elegance.​ In addition the packaging was inadequate and the logos weren't in the correct position at all.​

I started out owning 2nd ideas about this and that's when I made a decision to do a little research.​ Absolutely sure ample, Once i checked out the item pics on the web site, all of it commenced adding up.​ The stitching wasn't ideal, The brand was distinctive, and in some cases the straps were various from the way it's pictured on the website.​

I had been gutted After i discovered I would been duped! I joined a handful of message boards to teach myself a tad more details on how to identify a bogus bag and it seems, it isn't really as difficult since it seems.​ From Understanding the main points within and out to finding out the insignificant variances in the best way It is sewn and even listening to the tags, there are absolutely ways to spot a bogus bag.​

And all my problems did not conclusion there.​ For the reason that I might purchased it on-line, it had been unachievable to return it, so in the long run I just threw it away.​ It felt like the whole matter was an expensive and utterly pointless lesson.​

However it designed me Believe a great deal about it, you know? It will require months, sometimes even several years, for these counterfeiters to ideal their craft and replicate designer baggage along with other products.​ It is an sector worth billions of bucks and it appears to be proper below our noses.​ There are many people available who will be willing to pay large dollars for a thing that will not be actual and that doesn't make them appear great.​

It really is really thoughts-blowing how these fakes are so painstakingly set alongside one another and however persons nevertheless cannot place them! These knock-off retailers are popping up everywhere and they're carrying out a roaring trade.​ It truly is an uphill process looking to place an conclusion to them but recognition plays A serious part in this.​

So, my friend, another time the thing is somebody carrying all over a 'designer bag', stand up near and personal with it and make Unquestionably absolutely sure Everything you're obtaining is the actual offer.​ Check that it is not some affordable duplicate – it could turn out costing you way over you bargained for.​

Most people will tell you It is really only a designer bag but you ought to by no means acquire something at confront worth.​ The sole absolutely sure way to inform if It can be authentic is by inspecting it carefully.​ What appears to be like to become a small miscalculation can turn out earning a large variance, and what better way to stay away from any heartache than by making sure your bag is the actual point.​

Information is power, and that's why I have done my research and shared it along with you.​ With any luck , this data may also help educate as many people as you possibly can and set an stop to these bogus bag scams, blocking upcoming heartache and fiscal losses.​

I feel It truly is no shocker that for A lot of people, replica luggage are becoming the go-to preference.​ Firstly, the quality of these baggage has tremendously improved over time, with many stores buying the creation of more robust and remarkably long lasting resources.​ Secondly, there is certainly the worth.​ They provide a pleasant compromise because These are priced reduce than the initial designer luggage and present Just about the exact same capabilities.​ Additionally The style tendencies usually evolve as well as diversity of models accessible now allow it to be easier to pick out something which matches everyone.​

They're also quite handy to carry and extremely multipurpose.​ For many people this may be An important component because they can easily take it out to dance lessons, to cafes, to satisfy good friends As well as in many other occasions.​ Other than this, the layouts are stunning and certainly eye-catching.​ It really is like going for walks all over which has a do the job of art – it screams epic manner!

The selections are infinite In relation to reproduction luggage.​ There's the micromodal and 3D versions, multicolor combos, vivid designs and prints and The nice previous neutral types.​ It is not easy to pick which one to go for but it surely's just heavenly only to search.​ You frequently speculate why individuals waste money within the costly originals when there are actually these great duplicate bags at a portion of the fee.​ It really is genuinely a no-brainer, don’t you think?

I'm certain any individual would agree that replica luggage are the right combination of trend and practicality.​ Increase to that the simple fact that they're Tremendous affordable and stylish, and you have an ideal staple that is in shape For each predicament.​ I suggest, each individual particular person requirements a good bag to provide out their most effective type, and reproduction baggage do make a fantastic impression.​

[keentravelerdreamer]

Getting Tired of fake bags? 10 Sources of Inspiration That'll Rekindle Your Love

I guess everybody continues to be there, that instant of standing in front of a window Show, gawking at a wonderful replica bag in The shop window… It is really Practically hypnotic-like state, occasionally I’m unable to pull myself away from it! I imply, replica bags sure are stunning, and the substantial-top quality kinds even more so…It truly is why this subject’s always a favorite when good friends and I sit down for the chat.​

Suffice it to say, it's been a while considering the fact that I to start with became interested in reproduction bags.​ I remember getting quite decided to search out the best bag that might be the right in good shape for me.​ I used to be aiming to buy a bag that suit me into a ‘T’, one which was durable, long lasting and would not conveniently buckle in a couple of days.​ Inevitably I found a thing that caught my eye and I just understood that was the one! Me Which bag had a connection, for sure!

I feel The key to finding the most effective reproduction bag lies in possessing the persistence to find the proper a single.​ It is a little bit seeking to sift with the a huge selection of luggage that appear in various variations, supplies, colours, sizes and shapes available in the market.​ So I had to set some work into finding an ideal one particular, but it absolutely was worth it in the long run.​ I such as the leather kinds simply because they look classy and past much longer when compared to the Other people.​

Then there is the sample.​ Now, this is particularly important because it speaks volumes about your personal design.​ From curated patterns, specifically crafted prints and luxe textures to vibrant geometrics, Anyone must be in a position to select a little something they locate classy and stylish that fits their vibe and attitude.​ With each new masterpiece I uncover, my delight grows.​ The range that replica bags offer genuinely surprise me and mesmerize me concurrently.​

I usually Make sure you decide on good quality prior to the rest.​ Authentic reproduction baggage are potent and durable, you don't want to be stuck carrying something which appears to be like classy but immediately begins tattering away with the seams.​ It is important to get the appropriate bag, so I decided to be certain I obtained a thing that would final from the decades, and I discovered the perfect truthful-priced one particular.​

At the moment, It is really like my small friend that faithfully will come together where ever I'm going.​ It carries my trusty pen, songs participant, tissue packs and a bunch of other necessary paraphernalia.​ The bag is with me For several years, however it even now appears superior as new.​ No surprise why replica luggage are getting to be Increasingly more preferred, I guess people today just want to obtain the most worth out in their revenue.​

pretend bags

Effectively, my Good friend, I just bought a stunning bag on the web, and I had been so enthusiastic to point out it off to you personally.​ Naturally I'm no fashionista but I do know a fake bag After i see a person.​ It did not consider me long to realise all was not what it appeared.​

I began to doubt it The instant I noticed it.​ There were some rather obvious convey to-tale signals that it had been a 'dud'.​ First of all, it absolutely was just as well fantastic being real – it absolutely was way more affordable than you'd hope it for being for its high quality and style.​ Furthermore the packaging was bad as well as the logos were not in the right location in any way.​

I started getting 2nd ideas about it and that's After i decided to do a bit of study.​ Positive more than enough, After i checked out the item images on the web site, it all started out adding up.​ The stitching wasn't appropriate, The brand was distinctive, as well as the straps had been diverse from the way it's pictured on the website.​

I was gutted After i discovered I'd been duped! I joined a number of discussion boards to teach myself a little more about how to spot a faux bag and it turns out, it isn't really as really hard because it seems.​ From Understanding the small print within and out to studying the minimal variances in the way It truly is sewn or simply paying attention to the tags, there are actually definitely methods to spot a pretend bag.​

And all my problems did not finish there.​ Mainly because I'd acquired it on the internet, it had been extremely hard to return it, so eventually I just threw it away.​ It felt like The entire factor was a pricey and totally pointless lesson.​

Nevertheless it designed me Consider lots over it, you already know? It takes months, often even yrs, for these counterfeiters to great their craft and replicate designer baggage and various items.​ It truly is an business really worth billions of pounds and it seems to be right below our noses.​ There are lots of men and women out there who are willing to pay big money for something that just isn't real and that does not make them glimpse excellent.​

It can be really brain-blowing how these fakes are so painstakingly place with each other and however folks continue to are unable to location them! These knock-off stores are appearing all over the place and they are performing a roaring trade.​ It truly is an uphill activity wanting to put an conclude to them but recognition performs A serious position With this.​

So, my Close friend, the subsequent time you see a person carrying close to a 'designer bag', rise up near and personal with it and make Certainly guaranteed what you're obtaining is the true offer.​ Test that it isn't really some cheap copy – it could end up costing you way over you bargained for.​

A lot of people will inform you It really is simply a designer bag but it is best to hardly ever acquire just about anything at confront price.​ The only real positive way to inform if It truly is actual is by inspecting it carefully.​ What seems for being a small blunder can finish up generating a huge change, and what better way to stop any heartache than by making sure your bag is the actual factor.​

Know-how is electricity, and that is why I have done my analysis and shared it with you.​ Hopefully this info may help teach as Lots of individuals as is possible and set an end to these faux bag cons, blocking long term heartache and monetary losses.​

I believe It can be no shocker that for Many of us, duplicate baggage have gotten the go-to choice.​ To begin with, the standard of these luggage has enormously improved through the years, with a lot of retailers investing in the creation of much better and highly tough components.​ Secondly, you will find the cost.​ They provide a nice compromise considering the fact that They can be priced lessen than the initial designer luggage and offer Practically the same attributes.​ As well as The style trends generally evolve plus the diversity of models obtainable now enable it to be less complicated to pick something that fits Anyone.​

They're also pretty effortless to hold and intensely multipurpose.​ For some individuals this may be The main factor as they will be able to just take it out to dance courses, to cafes, to satisfy mates As well as in a number of other events.​ Other than this, the styles are stunning and surely eye-catching.​ It is like strolling around by using a get the job done of artwork – it screams epic manner!

The possibilities are endless In regards to duplicate luggage.​ There is certainly replica bags designer the micromodal and 3D versions, multicolor combos, bright designs and prints and the good aged neutral kinds.​ It truly is hard to choose which a person to Select however it's just heavenly just to look through.​ You regularly question why persons squander dollars over the costly originals when you will discover these wonderful reproduction bags in a fraction of the fee.​ It is really a no-brainer, don’t you think?

I'm absolutely sure any one would concur that reproduction luggage are the right mixture of trend and practicality.​ Insert to the actuality that they're Tremendous cost-effective and classy, and you've got the right staple that is suit for every problem.​ I mean, each individual demands a very good bag to bring out their greatest design, and replica luggage do make a fantastic perception.​

[galacticplum]

our night, a zenyuki fanmix

it’s night-time. quietness envelops everything. but there are those who won’t rest. those... will be embraced by the moon, who will cast its rays to illuminate their waltz. the lovers’ waltz.

moods: (night) (romantic) (dreamy) (close)

for zenyuki week 2017, day 4 & 7: secrets and reunion.

listen: youtube  (rec-ed for everyone) ✤ 8tracks (mostly rec-ed for US/Canada)  ✤ playmoss (some important tracks may not play)

(tracklist under the cut)

tracklist: Oh say can you see - Lana del Rey // Come away with me – cover by Sarah Joy // Harvest Moon – cover by Lucy Rose // Let’s Dance – cover by Eva Abraham // Fly me to the moon/La vie en rose (mashup cover) - Jemma Johnson // Can't Help Falling In Love (Ukulele, Sax, and Cello Cover) – Sarah Joy & friends

---

little bits of the tracks:

1. Oh say can you see (night stroll)

“oh say, can you see my stars? the night time is almost ours”

2. Come away with me (invitation)

“and I want to wake up with the rain falling on a tin roof while I'm safe there in your arms so all I ask is for you to come away with me in the night come away with me”

3. Harvest Moon (old love, shared dance)

“come a little bit closer, hear what I have to say just like children sleeping we could dream this night away

but there's a full moon rising let's go dancing in the light”

4. Let’s Dance (dancing in the moonlight)

“let's dance put on your red shoes and dance the blues let's sway under the moonlight, this serious moonlight let's dance”

5. Fly me to the moon/La vie en rose (enchantment, shared dream)

“fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars [..]

hold me close and hold me fast the magic spell you cast this is la vie en rose”

6. Can’t help falling in love (meant to be)

“shall I stay? would it be a sin, if I can't help falling in love with you?”

[bewitchingivy]

Pick A Card: What Vibes Do You Give Off To Others

Hurrah, I'm back! Hi, guys! I hope you're all doing well. In this PAC, I'll be reading what vibes you give off to other people. Or the vibes that they get from you. Get what I mean? So keep in mind that this doesn't tell you who you really are as a person, it's just your vibes 😗🤘 SO LET'S BEGIN ✨

NOTE: In this reading, I relied a lot on my intuition and just pulled out one Major Arcana card. I also worked a little with music <3 This was very fun to do :)

MASTERLIST

࿐ DISCLAIMERS:

Tarot or any forms of divination is not set in stone. It's not your only future, but a probable one with the current energy you have right now. If a reading doesn't resonate, simply let it fly away and shift your energy. Because you can change your reality, and you have the undeniable power to do so.

Please keep in mind that my readings are for entertainment, positive, or inspirational purposes only. Please don't take them as a professional or medical advice. Any actions or decisions taken are your responsibility.

The images I use in my blog are not mine unless I say so. The pictures belong to their respectful owners.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, choose from these four piles!

PILE ONE

The World

Hey, guys! I hope y'all are doing well. So you've chosen pile one, this is your reading. While I was focusing on the question, I actually saw a figure in brownish hues of clothing, this could be your aesthetic (I'm getting light academia.) First word I got was “classy.” So that's the vibe you give off to other people. With the World, you give off these vibes that you've seen and know it all. You're like an inspiration to others, and people might be drawn to that and they just look up to you. They have this sense of respect towards you. There might be some people though that may be feel jealous of you at first glance. You're seen by society as someone who's sagacious but also closed off at times. People also sense that you're someone who's very observant. You may be a quiet person in public, someone who doesn't talk too much to people around them. There's this aura of mystery around you and people are somewhat also drawn by that.

I did notice this earlier while starting the reading out, but some people also sense some negativity around you. I just felt my arm hurting so much, and it just stopped when I addressed it. It's like there's this gray cloud that you're carrying over your head. People would sense that you're a person who has or has been going through a lot—I got the word ‘cry.’ But others are also, you know, amazed or intrigued that you're just playing it cool. Despite it's obvious that you're going through something in life, you have the ability that you don't let it affect your emotions too much in open doors. If that's the case, guys, I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through something. YOU'RE GOING TO BE OKAY, YOU HEAR ME? DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. I HEAR YOU, I SEE YOU. SO LET ME SEND YOU SOME OF MY LIGHT AND LOVE AND LET THEM EMBRACE YOU. If you need a good cry, then do it. Then get back up at your feet. If I could, I would help you up. But this is all I can do for now. Just please remember to take care of yourself and don't be so worked up, okay? I don't know who you are, but I love you anyway. Despite all your flaws, who you are, where you're from, what you've done, I don't care. 💛

OKAY THAT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE PART OF THE READING, BUT I REALLY FELT A HUGE PUSH BY MY GUIDES TO JUST WRITE IT ALL DOWN I'M FEELING 😭 Everything's gonna be better than you expect, fam. I promise. YOU'RE DOING GREAT. AND YOU'RE A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. YOU'RE ENOUGH. MUAH.

shufflemancy; songs that may match your vibes:

❁ You, Dear by Eloise

❁ Wisdom Cries by AURORA

PS: Omg, I think that really matches??? Tell me if they do! Also, I do sense some academia aesthetic here, marry me bruh

Stay safe and take care of yourself <3

- Ivy

PILE TWO

The Hanged Man

Hi, guys! Welcome to your reading if you have chosen pile two. So the vibes you give off to others is very chill. People sense this vibe that you carry of being carefree. I mean you're just so intensely chill. You're like this person who's still drastically chill even when everything around you is so chaotic. And then you just shrug and continue listening to music with earphones on full volume LOL. I love your vibe. I can see here that your vibe draws people in. Like a lot of people loves it, they somehow find comfort with it because you help others feel calmed down even if you're not aware of it. Omg, and yeah I get that they're thankful for that. Another message that I'm hearing is that when people see you (doesn't matter if in real life or your account online) they see you as this person who's very new, like your vibe is just so... one of a kind. There's no other like it, you get what I mean? People are drawn to you, to be honest. You might have a lot of admirers, secret or not.

This is another pile who also carries a mysterious aura around them. One of the reasons why some are quickly attracted to you is because they find this mystery you have very intriguing, and they want to find out more about you. But you still keep it cool, and in the end they just didn't learned a lot about you at all. They just can't decipher you.

Again, I'm just going to clarify that you really do have this comforting vibe as well. Probably because you're just so damn chill, people are relaxed too when they're with you. Your chill vibe is just so very contagious, fam. I'm not kidding—I'm getting it right now. Now I'm one of those people who loves your vibe 👁👄👁 Thanks for sharing your vibe with me <3

Also, are your aesthetics or choice of fashion dark? If so, despite that people don't find you intimidating at all with those colors HAHA. Some would sense that you're just a very chill and soft person hiding beneath that dark aesthetics 😌 OH. Also... DO YOU HAPPEN TO LISTEN TO HOZIER OR PUNK ROCK?

shufflemancy; songs that may match your vibes:

❁ Street Lightning by The Summer Set

❁ better with you by Virginia to Vegas

PS: I know you have a darn gorgeous smile, fam. Don't smile a lot if you don't want a lot of people being attracted to you—HAHAHHA. ANOTHER THING: I just saw 333. You may have been asking for a sign, that's yours. dangit i don't wanna leave this reading this energy is just so-

Stay safe and take care of yourself <3

- Ivy

PILE THREE

Judgement

Hey, fam! If you've chosen pile three, then read away! Okay, so let me get this thing out of my head first: people are intimidated by you. At first glance you carry this vibe that anyone would be dead if they mess with you, but really once people get to know who you truly are just a pure angel <3 But since we're talking about vibes that you're giving off and/or first impressions here, that's gonna be a story for another day.

So moving further into the reading, you may respond somewhat a little bit cold to others, or you may just be very blunt. It's like.. how do I say this, most of the time people would want to keep their guard up when they're with you because they are just very intimidated by your energy. It's like you have this presence of an authority. Also random message, but are you an enthusiast of anything Japanese or Korean (anime, kpop, etc)? People can see that, if you are.

Despite being intimidated by you and putting their guard up, people still want to approach you, but slowly and carefully. They wanna try and find out if you're willing to give them that chance. It's like taming a prickly kitty. OH, and also perhaps (now I'm sensing this only applies to your online persona) that you use very strong language frequently, and to some people, they get pretty intimidated because they thought you're angry all the time 😭😭 LMAO I'm sorry idk why I find this very funny- but I can somehow relate to this (in real life though.)

But others see you as a charming person too. Oh, and I'm getting this that you may be a flirter? LOL. Whether it's intentional or not, your words sometimes do come off like that and it gets some people flustered by it. So long story short? You give this vibe of a scary, hot and smexy, prickly person that's why people are intimidated by you. But deep inside you know that you are just an angel baby who craves cuddles and curling up in a ball 🤧

shufflemancy; songs that may match your vibes:

❁ I Love Us by The Regrettes

❁ i'll die anyway. by girl in red

PS: LET'S BE BESTIES. ILY.

Stay safe and take care of yourself <3

- Ivy

PILE FOUR

The Star

Hello, everyone! So this is your reading if you've chose the fourth pile. Omg, the time is 11:11 right now. With the Star as your card, there must be some big dream or wish that you're manifesting, and that's your big confirmation that DAMN, BABE, YOU'RE GONNA GET IT.

Okay, now for your vibes... you may give off the vibes of someone who's very cheerful and fun. You might also be popular or someone who gets popular very easily because you're just so charismatic and carefree, and that's the reason why you draw people in. Also, despite having those happy-go-lucky vibes, you have this pinch of savagery to it HAHAHA I love this pile already. And others love it too for sure. They like the vibes you give off so much that most people would want to be friends with you. They also sense that you're a very creative individual, you may do painting, writing, music, etc.

Damn let me just get this straight, I'm getting A WHOLE LOT of messages that says you're just a very beautiful person. Okay, so there's no doubt about it that a lot of people really love your vibes. To them, you're just a very beautiful person. People are easily attracted to you energetically. When it comes to your social circle, your friends are just so happy when they're in your company. They enjoy it very much because you subconsciously share this beauty of your energy with them. Your laughter, jokes, cheerfulness and all that? They are darn contagious. Now there's a specific message here. Please don't lose your inner child. That was very clear. You shouldn't be at rush, okay? Go with your own pace, because you're in the right place, at the right time. 11:11 made it clear from the start.

And last but not least, you definitely stand out from the rest. Other people would find you odd or weird, but you don't care. You're just happy to be you, (GO KING/QUEEN/MONARCH). Continue to embrace yourself. Because the right people will come or stay, and they're the ones who will truly love you. Be yourself!

shufflemancy; songs that may match your vibes:

❁ New Romantics by Taylor Swift

❁ Baby I'm Yours by Arctic Monkeys

PS: dayum I'm in luv with ur vibe, fam. Keep that up <333

Stay safe and take care of yourself <3

- Ivy

[dreamcatcherrs]

Hey! I just had a random idea I think would work good; a first date preference seems really cool :) (I hope you haven't done this already and I've just missed it) I love your writing <3

+ it seems very very cool indeed :)) hope you like it! <3

++ if you squint, a couple of nsfw references

first dates; mcyt x reader

dream:

restaurant

when it’s your first date, he won't go all out with a very fancy place

but generally likes spoiling you

a lot

but he’ll save that for later

as long as you feel comfortable, he’s happy

maybe you’d go to his place afterwards👀

to play video games of course🙄

he’s not shy at all on your frst date

and is pretty confident in himself that the date’s gonna go great

smooth pick-up lines

maybe a couple of touches here and there

compliments you the whole night

and really just wants a laugh with you

overall, he’s great at first dates

georgenotfound:

ice skating, his place

he likes for a first date to be pretty simple

just chilling

enjoying each other’s company like you usually would

but with some romantic undertones of course ;)

so going to an ice rink or hanging out at his place;

it would be perfect

I feel like george is definitely more nervous on a first date

just because the whole “first date” concept is very intimidating in his head

even though it isn't a lot different from when you hang out usually

… it’s just with a bit more feelings involved

he’d probably ask dream for advice before going on the date with you

he eases up once he gets comfortable with your presence

realising that it’s just you and he can always be comfortable with you :)

cute first date

sapnap:

concert

nick would definitely want to go to a concert with you

I’m sure anyone can vibe with his music taste

and even then, I don't think he cares which concert you go to

the experience is what matters to him

he’d slip in some pickup-lines every now and then

but his cheeks would be so red after every line he spoke

the whole night he just wants to kiss you

but resists, just because he is a little scared of rejection

puts his jacket around your shoulders when it gets colder

and maybe wraps an arm around your waist

as you just vibe to the songs

would kiss you when he walked you home if the date was good

and then text you the second he left

very nice first date

badboyhalo:

park

would bring rat along :D

you’d find a bench or similar to rest by after walking around for a while

and just sit there together

and eat some fresh foods you’d made before going there

and just chat for hours on end

playing around with rat every now and then

and also trying out the swing set nearby

where you’d push each other

you wouldn't have noticed how much time had passed before you both realised it was super dark

it’s a really comfortable and fun date

cause he’s just so easy to talk to

he’d definitely go for some hand-holding

and aim for a little peck on the cheek

technoblade:

escape room

this would literally be the perfect opportunity to get to know each other

and to see if you were worthy of the blood god

you’d help each other find the clues

he’d definitely tease you if he managed to find the key before you did

but then would gently pat your head

cause he couldn’t deny how cute you looked when you were all pouty

a great date

with lots and lots of fun

he’s very nervous to start off with

but manages to hide it behind his monotone voice

though he likes teasing you, he’s also very sweet

sometimes let’s you find the clues “first” even though he’d already spotted them

just to see the smile on your face

wilbur soot:

museum, café

of course wilbur would take you to one of these places

or even both

the museum first, then the café

why not get a learning experience out of the date?

and then get to know each other afterwards

on a more romantic level than usual

he would be really smooth with his movements

even if he was nervous

sneakily puts a hand on your waist

or goes to grab your hand

with no hesitation or shakiness

he’d sooo be the type to say “you’ve got something right here” pointing to your lip

and when you’d searched for the whipped cream on your lip to no avail, he’d lean over and wipe the non-existing cream away

very slowly

and then have a smirk on his face when he pulled away again

honestly, a big tease even for a first date

corpse husband:

dinner and movie

pretty classy, but very nice

he’d want a first date to not be too much

but still be enough to impress

he’d be pretty anxious of what you thought of him tbh

but those were mostly just the nerves talking

would spend a long time putting effort into making the dinner

after asking you what your favourite dish was

you’d eat it together, a candle lit in the middle of the table with some wine (all on my white tee)

and you’d just start up a conversation very naturally

getting to know each other on another level

and when you’d get to watching the movie, he’d definitely attempt to get closer to you

like by throwing an arm around your shoulders

pulling you closer to him

maybe a hand on your thigh

and a small make-out session

a very successful date to say the least

skeppy:

theme park

would want to do something really fun for a first date

so I feel like a theme park would be perfect for that

like, you’d just spend the whole say together

having the time of your life in the craziest rides

or the more chill ones

whatever you like

and in between you’d just take a break

and buy some waffles or churros to eat together

zak is veeery talkative

like, there would not be any worry about awkward silences

cause he would always have something to talk about with you

as for affection

he would probably go for holding your hand

and that’s probably his farthest goal for the day

he likes taking things slow

and just having a fun time with you

karl jacobs:

arcade

like skeppy, he would also wanna go someplace fun

yet not as crazy you know?

like, just hanging out and playing a range of different games with you

you bet he’d just be like “oh, I just wanna get this one prize.”

and when he finally won it, he’d hand it over to you

because he’d planned to give it to you from the start :]

he’s mostly just himself on your first date

giggly, cute, funny

he’s a little more nervous around you than ususal

but that's only natural

would leave a lot of affection on you

like, a supporting hand on your back when you're trying to win at a game

or hugging you tightly whenever either of you won

really just finds any excuse to give you affection

maybe you’ll end off the day with a little smooch😙

or spending the rest of the night playing video games at his or your place

fundy:

sight-seeing

he’d take you to so many buildings, statues, viewpoints etc.

he wants to explore the city with you

even if you both know it very well already

he’d want the memories of the sights to be with you

you’d take cute pre-couple photos by the sights

and grab some delicious lunch while sat right by one of the nicest sights

he’d be subtle with showing affection

like grabbing your hand when you’re about to go the wrong way

and then not let go of it for a while

or he’d let you borrow his sunglasses

to block out the sun in your face

he wouldn't lay heavy on showing affection on the first date

he’ll leave that for the second one ;)

quackity:

cooking together

chaotic but cute combo

I feel like he would really want to impress you

yet still be able to make you laugh

and this is just the perfect way to do just that

he’s surprisingly good at cooking when he tries

and remains his usual quackity alex funny self

he’d show you how to do different stuff

especially if you didn't know how to already

and would overall be very playful with you

throwing flour at you, splashing with water etc.

and then afterwards you would just chill on the couch and eat the dinner you’d just made

talking about the most random shit

and without realising it, the two of you would be cuddling

and you’d wake up in the morning to find you’d fallen asleep on each other🥺

punz:

laser tag

mans loves competition

and would definitely want to be a show-off to you

you'd have an room just for yourself

hiding behind walls and obstacles until you stumbled into each other

and he wouldn't hesitate to raise his laser gun at you

and shoot you right in the chest with a menacing laugh

after a while it’d just be a battle between two

tackling each other all the time

and at some point he’d have you up against the wall

and as you were about to kiss

you’d lift you gun at him and shoot him right in the chest

which won you the game

afterwards, he’d follow you home

and maybe give you that kiss he tried to give you before

he’d be very down to stay with you for the night if you wanted him to

awesamdude:

the beach

you’d bring a bunch of fun activities with you

like card games, a beach volley game, etc.

and maybe even join in on a game of mini golf near you

you could also just be chilling on your towels

under the sun or under the shade

whatever your preference is

and then go into the water eventually

playing around together and just having fun

splashing water at each other

he’d sneak his way over to you

and just lift you up from under the water and onto his shoudlers

just laughing at the way you were screaming for him to let you down

when you got on the shore again, it felt easier to be affectionate with each other

you’d definitely go for ice cream on the way home

holding hands👉👈

eret:

karaoke bar

it would literally be the funniest time with him

you’d gotten one of those private rooms

so it would just be the two of you in the room

and you’d have so much fun choosing your favourite songs

and sometimes you'd just sit there and chat

while karaoke music played in the background with none of you singing

he’d want to duet with you at some point

bringing you close to him just to see you get all flustered

I could definitely imagine a first kiss right then

if it had all gone right throughout the night

when you were on your way back home

he’d lend you his jacket

and just tell you to keep it

“I’ll just pick it up tomorrow.”

tommy:

the zoo

tommy would be walking around commenting on literally every animal

“y/n look. hey, y/n. look at this ones’ face.”

takes a lot of pictures of the animals

and of you with the animals

and when you suspiciously asked if he was taking pictures of you after you’d spotted him

he’d just brush it off, immediately hiding his phone away

“of you? obviously, it was of the giraffe behind you.”

“tommy, there is no giraffe behind me.”

doesn't show any affection

he’s super nervous about the whole “touch” thing

so he just stays away from it

but if you were to grab his hand

he wouldn't pull away

he’d just stand there with red ass fucking cheeks

and would be praying for the animals to save him from any awkward situations

tubbo:

picnic

you’d be picking flowers together

flowers for the flower boy :)

and even make flower crowns if you felt really creative

enjoying the delicious foods you'd brought with you

he’d also be quite intimidated by affection, like tommy

but would very very subtly show it

only a little bit though

like, it would be pretty obvious whenever he got caught up staring at you

just looking at you as you picked at the grass outside of the blanket you were sat on

and sometimes he’d place a hand on you without really realising that that was something more unusual than you were used to

you’d bring a bracelet kit

and make cute little matching bracelets for each other

a really enjoyable date overall

with lots of laughter and chatter

ranboo:

an aquarium

even though c!ranboo is clearly not the biggest fan of water

this ranboo finds it quite fascinating

a pretty chill and easy-going first date

exactly what he wants

you’d walk around the whole aquarium

and make fun of the fishes with funny-looking faces

and then proceed to take pictures of each other by the fishes with the funny-looking faces

he would find it so adorable whenever you would point at one of the sea-creatures

and just look so amazed by it

he would literally almost melt right beside you

the closest thing to affection he would do, is putting a hand on your waist

it doesn't really progress further than that unless you initiate it

a proud moment of his was when he almost fell into the penguin inclosure

and you couldn’t stop laughing at it

a successful date to his eyes

___________________________________

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