#and it’s not like I was ever any good at guitar or even reliable at practicing

[ego-sum-arbor]

I’m actually so mad that accidentally knocking a packing tape dispenser against my knuckle gave me chronic joint pain triggered by repeated or intensive bending of the joint. It’s just very annoying to have permanent joint damage from an incredibly minor injury that just happened to be in the wrong place

[eggyrocks]

do you have ANY more thoughts abt nishinoya and/or hinata? i love the way u write them so much 🔥🔥‼‼

good luck w the last bits of calloused hands!!!! you can do this im praying 4u

do i have any more thoughts on nishinoya and hinata??? are there stars in the sky. does the sun rise and set each day. sorry for being dramatic but no i’m not

answering this in the context of calloused hands and not like general headcannons bc unfortunately for you guys i am obsessed with my own content

nishinoya wants to be a menace so bad

like this is the type of man to join random groups on facebook with filled with lead poisoned boomers just to troll and piss them off

he loves to cause problems on purpose

but despite his best efforts he’s actually the most dependable and reliable person in his friend group

he literally does not even realize he’s doing it but whenever his friends need something he’s literally there

like when everyone was moving into their apartments he was there, lifting as many boxes as he could (and also not being able to see past them)

yachi can’t open a jar? he’s got it no worries. tanaka got lost? he’s on the phone guiding him. yn needs to get home? he’ll walk her

like he’ll make fun of them the whole time

but he’s still there for them like 10000% of the time

hes also loud and honest so he always says whatever it is he’s thinking

even if it’s NOT what they wanna hear (ch 19 of calloused hands)

but it always comes from a place of love and care

he just has a big mouth and when his friends are being stupid it’s not like he’s gonna stop having a big mouth

the type to say what everyone else is thinking and not even sugar coat it even a little

but also nishinoya’s the most loyal person to ever exist ever

try saying something bad about one of his friends and live to see the next day

challenge level: impossible

he & yn have the most extreme sibling dynamic for non siblings to have

they bicker constantly and then switch to hanging out like normal to wrestling to just chilling

like they’re so brother and sister

arguably the closest in the band

they make fun of each other all the time but if anyone else tries to join in it’s over immediately

like noya will be like “yn you’re so annoying i hope you get shot” but when anyone else tries to join in and agree with him he’ll be like “???? what the fuck are you talking about why would you talk about my best friend like that”

during their shows they’re definitely doing the most crowd work between songs and their just heckling their audience and also each other

“sorry our guitar player sucks and also is dressed like a fucking nerd”

“noya can you reach the microphone okay or do you need me to adjust the mic stand for you”

they’ll go back and forth like that for a little bit until eventually tanaka will just start counting them into a song and they rush to start playing

they’re so close that it’s honestly kind of intimidating to outsiders

it’s not that their other friends are left out or anything they’re just not on that same vibe

they’re like that one gif of the two girls whispering and giggling to each other u know the one i’m talking about

and HINATA!!!!!

love that guy

after kuroo and yn start dating and each of their friend groups start spending more and more time together, yn and noya eventually adopt hinata into their duo and make it a trio

and everyone’s like ??? how did he do that

but hinata just exists on the same vibe as them

also hinata’s the only person noya and yn don’t make fun of or tease at all (including each other)

they kinda like take hinata under their wing like that’s their dude!!! their friend !!!!

like if noya and yn have a sibling dynamic, it’s like they’re twins and hinata’s their little brother

hinata shows the most interest in learning more about punk subculture and yn and noya are more than excited to show him

take him to see other bands play and introduce him to zines and tell him abt punk history

and he’s stoked to learn more and more about it

hinata’s always trying to be supportive and encouraging of them and their band

but sometimes it backfires

“i’m sure everyone will love your new album don’t even worry! and even if it’s bad it’s not like you had a ton of fans to listen to it in the first place so not a lot of people will hear it!”

“oh….great…thanks hinata”

he’s also literally doing something 24/7

and he never wants to do it alone

so everyone always has texts from him like “hey do you wanna practice with me” “hey do you wanna get dinner””hey do you wanna take this cooking class with me” “do you want to do pottery with me”

everyone is always perplexed as to when he sleeps

also he has like a ton of friends that his other friends don’t know

it seems like every other business day he’s posting a new selfie on insta with a friend they’ve never heard of

and everyone’s always like “hinata who the hell is this?“

“oh thats my friend sakusa we hang out all the time”

“???? when”

everyone that mets him loves him he has no opps

also he’s the best gift giver

he always knows what to give everyone for every occasion so every single time someone is stuck getting a gift they ask him for advice

problem is he can’t keep a secret

when yn asked him what to get kuroo from his birthday and hinata responded with the perfect gift, he didn’t even think about it when he took a screenshot of their convo and sent it to kuroo

he was just excited he didnt mean to spoil the surprise

he’s just a lil dumb sometimes

but that’s okay so are all his other friends <33333

[struwberrii]

hi!! could i please request a haikyuu match-up? :)

1. i'd like a romantic match-up

2. she/her + i'd like to be paired up with a guy

3. i'm fine with everyone aside from terushima and maybe hoshiumi

4. when it comes to my partners i definitely value loyalty, attentiveness and reliability the most. i also like intelligence, someone i can learn new things with. and i think i'd prefer my partner to be introverted or ambiverted since i'm not super outgoing and loud myself :)

5. as i mentioned i'm rather introverted, i'm usually pretty calm and even though i'm not afraid to speak my mind when i feel the need to i'm still somewhat scared of confrontation so it'd be nice if my partner wasn't afraid to stand up for me. i always try my best to be kind and polite. i focus a lot on academics but i also love being creative!!

6. as for my hobbies i love learning languages, travelling, going on walks, listening to music, i also play guitar a little myself. other than that i really like baking and i can play volleyball quite well :) i also collect legos!!

7. my main love languages when it comes to giving are physical touch and quality time and as for receiving probably acts of service and physical touch, i love when my partners show their care through little gestures

8. i have two dream dates, one of them would be going to some sort of art exhibition/aquarium/museum, just something to combine learning new things and having fun with my partner, and the other is something cozy and private like building legos or cooking together

9. i don't have one single fashion style, but i usually dress very feminine and girly, sometimes a little vintage or whimsigoth. i'm 5'8 and i have long hair!!

10. my mbti is infj

thank you in advance and have a great day!!

match up: kita shinsuke ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅

hope u like the matchup anon!! ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ

kita is very assertive and straight forward. he does what he needs to do and nothing more. he also seems a lot more introverted but i don’t see him having any problems speaking up for you or himself at all. he’s also DEFINITELY loyal, like no way would this man ever even THINK about speaking to another girl with you in his life. he’s also very observant and caring so you’d never have to worry about feeling unloved or insecure

in the show his teammates said they viewed him as an emotionless robot or something but i feel like he’d def be a lover boy for you. i can see his giving love language being acts of service 100% like this man would be doing the dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning the house and working all at the same time just so you can do whatever you want with your free time

also a cooking/lego date with kita would be so cute, like i know he would be such a good cook and teach you so many little cooking tricks

he would leave little notes for you when he leaves and sometimes leave flowers in bed next to you when he has to go work and youd wake up to breakfast on the counter for you

i feel like he’d just make you feel so comfortable around him and help you out of your shell, he just gives me this weird comforting vibe ykwim

like i feel like he’d know the exact words to make you feel better after a breakdown and he’d know exactly what to say when you’re venting

[stawpny]

GUYS I AM BEGGING YOU

SOMEONE DRAW NEW YORK IN THE 1989 ERAS TOUR OUTFIT OR THE REPUTATION ONE

PLEASE I WOULD LITERALLY COMBUST AT THE SEAMS

AUGHHH

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

-

anyways, ik a lot of ppl go on here and see when I post, hoping it’s headcannons and I just disappoint them

so here’s some hc’s for u children

ny and the south edition! (pls I don’t know much about the south so don’t kill me 😭 I’m a new yorker)

(the quotes with names on it are southerners communicating with NY or whoever else u want, but more specifically NY)

-

- NC and SC always force NY or any other state who would hate it to sing and/or play the banjo when singing a song at a campfire. Even if they suck at singing or playing the banjo!!!

-speaking of campfires, I believe that the states usually have fires every Summer and Autumn. most get together and sing songs and stuff (u can use this idea if u want)

-New York was forced by Gov to make sure a southern party didn’t go terribly. He stood by the door while Texas wouldn’t leave him alone. He stole Texas’ hat when they all passed out, drunk and still has it to date.

-as (maybe) stated before, York plays a lot of instruments, and sometimes they force him to play the acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo, electric guitar, etc. The NE makes fun of him for it.

-acts gay especially in front of the south just to make them pissed. he’ll flirt with them and make them uncomfortable with the high amount of gay in the room with them. Florida just goes along with it, laughing and pointing at all the southerners that turn away out of embarrassment.

-made fun of Texas and California when they were outlaws and they just joined the union. “I’m tha toughest cowboy ya will ever meet!” “Mhm.” “DONT JUS’ HUM AT ME!!” >:( -Texas

-They know better than to mess with a northerner. Texas doesn’t though, he’s just stupid. York punched him once and he swore he saw him crying to Virginia after.

-has bit many southerners, does not regret it

-

-“Gimme yer best ‘yeehaw’” “yeehaw..” “Ya can do better than that! I’ve heard ya yell at Jersey.” “yeehaw.” “York, I swear-“ “YEE- FUCKIN’ HAW!”-Texas

-“just add some ol’ bay, it’ll make it taste better.” “No it fuckin’ won’t. Keep that shit away from my brownies.”- Maryland

-played poker against Texas, won and almost got shot by him. (Sore loser)

-“what are yous gonna start growlin’?” “GRRRRR-” -Kentucky

-“nah yer good ‘ere.” “Yous are ontop of me. I dunno if I should feel turned on or uncomfortable..” -Georgia

-“off-brand me.” “southerner you, which makes better.” -also Georgia (Empire State and Empire State of the south)

- “who made you this way..?” “The man yer datin’, Y’know, Mass’.” “He would never-“ “Gin, yous even know the answer to this question, it’s an obvious yes.” -Virginia

-“get rid’a the car at this point.” “Hey! I spent my life savin’s on ol’ reliable ‘ere! I ain’t gettin’ rid o’ her if she jus’ has a leak!” “Life savin’s? Jesus, what’s wrong wit’ yous?” - Tennessee

-“ that’s ‘cause Sippi’ wants a sip of that dick.” “WHAT. I ain’t gay!” *crickets* “GUYS PLEASE-“ -Mississippi

-“are yous happy to live in this shithole?” “Hey! I work hard to make this house a home!” “Work harder next time. This looks like if a hillbilly came in ‘ere trashed the place. Y’know, that makes sense knowin’ that yous idiots live ‘ere.” *walks away* “HEY! YOU TAKE THAT BACK!” -Alabama

- “I HATE YOU!” “NUH UH! I HATE YOU MORE!” “‘nuh uh’ really proves yer point, north.” -NC & SC

- “Mais sha, ya really know how shade the south, huh?” “I’ve had enough of all of yous and I’ve seen ya at yer highest and lowest, so I know what will make yous cry later.” “Uh huh, do me then.” “Nah. Don’ get me wrong, yer barely tolerable, but ya don’ get one.” - Louisiana

(loui was upset later bc he didn’t get one 😭)

-“I swear, ya say anythin’ about me bein’ in ‘misery’ then I’m gonna-“ “Nah, I don’ care ‘bout that. What I do care about is why you like mules better than horses. Isn’t that like the whole southerner thing? Horses and idiots with hats?” -Missouri

-“are yous even apart of the south, or are you like the West Virginia of Kansas?” “JESUS IS GONNA NEED TO BLESS YER ASS SOON, WHAT THE HELL DID YA JUS’ SAY TO ME?!” “I’m Jewish.” -Arkansas

-“yer mid-atlantic, but I understand why ya don’ go to family dinnahs wit’ the Northeast. If I had an excuse, I would use it too.” “You guys are scary up there, I’m shocked you still go to those things. In the ‘contract’ they said they were optional.” “FUCKIN’ OPTIONAL?!” -Delaware

-“I will eat your face.” “Uh huh.” “PAY ATTENTION TO ME OR IM GOING TO DO SOMETHING DRASTIC!” “Uh huh.” “AAAAAAAAA-“- Florida

—

could u tell I got lazy at the end?

anyway, I hope you liked

I spent so long on the quotes, trying to come up with a good one was the hardest part.

and I know half of them are reaaally bad 😭

augh

I have no clue what to do for the next chapter of a fic

but anyways, ily guys

<3

[mrnicekisser]

[Street Gacha] Chapter 6

Written by 木野誠太郎

Ruka: U-uh... Erm... Thats impossible...

Suzu-senpai knows that I'm too nervous to sing in front of people, right?

So even if it doesn't match the image of "Fallen Angel," I think it would be better if Suzu-senpai sang it.

Suzu: Yeah, everyone knows that Ruka is anxious.

But, Ruka, this isn't just a matter of my emotional state.

However, you have a beautiful singing voice. It is perfect for ballads. My husky voice would spoil the image of the song.

That's why I can't sing the ballad you wrote. It matches your style, not mine.

Please sing. I want to hear your voice echo through the streets.

Ruka: B-but...

A~h... Alright...

Well, that's fine. It would be much quicker if we called out to the owner ourselves. If the song isn't sung, it won't reach the owner.

I was also disappoited at Kuromori-senpai. I thought she was a pretty charismatic, since she's called a "Fallen Angel," but she can't even motivate all her juniors.

Suzu: ...

Runa: That's sweet. Too sweet. In our company, we would make our juniors do it even if they said they didn't want to. Even if you have to be hated, your role as a senior is to provide proper guidance.

Suzu: We're different. The light music club, unlike the lacrosse club, is a special place for those who have become separated from the group.

If my heart becomes demonic as well, then those girls will no longer be able to belong anywhere.

Runa: That's what makes it "sweet". They pamper the members who can't perform on stage because of their light-stimulating condition,

That special place of yours... If the light music club disbands without ever having any activities, will you take responsibility for it? That's what I'm asking.

Suzu: That's true. But there are circumstances where that's not always the case. The kids on the lacrosse team are strong. They've been brought up to be strong. Honestly, I respect them.

But that approach doesn't suit the light music club. Forcing tests or rushing for answers won't produce good results.

No matter how much I am criticized for being unfit to be a club leader, I intend to watch over my team members and wait for them to make their own decision.

Ruka: S-Suzu-senpai...

I'll sing.

I hate seing someone insulting Suzu-senpai, but more than anything, I'm starting to hate myself for trying to run away from her, even though she has such high expectations of me.

I'll do my best, so I'd be happy if Suzu-senpai would support me...

Suzu: Yes. Ruka, my precious junior. I have no intention of making you sing alone and exposing you. I'm prepared to take all the dirt. Let me support you with all my might.

Ruka: Ah. ♪ It's reassuring...

Okay then. I need to work hard…!

I'll make you regret being so harsh on Suzu-senpai, lacrosse club member!

Runa: That's the spirit, little one named Ruka. It's time to show us yourself, girlie!

Ruka: Huh?! Um, why are you suddenly rooting for me?! Just a moment ago you were fighting against us!

Hayate: Ahaha. I was totally taken in by Hiiragi's provocation. ♪ Isn't she really good at making people do work?

Ruka: Uh, provocation..?

Mizuki: Yes. I think Hiiragi was motivated well because she doesn't want to get her hands dirty. ♪

When it came to abandoned cats, I was also almost forced to buy powdered milk.

Wait! Now that I think about it, I feel like all the trouble was forced on me because of the abandoned cat!

Runa: Hyahya, ♪ I think Futaba-senpai's memory is wrong~

Mizuki: Hmm. I'll curse you!

Runa: I don't believe in curses, so please feel free to do so~ ♪

Ruka: (I see. I had the wrong idea. But they are good people at heart, if they take care of a stray cat. They deliberately provoked me to take a step forward.)

(Although it's scary to be on stage alone, I have reliable seniors around me.)

(I was scared wanted to run away before, but now, I feel like I can sing in a relaxed manner. I think it's all thanks to my seniors and the kittens... ♪)

(Yes. Before i'll pick up guitar, I'll try singing a little.)

~ ♪ ~ ♪

(Hehe, i feel so happy... ♪)

[mephinomaly]

[TL] PYSCHOBREAK/Chapter 11

[ This post uses Ois~su ♪ ]

Rei: ~...♪

Adonis: Oh, where did you get that guitar from Sakuma-senpai?

Rei: From Bouzu’s temple. I remembered I left a coupla instruments at his place so went to go get ‘em.

Koga: What are you two, a couple that just broke up?

Rei: That’s what it feels like. Even if we come together ‘n try to get on, I don’t think we’ll be able t’return to how we were before.

Even if he wants to, it’s not gonna happen.

That’s why I feel like meetin’ new people ♪

♪～♪～♪

Adonis: Wow…What a good song. Though the melody is rather intense, I feel weirdly better listening to it.

Amazing, Oogami, and you composed it yourself?

Koga: Oh, uh, yeah… But it only sounds good ‘cos of the person playin’ it… Since it’s Sakuma-senpai, he makes it sound like the best song ever.

Rei: Oooo you’re makin’ me shyyy. Oh to be young and naive~. Wish I could feel like that again~

I wished for that and now Wan-chan has named us UNDEAD.

Like Adonis-kun did, he somehow noticed I was depressed, even though I didn’t… I hope I can be revived.

This music might make me cry… I hope this revives my tired, withered heart.

I’ve been cravin' something this whole time.

And now I feel weirdly content.

This is what I wanted most, more than being showered in millions of compliments.

These are someone’s genuine thoughts.

♪～♪～♪

Kaoru: Hey~, you guys look cheery, hm~?

Rei: Yo, Hakaze-kun. Fashionably late, yeah?

Was worried you weren’t gonna show.

Kaoru: Hey, well, I’m here now… I requested that you guys exterminate the “vampires” so it’s my duty to supervise you all so you don’t slack off.

But I never thought I’d be joining a weird group like this.

Rei: You’re a Yumenosaki idol in the making aren’t you? We need your talent

Kaoru: Don’t expect too much from me, ‘kay? I’m pretty well known for skipping school.

But I’ll help out this time. I need to protect my job, so I’ve gotta work a little harder. It’s so bothersome I could die though~♪

So that’s why I made some promotional flyers for tomorrow’s showdown.

It won’t be hard to hand them out for Mr Worldwide Sakuma-san, so you guys make sure you pull your weight too, ‘kay?

I prepared a fancy stage for you guys. Well, I say it was me, but all the nearby shops who also were troubled by the “vampires” were helping me out too.

I was going to make some special uniforms for you too, but I don’t know you guys’ measurements, and I don’t think I would have had enough time to sew them anyway.

Rei: Don’t worry ‘bout it.

Our opponents won’t have made any special preparations, so I think it’s fine to wear our school uniforms rather than dress up all crazy like.

It’s fairer if we’re on a similar playing field.

Koga: Hm… So you wasn’t late ‘cos you didn’t wanna come, you was late ‘cos you were makin’ preparations?

Guess I was wrong about you, Hakaze…senpai. You get the job done eventually.

Kaoru: Yup! I’m a reliable guy, really really ♪

Koga: Yeah. You seem useless on the surface but you’re actually pretty hardworkin’.

Adonis: Umu. He is very helpful, since he completed the tasks we had not got around to yet.

Kaoru: But I don’t feel like enough has been done, if I’m honest. I’ve fixed up the stage, but isn’t there more we could be doing?

The “vampire” showdown is tomorrow, right? Yet we're going on stage without having rehearsed?

Rei: That’s why we’re here so we can practise. Our unit’s only just been formed, and we’ve barely met each other.

Adonis: It’s more of a reorganisation of members rather than meeting for the first time.

Rei: Ahaha. Adonis-kun, who is the most unfamiliar with Japanese, is the most particular about what words he uses.

Adonis: Words are important.

Rei: Yuup. In this country, there’s the belief that reality is affected by the spoken word. My good friend that passed away a bit ago said that—

Koga: Hasumi-senpai said that, and he’s not dead…

Even though it was his decision t’work behind the scenes, he worked harder than us. And we didn’t even ask him to but he convinced his parents ‘n shit to let us use this place t’practise.

Kaoru: He didn’t need to though. We could have practised at the livehouse.

Rei: Ah well. The weather’s nice ‘n isn’t singin’ in the sun super relaxin'?

Since we’re fightin’ vampires, we’ve gotta get familiar with their weakness so we can use it to our advantage.

♪～♪～♪

Kaoru: Is, is this really okay~? You’re talking about this like we’re in a business meeting, but is it guaranteed that we’ll be able to get rid of those guys?

Rei: Hey, even I can’t predict the future.

But I do think I’m goin’ a little crazy. Feels like someone’s inside me, going “indeed, you’re quite right” in an old man's voice.

Kaoru: Someone inside you? What? Are you drunk?

Adonis: I asked him that earlier.

Rei: I’m 100% sober. We couldn’t defeat the delinquents if I was pissed, and that’s also illegal, so.

Without stooping to their level, we will become the sun and burn the corruption that has infested the earth.

Trust me. I’m feelin’ weirdly good, so I’ll be tryin’ my hardest tomorrow.

Can’t promise after that, but I promise tomorrow.

♪～♪～♪

[ ☆ ]

Chapter 10

Chapter 12

[thesinglesjukebox]

MELANIE MARTINEZ - "EVIL"

We just couldn't help ourselves: Amnesty 2k23 is continuing for a few extra days before wrapping up for good. First, Micha asks us to revisit an artist we last covered eight years ago...

[3.75]

Ian Mathers: Whenever we cover someone on the Jukebox I'm not already familiar with, I wind up looking up what I can about the artist/album/song, just for my own edification. In this case, between having a Wikipedia page with a "Sexual assault allegation" subheading, the language I saw her fans using to defend her/defuse said allegations on reddit, and reading the lyrics to "Evil" afterwards... well, I got the ick. (For the record: the genders and identities of the relevant people do not exacerbate or mitigate any of the accusations for me, and even if I grant for the sake of argument the most steel-manned version of Martinez's defenses, even if her accuser was every bad thing claimed here or else, that still does not eliminate the ick or make me like the song.) And seeing as how I am not a court of law and I can neither punish Martinez in any way nor do I have any desire to do so, having the ick does not need to meet any further burden of proof for me to say I don't particularly want to hear this one again. [4]

Nortey Dowuona: Maybe you shouldn't make a song about how someone is calling you evil when you abuse your friend's love and trust and can only say they didn't tell you that is what you did. That IS evil. [0]

Taylor Alatorre: Thank you, Melanie Martinez, for deciding to stop making kindercore concept albums with song titles like "Sippy Cup" and "Lunchbox Friends," so I can listen to your stuff without feeling like I'd be aiming a flamethrower at my eternal soul. "Evil" is still rooted in the rococo fantasy impulses that have animated Martinez's career -- there's a stock sound effect of an egg being cracked -- but it puts them to more workmanlike ends, crafting a realistically spiteful break-up narrative that's upsetting within the song's moral universe but not viscerally so in ours. That straight-outta-Guyville guitar chug, steady and reliable as ever, helps ground the spritely vocal theatrics in something tangible, and the decision to let the chorus marinate for a few extra bars was a bold yet correct one. I'm probably grading on a curve due to low expectations, and judging from the Alex Garland-meets-Tim Burton aesthetics, I assume the rest of the album is nothing like this. But still: "tears of oxalate"? That's one of the most genuinely grunge-sounding lyrics this side of No Code. [8]

Michael Hong: She snarls and fills the whole thing with cool details (the sound of an egg cracking when she sings, "wanna see the yolk"). Neat moves until the muffled framing lifts, the realization that she's not the victim of this story, but the girl who once wrote a diss track against someone who leveled accusations of sexual abuse against her. [0]

Frank Kogan: Interesting vocal, halfway between cute and smoky. [4]

Alfred Soto: The professionalism of its structure -- the hooks go boom-boom -- doesn't endear to me this honing of angst and decent rhymes. [4]

Tara Hillegeist: This wouldn't have been out of place on Everything Is Embarrassing, which does about track for where Martinez's general inspirations draw from, compared to her contemporaries; she's still about two decades out of date, only now she's grown out of her kinderwhore-but-make-it-more-coquette era and settling herself solidly in A&Rechtshai'd also-ran wonderland. To be clear -- there's nothing that is unappealing about that steady grunge-fuzzed bass lick keeping the song grinding along beneath its childish piano twinkling and vocals that sound like they were sung into enough sheets of gauze to cover Martinez' signature squeaky pitch, with more sheets layered on the squeakier her voice threatens to get. And the lyrics are some of the strongest I've seen from her yet; certainly, her target demo could do worse for a self-liberation anthem than a singalong that proves this catchy and caustic beneath the sandpaper faux-distress sonically draped over every word -- better this than, say, "Alice Practice", almost certainly, yes? But I still feel like something's missing, here, and I wonder what it says about myself and Martinez alike that the best way I can think to articulate that lack is, indeed, to ask all over again, if wincing for different reasons this time than the last: what if she just -- acted her age, for once? [5]

Will Adams: Because I refuse to stop melting my brain on Twitter, I log on daily and am continuously confronted with the fact that Melanie Martinez has many, many fans. Specifically, Stan Twitter, who regularly include her in prompt tweets like "WHICH POP GIRL IS TAKING IT IN 2023" or "YOU HAVE $15. WHAT ARE YOU BUYING" alongside everyone from Lana and Taylor to Charli and Carly. Having only ever heard approximately 1.5 songs of hers, my reaction is always, "is she really that special?" Listening to "Evil," I hear the appeal: "Kill Bill" cuteness over scuzzy indie pop. I still don't hear the special. [3]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: An innovative, path-breaking exercise at the intersection of Yeule and Disney Channel Original Movie Soundtracks. [5]

Katherine St Asaph: This is such a crowded genre, there's no reason to listen to songs this plodding by people this shitty. [1]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: The plinking piano doesn't set itself up against the rest of the instrumentation to provide the necessary contrast: her knowing devilishness just comes off poorly rehearsed. The schoolyard chant of a chorus doesn't help. [4]

Micha Cavaseno: Me, the late Prodigy, and Melanie Martinez all have at one point hailed from the greater Hempstead/Queens area and similarly have a miserable personality. Now, while I am not shooting up Demerol in order to function, nor have I had any issues with sexual assault allegations (P and M, respectively, for those who don't know), I too suffer from a sort of paranoia and gothic mistrust around the world around me; gothic in the general instability and unreliable nature... and y'know, overbearing maudlin evil spooky shit. Which is why I have always had time for how "cringe" Martinez's music has read for people with her kinderwhore one-trick pony provocations. I don't mind the Hot Topic narcissism and edgelord tendencies because at the end of the day, it's a reminder of how easy it is to believe in truth as victimhood. "See the horns on my head they're from goddesses; On God." is easily my favorite non-rap lyric this year to overanalyze because it's a perfect synthesis of New York ethnic AAVE blended in with faux-feminist self-appointed martyrdom in an alt-rock style. The witches you could not burn wearing fishnets and Timbs, but without any of the seams from such a wave of clichés showing. But whereas Prodigy's foes were the great peril of fake MCs and/or fake thugs, Martinez's foe are her own fans. She already demonstrated her obsession with this on the APPALLINGLY BAD K-12 record, one of the worst artistic expressions about "cancel culture" you could ever ask for and a distasteful response to accountability. "Evil" (and most of Portals) is better for avoiding jeering in favor of defiance, yet it still makes me incredibly sad that all Martinez wants to do (like so many people in the world) is see snakes and betrayal, and those who would tear her down and live life in hopeless nihilistic rebellion in any direction. I remember craving that sense of power to mask for my own senses of guilt and cowardice, and how worthless that feels after you've had to live on it for so long that it's all that defines you. Maybe there isn't a world without armor and thorns, but I wish to God I knew people dreamed about it anymore. It made being unable to believe feel less painful. [7]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox ]

[harveyonmain]

Rules: Share 10 facts about yourself and tag 10 other blogs! I want to get to know my mutuals, and the people I follow a little bit :) The facts can be about anything! i was tagged by @ros-sauce

tell ya what i haven’t been tagged in anything since i was like 13 yrs old on deviantart so i’m not gonna tag anyone else but i’ll share some fun facts

1. i am engaged!! to my two lovely partners @poindexter-pines and @gayhillzone and irl i never shut up ab them

2. i was a dancer (of a sort) growing up and primarily i did tap

3. somehow i have a big adult job; i’m a case manager in a domestic violence shelter and it’s difficult but incredibly fulfilling

4. when i graduated college i was the first from my university to graduate with a degree in women, gender and sexuality studies

5. my dad is a street photographer pretty well known for his work where i’m from

6. as my senior capstone project in college i completed a study about the benefits of social support (irl and online) for trans young adults and someday WHEN i get my PhD i hope to expand that research. maybe people can use it as impetus to start up more nonprofits focused on serving trans youth. maybe i’ll found a nonprofit, idk. im really passionate about research by the way. my other major in college was psychology. i’m actually thinking about going back to school in the future to get a degree in nonprofit studies

7. many moons ago i got my black belt in taekwondo; i became disabled a few years ago so my ability to do any martial arts these days is limited but i can still throw a really good punch

8. i have a cat and his name is oscar and he is the orangest boy you ever did see

9. my favorite genre of video game is rhythm games - i was introduced by guitar hero back when i was 6-7 or so. these days my two favorites are project DIVA and project sekai :-) re: project sekai i can reliably clear anything up to lvl 29 and w project DIVA i can reliably clear anything up to lvl 9.5/10 (10s still kick my ass)

10. i just think that i’m a very gentle soul and i love making new friends even though i’m really shy so mutuals feel free to ask for my discord :’)

[crazy-dog-lady-81]

Unconventional Conventions

Chapter 16

Kai liked children and, as it happened, children liked them back. This was a fact that served them well on Sunday morning. With Meredith having to go into work to deal with some administrative issues and Amelia feeling a little under the weather, they had been glad to oblige by taking on babysitting duties.

It was actually familiar territory for them. Their brother Luke and their sister Jennifer both had kids. Kai had always been a reliable and able aunt. They were quite adept at entertaining and protecting them. However, they also always liked handing them back to their parents at the end of the day.

Taking care of Scout and Meredith’s kids wasn’t any big problem for Kai. They were currently entertaining the youngsters with silly songs and jokes while making them waffles for breakfast. The house was filled with the sounds of laughter and the atmosphere within it was light and calm. The kids sat at the dining table to eat. Scout was in his high chair, tucked beside the table with his cousins. He laughed along with them, despite not being old enough to understand what he was laughing about.

Sipping a coffee, Kai was more than happy to spend the morning goofing out with the kids. They hoped that Meredith would be home by noon so that they could spend the rest of their final day off with their lovely fiancé and son. Their face broke into a bright smile as these thoughts washed over them. They, Kai Bartley, had a fiancé and a child. It was still a little unreal.

They had been genuinely amazed by the sheer volume of good will, support and love that they had received from the hospital community as news of their engagement had filtered through it. They had never felt so accepted before. Of course, most of the well wishers knew Amelia rather than them, but that didn’t change anything. When people had congratulated Amelia, wishing her a happy marriage, Kai had felt their approval of them and it was a joyous feeling.

Bailey bounced up to Kai. “Unctie Kai. Did you hear about the magic tractor?” Kai gave the boy a feigned look of ignorance, inviting him to reveal his punchline. “Well, you see. It drove down the road before turning into a field! Do you get it?” He laughed and grinned at his joke, his body almost visibly vibrating with glee. “Man, that’s a good one. High five, nibling.” Kai laughed along with the boy and accepted his palm slap appreciatively.

Ellis wanted to hear Kai sing another song. They retrieved their guitar from the couch, where it had been left earlier as they had prepared the food. Kai sat back down and began to strum the instruments strings. Scout was utterly delighted and began to clap. “Unctie Kai hasn’t even gotten started. Silly Billy.” The little girl rolled her eyes dramatically and frowned at the blonde toddler. He didn’t care and kept clapping and babbling.

Kai taught the kids the words to Jeremiah was a bullfrog and soon the Shepherd kids, including Zola, were singing and giggling their way through a rather animated rendition of the tune.

Amelia, having been curious about the laughter going on downstairs, got herself up and down the stairs. She stood back, away from the group and took in the sight. Kai looked so relaxed and at ease as they sang with the children. They had them in the palm of their hand.

She clapped as the singing ended. Under Kai’s instruction, they bowed and curtsied their aunt. “Bravo! That was great munchkins. Kai, you weren’t so bad either.” She smiled mischievously and stepped into the dining room. “Thank you. Much appreciated, pretty lady,” Kai replied playfully. They propped their guitar against the wall, freeing their arms so that they could embrace her. “Morning you. Sorry we woke you. How’s your headache?”

Amelia kissed Kai’s forehead. “The paracetamol worked and I feel better. Tired but better.” Kai smiled. “Good. I don’t want you to be unwell. Ever.” This earned them another little kiss. “Any waffles left for your hungry fiancé?” “Always, Shepherd. Sit your beautiful self down and I will take care of it.”

They got another coffee cup from the cupboard and poured a cup for Amelia. She flashed them a look of thanks as she accepted the hot drink. “Unctie Kai is the best! They are my bestest friend and I really like them”, little Ellis told the brown-haired woman. “I like them too. They are pretty great. I got an idea.” The little girl was suddenly laser focused on her aunt. “Why don’t you and Bailey show Kai how good you are at drawing. You could draw them some pictures, make them feel really welcome.”

The two kids sprinted for their art supplies, both declaring that their pictures would be the best. Zola wandered away, one of her grandmother’s medical notebooks tucked under her arm. She settled herself on the couch to read her granny’s notes on how to perform a whipple procedure.

“Meredith got called in, huh? Sorry you got landed minding the kids. I would have helped you if you had called me. Although, seems like they had it all in hand, eh Scout?” Scout, now restless without his cousins, stretched out his arms, asking his mom to lift him. She did so and spent a second taking in his smell.

Kai smiled as they plated up Amelia’s breakfast. “It was my pleasure, sweetheart. I like children. They are easy and so much less complicated than adults. They rarely have a hidden agenda. Let me take him while you eat.” Amelia kissed Scout’s head before letting Kai gently lift him from her arms.

Scout had been picking up words and names lately but hadn’t as yet been able to say theirs. This despite their very best efforts. They dropped a tender kiss on Amelia’s cheek and checking the kids were okay drawing on the living room floor, began to work on Scout again. “Come on little dude. I know you can do it. Kai. Kai.”

Scout was running his little fingers over the fabric of Kai’s soft cotton button up. He didn’t appear to be really listening to his new parent. “Kai.” They tried again. Scout continued his rubbing of their shirt as he lifted his eyes to their face. “Ai!” Kai stopped and froze. “ Ai!” He repeated. Kai’s face lit up. “You clever boy. Kai. Yes, I’m Kai.”

The toddler was delighted by this praise. He grinned up at Kai and clapped for his own achievements. “Mama. Ai.” His mother beamed and smiled. “Yes Kiddo, that’s Kai.” Kai was utterly enchanted. They hugged him to themself and rubbed their long fingers up and down his back. Scout responded by wrapping his little arms around Kai’s neck and snuggling in.

Amelia was struck by their natural ability with children again. Her heart was filled with joy just watching them interacting with Scout. She felt sure that they couldn’t love him anymore if he was their biological child. And she couldn’t love them anymore for this. Every time she thought that there weren’t any more things to love about Kai Bartley, they up and presented her with more reasons.

Kai caught her looking, noticing the softness of her gaze and the love it held. They smiled to her, still enjoying their cuddle with Scout. Ensuring they had a good hold of the boy, they opened a inviting arm. Amelia stepped into their embrace, slipping one arm around their waist and resting the other hand on Scout’s back. “Family cuddles,” she said proudly and softly. “Family cuddles”, Kai replied.

The morning passed in comfortable chaos. Bailey and Ellis drew pictures and presented them to Kai, asking them to pick a winner. Kai declared that they were all brilliant and they couldn’t possibly pick a best one. They helped them hang the colorful images on the fridge. After that, the pair dashed into the living room and watched cartoons.

Amelia got Scout down for a nap shortly before noon and helped Kai clean up the breakfast things. Zola wandered up to the adults to ask about medical terms she didn’t understand but otherwise, entertained herself.

The house was relatively calm then as Meredith walked through the door. Her children immediately jumped up to greet her. They bombarded her with news of their adventures with Kai. Meredith listened attentively and laughed as Ellis told her about the new song she had learned. The children soon returned to their activities, leaving her to join the adults in the kitchen.

She squeezed Kai’s shoulder and thanked them for looking after the kids. They assured her that it had been no trouble. Kai insisted that she sit and they got her a coffee.

Meredith’s expression changed then. “You two are so happy right now so l hate having to be the bearer of bad news. Its Link, he’s on the warpath”.

Amelia and Kai looked at each other, their faces both bore signs of anxiety. “He came bounding in to my office, demanding that I fire you Kai. When I made it clear that I wasn’t going to do that, he started in with the most hateful homophobic rant that I have ever heard. The stuff he was saying was really vile. He was saying that had seen a lawyer. Amelia, he’s going to challenge you for custody of Scout.”

There was a shocked silence as the couple absorbed what Meredith had said. Kai’s face paled while Amelia’s reflected her anger. “He’ll take my son, our son, from us over our dead bodies . There’s no way in hell he’s taking Scout.” Hearing her own words, Amelia’s anger gave way to fear. “Right Kai? I mean, I’m right, aren’t I? He won’t take our baby, will he?”

Kai exhaled a shaky breath. They centered themself and took her hand in theirs. “We’ll fight him tooth and nail. He won’t destroy our family. Not without a fight.” Meredith took her other hand. “I will help you. So will Maggie. We all will. No homophobic fool is taking my nephew. You two can take tomorrow off. Get yourself a good lawyer and prepare yourselves for what’s to come.”

[survey--s]

543.

Have your parents ever tried to control your relationship? No.

Have you ever had to give someone directions before? Sure, loads of times. I lived in a tourist village for ages and people were constantly asking how to get to various places, lol.

Speaking of which, are you good at understanding driving directions? I’m better at following road signs than reading a map.

How many people do you text daily? Maybe 2-3 people, but that includes text, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Do you have an iPod or an MP3 player? Which brand? I use my iPhone for music.

What was your favorite television show as a child? Arthur, Barney, Smurfs, Teletubbies.

Do you play any instruments? Which instruments do you play? Not anymore, but I used to have piano, recorder, cornet and guitar lessons.

Is there anyone who you call by their last name? Not anymore.

What did you do on your last birthday? It snowed pretty badly - I had a couple of cat visits to do and we got takeaway but otherwise that was it.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you commit the most? Sloth, for sure.

Has anyone ever told you that you're incapable of whispering? Yeah, definitely. 

What is your least favorite subject in school? I always hated maths.

Have you ever been involved in a custody battle before? No.

Do you know a couple who constantly sucks on each other's face? Bleugh, no, thankfully not.

Who was the best kisser you've ever dated? My husband or Joshua.

When was the last time you watched a YouTube video? Yesterday. I watch quite a few TV series on there that I can’t find anywhere else.

Have you ever babysat a newborn baby before? No, just toddlers and up.

How many times a week do you usually see the person you love? We’re married and live together, so everyday, multiple times a day lol.

When was the last time you held someone's hand? I have no idea, I’m not a fan of hand-holding really.

How many meals have you eaten today, so far? Two - cereal for breakfast and a jacket potato for lunch.

Do you think it's stupid for people to call others "hot?" No.

Do you personally think Wikipedia is a reliable source? It can be if you check all the references properly.

Are you someone who listens to more girl or guy bands? A pretty even mixture of both.

Have you ever shopped at Wet Seal before? Did you like it? We don’t have that store here.

Do you care about spending money if it's someone else's money? I’m definitely more cautious if I know someone else is picking up the bill.

What is your favorite Disney movie of all time? The original Alice in Wonderland. 

When you were a child, did you ever want to become a wizard/witch? No.

What are the color of your walls? Do you want to repaint? The walls in this room are red and grey, the kitchen is cream, the bathroom yellow, the spare room is green and the bedroom is pale purple. Our bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all need repainting at some point.

Would you rather have hardwood floors or carpet? I love the look of hardwood + rugs but living where we do, carpets make much more sense as it gets so cold in winter.

Do you have any siblings you neglect you? I don’t have siblings.

Who would you say is the most selfish person you know? No-one in particular is coming to mind right now.

Who was the last person you yelled at? Why? The dog for eating cat shit lol.

As a kid, did you ever go to camp? Yeah, I had to go to day camp most summers and I absolutely hated it.

What were the last three movies you watched in theaters? I haven’t been to the cinema for years lol. The last film I saw was Cats but I can’t remember the ones I saw before then.

Have you ever made out in a movie theater before? Sure, loads of times.

Are you currently trying to learn to play any instrument? Nope.

Do you believe in ghosts, spirits or demons? I don’t believe or disbelieve in them.

When was the last time you went somewhere you thought was haunted? Never.

What is your favorite breakfast meal? Poached eggs on sourdough toast with avocado and bacon OR American-style pancakes with butter, maple syrup, bacon and blueberries.

What does the lead singer of your favorite band look like? Dead, lol.

Who was the last person to compliment you? I can’t remember, Suzy maybe?

How old were you when you got to go on your first date? Fourteen.

Would you call your parents over-protective or under-protective? My dad was definitely over-protective, my mum got the balance about right.

Did your parents ever let you play in the pits of those multicolored balls? Sure. I remember our local garden centre had one of those for some reason and my dad used to take me there on rainy weekends a lot.

What is the best movie you've seen in the last five years? I honestly couldn’t pick just one.

Has anyone ever called you a good kisser before? Sure.

Have any of your siblings ever had a crush on your significant other? No siblings.

Are you the jealous type? Everytime I’ve experienced jealousy it’s been for a valid reason.

Does life ever seem overly ironic to you? Ha, definitely feels that way sometimes.

When was the last time you felt like you were high on life? I honestly don’t know.

Do you know someone who cares about themselves more than their child? Yep, lots of shitty parents out there unfortunately.

Do you still watch cartoons on television? I watch The Simpsons but I don’t really watch any kids cartoons.

What do you usually order at Taco Bell, if you go there? The nearest Taco Bell is hours away - I’ve never been.

Is there anyone currently annoying you? Just how humid it is. It’s giving me a headache.

What's your favorite hairstyle you've had so far? Meh, my hair doesn’t really do decent hairstyles lol.

Do you have freckles? I have a few on my nose and cheeks, but they’re not very noticeable.

How many dogs do you have, if any at all? One.

Have you ever witnessed someone being beaten up? Yes.

Do you think biting is weird or sexy? I mean, it depends on the circumstances.

Would you rather be called hot or beautiful? Beautiful.

[tiredassmage]

15 questions, 15 mutuals

Thank you for the tag @captainderyn!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Possibly a great, great(?) grandmother I never had the chance to meet, via middle name, though it’s been... probably at least a decade since I heard that tatter and I’m not sure how correct it is, lol. I’m... not particularly close to a vast majority of the family, tbh, given Drama(TM). Mom picked by meanings though. I know that was very important to her.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I... think I cried a little about a week and a half ago in one of my classes. Not because the class, I promise, lol. We watched the pilot episode of a show called Station Eleven in class and that was a gut puncher.

3. Do you have kids?

No, thank you. My pets and my OCs are all I need, lol. Very ace. Not my personal cup of tea.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Mmmm. I wouldn’t say regularly. It has its moments and I’m sure I was a bit more brutal with it when I was a kid, but its purpose isn’t generally helpful in areas where I need to communicate. I think most of the things I say sarcastically now are probably in regards to fictional characters. xD

5. Favorite time of day?

Late evening, in that like seven - ten pm range. Generally evenings. I’m absolutely not a morning person. If I’m up rather early, I’m tired later in the day. Evening tends to host “me” time.

6. Eye color?

Good ol’ reliable brown. (I need more brown eyed ocs, tbh?) Fun fact: eyes are kind of what enchants me, irl and I probably tend to be a bit invested in fictional character eye colors, too, lol. They’re beautiful. I have no other explanation. That said, I’m very shy about eye contact until I feel more comfortable with people/get to know them better.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings, if I’m picking between them and scary. I don’t do horror, I am baby. I can be enraptured by a decent thriller and loved a good crime drama TV show. I can kind of do paranormal stuff sometimes, but I can scare myself just thinking a little too hard about it, so very hesitant.

8. Any special talents?

Mmmm... nothing nontraditional, I suppose. I had a few music teachers tell me when I was younger that I have hands that would’ve been great for piano, but I wasn’t super interested in pursuing musical interests outside of, like, basic school requirements. I did chorus for a while, but was kinda eh. I did enjoy acoustic guitar, but, again, not exactly enough that I ended up doing anything with it.

9. Where were you born?

Rural northeastern US of A. I miss having a fall season, but decidedly not enough to give up the warmth of living much farther south.

10. What are your hobbies?

Largely video games, lol, if it was hard to tell. I’d like to do more drawing and get into digital art. I am majoring in Digital Media Design, after all. One of my hopes is to properly play around with a tablet I bought myself over the summer while I take a break from courses. I desire to draw my blorbos, haha!

11. Do you have any pets?

Two ball pythons, the loves and amusing occasional nuisances of my life! They made a brief appearance on my main here. There’s also two dogs in the house, James and Cooper. Cooper is definitively my mom’s dog, however, and, jokingly, my little brother. (He’s her favorite. We all know this.) Cooper is... ??? We think a Collie mix. And James is a Basset-Lab, both adopted about a year or two apart, if I remember right.

12. What sports do you/have you played?

Oh, actual eons ago, I briefly played soccer (probably not very well) when I was very, very small. I have ridden horses (I miss them, Brent), but primarily only in schooling shows and I did participate for a few years in my barn’s summer gaming series just at Walk/Trot. I used to ride low-level jumping courses. Competitive sports haven’t ever really been my thing, particularly to participate in. I would’ve called riding one of my hobbies while I did. It’s an expensive one though and a bit of a tricky one to get back into when balancing college and part-time retail work. My mom and I try to stick to our developed tradition of selecting a local trail riding venture to attend every year for my birthday though that keeps that connection outside of whatever I vicariously pick up through games, lol.

13. How tall are you?

5′5ish. A smidgen shy, but that’s what they put on my license.

14. Favorite subject in school?

Histories and sciences. If I wasn’t so averse to writing research papers and math, I have genuinely considered majoring in either area. Unfortunately, my university doesn’t have a program for meteorology (weather and natural events are a somewhat more recent interest of mine) and video games evidently have some staying power as my interests, so that’s how I ended up in DMD.

15. Dream job?

I’m honestly not sure anyone has a really solid answer to this question, lol. I certainly don’t. I... went into DMD partially because it was interesting enough and I genuinely felt college would benefit me somehow. While I like my pet store job, it’s not exactly where I’d like to spend the next twenty years, even if I am a creature of habit that balks at change, lol.

So, theoretically, I’m studying DMD and entertaining the idea of a minor in creative writing because characters have always been one of the most important aspect of games to me. The idea is to maybe pursue a focus on character or scenario writing, but I... really don’t know, lol. I’m still largely clearing prerequisites and other structural graduation requirements, so I haven’t really dug into the focus areas of my degree yet and I definitely still doubt that I know what I’m doing or if it’ll genuinely be something I can pursue.

It’s definitely scary and I absolutely struggle with that uncertainty, but it’s also a process of just trying to remind myself that it’s a skill and therefore it is something I can develop if I put the work in - that’s the whole purpose of taking classes, after all. It’s something I’m trying to be more conscious of because I have found it very easy to slip into the student mindset of doing things just for class, so I’m still not sure what all I have as far as presentable skills or how to showcase them. But that is... off the base question, I suppose, lol.

So, work in progress!

Uhhhhmmm, this one’s sort of a mix idk who to tag for, lol, so I think I’ll leave this one open? Muts/followers, feel free to say you’ve been tagged if you’d like to do this one!

[theghostpinesmusic]

Like a lot of jam bands, Goose seem to slowly but deliberately cycle through which of their songs are their go-to "jam vehicles" every few tours. "Time To Flee" was nearly always an odyssey during the COVID era, then they played it straight for awhile, and just recently it's started to become a reliable launchpad for deep-space exploration again. "Elizabeth" started out as a straightforward, bluegrass-y number and has recently developed into some crazy jams. Upon their debuts, songs like "Animal" and "Atlas Dogs" turned in a lot of 15+ minute versions, but nowadays both tend to be played much more conservatively. Even some of the new songs introduced this year have had a bit of a trajectory already: "Everything Must Go," as an example, started off as a ballad-type song with a guitar solo attached and has recently expanded out into a few of my favorite late-2023 jams. In particular, the 10/6 and 11/16 versions have been great. I'll likely write about at least one of those two eventually.

"Thatch," however, is a song that was an absolute monster right out of the gate and has stayed that way since. According to the Goose nerd internet, it was debuted on 11/13/22 and has been played twenty-eight times total so far. While my memory is far from perfect, nearly all (if not all) of these versions get Out There in some way, shape, or form. Like with any other song, I have versions I like more than others, but it's safe to say that whenever the opening riff of "Thatch" hits, you know you're in for a journey.

So, maybe it was inevitable that I'd end up writing about a few of the versions that were played during the Euro tour. I'll say straight out that the 11/16 version is one of my favorite things I've ever heard the band play, but for the sake of keeping things chronological-ish, I'm going to write about the 11/7 version today, because it's also good, if not necessarily transcendent like 11/16's.

I should say right off that there are a lot of things about "Thatch" that remind me of what is maybe Phish's best-known song, "Tweezer." I'm hardly a visionary for pointing out that Phish is one of Goose's big influences, or that "Thatch" and "Tweezer" have some similarities in particular, but I wanted to mention this at the onset because one of the main things that makes "Tweezer" so memorable, in my opinion, and what makes the crowd lose their minds every time the band starts playing it is the song's main riff. I don't necessarily think of Goose as a band that's as riff-driven as Phish, but I will say that in my experience the opening riff from "Thatch" definitely gets the crowd's attention in the same way, and is just as catchy in its own right. In this particular version, Peter lays on his weird siren effect at the onset, too, which doesn't always happen, but I feel like it should from now on.

One of the things that made me fall in love with this song pretty much the first time I heard it is how the band absolutely slams into the funk part of the song from the main riff. It happens at 0:48 in this version, and while the mix on this particular video doesn't convey it super-well (at least on the headphones I'm wearing right now), you can feel the rhythm section absolutely blast your skeleton in person and it's awesome.

Another thing I love about this song is Trevor's basslines during these verses. Again, a little tough to hear on this version because of the mix, but...man.

Well, I could go on for a bunch of paragraphs about the things I love about this song before we even get to the jam (Peter's piano solo, Rick's guitar solo, Peter's goggles, etc.), but I'll try to reign myself in...

Okay, so the improv starts with some great funk jamming at 5:30. I'm glad the camera cuts to Ben here because he just goes nuts (in a great, light-touch way) at the beginning of this. I don't talk about the percussion as much as I should in these videos only because I'm a guitarist myself and so I tend to focus on the melody instruments when I listen to this or any band just out of habit, but I have no notes for either drummer in this band in general, and on "Thatch" in particular they are always both fantastic and necessary for what makes the song great.

I could listen to Rick chord while Peter plays the clavinet all day. But...in this case, Peter seems to surprise himself by hitting what I think of as "the Mario coin sound" on his rig at 6:30 (I love that the camera catches this, too) and that changes the direction of the jam a bit. He blends a more mellow organ sound and the coin noise here for awhile while the rest of the band sits back in laid-back funk mode.

One of the things I feel like I've noticed happening a bunch more in the Euro tour than in past tours is the band being willing to sort of hang out in mellow, almost minimalist jam spaces for a long time without immediately moving to any of their go-to tricks. While I've talked to some other fans who find this sort of thing boring, I think it's added another layer of versatility to their improv and, if anything, makes it way less boring. The bit here from about 7:00 until 10:00 is a good example of this: I can hear everyone in the band listening and playing off of each other, and it feels like they're letting Peter be in the driver's seat a bit, even though he's kind of just picking around on the keys, feeling his way through the space instead of shredding or playing a lot of notes just for the sake of playing a lot of notes. I'd love to hear more of this kind of stuff during the next tour!

I really like what Trevor starts playing around 9:00. Not to belabor the comparison, or detract from Goose being Goose, but it sounds a ton like something Mike Gordon would play...during a "Tweezer" jam.

At 10:00, Peter throws out some synthesizer and Rick sharpens his tone a bit, and it feels like we're moving into a new space. Rick takes a bit more of a lead, but he and Trevor seem to be playing off of each other here in a great way.

One of the things these guys do really well in their jams that should work as well as it does, in my opinion (a sort of pineapple-on-pizza thing, if you will) is combine this kind of aggressive, almost over-processed-guitar-tone soloing with synthesizers. It seems like it shouldn't work, but somehow it does, and you end up with bizarro-funk jams like what starts happening here at 11:00. Sheesh.

At 12:00, we stay in the synth space, but Rick switches from funk soloing to something a bit more anthemic. This also feels like one of those sections that makes me really appreciate the mixing and matching that Ben and Jeff do so well.

As we're verging on full-on rock mode here, Peter could just bash out some chords, but instead he's playing something that sounds almost like salsa on the piano, and then...

...Rick goes bonkers at 13:35 and how the absolute hell does the rest of the band know to follow him instantly?! These guys are nuts. I rewound this part twice when I was watching the show originally because it broke my brain. I love it.

They keep weaving in and out of this ascending-the-staircase sort of thing for awhile and listening to Rick modulate it around is super fun. He doesn't do this entirely cleanly, but considering they're making it all up on the fly, who would?

15:50 is a quick tension build out of this jam and then we drop back into the "Thatch" key for a bit of straightforward rock shredding before Rick beats us over the head with the "Thatch" riff again at 17:00 to wrap up the song.

11/7 was a heck of a show, but I'm finally moving on from talking about it! Next time it'll be "Animal" from 11/13, which went a little bit of everywhere!

[grahamstoney]

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

New Post has been published on https://grahamstoney.com/life-coaching/what-when-you-dont-know-what

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

Not sure what to do with your life? Or do you have a grand vision for your future but don’t know where to start? Stressed out because the way forward isn’t always clear?

Confused?… Me too!

Yeah well some days I wake up with no clue what to do either. These tips haven’t worked a damn for me, but I’m sure you’ll find them helpful:

Move Your Body

That brilliant mind of yours doesn’t exist in isolation you know. It’s connected to your body via a network of 100 billion neurons, so if you need some mental stimulation there’s no easier way to get it than getting that body moving. Go for a walk, ride your bike, lift some weights or go to the gym. Get some endorphins flowing through your system and you never know what ideas might pop into your head.

Do Some Brainstorming

Sit down and start brainstorming random ideas: make a list of a thousand things you wouldn’t do in a million years. Whatever comes into your head. Don’t judge them, just write them down stream-of-consciousness style. Just let it flow:

Learn sign language

Visit a nudist resort

Quit my job

Learn to play guitar

Become a comedian

etc, etc

You may not come up with any sensible ideas, and even if you do you’ll have so many options to choose from that you won’t know where to start and will be more confused than ever. But at least you’ll have filled in the day doing something.

Phone A Friend

Try calling one of your no-good down-and-out friends who hasn’t a clue what he’s doing with his life either. You won’t get any good ideas from him obviously, but at least you’ll have someone empathic to listen to your whining about how shit your life is because you can’t decide what to do with it. Then try phoning Oxfam and donating some of your spare cash to help someone who’d swap their life for yours in a heartbeat, you lousy ungrateful SOB.

Try Something You Loved As A Kid

Childhood hobbies can be a rich source of adult inspiration. Have a go at riding your bicycle, pulling girls hair, or looking at your friend’s dad’s collection of naked girly pictures. Come to think of it, there’s more than enough porn out there on the Internet to keep you busy all day, every day; and since the Internet wasn’t invented when you were a kid you’ve got a lot of catching up to do before you reach the level of today’s average teenager.

Make Something

Get your creative juices going and try making something. Build something out of wood, metal or electrons. Start a blog. Or a porn site: Get some repressed ex-Catholic girls with low self-esteem and a video camera, you’ll hit the big time in no time. Why waste time and money funding criminals when you can shoot your own?

The Washing

One reliable constant in life is that there’s always washing to do, so if you’re just not sure what to do this is as good a start as any. And if by some freak of nature you don’t seem to have any washing to do, there’s plenty around at my place that you can come and help out with.

Meditate

Try doing a stillness meditation: just sit completely still in a chair doing nothing for 15 minutes. Don’t focus on your breath or watch your thoughts fly by like clouds or anything; just do absolutely nothing. If this doesn’t drive your restless ass insane and prompt you to take action, I don’t know what will.

Give Someone Else Advice

So what if you can’t seem to make your own life work: try helping someone else. Become a Life Coach. Write articles on your blog giving unsolicited advice to all and sundry. Make shit up. It doesn’t matter if you’re completely unqualified in the field. Just do it, they’re not going to know the difference.

Lie In Bed Worrying About It

My favourite! If you really can’t decide what to do today, you could try just lying in bed all day worrying about it. This way you’ll avoid taking any action at all, meaning you’re in exactly the same position tomorrow and get to do it all over again.

[ray-kitty]

These are all of the MLP Pony Fusions I've done so far! I have some others in the works :) here's some info I have on them! (tbh i'm also debating turning some of them into actual OCs lol)

Read more about them below!!

Please do not repost or steal any of these pieces.

Princess Summer Love - Celestia and Cadence - The princess of love, the sun, summer, heat, and passion! Princess Summer Love is regarded as being one of the most beautiful ponies, and uses her magic to spread love and good times all over Equestria. Cutie mark is an orange sun with blue clouds in front of it, stylized water beneath it, and red hearts.

Princess Starlit Stream - Luna and Twilight Sparkle - The princess of magic, the moon, the night, and education. Princess Starlit Stream is an incredibly intelligent pony, and a well beloved guardian of the night. She's one of the most magically potent ponies in Equestria. Cutie mark is a white moon surrounded by stars, some bright pink, with a violet stream running down from it.

Zap Apple Spark - Rainbow Dash and Applejack - Zap Apple Spark is one of the sportiest ponies in Ponyville. She's incredibly strong, with powerful back legs, and incredibly fast, with her speedy wings and rainbow lightning trail. She's incredibly competitive, and loves challenging other ponies to all sorts of events. She's as good on the farm as she is in the clouds. She's also one of the most trustworthy and reliable ponies you'll ever meet. Her cutie mark, not pictured, is a Zap Apple with lightning coming out the back.

Evening Glitter, aka Dusksong - Sunburst and Trixie - Evening Glitter loves magic, although their actual ability for doing it isn't very strong outside of show magic. They're incredibly intelligent, and can memorize and even create new spells with ease, but unless they're simple, they struggle with performing them. Dusksong is their stage name, as occasionally they'll perform magic shows for other ponies- although they do get a bit of stage fright. Cutie mark is a sun with an orange to red gradient, with blue accents surrounded by sparkles, with a light to dark blue trail coming from it.

Sour Apple Note - Tree Hugger and Big Mac - Sour Note, technically Sour Apple, is kind of a huge hippie. He may be big, but he's an incredibly gentle pony who just loves the world around him. Especially trees. ESPECIALLY apple trees. He's that pony that gives weirdly profound advice to anyone who seems like they need it, but really he doesn't talk much. He's the guitarist in an indie band, and is really good at it, hence the nickname he commonly goes by. Cutie mark is a guitar, with the base shaped like half of a red apple. It is outlined in white.

[trickstercaptain]

okay @thiievesandbeggars challenged me to write up some school/young modern jack hcs so here i am:

for the first couple of years of ‘school education’ (brits start school aged 4/5), jack was home-schooled by his mum. after her death he was thrown into the education system without much warning. it was a difficult transition for jack but everything that happened after her death was a big transition and that’s trauma that he’s never really dealt with. he blocks a lot of it out.

attending a british comprehensive school in brixton, south london, means that jack has to wear a school uniform and he hates it. he’s not a student who is often in a lot of trouble ( i know it’s a surprise but smol jack is a good boy and he genuinely wants to learn when he cares about the subject lmao ) however his refusal to/inability to wear his school uniform correctly ( wearing his tie loose, refusing to wear his blazer, trying to personalise his blazer by putting badges all over it lmao ) does consistently get him reprimanded by his teachers. detention for jack is 90% uniform based and 10% due to his smart mouth which he tends to wield against other students and will occasionally end up with his ass getting kicked in fights. 

he never starts a fight, but he provokes them.

but on the whole he is a pretty good student. he can coast along with good grades for most subjects but he’s very good at the ones he actually applies himself to: english lit ( this boy loves reading ), history, science and music are his particular passions. his grades only start to slide in his last couple of years at school as he gets more and more involved with christophe and his gang.

school sports teams aren’t as big a deal in the uk but jack wouldn’t have been a part of any sports teams anyway. he does swim though, and an incident at school where jack steps in to help a fellow student who is struggling in the water endears him to his PE/swimming teacher who fosters his talent and that’s how jack ends up gaining his lifeguard certification shortly before he finishes school

he’s not popular lol. he’s weird, quirky and not cool by school standards. he has one close friend at school and that’s robby greene, who isn’t even in the same year as him. otherwise he’s kinda outcasted but that’s fine by him. his school and tumultuous home life helped him develop a thick skin, and the pendulum would always kinda swing back and forth between whether school or home was the worse place to be ( normally home was always a worse place to be than school ), so jack learned to adapt.

he’s quite popular with girls though. not even necessarily in the sense that he ends up dating them, but he just likes hanging out with girls and finds them easier to get along with. toxic masculinity? not a fan.

christophe was technically jack’s bisexual awakening but before him, watching grease at 15/16 was absolutely his bisexual awakening, i don’t make the rules. but he also did question his sexuality around other boys before christophe ( even if nothing ever came of it ), and he’d been called gay at school but it was really christophe’s influence that showed him bisexuality was a thing.

he had to grow up very quickly at home. teague was not reliable as a parent so jack learned to cook and look after himself at a young age.

he was also kidnapped and held hostage when he was 15 because teague is an irresponsible parent who couldn’t stay away from a life of crime lmao. this was absolutely the trigger point that pushed jack away from teague and indirectly leads to his spiral with christophe in those last couple of years of school. he also took self-defence classes after this

his first job was a saturday job in soho working at a record store, and he used that money to buy his first guitar. he’s also really into cars. some of his happier childhood memories are helping his grandfather out at his garage. jack also had lowkey already been behind the wheel of a car before he officially learned to drive at 17.

as far as his fashion sense goes (and i do really need to make a separate post on this), when he’s younger jack takes a lot of inspiration from 70s bo/wie and j/agger, regardless of the era that i’m actually writing him in. basically anything ja/gger wore in the 70s is something jack would wear lmao. they are big inspirations to him in the way he dresses, and his style gradually matures and becomes more unique to him as he gets older. he likes colour, he likes a certain level of androgyny, he likes jewellery, and he likes layering clothing.

[jaesqueso]

The Bachelorette: NCT Edition - Meet the candidates

The season of love is finally here! An interactive series where you’ll get to choose who goes home each week and ultimately who Y/N chooses in the end!

VOTE!!!

Use the above link to vote for your favorite candidate for that final rose and who should be the first five going home! You can vote for the first episode until next friday (11/06) and the episode will come out on sunday (13/06).

taglist: @skrtbabe​ @yutahoes​ @mel-yjh​

If you’d like to be included in the taglist for the series do let me know ❤︎

☽ ・・・・・ ☾

The bachelorette

Hi, my name is Y/N and I’m looking for my prince charming!

I never had much luck with love so I decided to focus on work instead but my friends are all getting married and keep telling me to find someone too, so here I am!

I’m looking for someone nice who makes me laugh. Someone who cares about me and shows me a good time. Physically I’m not picky but I do appreciate a warm smile and kind eyes.

Hopefully this experience will help me find the person who I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with!

Moon Taeil

My name is Taeil and I’m a gemini.

I’m a relaxed guy who wants to live life peacefully and hopefully meet a girl to share my life with!

*winks*

I like to listen to music and watch movies, not very into physical activities because I don’t like when my muscles are in pain.

*laughs*

I usually notice someone’s eyes first, that’s enough to captivate me. Also I like cute girls.

Fighting!

John Suh

My name is John but everybody calls me Johnny. I’m an Aquarius.

I’m a nice guy who gets along with everyone and my motto is just to have fun! My friends may say I’m clumsy but I think things just get in my way!

*flips hair laughing*

I love reading, watching videos and taking photos. Who knows I may find my new photographic muse.

*winks*

I love cute things, and that includes girls too. I also love girls who smile a lot because I’m always smiling too.

Hopefully I’ll find someone to make my days even brighter!

Lee Taeyong

My name is Taeyong and I’m a Cancer.

People sometimes think I’m cold from the way I look but I promise I’m a kind and caring guy! I have amazing eyes and as you can tell I’m very confident.

*winks*

I don’t like dust and germs so I’ll make sure everybody keeps things clean around here. I’m a perfectionist so I might nag a lot, sorry!

*laughs*

I’m looking for someone who I can learn from and that makes up for my flaws.

Finger crossed I’ll meet someone good for me!

Nakamoto Yuta

My name is Yuta and I’m a Scorpio.

I’m a happy guy who cares a lot about everyone. One thing I can promise is that everybody has a good time around me!

*laughs*

I love to play football and working out, I don’t like sitting around doing nothing! If we can do things in the moment why wait?

*shrugs shoulders*

I like someone who has empathy towards others and doesn’t feel the need to “act pretty”, someone who’s real and humble.

Let’s go!

Qian Kun

My name is Kun and I’m a Capricorn.

I’m a very friendly guy and I’m always there for my friends. I love to cook and make my way into people’s hearts through food.

*winks*

I’m an intelligent guy and I love to do magic tricks so I think if I play my cards right I have a chance to get that final rose.

*wiggles eyebrows*

I’m usually attracted to more feminine women who are innocent.

Abracadabra pick me!

Kim Doyoung

My name is Doyoung and I’m an Aquarius.

I’m a very reliable guy, you can check with my friends! I don’t really like to go out, I’d rather stay in sleeping or eating so I’m looking for someone who’s ok with chilling and cuddling.

*winks*

I’m afraid of animals so hopefully we won’t have to do any interaction with any or I might go back home and take a nap.

*laughs*

I want someone polite that knows how to present themselves and that I can take home to meet the parents!

I’ll make sure she falls in love with me!

Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul

My name is Chittaphon but you can call me Ten because I’m 10/10! I’m a Pisces.

I’m the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet and I know how to make someone feel comfortable. Honestly I can’t see what’s not to like about me!

*shrugs shoulders*

I love sports, drawing and playing with animals. Throw me a cat and I’ll be happy!

*laughs*

I don’t really have an ideal type, but I like to get to know someone before love starts to develop.

I’m excited!

Jung Yoonoh

My name is Yoonoh but most people still call me Jaehyun which was my birth name. I’m an Aquarius.

I’m a happy and cute guy, but I also have a sensitive side. What can I say, I’m the perfect guy to take home to the parents!

*winks*

I’m very into sports and I’m a black belt in taekwondo so you know I’ll take down all the competition!

*laughs*

I like someone who is kind, calm and cute. Someone I can easily communicate with and who I can depend on. Extra points if they’re into sports too!

I’m not saying I’m competitive but I’m here to win this!

Dong Sicheng

My name is Sicheng but you can call me Winwin because if I receive that final rose it will be a win-win situation! I’m a Scorpio.

I’m usually a shy guy specially in front of the camera so I apologise for probably not talking much.

“scratches the back of his head”

I like swimming, watching movies and going on vacation, even though I have a fear of heights but I’m good as long as we stay on the ground! I don’t really like being touched but I can make an exception for a nice girl.

*winks*

I like someone who’s more quiet, like me, and also innocent. I want someone who I can laugh with.

Let’s Winwin!

Kim Jungwoo

My name is Jungwoo and I’m a Pisces.

I’m a sweet guy but I’m also funny, just let me entertain you with my on point impressions, you won’t be able to tell who’s me or the original person!

*laughs*

I like to watch and play soccer and I eat a lot of course to restore my energy!

*winks*

I like a bold girl who’ll take the first step. Someone who is determined, knows hat she wants and does everything to get it.

So come and get me!

Huang Xuxi

My name is Xuxi but I like to go by Lucas. I’m an Aquarius.

I’m a very outgoing guy and I always provide a good time in every sense of the word.

*wiggles eyebrows*

I love spicy food! I have a strong digestive system so I’ll eat a lot but maintain my figure because I also exercise much as you can tell.

*shows off his biceps*

I’m usually attracted to someone sweet, shy and innocent.

My lady c’mon!

Mark Lee

My name is Mark and you can mark me in your heart! I’m a Leo.

I’m a simple guy who likes to hang out with friends and play my guitar, that I obviously brought with me. Who knows, I might serenade someone special.

*winks*

I like to think I’m funny but it seems like others don’t get my jokes… Anyway! I am not great in the kitchen so like maybe it’s safer for everyone if other people take care of the cooking.

*laughs*

I want someone who’s honest and loyal, plain and simple.

Time to shine!

Xiao Dejun

My name is Dejun but you can call me Xiaojun. I’m a Leo.

I’m a more reserved guy, I like to be alone but I have a space saved in my life for a special lady.

*winks*

I like to read, watch movies and write songs. I can play several instruments too so I can write something special in several styles, there’s no way I can get that wrong.

*wiggles eyebrows*

Honesty can get you far with me because I believe that being humble brings more benefits. I also like a girl who can communicate well.

Let’s do this!

Wong Kunhang

My name is Kunhang but my friends call me Hendery so you can too. I’m a Libra.

I’m a very friendly and funny guy, everybody loves me, so I know this girl will too!

*shrugs shoulders*

I love to just take a walk and listen to music. Also I might start dancing when I talk so please don’t be surprised!

*laughs*

I like kind people who’ll help others in need. Also someone independent and family oriented.

Let’s enjoy this experience!

Huang Renjun

My name is Renjun and I’m an Aries.

I may seem like a soft guy but I know when to be cold and firm. I believe that you have to love yourself first to be able to love someone else and we need to love someone for who they are and not try to change them.

*smiles*

I appreciate arts. I like to dance and also to draw. I think I might draw us two together so she can see how good we’ll look and choose me!

*winks*

I like a witty girl who won’t be too sensitive to what I say because I like to be honest.

Let’s love ourselves and each other!

Lee Jeno

My name is Jeno and I’m a Taurus.

I’m an easy going guy that gets along with about everyone. Sometimes I may seem quiet and distant but in some situations I’d rather observe than participate.

*shrugs shoulders*

I like to think I’m funny, even if others say I’m not, I just hope at least I can make this girl laugh!

*laughs*

I’m interested in someone like me, easy going and with a good sense of humour! Also someone who can cook.

For love!

Lee DongHyuck

My name is Donghyuck but that’s the sane me, you can call me Haechan instead! I’m a Gemini.

I have a very bright personality and I can definitely cheer everybody up! I am also very affectionate so don’t mind me giving out free hugs and kisses!

*wiggles eyebrows*

I like tasty food, football and anything related to music. I love to dance and make up my own unique moves so please join me, I’ll teach you.

*winks*

I’m not very picky but I like a girl with good vocals and an easy to listen voice.

Ok cut!

Na Jaemin

My name is Jaemin and I’m a Leo.

I am a very bubbly guy and I might get a bit loud but it’s all in good fashion!

*laughs*

I like to dance and to play the piano. My favorite movie genre is horror but it’s ok if she doesn’t like that, she can always hold on to me if she’s scared.

*wiggles eyebrows*

I want someone who’s humble and that puts peoples needs first. It needs to be someone who I can share my heart with.

Wow, so sexy!

Liu Yangyang

My name is Yangyang, yes it’s not a nickname! I’m a Libra.

I’m an energetic and sweet guy. You can trust me with anything and I can give you a good laugh.

*smiles*

When I was a kid I wanted to be a racer, but now I just want to race my way into this girl’s heart.

*laughs*

I like an adventurous girl who’s affectionate and honest and will have fun with me.

I’m very happy to be here!

Osaki Shotaro

My name is Shotaro and I’m a Sagittarius.

I’m a cheerful and sincere guy, happiness is my middle name! I’m curious, impulsive and adventurous so hopefully I’ll find someone who can keep up!

*winks*

I like to watch mukbangs and to play football, but my favorite thing to do is dance so let’s dance together!

*smiles*

I don’t have an ideal type, I like everybody!

Let’s start the adventure!

Jung Sungchan

My name is Sungchan and I’m a Virgo.

I’m a serene and reliable guy, but I’m also a perfectionist and it’s difficult to convince me of things.

*shrugs shoulders*

I like to exercise and play games. I enjoy sunny days the best and maybe I can find some company to enjoy them with me.

*winks*

I’m just looking for someone that matches well with me.

I’m ready!

Zhong Chenle

My name is Chenle and I’m a Scorpio.

I’m a friendly, cheerful and confident guy, even if people get startled by my laugh.

*laughs in dolphin*

I like to play football, play the piano and cook. I am afraid of spiders so unfortunately it would have to be the girl saving me from them!

*scratches the back of his head*

I don’t have an ideal type.

Ok, let’s do it!

Park Jisung

My name is Jisung and I’m an Aquarius.

I may come up as an awkward guy but I promise I’m nice and funny once you get to know me!

*winks*

I have a good hunch so I’m very good at making decisions. I like to play soccer and video games, but not scary ones because I get startled easily!

*laughs*

The perfect girl for me is someone who I can be friends with first.

Let’s live this moment!