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news365timesindia · 6 days ago
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[ad_1] William O’Rourke celebrate (PC: BCCI) Earlier in the year, the young New Zealand fast bowler, William O’Rourke made his Test debut against a South African team bereft of its key players. Despite that caveat, Rourke’s burgeoning potential was there for everyone to see. In the second innings, he pounded the pitch hard and got one big on Ryan van Tonder and the batter was caught in the deep. In the first innings, he showcased the other part of his skill-set: The ability to blend hit-the-deck skills with a few fuller offerings to trap Neil Brand in front. That extends to how Rourke has generally bowled in the Plunket Shield over the last a couple of years. The way he dislodged Sean Solia and Simon Keene in the 2023-24 Canterbury versus Auckland encounter capulises the point. Despite his promise, Rourke was akin to an unpolished diamond when he was initially drafted into the Canterbury set-up.  Brendon Donkers, the high-performance development coach, and Dayle Hadlee, former New Zealand paceman, helped the young bowler to rectify a few aspects of his game. “When I first came over to Canterbury my action was all over the place,” he told RevSportz with a chuckle. “Worked a lot with Dayle Hadlee and Brandon Donkers. The main thing we were trying to get was my feet alignment as I approached the crease that used to cross-over heavily all the time, which was throwing me off-balance a little bit. I couldn’t control it too much. It is just about straightening up my run-up, my momentum towards the stumps, where I want it to go, and having more stability at the crease,” he added. Rourke seems to be a quick-learner as at the age of just 23, he has already plucked 26 wickets at an average of 19.42 in Test cricket. More importantly, he was one of the vital cogs of New Zealand’s memorable win in the Bengaluru Test against India. The tall fast bowler bagged seven wickets in that Test. In the first innings, Rourke’s four-four and Matt Henry’s five-for were instrumental in New Zealand bundling out India for a mere 46. In the second innings, all his three scalps – Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja – came at a crucial juncture of the match.  No wonder, Rourke has fond memories of those wickets in the second essay, which derailed the Indian team’s fightback. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here William O’Rourke in India (PC: BCCI) The jewel in the crown was probably the delivery to Rahul, where he hit the pitch hard and the ball nipped back off the seam a long way from back of a length to catch the edge. “You end up watching greats of the game like Virat (Kohli), so getting him early was very special. Also, the two wickets of Pant and KL Rahul were really special as well. “Obviously, the breakthrough of Pant was crucial for us. And that wicket of KL was exactly where you wanted it to be, nicely hitting that length,” he observed. On New Zealand’s first-innings effort, he further added, “Both teams wanted to have a bat on that wicket, so both teams misread it a bit, it had nice bounce, nipping around a lot, we took wickets early and got on a roll. It was definitely special for the boys.” New Zealand were made to earn for their victory in Bengaluru. The duo of Sarfaraz Khan and Pant stitched a sparkling stand of 177 in the second dig and for a while, it felt as if India were on the verge of charting a mind-numbing comeback. During the course of that stand, there was a rain break, which perhaps allowed New Zealand to regroup. When play resumed, they bounced back in style with the second new ball. “We sort of knew that it was more difficult (to bat) with the new ball, we just wanted to be positive. Obviously, they were batting really well. That was a tough period for us. After taking the second new ball, we backed ourselves to do what we do, we were slightly lucky to pick up a couple wickets, and then got through them pretty quickly,” Rourke said. The fast bowler also shared his views on bowling to India’s dynamic batter Pant. “It is a massive
challenge, very unorthodox, it is not what you’re used to doing, he has different (scoring) areas, he is a very aggressive batter. As a bowler, he puts the pressure back on you.  You just have to stick to your processes, some days he is going to get away from you, as you saw much of the series, he scored runs, a very tough guy to bowl to,” he noted. That victory at the Chinnaswamy also proved to be the foundation stone for New Zealand’s epoch-making 3-0 clean-sweep of a side that had a 12-year-winning-streak over 18 Test rubbers at home. As one of the younger members of the set-up, how does it feel to be a part of such a colossal achievement?  “I talked to the guys who have been before, who have been on the other end of all those defeats, it is very exciting. We got together, went over to our team hotel, just went around as a team and celebrated what was a very, very special achievement for us.” Interestingly, India wasn’t his first taste of Test cricket in Asia. Just a couple of months ago, Rourke had also bagged a five-for in the Galle Test in Sri Lanka. The salient feature of his spell was the inswinging yorker that went late to rattle the timber of Pathum Nissanka. William O’Rourke vs India (PC: BCCI) Somewhere it again indicated that Rourke’s bowling wasn’t just about pounding the deck hard, but he can also go fuller in length and look for swing. “It was my first time in the subcontinent, came here knowing that it would be tough for us. But I walked up the first game, there was good pace and bounce. I was lucky enough to bowl an excellent yorker first up, after that I settled into a bit of rhythm, and bowled quite well. Behind the scenes, Rourke has had to put in the hard yards to fine-tune the art of swing bowling. “I tried to bowl the outswing for a little bit, still trying to work on it here and there. I think it naturally came with my wrist, I found it easier to bowl the inswinger, the way I let the ball go hard, and my wrist position naturally came more towards the inswinger,” he pointed out. There is a lot more to explore about Rourke’s life than just his cricketing accomplishments. He was born in Surrey, United Kingdom. At the age of five, his parents returned home to New Zealand. Patrick O’Rourke, his father, partook in 29 first-class matches. “Dad was an inspiration for me to get into cricket, and he played a little bit of first-class cricket himself. He always had the passion for the game and that just filtered down to me. “I was always in the backyard, playing with my mom, dad and brother. We had that competition back in the day, that is where it all started for me. Every Sunday, you go down to the park, bowl and bat again, those days where you’re just enjoying the game. I played all my junior cricket for Cornwall Park cricket club, all my cricket growing up was in Auckland, then down to Christchurch University.” Rourke also quips about his fast-bowling heroes: “Lucky enough that I grew up in the golden era of New Zealand cricket. You watched Shane Bond, then Tim and Trent when I was a little bit older. But my two favourites would be the South African quicks – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. (They) were the guys I loved watching, raw pace with great skills as well.” When Rourke brought up Morkel’s name, one could envisage certain similarities between the two tall fast bowlers. From playing backyard cricket with his family to idolising Morkel and Steyn and making an impact in the subcontinent, Rourke has already come a long way. But it is still a fledgling career, with Rourke having represented New Zealand 10 times across formats. Undoubtedly, there is untapped potential to be harnessed. Who knows? Somewhere in the future, Rourke may branch out his game further in the other two formats and play a pivotal role in a World Cup triumph. Also Read: Gods or demons – the social media reality for India’s cricketers  The post William O’Rourke – backyard cricket to idolising Morkel and Steyn and rattling India in Bengaluru appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
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news365times · 6 days ago
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[ad_1] William O’Rourke celebrate (PC: BCCI) Earlier in the year, the young New Zealand fast bowler, William O’Rourke made his Test debut against a South African team bereft of its key players. Despite that caveat, Rourke’s burgeoning potential was there for everyone to see. In the second innings, he pounded the pitch hard and got one big on Ryan van Tonder and the batter was caught in the deep. In the first innings, he showcased the other part of his skill-set: The ability to blend hit-the-deck skills with a few fuller offerings to trap Neil Brand in front. That extends to how Rourke has generally bowled in the Plunket Shield over the last a couple of years. The way he dislodged Sean Solia and Simon Keene in the 2023-24 Canterbury versus Auckland encounter capulises the point. Despite his promise, Rourke was akin to an unpolished diamond when he was initially drafted into the Canterbury set-up.  Brendon Donkers, the high-performance development coach, and Dayle Hadlee, former New Zealand paceman, helped the young bowler to rectify a few aspects of his game. “When I first came over to Canterbury my action was all over the place,” he told RevSportz with a chuckle. “Worked a lot with Dayle Hadlee and Brandon Donkers. The main thing we were trying to get was my feet alignment as I approached the crease that used to cross-over heavily all the time, which was throwing me off-balance a little bit. I couldn’t control it too much. It is just about straightening up my run-up, my momentum towards the stumps, where I want it to go, and having more stability at the crease,” he added. Rourke seems to be a quick-learner as at the age of just 23, he has already plucked 26 wickets at an average of 19.42 in Test cricket. More importantly, he was one of the vital cogs of New Zealand’s memorable win in the Bengaluru Test against India. The tall fast bowler bagged seven wickets in that Test. In the first innings, Rourke’s four-four and Matt Henry’s five-for were instrumental in New Zealand bundling out India for a mere 46. In the second innings, all his three scalps – Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja – came at a crucial juncture of the match.  No wonder, Rourke has fond memories of those wickets in the second essay, which derailed the Indian team’s fightback. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here William O’Rourke in India (PC: BCCI) The jewel in the crown was probably the delivery to Rahul, where he hit the pitch hard and the ball nipped back off the seam a long way from back of a length to catch the edge. “You end up watching greats of the game like Virat (Kohli), so getting him early was very special. Also, the two wickets of Pant and KL Rahul were really special as well. “Obviously, the breakthrough of Pant was crucial for us. And that wicket of KL was exactly where you wanted it to be, nicely hitting that length,” he observed. On New Zealand’s first-innings effort, he further added, “Both teams wanted to have a bat on that wicket, so both teams misread it a bit, it had nice bounce, nipping around a lot, we took wickets early and got on a roll. It was definitely special for the boys.” New Zealand were made to earn for their victory in Bengaluru. The duo of Sarfaraz Khan and Pant stitched a sparkling stand of 177 in the second dig and for a while, it felt as if India were on the verge of charting a mind-numbing comeback. During the course of that stand, there was a rain break, which perhaps allowed New Zealand to regroup. When play resumed, they bounced back in style with the second new ball. “We sort of knew that it was more difficult (to bat) with the new ball, we just wanted to be positive. Obviously, they were batting really well. That was a tough period for us. After taking the second new ball, we backed ourselves to do what we do, we were slightly lucky to pick up a couple wickets, and then got through them pretty quickly,” Rourke said. The fast bowler also shared his views on bowling to India’s dynamic batter Pant. “It is a massive
challenge, very unorthodox, it is not what you’re used to doing, he has different (scoring) areas, he is a very aggressive batter. As a bowler, he puts the pressure back on you.  You just have to stick to your processes, some days he is going to get away from you, as you saw much of the series, he scored runs, a very tough guy to bowl to,” he noted. That victory at the Chinnaswamy also proved to be the foundation stone for New Zealand’s epoch-making 3-0 clean-sweep of a side that had a 12-year-winning-streak over 18 Test rubbers at home. As one of the younger members of the set-up, how does it feel to be a part of such a colossal achievement?  “I talked to the guys who have been before, who have been on the other end of all those defeats, it is very exciting. We got together, went over to our team hotel, just went around as a team and celebrated what was a very, very special achievement for us.” Interestingly, India wasn’t his first taste of Test cricket in Asia. Just a couple of months ago, Rourke had also bagged a five-for in the Galle Test in Sri Lanka. The salient feature of his spell was the inswinging yorker that went late to rattle the timber of Pathum Nissanka. William O’Rourke vs India (PC: BCCI) Somewhere it again indicated that Rourke’s bowling wasn’t just about pounding the deck hard, but he can also go fuller in length and look for swing. “It was my first time in the subcontinent, came here knowing that it would be tough for us. But I walked up the first game, there was good pace and bounce. I was lucky enough to bowl an excellent yorker first up, after that I settled into a bit of rhythm, and bowled quite well. Behind the scenes, Rourke has had to put in the hard yards to fine-tune the art of swing bowling. “I tried to bowl the outswing for a little bit, still trying to work on it here and there. I think it naturally came with my wrist, I found it easier to bowl the inswinger, the way I let the ball go hard, and my wrist position naturally came more towards the inswinger,” he pointed out. There is a lot more to explore about Rourke’s life than just his cricketing accomplishments. He was born in Surrey, United Kingdom. At the age of five, his parents returned home to New Zealand. Patrick O’Rourke, his father, partook in 29 first-class matches. “Dad was an inspiration for me to get into cricket, and he played a little bit of first-class cricket himself. He always had the passion for the game and that just filtered down to me. “I was always in the backyard, playing with my mom, dad and brother. We had that competition back in the day, that is where it all started for me. Every Sunday, you go down to the park, bowl and bat again, those days where you’re just enjoying the game. I played all my junior cricket for Cornwall Park cricket club, all my cricket growing up was in Auckland, then down to Christchurch University.” Rourke also quips about his fast-bowling heroes: “Lucky enough that I grew up in the golden era of New Zealand cricket. You watched Shane Bond, then Tim and Trent when I was a little bit older. But my two favourites would be the South African quicks – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. (They) were the guys I loved watching, raw pace with great skills as well.” When Rourke brought up Morkel’s name, one could envisage certain similarities between the two tall fast bowlers. From playing backyard cricket with his family to idolising Morkel and Steyn and making an impact in the subcontinent, Rourke has already come a long way. But it is still a fledgling career, with Rourke having represented New Zealand 10 times across formats. Undoubtedly, there is untapped potential to be harnessed. Who knows? Somewhere in the future, Rourke may branch out his game further in the other two formats and play a pivotal role in a World Cup triumph. Also Read: Gods or demons – the social media reality for India’s cricketers  The post William O’Rourke – backyard cricket to idolising Morkel and Steyn and rattling India in Bengaluru appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
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thepatricktreestump · 6 years ago
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Lonely: Brendon Urie x Reader
A/N: here’s a little fluffy smut i found from my sin blog. enjoy!
            Completely honest, you didn’t even want to come to this stupid party anyways. It didn’t even count as a party, and you shouldn’t have been surprised, because you hadn’t been to many in the first place. It was just a small get together of your friends. Normally, you wouldn’t mind, you were used to the feeling of being alone or left out. But this time was different. You were watching your friends with their own lovers, making note of the passion and sincerity in their eyes, how they touched each other as if they were the most precious thing they’ve ever found, how they were absolutely enticed in each other. And it hurt. It hurt to know that you didn’t have that. You wanted it so bad, just to be able to feel something, someone, to have that thing they call love.
               Music blaring in the distance from the house, you decided to step out onto the porch, get some fresh air, and simply unwind. Perhaps you were overthinking all of this. You just needed to clear your mind. You closed your eyes, held your head in your hands, tried to calm down, when you heard someone clear their throat. “You okay?” the voice wondered. You looked up from where you were sitting, eyes widening at the sight. It was a guy maybe a little older than you, big brown eyes, Pizza Planet hat and uniform, holding a couple boxes.
               “Uh, y-yeah…” you stammered out. “Just needed some fresh air.”
               “You sure?” his expression softened. “You looked kind of sad.”
               “I don’t really know to be honest,” you sighed. “And why do you care? You’re the pizza delivery man.”
               “Doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings,” he shrugged. “You like sausage pizza?”
               “Love it,” you responded.
               “Here you go,” he gave a small grin, handing you a box. “You stay there, I’m going to take these ones in and get the payment. I’ll be back out, yeah?”
               “Okay,” you managed a smile as well.
               “Oh, and uh, can I get a name maybe?” he wondered.
               “Y/n,” you laughed. “You?”
               “Brendon,” he replied. “Nice to meet you y/n.”
               “You too,” you nodded, watching as he walked into the house, leaving you to wonder who he was and why he would care. When he came back, he sat down beside you, taking off his hat and running a hand through his hair, then sighing.
               “So what’s your story?” he asked.
               “What do you mean?” you eyed him strangely.
               “Come on,” he narrowed his eyes. “You’re not all mopey and sitting outside for no reason. What happened? Was someone mean to you? Do I have to beat them up?”
               “No,” you giggled, realizing how long it had been since you had last actually genuinely laughed. “I just uh, was lonely I guess.”
               “I feel that,” he mumbled. “You single?”
               “Yeah…” you answered slowly. “Kind of contributes towards my loneliness, don’t you think?”
               “I guess,” he replied. “So, uh, would you mind not being lonely?”
               “What?” you stared at him, confused.
               “Would you like company, I guess, is what I’m trying to say?” he rephrased the question.
               “Sure,” you tried to hide the redness in your face, flattered by the offer. “I’d love to.”
               “Come on,” he laughed. “Let’s get you out of this shitty party.”
               You didn’t exactly expect Brendon to be off his shift in such a hurry, but you were happy he was. In fact, he even let you eat half of the sausage pizza as he made the rest of his deliveries, of course, only having him eat the other half. He proved to be extremely nice, cracking jokes and complimenting you when you least expected it, and although you doubted whether there was any truth to his words, he had claimed he was having just as good as a time in your company as you were in his. He stopped by a gas station to pick out your favorite ice cream, as well as a Redbox to find a good movie, and then took you towards his apartment, letting you sit on the couch and handing you a blanket only before snuggling up beside you, casually putting an arm around your shoulder and watching you blush. “Thank you,” you whispered as the menu screen popped up on the television and Brendon reached for the remote. “A lot. I haven’t had this much fun in a really long time.”
               “My pleasure,” he replied, setting the remote down beside him, surprising you even more and leaning in to kiss you on the cheek. When he moved away, your face was bright red, eyes wide, shocked. “I u-uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomf-” Before he could even finish his sentence, some crazy force overtook you and made you lean in to kiss him, this time on the lips, and he was the shocked one. When you pulled away, you stared at him, watching as he swallowed slowly, then studied your face.
               “W-was that okay?” you stammered, suddenly self-conscious and worried.
               “Okay?” he laughed. “That was fucking amazing, y/n.” He stared at you for another moment, silence lingering between the two of you before he took a deep breath. “Would you mind if we maybe did it again?”
               You didn’t even take the time to reply, but instead leaned in and pressed your lips against his, both of you closing your eyes and absorbing the moment. Your hands were tangled in his hair and his hands were sliding up your back, making you hum into his mouth, his tongue exploring yours, the sensation making you feel absolutely wonderful. “Don’t stop,” you breathed as he pulled away.
               “Is it okay if…” his voice trailed off and he looked at you, biting down on his lip, hesitant to continue.
               “Yes,” you nodded, seeming to understand what he was hinting towards. “Don’t hold back.”
               “You sure?” he double checked. “All the way?”
               “All the way,” you repeated, pulling him closer to you, his lips barely touching yours. “I want everything you have to offer.”
               He kissed you again, this time ten times more passionate, hands running up your back and tugging off your shirt, then pulling off his, laying you down on the couch. He trailed his lips down your jaw, your neck, unclasping your bra in order to gain access to your breasts, then your stomach, making you hum in delight. He unbuttoned and unzipped your jeans, sliding them down before taking a moment to do the same to his, after pulling a condom out of his pocket. He removed his boxers next, smirking at your reaction before tearing open the foil and sliding the condom over his length, then climbing on top of you and kissing you passionately again, this time taking a hand and sliding it down your stomach towards your panties, rubbing you through the fabric. “God you’re gorgeous,” he sighed.
               “Please,” you begged. “Fuck me, Brendon.”
               That’s all it took for him to slide into you, his hands on your hips as he sunk into your pussy, inch by inch, making you moan. “Shit, you’re so tight baby,” he gasped, filling you to the hilt before moving his hips in rhythm with yours. He thrusted into you slowly, making you gasp and moan and sigh, you savoring every single second of it. When you both came, you were moaning each other’s names, a complete mess, clinging onto the other’s body, shaking and loving the feeling of your orgasms washing over you. When he pulled out, he pressed a kiss to your lips. “That was amazing, baby.”
               “Mmm you have no idea,” you sighed, pulling him in for another heated kiss. When he pulled away he chuckled, sliding off the condom and tying it, leaving for a moment and then coming back, snuggling up next to you and wrapping the blanket around both of your bodies, cuddling you.
               “Much better than a lame party, am I right?” he chuckled.
               “Definitely,” you smiled. “You think uh, maybe we could make this a regular thing?”
               “Definitely,” he grinned. You stared at each other for a second before he chuckled to himself. “Uh, you ready to watch that movie now?”
               “Oh I almost forgot,” you burst out into laughter. “Yeah.”
               “Give me a second,” Brendon whispered, kissing your forehead. “I think I lost the remote.”
               “Doofus,” you giggled. “I love you.”
               “I love you too,” he replied.
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nileqt87 · 3 years ago
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Notes on the early development of the Buffyverse in regards to the unaired pilot and Witch being the first episode shot
In regards to the acting coach’s perspective on Buffy season 1 (last reviewing Witch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tt5L6IeHT4
Witch was actually the very first episode shot.
Many new shows will film a few filler episodes first while the actors are still building their chemistry, so that the first episodes aired will be even better. This was absolutely the reason why Witch was filmed prior to Welcome to the Hellmouth and The Harvest. Might be worth noting in terms of green performances and chemistry. The chemistry is great already, though this is luckily a very fatherly episode for Giles, so it's not as jostling as that slightly creepy, personal space-intrusive version in Welcome to the Hellmouth shot later. In Nicholas Brendon's case with his visible waiting for the next line, outside of the unaired pilot, *this* was actually his first episode.
Obviously, this is one of the cases where the pilot was never aired (for good reason--and not just because of replacing Willow and Flutie) and many times those will have scenes redone for airing. Sometimes things are reshot due to replacing an actor, but without reshooting the whole thing. For example, Smallville had a Martha Kent stand-in due to Annette O'Toole being already cast, but only available at a later date.
In Buffy's case, the unaired pilot was obviously a lost cause. They were still working out how to do major SFX staples of the show like the dusting effect (they tried stop motion before settling on dodgy CGI with no skeletons until season 3), as well. Even the makeup changed a bit over the first season from Julie Benz being the original test dummy for The Lost Boys prosthetics, as can be seen by the white/purple makeup being made more flesh tone. It was her first scene that coincidentally changed the least in the rewrite and performance (except for a costume change) from the unaired pilot to Welcome to the Hellmouth. She also was originally meant to die in what became The Harvest's showdown, but was kept for another episode (and then a lot more episodes!) by having her run away (note how often Darla runs away from danger!) from Willow's holy water.
Darla's costume change became the Catholic schoolgirl look (she was just wearing a floral '90s grunge dress before) that got an explanation in 1x07. Darla doesn't know she's trying to jealously scare off a Slayer (she doesn't know until the mausoleum scene) with the dead guy in the gym locker, but she knows Angel is in Sunnydale and has been following a schoolgirl. Darla later mocks Angel for this, but also exposes her insecurity and jealousy, all the way later in Dear Boy on his spinoff. Angel, of course, is Catholic, so that's another pointed jab. A lot of viewers don't even pick up on the Catholic schoolgirl uniform, which was worn prior to Darla knowing Buffy's secret identity, being that meaningful. The other thing viewers don't pick up on in regards to 1x07 is the in-hindsight meaning of Angel having human blood in his fridge after two decades eating rats and how that potentially affected his ability to socialize with humans and why he knew about delivery day at the hospital in The Dark Age, despite Whistler mentioning blood from the butcher. Something as simple as a costume change got a whole character-building backstory in a later episode. That layer of storytelling was absent in the pilot.
For continuity reasons that weren't because of anything being performed badly like Buffy's hair color and the school library becoming a set (Torrance High's spiral library staircase would've clearly become a hazard for Tony Head!), the footage had to all be redone. Buffy had a slightly longer dialog in the library scene, for example, that is actually something of a loss because it goes into more depth about what happened to her in L.A.
Xander's tour of the school isn't strictly necessary for the plot, but was a chemistry-building scene, and perhaps a remnant of Joss Whedon's intent for him to be the every man who wins the fantasy girl who is out of his league, rather than the female protagonist instead winning her unattainable, forbidden fruit fantasy (the male gaze vs. the female gaze).
Whedon was still being talked into having the Angel character at all back then, originally intending for Xander (notoriously known for being Whedon's not-so-nice “nice guy” self-insert) to be the love interest. David Greenwalt, Marcia Shulman and Gail Berman were Angel's biggest cheerleaders and the latter two (rather degradingly described as "puddles of drool") outvoted Whedon during casting. The WB also only agreed to renew the show (they were actually quite disappointed by season 1) if season 2 contained more Angel and the Bangel romance, which was heavily promoted (look at any of the WB's ad campaigns) and brought in the show's highest ratings (the entire show's ratings peaked at Surprise/Innocence).
Not only was Whedon against casting David Boreanaz, comparing him even to the jocks who beat him up in school and talking about how he hated making a spinoff about a white Alpha male lead as a hero, but he was reluctant to have any good vampires at all. Come season 2, Whedon was also pushing James Marsters up against a wall and threatening to fire him because he was getting too popular. Whedon made the remark that Marsters had it easier than him getting laid because of how he looked (that was on Marsters' second day of work well before School Hard ever aired!). Whedon didn't like it when he ended up with a good vampire sex symbol the first time, then ended up with two sympathetic vampire sex symbols on his show.
Coincidentally, both characters weren't meant to stick around and survived intended final death scenes, as well. Angel was never meant to be more than a cryptic messenger for a few episodes (before he became the love interest or a vampire), then wouldn't have come back from hell if it weren't for the spinoff (which the WB wanted--it wasn't just Whedon being finally impressed by Boreanaz's performance as Grace Newman). Spike was originally intended to be killed by the church organ falling on him. Faith was originally going to hang herself after staking Finch.
For that matter, the original villain of season 2 was meant to be the Anointed One (hence the absurd build-up in season 1 that goes nowhere) until it was apparent that Collin’s actor had grown up too much and wasn’t that successful (cue Spike flash-frying him in a cage), with Whedon reluctant to believe Boreanaz could carry the Big Bad role. Angelus arguably turned out to be the Buffyverse’s greatest villain and Buffy’s most personal. The most subtle foreshadowing was undoubtedly the fact that the production didn’t feel the need to hire Mark Metcalf for a silent performance of the Master in When She Was Bad, so it’s actually Boreanaz (look for his wider mouth shape) beneath the Master’s prosthetics. Buffy’s having nightmares of the Master, but it’s really Angel underneath! When She Was Bad also teases what would happen if it came down to a fight between Buffy and Angel.
Whedon's intentions being outvoted so forcefully by other writers, producers, the network and audience is mirrored by the likes of Sera Gamble attempting to villainize and kill off Castiel (whose Little Mermaid-esque arc arguably overshadowed the Winchesters and created an unintended third lead, no matter how much he was nerfed of his powers and left out of Monster of the Week episodes due to him making human hunters irrelevant) on Supernatural, only to fail with a massive audience outcry and was forced out of the show herself. Shows occasionally get away from their creators or showrunners.
Greenwalt had to also create the soul/curse mythology (massively to the franchise's benefit!) to explain how Angel was the first gray-area exception to Whedon’s black & white world-building where vampires and demons are always bad and only there to be allegories for human problems. This is in stark contrast to today's vampire mythologies that are no longer default-evil and mostly about "choosing boyfriends, the movie", whereas the Buffyverse ended up taking most of its vampire archetypes from Anne Rice, despite Whedon absolutely hating "that crap". Ironically, Rice's vampires are all sexually impotent and murderously evil, despite Louis feeling guilty and eating rats in alleys (sound familiar?). Come the spinoff, it wasn't just Angel, but characters like Doyle and Lorne (not to mention Wolfram & Hart's human lawyers) further muddying that original intent. The Buffyverse was straddling two eras of genre fiction in regards to the development of the evil-to-sympathetic/misunderstood-to-good monster.
The pilot definitely felt like it was a better set-up for Xander to not be so easily friend-zoned, but the friend-zoning is complete here in Witch. That one scene here in Witch actually turns out to be a significant one, and it's especially significant in an episode that was shot first and doesn't contain Xander's rival. By the time that Witch was filmed, it appears the writing staff were aware that Xander wasn't going to be the love interest. The next few episodes also are aware of it, even when Angel doesn't or barely appears. Earlier drafts for Never Kill a Boy on the First Date and The Pack didn't have Angel juxtaposed against Owen/Xander (this episode got the heaviest rewrites of all) or the scene of Buffy (wearing Angel's jacket) and Willow discussing Angel in the Bronze + Xander's jealousy under the hyena spell at all.
Only 25 minutes were presented of a full-length pilot script (dated January 1996) that even contained Angel (back when they hadn't even decided he was a vampire yet and you'll notice the bigger Angel episodes were all the last episodes written and shot with scenes dropped into earlier scripts that didn't contain him before) as a mysterious motorcycle guy who stakes a vampire outside of the auditorium showdown. Boreanaz even mentioned shooting the motorcycle scene in the 20th anniversary special that probably confused anyone who hadn't read the unaired pilot script (which is only a minute fraction of the franchise's older diehards who even know where to get a hold of it!)!
Despite Boreanaz being already cast with a cut scene, it is only Mercedes McNab who is in both the unaired pilot (yet not Welcome to the Hellmouth) and Not Fade Away. Boreanaz is the only actor in both Welcome to the Hellmouth and Not Fade Away. He's also in the most episodes by a far margin. Angel is in 167 episodes, with Willow coming in at 147 and Buffy only 146.
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adiarosefandoms · 3 years ago
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Today in Fandom History: April 12
Fandom: Music
April 12, 1987, Brendon Urie was born. Panic! at the Disco front man, and now only member, he is a powerhouse vocalist that often supplies his own instrumentation, at least for his studio albums. Some of his best songs include Victorious (which is an absolute banger), Death of a Bachelor, Dying in LA, Nicotine, Miss Jackson, Nine in the Afternoon, Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have With her Clothes On, and I Write Sins not Tragedies. Not to mention his cover of Frozen 2′s Into the Unknown, and Girls Girls Boys which has become an LGBTQIA+ national anthem. His genre ranges from pop punk to pop rock to emo to even some level of electronica, and a mixture of all of the above. If you’ve been lucky enough to see one of his concerts or clips from it on YouTube you’ll notice that Urie also has one of the most captivating stage presences ever. This is also shown in clips of him when he rocked the roll of Charlie Price in a Broadway production of Kinky Boots. His lyrics read like poetry. Like a photograph of words that would be spray painted onto a chipped white brick wall with smoke covering the lens. Or some Tumblr quote set in front of the picture of a car driving in the rain. Everything about his music is just so artistic. From the lyrics, to the composition, to his delivery, and his remarkable music videos that hold back nothing, everything he puts into his work is worth it because it comes out as true, unadulterated, art. Below is a drawing done by Tomas A. Montani based on Urie’s ‘Too Weird to Live to Rare to Die’ album.
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💙 💗 💛Happy 35th birthday Brendon Urie! 💛 💗 💙
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suckitsurveys · 2 years ago
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What color are your eyes? Green. Is anyone you work with currently on maternity leave or vacation? Yeah, my coworker is on vacation. Favorite boys name? Alex, Brendon, Artie, Eli Baked macaroni and cheese or regular? Both are good and I want to eat both right now thanks. What’s the first thing you learned how to draw? I don’t remember.
Name one of your friends’ children: My friends don’t have kids. What was the name of your 5th grade teacher? Mr. J. Sterling silver or titanium? Sterling silver. How many hours do you work in a day? 8. Sometimes more. Have you ever been to a casino? Yes. Who wrote the last book you read? Raphael Bob-Waksberg. What’s the middle name of your bestfriend? Ann, Allen, Marie, Raymond. What’s your favorite food? Sushi. How far away do you live from the closest aquarium? There’s one downtown, so like 20 minutes. Favorite girls name? Josie, Cecelia, Alex, Stella, Ramona. Name one of your candle scents: Gardenia. What’s the name of your favorite restaurant? Anywhere with sushi. Are you in a relationship? If so, how long? Yes. 11 years. Who in your family has a birthday in January? My mother. When was the last time you lost power? How long was it out and the cause? We lost power in the office on Monday because it was really windy. Do you know any twins? Yes. What’s your favorite flower? Gardenia. Pick 3 random colors: Purple, turquoise, baby pink Would you ever dye your hair that color? My hair has been all three of those at once lol. Do you own any underwear that color? Yeah. Can this be used as a last name? Eh. What’s your favorite country song? I don’t really have a favorite but I do enjoy Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Do you drink alcohol? Occasionally. Do you use any food delivery services such as UberEats, DoorDash, etc? Sometimes. What color is your mailbox? Gray. What is one school supply that is mainly needed? Writing utensils. What age did you lose your virginity? 20. Dogs or cats? Cats. Do you know anyone who’s been to prison? Yes. What’s one thing on your shopping list? Nothing at the moment. Freeze tag or musical chairs? Freeze tag was the besssst. Where did you go on your last vacation? To a waterpark resort in the Dells. Have you ever been stuck in the mud? No. What was the last thing you took a picture of? A bug. Name someone you work with: Lucy. How far away is the closest Walmart? From here? Like 10 minutes. Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell or McDonald’s? Taco Bell but I go to McDonald’s more often. Also fuck Chick-fil-A. Did you ever get an allowance as a child? No. I was just given money when I (very rarely) asked. What food do you see the most of at baby showers? My sister had Popeyes catered to her first baby shower so *shrugs* Do you know the capital of your state? Yes. Have you ever rode on a motorcycle? Nope. When’s the last time you ate any type of sweet? I had ice cream yesterday. Pizza rolls or bagel bites? Pizza Rolls. What kind of flooring is in the room you’re in? Carpet. Is the internet connection good where you live at? Yeah. Do you need to do laundry? No. What’s your favorite scent? Gardenia, rain, coconut. Have you ever lived in a hotel before? No. What kind of pets does your grandmother have? I have no living grandmothers. Do you follow any type of trials? No. What’s the last show you really got into that you have to wait for the next season of? A League of Their Own, Stranger Things, Never Have I Ever, Tuca and Bertie. SpongeBob or Patrick? Sandy. When’s the last time you seen fireworks? On the 4th. Have you ever witnessed a car accident? Yes. Do you own a pair of fuzzy socks? I do. What kind of ice cream is your favorite? Butter pecan. I also like cookie dough. Have you ever been skinny dipping? Yes. Sprinkles or frosting? Frosting. Do you like mushrooms? Yes. How many tattoos do you have? Ten. Do you own any type of hand sanitizers? Oh yes it’s 2022 yall. Have you ever worked in a grocery store? No. What’s your Subway order? I haven’t eaten at Subway in YEARS but my go to was the sweet onion chicken teryaki on italian herbs and cheese bread. With the sweet onion sauce and honey mustard. I may have to try it again because that actually sounds pretty good, but the last time I had it I was grossed out. When was the last time you used the bathroom? Like 20 minutes ago. Do you know how to roller skate? For the most part. Can you read sheet music? No. How old is your youngest sibling? I am the youngest sibling. Do you have an Amazon account? I do. What day is payday? Every other Friday. What’s one food your family has at Thanksgiving? My dad’s cornbread and andoullie sausage stuffing. Do you like painting? Sure. Have you ever been swimming with dolphins? No. What’s your favorite snack food? Chips and salsa or popcorn. You’re watching Law & Order, is it the regular or SVU? I’m not really into that show. What was you doing last time it snowed? Probably complaining about it. Do you have to sleep with a fan on? Yes. Chapstick or lip gloss? Chapstick. When was the last time you took a shower? Monday. Do you know how to play basketball? Yes. Name one thing you put on a salad: Croutons. Do you own anything that’s your favorite color? Of course. What’s the last thing you ordered from a Mexican restaurant? Tacos and chips and guac.  Do you carry a purse or a backpack? Purse. What kind of soda is your favorite? Barq’s Root Beer. Have you ever cut yourself shaving? Yes. Penguins or pandas? Pandas. Do you like your in-laws? Yes. What do you usually do for Christmas? We have family over on Christmas eve and then in the morning we open presents with my nieces. Have you ever used any type of Aromatherapy? Yeah. Toe socks or ankle socks? Ankle socks. Who’s your favorite Pokémon character? Pikachu. I know I’m basic but I love him so much. What’s the temperature range in your area? It’s in the upper 70s. Does your trash need to be taken out? No, Mark did it last night. Nachos or chips and salsa? Both are good but chips and salsa. What’s the name of your pets? Ramona, Friday, and Sake. Have you been around anyone that creeped you out? Yes. What’s your Chick-fil-A order? I don’t fucking eat at homophobic restaurants, thanks.  Regular or pink lemonade? Regular. Do you know anyone who’s lost their house in a natural disaster? Yes. What’s your favorite candy? Reese’s Pieces, Kit Kats, and Sour Patch Kids. Chinese or Japanese cuisine? Japanese. Colored pencils or sharpies? Sharpies. Do you own a pair of Crocs? No. Have you ever been to DisneyWorld? Nope. Does anyone in your family have a birthday in February? Yes, two of my cousins do. How long does it take for your phone to fully charge? I use fast chargers, so not long at all. What color is your hairbrush? I have a black one and a grey one. Is there any movies out that you want to see? I kinda want to see Don’t Worry Darling. Do you know how to run a cash register? For the most part. Chicken or beef noodles? Chicken. What year did you get your drivers license? I was 21, so 2010. Do you have any piercings? Yes. 1 in my right ear, 3 in my left, and 1 in my right nostril. What kind of makeup do you wear? Rarely any. What’s your Taco Bell order? 3 supreme tacos with a bajajajajajaja blast. Do you wear any type of shimmer spray or glitter? No. Have you ever lived in a trailer/doublewide? No. What’s your boyfriends/girlfriends middle name? Allen. Are you into anime? Not really. Pizza or nacho lunchables? There were nacho lunchables?? Have you ever been to a strip club? No. Do you know how to play any instruments? Nope. Have you ever been inside of a courtroom? Yes. What kind of restaurants do you eat at while you’re on vacation? Usually whatever is local or specific to the area. Did you ever participate in any pageants when you were younger? No. What kind of cheese is your favorite? Goat cheese and cheddar. Does your phone have any cracks or scuffs? I just changed my phone case, so no. It’s a little dirty, but that’s just from fingerprints. Have you ever had a professional massage? Nope. Which would you rather have, twins or triplets? I don’t want kids. Do you drink energy drinks? No. Can you swim? Yes. Make the perfect taco salad: I’d rather just have a taco. Have you ever lived with friends or a roommate? No, just the husband. Who in your family has a birthday in March? A couple of my cousins. What kind of pasta do you like? All of it. Covered in sauce, cheese, or pesto. Do you know how to play volleyball? I don’t play, but I know how it’s played. How much decorating do you do around the holidays? A good amount. Have you ever been on a cruise? Yes, down a river. and a dinner cruise on a lake. At what age did you learn how to tie your shoes? Like 4. Oreos or chocolate chip cookies? Oreos. What did you dress up for Halloween as a child? I was a ballerina, a ghost, a witch, the Pink Ranger, a “hollywood cat,” a vampire, a mouse, a bunny...those are all the ones that come to mind when I think of things I was as a kid. I was also Little Pete from the Adventures of Pete and Pete in my mid teens, and Hannah Montana one year too. And a pirate and a bat. Can you count to ten in Spanish? Yes. Name a character from your favorite TV show: Princess Carolyn. Do you like going to arcades? Yes. What was the last personal care item you bought from the store? Pimple treatment. Airplanes or helicopters? Airplanes. Have you ever been camping for more than a week? Not for more than a week, no. What kind of meat do you like the most? Seafood and Chicken. Chicken or Buffalo wings? Um. Buffalo wings are chicken. Do you actually stop and pet dogs you actually see? If they come up to me and the owner is friendly I will ask. Have you ever been in an ambulance? Nope. What’s the craziest thing you’ve found at a hotel before? Nothing too weird. How far is the closest Target? Like a 5 minute walk. Snakes or spiders? Spiders. What’s your Panera Bread order? I think I’ve had Panera like 3 times in my life and I cannot remember what i ordered. Do you have any cool keychains? Sure. How old is your oldest living grandparent? They’ve all passed. Do you watch movies? Uh, yes? Who in your family has a birthday in April? My dad and two cousins. Also two of my best friends were born in April. Have you ever had your nails done professionally? Oh yes, at least once a month. I am actually getting them done today, and then getting a pedi tomorrow.  What color Christmas tree do you use? We get real trees. What’s your go to dipping sauces? Depends on what I am eating. Do you know how to properly pack a U-Haul truck? Sure. What was your least favorite math? I HATED doing “proofs” in geometry. Have you ever been published in a magazine? No. What color is your snow gloves? Black. How old were you when you last went to the dentist? I was in my 20s. Do you own a printer? A 3D printer. What’s your Applebees order? I haven’t been to Applebees in like 15 years. Do you bring home seashells from the beach? Sometimes. Have you ever jumped on a trampoline with …with?
What kind of video games do you play? I play stuff on my phone and sometimes WII bowling. Is anyone in your family in law enforcement? I don’t believe so. How long ago was the last funeral you attended? I believe that was for Matt but I am completely blanking on the year. It was a few years ago though. What color is the blanket on your bed? Grey. Where did you get your name from? My parents. Do you wear lipstick? Sometimes. What’s a fruit you dislike? Raspberries and blackberries. What kind of donuts do you like? Jelly filled. Do you know how to braid hair? I can only do basic braids. What’s one accessory you wear? Earrings and nose ring. How many hoodies/jackets do you own? Several. What was the last name of the road you lived on? Nope. What brand of chocolate do you prefer? I don’t really have a favorite. Nike or Adidas? I don’t care. What will your future wedding colors be? I'm already married and we didn’t really have colors. I wore a sparkly blue dress though. Do you have a phone mount in your car? Yes. Make the perfect omelet: Swiss cheese, mushrooms, spinach. Ooo I wonder if I can get Mark to make me one Saturday morning. What’s the name of the air freshener closest to you? There isn’t one.
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cadecaptain · 3 years ago
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Album Reviews: Albums I Liked Throughout Middle School and High School, and Were They Actually Good?
Honorable Mentions:
BØRNS Dopamine (2015) Kinda Good
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It was hard for me not to include a BØRNS album somewhere on this list just because the hold this album used to have on me. It was all I wanted to listen to circa summer before 11th grade. Too bad he groomed underage girls, I feel like he could have been a big hit. 
Regardless, this album definitely still delivers. I feel like more variety in the tracks could have been nice, the song composition comes across very formulaic. Even still, it is hard not to become entranced by the modern, synth-y, ear-worm pop jams this albums is packed with. 
Best Song: Past Lives
Worst Song: Overnight Sensation
Foster the People Torches (2011) Kinda Bad
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I remember telling all of my 6th grade friends to listen to this album and singing them lyrics of it. I thought this album was flawless and that I was a cool kid for listening to it. On re-listens it still has some hits, but there's something about Foster the People’s specific early 2010′s indie music sound that just sounds dated as time goes on. Such is life. 
Best Song: Helena Beat
Worst Song: Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)
10. Fall Out Boy Folie à Deux (2008) Actually Bad
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Eighth Grade me is angry, but it needs to be said. Fall Out Boy have better projects than this by far, I don’t even know if I would argue with someone who puts SR&R above Folie. This album is trying to hard. It feels like it is trying to send me some subliminal, buried message that is probably along the lines of “nice guys finish last”, but in a self-victimizing, not self aware way. I feel like it’s trying to be an “artsy” album, but Infinity on High does everything better as an album and at establishing an aesthetic. I still end up listening to this album at least twice a year, and usually leave it thinking, “This was better when I was 13″.  
Best Song: America’s Suitehearts 
Worst Song: 20 Dollar Nose Bleed
9. Panic! At The Disco A Fever You Cant Sweat Out (2005) Actually Good
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Talk about a vision. This album will always stand out to me from that 2000′s emo scene, and I have a hard time imagining it isn’t entirely because of Ryan Ross’s lyrics. There are definitely lines on this album that age better than others, but the lyrical complexity, (and delivery, even though Brendon Urie is cancelled), gives us an album that has truly gotten better as it has aged. When I was growing up I always say Pretty. Odd. was my favorite P!ATD album, but I think this one takes the cake, objectively speaking. It was ahead of its time, as is most music that Ryan Ross touches. 
Best Song: London Beckoned Songs About Money Written by Machines
Worst Song: Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
8. WALK THE MOON Talking is Hard (2014) Actually Bad
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This album kinda sucks, and I remember I wasn’t the only one who really liked it when it came out. I kinda feel like a lot of tumblr people liked WALK THE MOON, but this album isn’t very good. Maybe it is the singer’s delivery, but there’s something about WTM projects that feel very modern-Christian-music-y, and it makes it hard to really enjoy it because like modern Christian music, it is very bland and unoriginal. I feel like maybe this band had a potential they could have reached at some point, but this album and the album that follows both don’t bring anything to the table.
Best Song: Avalanche
Worst Song: Come Under the Covers
7. Chromeo  Fancy Footwork (2007) Actually Good
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Chromeo can’t make a bad project in my opinion. Even on newer albums that lose some of their original quirk, the duo still present so tongue in cheek that its hard to not just like it because of the confidence their music exudes. This album is different though. It has the perfect balance of accessibility, originality, and both sleazy-amusing composition and delivery. It always makes me smile when I listen to it. I vividly remember how cool I felt listening to Chromeo in early high school, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t still feel the same way when I listen to them now.
Best Song: Bonafied Lovin’
Worst Song: Momma’s Boy (but in a good way)
6. Troye Sivan  Blue Neighborhood (2015) Actually Bad
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This is an album I was always on the fence about when I was listening to it in high school, and I can safely say I don’t think this album is very good. The “modern”, embellished, Lorde-adjacent instrumentals fall flat throughout the album, and I have a hard time enjoying vocals like Troye’s. The monotone-voice-over-contemporary-beats phenomenon that occurred in the mid 2010′s had winners and losers, and I don’t think this album won. There are a few catchy hooks on this thing, but I don’t think anyone can get through this album without a few skips. 
Best Song: WILD
Worst Song: THE QUIET
5. The Staves Dead & Born & Grown (2012) Actually Good
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I found out about this album from an Evan Breen vine, I still think its funny he is into this group. The harmonies on this thing still give me chills throughout the tracklist, and although it does drag its feet at times, the aesthetic this album achieves outweighs any pacing issues that it has. This album makes me feel like I am in the woods, I’m 14, and I want to break up with my 8th grade girlfriend. While my nostalgia for this album likely makes me biased, I still feel like it’s hard not to fall in love with this album from the first track. 
Best Song: In the Long Run 
Worst Song: Snow
4. Grouplove Spreading Rumours (2013) Actually Bad
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Grouplove was a fun band to see live, and a predictable band to sit through an album of. This album ages kinda strange, and I think there are some GLARING skips on this thing. The older I get, the more Earthbound Trading Company-ish this album feels...that is to say the more unauthentic and performative it sounds. I just don’t think Grouplove was a standout group from their musical era, and I think this album gets more and more forgettable as the years pass.  
Best Song: Borderlines and Aliens 
Worst Song: Bitin’ the Bullet
3. Atta Boy Out of Sorts (2012) Actually Good
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This album achieves something really rare, which is having a sound that sounds like it should have always existed. Very simple, yet so well executed and performed that it makes you think “Oh...I should start a band”. The confessionals on many tracks are delivered in such a freeing way, and the timeless instrumentals (for the most part) that accompany this delivery remind me of driving around with my high school friends at night. 
Best Song: A Dog’s Adventure 
Worst Song: When We’re Alone
2. Mac Demarco Salad Days (2014) Actually Bad
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Bold take? Maybe. Talk about a 2014 album. To be fair, this album did really change me as a person, as well as changed a lot of the music I was listening to at the time. The “cool” factor of Salad Days was infectious to any poser 9th grader like myself, but the older I get the less I come back to this album. I think Mac has about 4 other projects I would listen to before getting to this one. It just doesn’t have THAT track on it, ya know? The Dancing in the Dark if you will. Just filled with a lot of predictable Mac instrumentals and lyrics, and it just comes across as somewhat boring, and maybe even somewhat unfinished? 
Best Song: Passing Out Pieces 
Worst Song: Let My Baby Stay
1. Modern Baseball You’re Gonna Miss It All (2014) Actually Good
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TALK about a 2014 album! I have a lot of feelings about this album. Out of all on this list, none make me feel like I’m in high school like this one. Modern Baseball exist in the “confessional-house-show-indie-rock” scene, but this album achieves it in an interesting way. A lot of the lyrics on this album establish it in the time it exists, with references to Instagram, texting, emailing, etc. However, the confessionals are given in a self-depricating, timeless way that makes it trancend the specific situation being sung about, and instead is often able to translate this experience to anyone listening. Bluntly said, this album is about always always trying to seem cool to the point where you think you’re a victim, and about how shitty it is to be like that. A way I think this album is able to do better than others that have exist in this similar sound is that it doesn’t pull punches. Other albums like this often try this formulaic approach of juxtaposing buzz-word metaphors with vivid imagery, but here mobo deliver by giving us confessionals presented in more of a self-critical, honest way. 
Best Song: Rock Bottom 
Worst Song: Timmy Bowers
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bitter-sweet-coffee · 3 years ago
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hello idk if u can guess by my mannerisms who this is but funny glasses coin
anyway can u tell me about espio pls n thx x
i cant tell because i'm an idiot but don't take it personally, i just know the first anon was @bluemarine because she was the one who informed me my anons were off when they weren't (tumblr is broken)
ANYWAYS YES I ABSOLUTELY CAN! espio is. good boy very nice bisexual lad. how should i elaborate? well...
he's a ninja detective chameleon with wind powers, speed that rivals sonic and shadow's, incredible strength, a lot of weapons, a sixth sense, he plays the shamisen, and seems calm and collected until he threatens eggman's life to his face! :-)
anyways, here are some rent-free obscure headcanons i have for him:
- he's a ronnie radke emo but his bi confirmation was brendon urie in the vices & virtues era
- he likes psychological horrors
- him and mighty are childhood friends and almost-exes, espio is bitter about that
- silver is his best friend who is kinda always in love with him and espio sorta likes him back too but they never do anything with this
- oui'd enthusiast
- him and blaze train together! fire and wind hehe
- he's also good friends with amy! they talk about their weird powers
- espio is afraid of chaos energy. he won't state it outright but he never goes super for a reason, and doesn't like using his powers around chaos emeralds
- shadow and him really like doing missions together so they team up a lot! no weird tension whatsoever aha no mutual crushes what? 🥴
- he doesn't really like or watch anime, except death note and kiki's delivery service. wave got him to watch spirited away but he's more of a doctor who fan (loves 9 and rose, also 10 obvs bc who doesn't)
- he likes zelda and mains link in smash if forced to play (not much of a gamer)
- he has paul mcartney's missing bass guitar but has no clue, it was just conveniently cheap and thrifted
- he swears more often than you'd think!
- espio has a basically indestructible immune system... unless he's stressed or emotionally wounded. the "inner strength" thing isn't a gimmick, a cold can kill him if he's upset enough
on that note, here's a playlist of songs that either remind me of him, or that he'd like:
hopefully this is what you were looking for!
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ambitionsource · 4 years ago
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did you guys ever have voice casts for the characters? like people/singers you think the characters would sound like n all that? if so would you mind sharing them?
This is such an interesting question... admittedly, Es and I hadn’t really thought about it! We especially just think about the actual actors for those who already sing, but we can provide a couple other samples for each person if it intrigues you to know! Let’s see...
FARKLE | Corey actually does sing -- though not often in this version of reality -- but I do believe he has some professional training. We think of this song he’s recorded in particular, which I think is a really good example of how he sounds circa S1 in my head (this song is actually a bop. The YT version cuts out like 20 seconds too early but I found a version on Tumblr last year that was full so now I have it on my phone LMAO let’s go 2015 Corey). Anyway, it’s that pretty stereotypical power tenor vibe. A couple more comparisons I suggest are:
Jonathan Groff -- I think Jonathan Groff is the best comparison I can make. He’s theatrical, he has a pretty impressive range, but he rests pretty comfortably in the natural tenor range. Like he can do Kristoff one minute and King George from Hamilton the next, and I think that is equitable to Farkle’s range. The man key is that he’s a powerful vocalist. I think Farkle’s true center of his voice has a higher resting place than Groff, but it’s close enough. Example track: Bohemian Rhapsody. One of Glee’s best and an amazing display of Groff’s vocal range in one track. Farkle could match this beat for beat, flair for flair.
Chris Colfer -- I think that the flair Chris Colfer brings to a lot of his performances on Glee match well to Farkle’s vocal stylings as well (which is why he’s done a few performances with that version), but to be clear, I think Colfer’s voice is softer / higher than Farkle’s. It’s more about... emotion and inflection here than tone. Example track: Not the Boy Next Door. Farkle did this on the show, so you know we endorse it. This was also the track Esther brought up when I asked for her opinion.
Brendon Urie -- I think that Urie’s range is really akin to Farkle’s. I don’t think Farkle has at all the same kind of flair or inflection that Urie does (and Farkle is obviously more Broadway than radio), but on certain tracks I think it’s pretty cross applicable. Example track: Dying In LA
I’ll continue this under a read more to spare everyone who doesn’t want to read on because clearly this will be lengthy LOL.
RILEY | I have not heard Rowan sing since the thinly attached source material theme song days, so I honestly don’t think of her much as Riley’s voice (though I think she could do it if trained for it). Especially because of all the mains, Riley is one of the ones who is meant to be less trained and unimposing. For me, the most important quality to Riley’s voice is that it’s not overwhelming. It’s beautiful, and leaves an impact when you listen, but it’s never going to be Maya or Zay’s big, brassy vocals. And that’s fine. That’s what makes it unique in the landscape of the show (and why it appeals to Lucas rather than turns him away). A couple more comparisons I suggest are:
Amanda Seyfried -- I admittedly only know Seyfried’s work in the first Mamma Mia film, but she has the right delicate soprano that I envision Riley having. It’s like... a lilting, soft thing that’s enjoyable to listen to but can escalate into strong belting if needed and handle it effectively enough. Example track: Thank You For Music. Literally a perfect track for Riles.
Phillipa Soo -- Another great example of a powerful soprano player. Case in point enough that we’ve had Riley do a Eliza Hamilton song on the show already. Gentle and gorgeous, but sharp and intense when it needs to be. Example track: Burn.
mxmtoon -- First of all, let this be my plug that everyone should listen to mxmtoon. I love her. She has this lovely gentle voice and her instrumentation is so good. Her EP dusk is gorgeous and I cannot recommend it enough. But she is a great non-theater example of what I think Riley’s voice is like. She varies between ukulele and piano, and everything is just really understated and nice. Example track: show and tell.
MAYA | This is easy. I literally don’t have to say like anything. She just is Sab. That’s it. Like Sab is a phenomenal vocalist and she’s brassy and bold and has range and that’s all Maya is. Like literally that’s it LOL. If you need examples, hit her discography, but I’ll specifically highlight “Sue Me,” “Looking At Me,” and “Diamonds Are Forever” aka the Sab songs we’ve had her do on the show.
ZAY | Zay is an interesting one, because I don’t really think he fits any specific category in my head. He kind of defies definition. He definitely has a brassy swing to him that allows him to pull off showstopping numbers (like his Kossal audition with “Ain’t No Way”), but he can pull it back and reshape it to fit breathtaking musical theater renditions (like “Music and the Mirror”) or banging contemporary (think “Consideration” or “Self Control”) in a way that I don’t think Farkle or Maya can. He is the most vocally versatile of the bunch, and that makes his comparisons sort of wide-reaching as well. I’m not really familiar with Amir’s vocal ability outside of rap (so at least we know he can do that), but based purely on what I hear in my imagination, a few comparisons:
Leslie Odom Jr. -- A younger and less polished Odom, to be clear, but this is a big one for me. I think Odom’s vocal strength and range is so impressive, and what really strikes me is how... grounded and resonant his voice is. That’s a big thing for Zay for me -- you never doubt he’ll be able to support his vocals and that they’re strongly rooted. If he ever cracked or ran out of breath, it would be a shock. This is also really tied to Zay because of how much I would kill to see him perform “Wait For It” and how I feel like it’s such a Zay song. But anywho... Example track: Wait For It.
Frank Ocean -- Ocean has such a cool interesting range and does a lot of things with his performances vocally, so that’s why he’s on here in that he also defies definition. I think Zay also considers Ocean a musical inspiration, so it makes sense that he would adopt or emulate some of his style. I feel like he also translates emotion well, which is a key Zay trait too. Example track: Godspeed.
Amber Riley -- Now hear me out here. Obviously, Zay is a baritone and Amber is like a mezzo soprano / alto / what have you, but the reason I’m listing this Glee legend as a comp is because the quality of her performances is so sharp. It’s like, any time Amber performed on the show it was jawdropping. Her vocal runs are insane, the power behind her vocals is awe-inspiring. She captivates you from the first note, and that is why I always think of Zay. That’s how it is when he performs too, especially in moments where he’s trying to sell it (like his Kossal audition). I wouldn’t be giving my authentic comparisons if I didn’t mention this. So there. Example track: And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going (I would sell my soul to see Zay perform this. Please. PLEASE. Maybe I’ll crowdsource with Charlie and we’ll both sell our kidneys).
CHARLIE | Speaking of Charlie, he’s an interesting one, too. I honestly didn’t really... have a concept of how he sounded in my head, but then when I learned that Tanner sings, it was not at all whatever was deep in my head. But I love his voice, so I think I kind of ended up reconfiguring my perception of what Charlie sounds like around that revelation and now I’m still kind of trying to figure out exactly what that sounds like in the context of the show. The thing is, though, I think Charlie also doesn’t really know what his style is (LMAO), so it’s okay that we’re experimenting a little bit. Like in S1, the few times he sang, it was all over the place but mainly radio. Then in S2, he did predominantly musical theater duets. And now in S3, we’ve really just gone all over the map (from punk-rock opera with “Superstar” to bubblegum pop with “Party For One”) and there’s a lot of fun in that. Where Charlie will land, I don’t know yet, but I will share with you all Tanner’s only recorded song at this point and you all can start to orient yourselves from there. But a few other ideas to get the ball rolling:
Norbert Leo Butz -- Now here’s the thing... Charlie doesn’t sound like this LOL. The reason I’m including Butz is because I started writing about Jeremy Jordan and his rendition of “If I Didn’t Believe In You” and Jordan’s rendition is truly just so inferior that I realized no, I really don’t think Charlie sounds like Jeremy Jordan. So then I ended up here, and you know what, here’s the thing. I think an older Charlie would sound like Norbert Leo Butz. Like, give him 10 or so years, and this is where he’ll settle. To a degree at least -- I don’t think he’ll ever go quite as brassy or bold as Butz can lean sometimes, but the way he like... emotes through his vocals feels extremely Charlie, and the range is about right in terms of voice part. Anyway, give him 10 years, and then get to the point with this amazing example track that is one of my favorite musical theater tracks ever even though I hate the character who sings it. Example track: If I Didn’t Believe In You.
Oshima Brothers -- The shape of the O bros vocals don’t quite match how I hear Charlie in my head (they’re a bit too flat), but the essence of their performances resonate with him very strongly. It’s that gentle, soft-spoken acoustic vibe that I think is so core to Charlie’s performing delivery, which is part of why he’s so consistently overlooked even when he proves time and time again that he can bring compelling vocals (i.e. Haverford’s semi-finals setlist). Example track: Cadence.
Harry Styles -- It’s funny to think that if Charlie saw I was comparing him to Harry Styles he would lose his shit, but I want to be very specific about why and under what conditions I’m including him as a comparison (as he’ll show up on another person’s list too). I think Styles specifically works as a comp for Charlie in regards to the general tone and quality of his voice, in particular when it is on a softer acoustic (like “Cherry” or “Sweet Creature”) and when it’s more upbeat (like “Lights Up”). Like I’m not out here being like Charlie is as good as Harry Styles LOL, but I think the core qualities of their voices are similar. Especially when cross-compared with the other examples above along with Tanner’s actual voice. Example track: Sweet Creature.
ISADORA | Isadora is an anomaly of sorts, since she’s that character archetype where they never expected to be a singer but then ended up being talented anyway (Asher is in the same box). I tend to imagine her with a defined alto register, and a slightly huskier, gravelly tone as compared to Maya’s polished, trained vocals and Riley’s gentle, chime-like resonance. So it’s like... gritty, in a way? I have never heard Ceci sing, though I’ve been told she has once upon a time, but I am working basically from scratch in regards to how I imagine her. So without further ado, some comparisons I suggest:
Jorja Smith -- I think Jorja is the most Isa-like track we’ve had her do on the show thus far, to my brain at least. She has this charming edge to her vocals even when they’re on the softer side which is exactly what I envision for her, and I think there’s such a strong definition to when she jumps into her lower register. Whereas with Isa, I think it would be the same, but reaching into her upper notes would be even more of an audible stretch. Example track: Don’t Watch Me Cry.
Dua Lipa -- Another strong alto here, which automatically tracks Isadora for me. Dua especially has that husky quality I was describing. I would recommend all of her Live Acoustic EP to get a sense of what I’m highlighting most as a comparable, but it’s just that like... slight grit, gonna-kick-your-ass alto excellence. It’s so hard to articulate so I hope you get what I’m saying LOL. Example track: Tears Dry On Their Own Acoustic.
Madison Reyes -- I don’t know how many of y’all have watched Julie and the Phantoms yet, but it’s fun. And Madison has a great voice, which made her another good comp for Isadora. Same thing of like that unpolished but compelling belter, slightly gravelly quality. Example track: Wake Up.
LUCAS | Obviously, Lucas doesn’t sing all that often. And when we do give him songs, or roles in songs, most of the time it’s of a variation where he can more talk-sing the words than actually Sing. But he’s not totally exempt, so he deserves a comparison. For me, it’s like... the way Lucas would tell it it’s like he’s the worst singer ever in the history of the universe and you should never hear him, but honestly he’s like. Fine. He’s not great and he would never have gotten into the school for singing, but he’s not terrible. He’s passable. When he tries, it’s charming. I think the biggest key that makes him different from everyone else is he doesn’t have much of a range -- when I pick songs for him, I always try to go for ones that kind of stay within the same octave or register for the entirety so it’s almost like monotone singing, because that’s about what he can handle decently (his performance in 211 being an exception, of course, because it had to be). So, comparing accordingly:
Harry Styles -- I warned you he’d be back again, but this criteria is even more hyper-specific than Charlie. I think Styles is a great comp for Lucas in the very limited tracks where he is not showing off in any capacity and is really just keeping it stripped down and to the point (think “To Be So Lonely”). His cover of “Girl Crush” is another good example of what I mean. It’s basically like the same 4 or 5 notes and very little movement or flash, and his voice kind of takes on a grittier, flatter quality which is what I’m aiming for. Example track: From the Dining Table
That’s really it honestly. He doesn’t perform enough to warrant much else. You get the idea lmao.
ASHER | Although we didn’t expect it back in the days of S1, Asher has certainly jumped up to take spotlight in terms of performing in the last couple of seasons! Ricky (along with Liam) are actual singers and were together in a band for several years, so there’s no doubt they can sing and I think of their voices most often (in particular, I recommend the “Compass” music video, because it’s a good song and allows you to actively see which boy is singing what). But admittedly, Ricky’s handful of solo tracks since FIYM went on hiatus are average at best (and his lyricism... king you need Liam to write your lyrics LMAO), so I don’t usually jump to his music as examples of what I think he -- or Asher -- is actually capable of. So with Ricky’s good vocals as a base, here are some additional comparisons:
Ruel -- Cannot stress this one enough. There’s a reason Asher’s true initial debut was Ruel’s best track (”Younger”). He just has that perfect like... strong tenor with soft edges that feels very teenage twink and very Asher. It’s not quite Diva!Asher flair, but at Asher’s most base vocal style, I think Ruel is the perfect match. Example track: Down For You
Troye Sivan -- Same kind of traits here in terms of like smooth tenor, and in this case it actually is a certified twink singing so the crossover is even more apt. I don’t think Asher is as... electronic as Troye’s production often is, but the general range of his voice is close enough to be considered a match. Example track: 10/10
DYLAN | So same FIYM video shared in Asher’s applies here as well, but I think what works so well about Liam’s voice in regards to Dylan is that I think the key trait to Dylan is that he’s not flashy. When I think about Liam’s voice (and I love his voice, he’s my favorite FIYM member), I often think about when Sue on Glee called Quinn’s voice a “soft, forgettable alto,” but only it’s a tenor and I mean it in a nice way. The most endeared way. Dylan is less about being impressive and more about just like... character. His voice is not the best in the bunch but you can feel how him all of his performances are through his inflections and his energy. That’s what Dylan vocally feels like to me. So aside from his soft, forgettable tenor on the second verse of “Compass,” here’s a couple other niche comparisons for Dyl Pickle:
Princeton in Avenue Q -- Whenever “Purpose” comes on shuffle, I think about Dylan because of how distinct and energetic the delivery of the song is. There’s just so many little quirks and inflections and moments of fun within the vocals, and that reminds me so much of how Dylan performs. Little laughs, free-wheeling runs, stuff like that. Example track: Purpose.
Graham Verchere -- This dude like isn’t even actually a singer and he isn’t that big an actor, but I love love love his rendition of “Thirteen” with Grace VanderWaal and every time I listen to it I think about Dylan and Asher. It captures the other end of Dylan’s range for me (the soft, forgettable tenor thing) in the sense of like... imagining Dylan plucking out songs for fun on his guitar while hanging out with Asher and then playfully serenading him and the two of them doing a carefree, easy duet like this. I just love it. So I’ll include it. Example track: Thirteen.
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warmbeebosoftbeebo · 4 years ago
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wanted to pick your brain to some q’s about this situation. don’t mean to play 20 questions w you but I would rather read an intelligent and thought out answer than listen to the insufferable trolls on twitter.
- do you think this decision has been coming or was it made recently?
- do you think zck was blindsided by the demotion because he had always gotten away with stuff before?
- why do you think z was only was only demoted instead of being fired/terminated?
- will it affect b/sarah’s friendship with kala/z? (maybe not because they were just together for kala’s birthday)
- how difficult do you think the decision/conversation w zck was for b?
- do you think this will weaken b/zck friendship?
- will b ever realize how toxic this friendship is and walk away? or will they always have a friendship in some form?
i think it’s been in the works a while.
i bet he’s surprised that he got consequences.
he’s been b’s friend for 15 years, (a) best friend even for much of that time, and i think he’s one of the guys that b changes who he is around to the point where parts of that become him (the mask, at some point, becomes who you are). i also think b really rebels against being told what to do, as he’s said before, so anything that goes against that mormon upbringing, he runs towards, and zack generally represents the antitheses of it to him (it being forbidden by the church, makes it desirable to him). (the false but omnipresent dichotomy, esp in the states, of religiosity vs hints of the vegas strip as a kid/porn/liberalism, a particular view of sexual and other freedom based in snubbing one’s nose at religion when said view of sex is actually based on/dependent on religion’s vision, paring down and definition of sex is related heavily to this and plays out with b i think eg porn must be good because it’s a fuck you to religion, when really, porn looks as it does precisely because of religion.)
kala, zack, b, and sarah are all friends and that would make things even more awkward if they fired him outright to boot. 
there’s been posts on nicole’s, kala’s, etc instagram of them still hanging with him through this summer so... i’m not sure it did. it’s hard because there is a massive rumour mill going around with diff celebs this summer and so i think it reached the point where there’s automatic distrust for anonymous drive-by and delete allegations (which frankly, should be subject to factchecking were possible and not automatically believed if anon shortlived accounts are all/almost all there is). there’s also the massive pileon on b that started about a month after firezackhall/dismisszackhall did, which was mostly taking things out of context, very very implausible sexual assault & harassment allegations, & as things went on, more and more flat out false or made up out of nothing (there’s been several accusations that i have no idea where they come from eg that ggb is about him wanting to “turn” a lesbian straight, him using the word dyke as a slur, forcible rape, regularly exposing his genitals on stage, etc)
with zack, it mostly wasn’t anonymous, but it was still more obscure twitter accounts (eg we don’t know the real life person behind the account even if it is an account that’s been around a while), aside from breezy, dallon, and in recent days, ian (and his sister, two ex girlfriends also said their experiences with zack were unpleasant to him being insulting about ian to sexist/harassing of them). i got the niggling feeling that b’s stream brushed aside b, d and i’s disclosures (focused clearly on fan disclosures/experiences), but that may have been because he’s addressing them privately/in person/one on one.
i think it was really difficult for him. i also think some of the things brought in weren’t... bad and i think muddled the process too (eg him pushing the girl that was running full tilt at b was justified imo and shouldn't have been used to say he should be fired, even how the one where b and zack were mobbed at the airport while b had a panic attack was used... inappropriately?, some of the stuff was just his brusque humor and not bigoted, i thought what he said about taylor swift was ok and not this big predatory “he’s a danger to her how could b let him be in the same room with her” thing, the fact he said that fan drawing wasn’t good but could only get better was fine by me not him being this big meanie).
i also think that second society article from nov 2 was really unethical and gross. and i don’t like zack overall (breezy, zack, ian, some of his tweets eg the drawing saying that girls control males from toddlerhood through our vaginas/vulvas, his use of nonconsensual porn inc screenshotting fans nudes on instagram and turning them into nonconsensual porn by saving them and reposting them/making the wallpaper, calling that poor girl blow job girl not just once, but telling others and calling her it again). but it was a hit piece and really inappropriately used his criminal past of over 20 years ago, including when he was a homeless teenager, most of which were poverty-driven crimes (theft, larceny, break and enter, driving violations, he’s also admitted to drug dealing/consumption, and he also drove/bodyguarded women in escort prostitution, although based on what he said, this wasn’t pimping aka taking a large portion eg 40% plus of their earnings) and not directly violent against others. there is one assault charge that we know of, from over 20 years ago, and we don’t know the context. shameful even of them to use his past like that.i would also like to remind people going after zack for this past and thinking it reveals something dreadful and evil about him that *brendon* used to not only use (hard drugs too), but be the delivery boy for weed, and later deal drugs (eg percocets). (b’s talked about this for years, most recently on twitch, and zack’s discussed his past on kala’s podcast.)
most of what zack’s done and been accused of (as in, while with panic, the sexual harassment, mocking disabled people, sexualized misogny, etc) is within the realm of normalized, widespread male behaviour. finding fault with his behaviour with/treatment of others would mean finding fault with most men and aggregate (average/overall) male behaviour. including in what some of what b has done (some of which is speculative on my part, some of which is known eg violent sex comments, misogynist slurs, online porn consumption). 
i don’t know the inner workings of their relationship, and am only going on some hints. what breezy said in that comment months ago (that zack is a bad influence on b, has cost b good friendships) says a lot to me and she liked a post recently where another expressed shock/anger at b still being friends with zack. but i don’t know if i would consider b a victim of zack  he does seem to be gaslighting him to a degree, although it also has to do with what i said above about it being in the realm of normal and him being drawn to what zack is and represents (rebelling against shoulds and oughts and mustn’ts... eg swearing is bad according to the parents and church, so all "bad words” must really be good/desirable/said). he’s also got anxiety, depression disorders which play into fears, isolation, plus the covid lockdown of this year which isolates him even further. i do believe the four of them (b, zack, sarah, kala) are living together now with the lockdown? correct me if i’m wrong; i’d have to rewatch lockdown streams. 
the fact ian also came out about zack on top of breezy and dallon has me wondering why b was and is such good friends with him. why does he like him so much? i admit, i used to like him a lot of the time in streams even when he was an acquired taste (eg he jokes around a lot, is rarely serious, a lot of sarcasm, being sardonic, deadpan, honesty and not lying but to the point where it can be a little much), some of his twitter but considering what those three alone have said... does he feel that isolated without him? the fact zack is bisexual may also play a role in their friendship (eg he has other nonstraight male friends, esp when he was younger i don’t think b had many straight male friends and had more female friends), but that’s speculative and i don’t think that’d play a big role. 
i’m not sure what b has taken in/seen, what he knows from before, what he knows now, what he knows to be true, what people have told him directly and is credible, so i don’t know if this will change things/make him see him in a different light. like what did he know about zack’s dynamic with and treatment of dallon and breezy before? what did he think of it then? what does he know now? what did breezy and dallon tell him at the time? did they tell him anything recently? show him?
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goldenmusicmoments · 5 years ago
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Taylor Swift - Lover (Album Review):
I Forgot That You Existed - This album opener serves as a palate cleanser. She is stating here that she is now moving on from the past and is ready for a fresh start. The head bopping beat that the track opens with is so infectious it guarantees the track being embedded in your memory. The laugh after the bridge provides the song with a really adorable moment along with the ‘so yeah’ at the end. It’s a track you’d want to play on a drive during the summer. A strong and catchy start to the album.
Cruel Summer - This follow up to the opener instantly grabs your attention with its interesting start which features a distorted repetition of ‘yeah’. Through the beat and Taylor’s vocals on the track you get a sense of urgency which mimics the feeling she gets from the relationship she’s in. The song is such an exhilarating track with its slick production and her vocals during the chorus are so beautiful. Not only that but the lyrical content of the track really captivates you and the growl moment where she sings ‘He looks so pretty like the devil’ at the end of the bridge provides the track with its most unexpected moment. 
Lover - After the fast pace of the previous track, Taylor calms things down with this stunning self-written love song. The nostalgic throwback vibe you get through the production, the lyrics and the vocal combination provides you with a perfectly crafted love song. The cleverly put together lyrics on the bridge make it seem as though they are wedding vows. You can tell that Taylor is truly in love. This surely will become a favourite for couples to use as their wedding song.
The Man - On this track Taylor sings about the double standards women face in comparison to their male counterparts. The tight production and the slick beat really hook your attention to the track. After hearing what the topic of the song was prior to its release, the way it turned wasn’t what was expected. It definitely exceeded expectations providing the album with a confident and powerful moment that makes a statement. On top of that the switch up for the outro provides for a smooth transition into the next track.
The Archer - This track starts in a really intimate way with her voice being the focal point as the track kicks in gradually. There is this sense of vulnerability in both her vocals and lyrics. The beautiful lyrics on this track feature Taylor singing about being on both ends of the situation as a predator and the prey. The unexpected combination of the gentle vocal with the urgency in the beating drum on the beat works really well. The bridge features a reinterpretation of the Humpty Dumpty rhyme which is quite the interesting moment on the track.
I Think He Knows - This song kickstarts with a finger clicking beat, where she sings about the guy knowing what she wants without the need for her to say it. The production is real slick and the upbeat track is infectious. The change up to a gentler moment on the bridge isn’t what you’d expect but it works, giving the track its most unique and beautiful quality. 
Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince - The moment this track begins you are pulled in with its mysterious and dreamy feel. The storytelling through the lyrics captivate and hold your attention. On this song Taylor uses the high school as a metaphor to elude to the current political situation, but it can also be taken for its literal form. The lyrics make you think and try to figure out what Taylor is singing about. Again the production on the track is strong and she does draw some inspiration from Lana Del Rey with the feel of the track. The bridge features a cheerleader type chant and the twist in the lyrics at the end from ‘nobodies gonna win’ to ‘someday we’re gonna win’ brings the track to an end on a hopeful note. Taylor really showcases her talent as a songwriter and the clever ways in which she is able to put forward certain things without them feeling so heavy.
Paper Rings - The is track takes you back in time to somewhere in the 80s with its production on the track and vocal, which is also what makes it seem as the most out of place moment on the album. On this track Taylor sings about memories from her relationship and her wanting him over anything else that is materialistic. It makes you think of Christina Aguilera’s music video for ‘Candyman’ as the videos aesthetic would work really well with this track.
Cornelia Street - This stunning standout track showcases how far in love Taylor is and the pain their falling apart would cause her, as she swears she’ll never be able to return to the starting point of the relationship if they were to break-up. The production is stunning on this track particularly due to the echo like backing vocals taking it to another level and enhancing the feel of the track. You really get lost in its beauty and cosy feel.
Death By A Thousand Cuts - This track inspired by the movie ‘Someone Great’ showcases Taylor’s amazing ability to look through someone else’s prospective when writing. The intriguing opening to the track with the repetition of the word ‘my’ and what seems like piano keys being played in a frantic manner captivate you. The production and her vocal delivery in way give you a sense of anxiety. Her vocals really enable you to feel the emotions she wants you to feel. The wordy bridge gives you a sense of urgency through the vocal delivery. 
London Boy - The track starts with voice recording of Idris Elba’s interview from James Corden’s talk show, it’s a fun track revolving around her adventures around London with her lover. It is a lighthearted track that you can vibe to with its upbeat production.
Soon You’ll Get Better (Ft. Dixie Chicks) - This song is a beautiful stripped back track that draws out all your emotions leaving you on the verge of tears. A heartfelt track both due to its lyrical content and the instrumentation on the track. You can feel the sadness in her voice here. This song serves as a dedication to her mother and holds a universal message. Although the Dixie Chicks are credited as features they don’t have an allocated verse on the track, instead they provide with the harmonies on the track. Due to the nature and how personal the track is the features allow Taylor to remain as the main focus throughout, thus not distracting from the topic. 
False God - This track coming in right after the previous one is an odd placement on the tracklist. As you come from a heartbreakingly sad song to one that is sensual. The trumpet opening grabs your attention and the transition from that to the beat of the track is nice. The smooth and sensual vibe gets you lost in the track. An expected moment on the album, but one that after hearing it you feel that it was needed.
You Need To Calm Down - This track brings you out of the lost state the previous track leaves you in with its upbeat production. A sassy track with lyrics that take aim at the haters, social media trolls and those that seem to always have something negative to say. The vocal echo on certain moments really elevates the track. The message that people shouldn’t be comparing artists as all of them are equally as great as the other during the bridge is much needed. On top of that the background vocals during the final chorus are the highlight moments on the track, particularly when she sings ‘You’re being too loud’.
Afterglow - The drums kick-start this stellar track. On this track Taylor takes ownership over her actions and is standing up to say that she is aware that she is the cause of the downfall of this relationship. The vocals during the pre-chorus and chorus give the track this feeling of vastness. The feel of this track makes it perfectly suited for a live performance in a big stadium/arena setting and that experience is surely going to be magical. The tracks production is on point and when you listen to this using headphones you feel as though you are encapsulated by the track. A magical moment on the album.
ME! (Ft. Brendon Urie) - The lead single of the album that didn’t really give anything away in regards to what the rest of the album was going to sound like or its lyrical content. The track is a carefree and fun track. The verses really provide the track with its strongest moments and when it was first released the opening verse was a promising start to an okay track, the chorus is enjoyable and the bridge from which ‘kids spelling is fun’ has now been removed made the track seem as if it was catering to a very young audience. I was unsure about how Brendon’s vocal would work with Taylor’s at first but after hearing the track it was a pleasant combo.
It’s Nice To Have A Friend - This track is a really nice dedication to a friend and the value friendship has. The layout of the track is completely different to the usual way a song is constructed. As the track doesn’t really have a chorus, neither does it have a bridge. Although the saxophone moment you could say substitutes as the bridge. The song samples a track created by a musical school in Toronto. The tropical feel of the track makes you envision yourself laying in a sun chair on a sunny day lost deep in your thoughts. The lyrics really layout a picture for you and the way she puts forward the lyrics vocally adds to the storytelling.
Daylight - This final track provides the album with such a beautiful ending. In which she sings about coming into the daylight after meeting her lover. You can tell she’s found what she was always been looking for and she is certain she doesn’t want anyone else but him. The track has such a dreamy nature in which no matter what time you listen to it, it feels like you are basking in daylight. Again as always with Taylor her songwriting always shines so bright and this song is a perfect example. Her vocals on the track are magical and the production is stellar. The reference to her album ‘Red’ with the line ‘I once believed that love would be burning red’ is a full circle moment. The ending in which there is a voice recording of Taylor in which she shares such a universal message brings the track to a thought provoking close.
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andbeingblueisbetter · 6 years ago
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Ready
Request: Could you maybe do a one shot fluff piece about it being the reader's first time and both of them deciding maybe she's not quite ready yet (even though he is SO damn pretty) so he decides to cuddle her up instead?
A/n: I don’t love this if I’m being honest. I haven’t had a lot of time lately but I wanted to get something out.
Word count: 1k
“Brendon! We can do whatever we want!” You giggle excitedly, skipping around your house that just held you and Brendon in it. It was Friday, and your parents were out of town until Sunday, so you and him had two nights to yourselves to eat all the food you want and make out wherever you want. He laughs and grabs the two 20 dollar bills off the counter, “they left us money for food.”
You make your way over to him and pull the money from his hands, setting it back on the counter, “pizza or Chinese?” You raise your brows at him and he laughs, “pizza, you know pizza is always my answer, but if you want Chinese, I’m okay with that too. No matter what, we have to work on our history project though while we eat.”
You roll your eyes and groan dramatically, “pizza it is, I’ll order it.” You call yours and Brendon’s favorite pizza place, ordering your pizza for delivery before sitting down on the couch, opening your arms, signalling Brendon to sit with you. He walks over to you and plops onto the couch next to you, pulling your body closer to his, “face me baby, I wanna kiss you.” You turn your body so you’re on his lap, facing him and he connects his lips with yours.
Your lips move in perfect sync, from the first kiss you guys shared, it was like it was meant to be, and you both agreed on that. Brendon has been your everything for the past year. You met as lab partners in chemistry and have been together basically ever sense.
Brendon was the pretty boy at school, he was experienced and talented and everyone knew who he was, and you were just you. Brendon was your first kiss, and even though you were about to graduate high school, that was all the further you’d gone.
Brendon reaches around to place his hand on the back of your neck, using his fingers to rub it gently. A soft moan escapes your lips and he pulls his lips away from yours, kissing down your neck, you know that he’s going to leave a few marks, but you’re okay with that.
He trails his lips back up to yours, connecting them once again. He parts his lips slightly and you move your tongue with his.
You continue making out on the couch for a while before a knock on the door interrupts you and you get off of his lap, walking towards the door, paying the delivery guy and taking your pizza, setting it on the coffee table in front of the both of you.
“We can save history for later, I wanna eat as fast as I can so I can get back to kissing my beautiful girl,” Brendon smirks, opening up the box. Your cheeks turn red and you look away from him with a laugh, grabbing a slice of the pizza. You both eat pretty quickly, Brendon finishing before you, as he always does. He bugs you as you finish eating, but a couple minutes after, you finish and you stand up, bringing the pizza to the kitchen, Brendon following you.
You turn around and Brendon comes closer to you so you’re pinned between him and the counter. He leans in, kissing your lips passionately, rubbing his hands up and down your body. His lips start to move down your neck and to your collarbones, a small moan leaving your lips.
You bite your lip softly and move your body to the side a bit and Brendon stops, looking up at you, “I’m sorry, am I going to far?” He asks you, genuinely concerned. You lean back against the counter and sigh softly, “no, it’s just that I wasn’t sure where this was going, and I don’t know if I’m ready? I think I am? But I just don’t know I guess.” You say, more of a question and he nods, kissing your lips softly one more time before he speaks, “baby, if you’re questioning it, I don’t think you’re ready.”
“But I want to be ready,” you say, frustration obvious in your voice, “we’ve been together for almost a year and I feel like I should be ready by now. You were ready a long time ago.” He runs his fingers through your hair gently, “I’m not pressuring you into anything and you shouldn’t pressure yourself into anything. I regret who my first time was with and I was with her for 6 months. I want you to be sure you’re comfortable with it enough, and I want you to be sure I’m the one you want to do it with.”
You let out a shaky sigh and nod. Brendon places both of his hands on your shoulders as he notices you’re trying not to cry, “it’s nothing to cry about baby. I think if you’re not sure if you’re ready, you’re not.” He says softly and you nod silently.
“I know you’re who I want to be my first. Just not yet.” You say softly and rub your eyes, looking up at Brendon. He pulls you closer to him and wraps his arms around you tightly, rubbing your back soothingly, “I’m in love with you Y/n.”
You smile against his chest and mumble, “I’m in love with you.” After a few moments, you pull away from him and look to him, waiting for his next move, “let’s go cuddle?” He suggests, raising an eyebrow and you nod, starting to walk towards your bedroom.
Once you arrive, you quickly change into more appropriate attire, some shorts and a random T-shirt you found on your floor. You climb into your bed, pulling your blankets over your body, waiting for Brendon to come in behind you. After a few seconds, you feel the shifting of the bed and the heat of Brendon’s body against yours. Your body melts into his and you sigh out contently.
His fingers trace small circles on your skin beneath your T-shirt and you shiver at the feeling. You turn your body so you’re facing him and you move yourself closer to him, resting your face in the crook of his neck.
“Get some sleep baby,” He says softly, rubbing your arm.
“Good night.”
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louis-valentine-blog · 5 years ago
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Playlist Breakdown - January 2020
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The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus/Josie Moon/My Chemical Romance/Coldplay/+others
Welcome, one and all, to my first ever playlist breakdown. It’s tasty, it’s fresh, it’s hot off the presses for the emotional messes. Let’s get into it.
January has been a weird month for me, not gonna lie. Coming out of the holidays I have a tan, a renewed sense of self-identity and a fierce appreciation for the people in my life with whom I have close relationships. The music of this month represents a shift from a sun-drenched new years’ holiday into the grind of starting full-time work as a self-employed writer. It’s been a wild ride and the year’s not even started. Oh boy.
What’s that? Oh yeah, the songs…
1. False Pretense / The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. This track is a favourite from way back, and it’s mainly just here as a check-in. Hey RJA. How ya doin’? Don’t You Fake It still a banger? You bet. This band taught me so many things about great sugar-punk songwriting when I was first starting out making my own music -  and when you think that this track comes off the same record that gave us such classics as Face Down and Your Guardian Angel, it’s no surprise.
2. Victor Hotel / Josie Moon. This track has been a mainstay in my monthly playlist ever since it dropped at the start of summer. Victor Hotel brings textural arrangements and mature pop songwriting together into this gorgeous collage of instrumental and vocal production that’s simultaneously old-school and lo-fi, but undeniably modern as fuck. The album art and title add a heavy pull of intrigue, too - I don’t know what or where Victor Hotel is, but listening to the music makes me feel like I’ve been there.
3. Summertime / My Chemical Romance. I was a latecomer to the MCR love train, dipping my toes into their discography during my high school career and only fully taking a deep dive during some dark times in 2017. Like so many others, MCR helped to pull me through the shit and into the light. Having been gifted The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys in paperback by Taylor for Christmas, I waded into the world of Danger Days over the summer and haven’t come back since. You know those rare songs that walk into your life at precisely the right time, squeeze on your feels like a fucking trash compactor and just don’t let go? Summertime did that for me.
4. Orphans / Coldplay. Not much to say about this one. I’m definitely missing some sort of memo when it comes to Coldplay’s new record - it’s not bad by any stretch, it just has me yearning for the days of Mylo Xyloto which then begs the question as to why I’m not just listening to that. The hooks are there, the production’s there, the lyrics hold up, it’s just… tired. Someone get Coldplay a double shot espresso, stat.
5. Zero Percent / My Chemical Romance. This one’s a real interesting cut from MCR’s Danger Days era. Released as a B-side to the Kids From Yesterday single, it had me hooked from the start with a drum and bass (???) style opening that then progresses into more familiar MCR territory. It’s damn good all told - the vocal melodies fall a little flat if I’m honest, but Gerard’s delivery is just too huge to fail.
6. Rangers / Randa. I had the pleasure of meeting Randa at an out of town show with Holloway Holiday. We were both supporting Auckland act Openside for their New Zealand tour, and we got to watch each other’s performances and chat a bit backstage. He’s the most genuine, authentic and out-there human being, and that ethos absolutely saturates his music. Rangers is a standout for me because of the syncopated beat production and the absolutely infectious chorus - not to mention a fresh and wholesome flow in the verses that you just don’t see a lot in rap. Totally original and captivating.
7. Give ’Em Hell, Kid / My Chemical Romance. Another MCR classic that I discovered way too late in life. This thing is a fucking steam train of a punk rock song featuring the huge production and lyrical finesse we’ve come to expect from the boys. The thing that always gets me about this one is the vocal effect when the verse kicks in, ‘I took a train out of New Orleans...’ it’s infectious and angsty as hell. I’m absolutely in love.
8. Damn Regret / The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Another Don’t You Fake It throwback. A lot of what I said on False Pretense can be said for this track too - impeccable production and songwriting, an absolute anthem of my high school years. Ronnie’s vocals are a standout in this song - the sheer range and delivery this guy has is basically unheard of in pop-punk. He’s like a grungier Brendon Urie, with a voice to match.
9. Soaked / BENEE. Having only discovered BENEE very recently I can fairly say this track cemented my option that some of the world’s best pop music comes out of New Zealand. This song cleaned up at the VNZMAs, and to be honest it feels like BENEE is verging on international success too. This song rides the metaphor of water for misguidedly infatuated love - not groundbreaking by any means but it’s catchy as hell and the production carries it all the way through.
10. The Piss, The Perfume / Hayley Mary. I discovered this track (and this artist) about five minutes before writing this, and I just had to add it to the end of the playlist. This track has this gorgeous, romantic, over-saturated quality to it and I’m kinda loving it. Quite a classic rock groove with really modern sounding vocals and catchy melodies. The compression on every element of the song is really tightly packed and tidy, which is not for everyone but I love it. Great discovery. Go listen!
11. Some Kind Of Disaster/All Time Low. Some Kind Of Disaster dropped at the end of the month and HOPEFULLY means there’s a new ATL record on the way. And if this song is anything to go by, I’m excited for whatever follows. This track comes together to represent solidifying of the modern ATL sound (a la Last Young Renegade) but also a call back to the good old days, more in the vein of Nothing Personal. Perhaps telling that they just celebrated the tenth anniversary of that record. This track is catchy, upbeat and lyrically interesting (standard ATL fare) but I feel like they’re really leaning heavily on the songwriting this time, as opposed to drowning the song the production tricks that have been mainstays in their sound as of late. I’m excited for what’s to come.
So, that’s it for my FIRST EVER playlist breakdown. If you’ve read this far... THANK YOU! Shouldn’t you be doing something more important? Anyway... How’d I do? Do you agree with what I said? You’re the best, you’re the best, what should I review next... (kidding). Let’s see where February takes us - the year is young and there’s a world of music, new and old, to explore. I can’t wait. C u.
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emmaekay · 6 years ago
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Galaktikon II - Post Lyric Release Analysis
Hello friends! If you follow this blog for Dragon Ball content, avert your eyes from what is about to be a full critique, breakdown, and analysis of my favorite metal album of the last 5 years. 
Released on August 26, 2017, Galaktikon II is the 2nd studio album of Galaktikon, combo metal outlet of Brendon Small, Gene Hoglan, and Bryan Beller. I say “combo metal” because what the fuck even is this, other than holy?
 At times, melodic death, at times speed metal, at times operatic metal - it’s everything good about all those subgenres and none of the trite or campy elements. This weekend, to celebrate the year’s anniversary of the release, the official lyrics were released to the album - that’s a big deal for a lot of reasons.
See, Galaktikon II is special in another way, too. It’s the unofficial end to the Metalocalypse story. Criminally cancelled before the story could draw to its planned close, fans everywhere have protested, petitioned, spammed, come just this side of rioting... and a certain exec at Adult Swim just can’t be arsed. Small has said in this-side-of-legal ways that Galaktikton II is the true end to Metalocalypse. 
But when I listen to it, I hear something else, too. I hear the story of someone who spent 10 years building a world, only to have it burned down by someone else. I hear a love letter to the fans, but also a plea to let the end be the end. To accept that that world is over. From The Ocean Galaktik to Rebuilding a Planet, this is Small’s story, of trying to find the right combination of factors that would force that network to allow him to finish his tale, to his own acceptance of the fact that that will never happen. He has been clear about that in interviews - it’s over, and he’s ready to move on to the next project - the next world - he’s ready to rebuild. In this album, I hear an ask - will you, my friends and fans, come with me to the next? 
So, here it is - everything I heard and everything I think about each track on Galaktikon II. SIDENOTE - this review is in the VINYL track order, which is also the “story” listening order. The CD/digital track order will not be followed here, and I really recommend listening to it in the vinyl order only.
1. Some Days Are For Dying
This track picks up right after the end of The Doomstar Requiem. The “Doomstar” is not the same thing as the Dethlights, which is the power that the band gains control of when they get Toki back. There is a huge asteroid or meteor heading for the earth. It’s freaking people out, destroying satellites, causing chaos. It’s being predicted that it will hit the Earth and destroy the planet.
Triton is nearby, but doesn’t appear to want to get involved. 
Fuck this, never was my occupation. 
He sings, correctly, since he’s not a planet savior but a bounty hunter. 
On the Earth, various forces are mobilizing, militarizing, magnetizing. Nathan is still drawn back to the Whale goddess in the sea: The voice in my heart still speaks to me / It beckons me back to the deep. Nathan seems to want her help, for the first time - he doesn’t want the planet to be destroyed and actively wants to seek out that “Right Song” that has been eluded to since season 4. Any gift in this haze that the gods bestow / remove the blindfold, enlighten my soul / Would aide in the poetry I’m to sing.
The Church of the Black Klok is predicting the end of the world. We forsee blackness. We forsee doom. 
Both the soldiers in the Falconback project AND the Gears are assembling for a serious battle. Fall in - Fall in - Fall in. (This cadence is echoed in Could This Be the End when Nathan asks the band “Alright?”) Prepare your captains. Prepare your flag. Prepare the battlements. Prepare the bloodied ram.
The song ends with a threat. 
I will make you twist and burn. (Nathan)
I have waited, clock must turn. (Halfman)
Who is threatening who? I take it as both the Halfman and Nathan threatening each other, noted above, but it’s the Halfman who gets his say in the next song.
2. Nightmare
Full disclosure, this is my favorite track on the album. Man, this manages to be powerful and sinister even as it touches on a poignant key of sadness. 
This song is a soliloquy by the Halfman. He was cursed with this demonic affliction, but says he isn’t the devil - Mephistopheles isn’t me - he sings, though people have made him into the devil. He explains how he died, then came back from the grave... half alive. Half of what he used to be. Based on later tracks, one can infer that Vater Orlaag is who brought him back to life and imbued him with the powers and overall creepiness he displays.
He doesn’t want to let go of the half life he has, but the impending star will change that life into something entirely different. Even while expressing feelings that he was misunderstood and even of fear, he still stands out as a villain. He seems to vascillate in the context of the song between fearsome and fearful. He has, after all, lived this way - waiting to see what would happen - for a very long time. 
This cold heart keeps on beating
I’m the darkness you’re feeling. 
The delivery of that lyric, at the same time powerful and ominous even as it hints at uncertainty. The song ends with the Halfman’s trademark “we’ll see” sort of sentiment. 
I still wait
Time will tell
Falcon flies
Magnetize 
3. The Ocean Galaktik
This song, I think, is where Small really gets the most personal on the album. This is the story of both Nathan’s return to the deep to find the music - the right song - and of Brendon’s own quest to release the end of this story, to come to terms with the falling out on the network, and to find the right way to release this music, these songs, and to end this story. 
Some hearts will grow cold (The network)
Some of them outshine them all (the fans and the band)
Show love through it all (Small himself)
Breathe through my soul (Release the story the only way he can - through the music.) Leave this all behind, and look within (stop trying to get the 5th season)
Though we must all die, we don’t all live (Everything has an end, not everyone gets to do 4 seasons + a rock opera on tv, so he’s grateful for what he DID do)
and of course, the obvious: “Could this be what I need to set me free?” Small is asking himself, could this denial from the network, and also this album, be what sets him free from doing the same thing over and over - allowing him to invent and explore?
“I’m ready to serve my planet now.” I also hear the word “storm” laid over “serve” in this lyric. Officially, it’s serve, but Small is a tricksy little minx, so I’m not ruling out storm. In fact, the dual lyric makes the most sense - Brendon is ready to storm the planet with his next project. The “storm” thing comes into play later in the album, too. But also, Nathan, storywise, is ready to serve the planet because after meeting with the Beast Queen (who I think is Abigail but might just be that cool ass whale, who I’ve taken to referring to as the Whale Goddess) he has THE Song. 
4. The Agenda
This is, simply, Vater Orlaag and the Halfman programming a poisoned Murderface to do some fucked up shit. 
Oh - be anything I want to be?
Oh - is this just a dream?
Oh - give away so willfully
Oh - please carry me away. 
These lines are Murderface himself, seeing the immortality and adoration offered by the two villains. Already poisoned, Murderface falls for it. 
“Just lock the door, and trap accused. Just flip the switch & light the fuse.”
5. My Name is Murder
Well, yeah, it is. This song describes Murderface luring the rest of the band into a trap where they nearly die. The idea is that when the rest of the band dies, the Dethlights will all flow into him, which I can only assume Orlaag and the Halfman intend to take from him at that point. Murderface runs away after lighting Mordhaus on fire, the Gears chase his ass down though. He thinks about taking his own life. He chooses not to - I interpret this as Murderface himself breaking the possession/poison a bit. The Gears appear to catch him. 
6. Exitus
Oh man, if this song doesn’t give you chills, check your fucking pulse. 
The rest of the band tries to think of how to cure Murderface. The reason that “there’s gotta be a relationship between the water and” the Halfman based on the fact that water has been protective and healing for the band in the past, and appears to have driven the Halfman out of “the man in green” which I think is General Krozier. 
The Gears & the Band take Murderface to the cove from the end of Season 4 and literally fucking drown him. Brutal. 
I have always thought this next verse was from the perspective of Ofdensen:
Come back to me.
Blink if you hear me. 
You gotta fight to breathe.
Hold my hand - look in my eyes. The klok within your chest gives back your life. 
Too soft for Nathan. Anyway, Murderface is cured and comes back to life. Holy shit this bit kills. 
You live, you live in your body
You live, you live in your soul
You live, you live in your heart
And we live, we live with you. 
And now we stand here believers - a pentagram of black faith. 
So Murderface is back with the boys and the Dethlights are powering up again. Next stop? FUCKIN SPAAAAAAACE BOYYYYY
7. Icarus Six Sixty Six
The boys literally go to space? Based on the video for Nightmare, where the whale goddess meets up with Triton, I’m guessing that Triton shows up and is the “UFO” referred to in the lyrics. He helps the boys rig a fucking planet wide sound system like the one in the Dethkones Israel/Palestine episode but EVEN BIGGER. (This is also the current cover photo on the Metalocalypse Facebook as an additional clue.)
Louder than the world believes
Defying physics all perceive! Shit goes tits up and they end up having to eject from a crash landing on their way back to Earth. 
Not now! Eject? Not now! Eject? Not now! Eject? BUT NOWWWWW. 
Thanks for helping the boys save the planet, Triton. 
8. Become the Storm
Nathan literally uses a planet wide PA system to notify the whole population that the Earth is about to get fucked up royally by the Doomstar - a possessed star with a demon inside it that’s going to take up residence in the Halfman’s body and really, really wreck up the Earth 
Nathan inspires people all over the world, civilians and fans and Gears, to unite and “become the storm” that will wipe this evil out. 
From the land to the sea
There’s no them - only we! 
That might be the warmest thing said on this entire album, not leastwise because I’m starving for some kind of unity in humanity lately. No division here - it’s the people of the planet vs. Orlaag & the Halfman. 
Also there are robots on Orlaag & the Halfman’s side. That’s the Falconback project. Robots that will serve them and the demon - literally soulless people who have been mechanically augmented. Bwomp. And also there appears to be some kind of big machine at work - also hinted at in Some Days Are For Dying and later in the album in Could This Be The End?
“We march forth to his throne
We will die for our home.”  The Army of humanity heads for the Halfman. Look out, motherfucker!
9. To Kill a God
Well, the title says it. They’re heading out to kill a god - or really, prevent the birth of a new one. Orlaag and the Halfman are holed up in a snow covered mountain range. The band sends the main wave of soldiers to “dismantle their magnetized machines.”  The sky will part to let the demon soul descend. 
Yep. The star is a demon. And it’s coming to chill inside the Halfman’s body. The rest of the song is a battle between the robotic Falconback soldiers and the Storm. Nathan urges them to fight on - “Don’t leave the gods alive.”
10. Could This Be The End?
This song is a fucking rollercoaster. Okay:
The Storm is fighting outside and the band is waiting in place. They turn the Falconback magnetized weapon against the star, trying to destroy it or override the machinery. It, of course, goes tits up. The band decides to use the Dethlights against the Doomstar, even though it will probably kill them.  They form a “pentagram of power” and basically go toe to toe with this fucking demon asshole. They’re willing to die. The machinery is overloading. The star gets nearer and nearer to anchoring in the Halfman.  Oh oh, leave their souls. We were always meant to go. 
Let it be one last strike with our sword
Save them
Call the lights
We must die
But we lived our lives
They choose to save the Storm soldiers and all of the planet, opening themselves up completely to the destructive power of the Dethlights. 
The Falconback machine explodes.
The demon tries it. 
Doesn’t win. Dethlights fuck it up totally. 
Because of their bond, their commitment, their pure brutality - the Dethlights are strong enough to repel the demon WITHOUT killing them. 
Nathan compels everyone to hold on - “We know that we must die,” he says, “But for now we live! ”
Alright
Alright
Alright
Alright, we live!
He asks each of them and by context gets an affirmative answer. 
The song closes with the question - Could this be the end? 
11. Rebuilding a Planet
This is totally instrumental, so you know, imagine whatever scenario you want. Do they return to playing music? Do they rule the world? Do Nate and Abigail have the most metal wedding ever? Do Toki and Skwisgaar still pretend to hate each other? Whatever you want “rebuilding” to mean, it can and it does. This, maybe even moreso than The Ocean Galaktik, is truly a love letter to the listener. A gift. An absolute salve on the burn we’d all felt for so many years of unresolved plot line. A promise, that Small isn’t done and Galaktikon will be rebuilt with new stories and new potential. Overall the tone is hopeful, peaceful, soothing - a satisfying goodbye to five goofballs Small loved, and that we all loved, too. 
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calendarfree · 2 years ago
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Lil dicky professional rapper soundcloud
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The best three tracks on the album are the titular Professional Rapper, Save dat Money and Pillow Talking. That’s perhaps the only downside to Professional Rapper. Compared to the first half of the album which had features galore that were spaced out well the second half kind of loses its footing. Track Fourteen to Twenty seems to drag a little with just Dicky providing vocals. The delivery is on-point and quite distinct already. The production of the album is on point, the verses from Dicky are well thought-out. From the start Dicky has been invested in by very successful people – which comes as no surprise when listening through the album.įrom the comedic, well structured songs like Lemme Freak, Who Knew, White Crime and Classic Male Pre-Game to the groundbreaking Pillow Talking (okay, tell me another song like it and tell me it isn’t groundbreaking) that spawned an entire side-project EP Lil Dicky keeps listeners entertained by bringing a funny side to rap that you kind of still take seriously. Not only that, Logic also gets to work with T-Pain on track Personality. Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan provide an excellent chorus and verse respectively on the track Save dat Money.
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Brendon Urie, who features on ‘Molly’īrendon Urie proves to be a great feature in the track Molly. The song is instantly a highlight of the entire album but that’s not to say that the positives stop there. It self-consciously acknowledges Lil Dicky being fresh to hip hop, with him being ‘interviewed’ by Snoop Dogg on why he’s worth giving a shot in music. The album kicks off with a feature from Snoop Dogg and the eponymous Professional Rapper. Snoop Dogg, who features on the intro track Lil Dicky hadn’t actually done much prior to Professional Rapper however and in terms of a debut album it massively exceeded expectations. Lil Dicky is blowing up lately so most people will probably know who he is, especially now that Freaky Friday has released and stormed the charts. It was released on July 31st, 2015 by the Commission and ADA record labels. It featured Snoop Dogg, Brendon Urie, Hannibal Buress, Fetty Wap, Rich Homie Quan, Jace, T-Pain as well as a persona/ character called Brain. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.Professional Rapper is the debut album by comedian-rapper Lil Dicky. During the line “ Well, I don't care about the money/Like, it's the respect that I'm wanting/Honestly, I just want to be one of the greats/Where they gotta bring your boy up every debate” Snoop Dogg and Lil Dicky are standing in front of pictures of rap legends including Eminem, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z.
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The video plays out the lyrics to the song as part of the fictional interview portrayed in the lyrics. Lil Dicky puts together a hook, which is called "garbage" by Snoop Dogg. At the end, Snoop Dogg says he has the job, if he can put together a hook for "this" song, in a self-aware meta sense referring to Professional Rapper. Lil Dicky proceeds to say one of his goals is to become one greatest. He also states he wants to approach rapping different because he feels it's been done the same way for too long, to which Snoop Dogg replies that it traditionally works. Lil Dicky says one of his favorite things is autographing women's breasts.
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In the interview, Snoop Dogg asks Lil Dicky about his background as well as what he likes about rap. The song is presented as Lil Dicky interviewing for a job as a professional rapper with Snoop Dogg. "Professional Rapper" debuted at number-one on the Billboard Comedy Digital Tracks chart dated August 22, 2015.
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ofoatd · 6 years ago
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Spring Playlist 2018
Harry Styles' daily dose of 'Medicine', Panic! At The Disco's every cloud having a 'Silver Lining' and Palaye Royal's an apple a day keeps the 'Mr. Doctor Man' away. Spring has mildly sprung, commencing an new era for Mr Malik with Zayn zoning himself in an epoch separate to his 'Mind Of Mine' moments and One Direction history, signalling the start of something new with the 'Pillowtalk' pioneer posting a powerful, greedy, loyalty yet vengeance film style video ending with a date induced cliffhanger beginning on 04.12.18. With spring shaping up to be a season of sensations coming from Aussie ensemble 5 Seconds of Summer's 'Want You Back' and Brit band Arctic Monkeys 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino', as well as some individually curated playlists showcasing a plethora of stellar songs evoked from new releases, attended gigs or simply derived from nostalgic value.
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‘Medicine’ – Harry Styles
Styles is feeling super love sick and has therefore been prescribed with a medical medium of music to cure his aggressively hedonistic wants, needs and requirements. Banished in black from his fingers to his toes as Styles shimmered under the stage in Switzerland, a delightful double debut of non-studio songs shone from Harry's low tones yet fitful range as the 'Harry Styles' self titled record rejects 'Anna' and 'Medicine' lavishly launched. Whilst 'Anna' is a sample of moderately melodious riffs compared to the rough and ready specimen of 'Medicine' which explores Styles' sensual side, evoking lyrical content in its wake of a "Tingle running through my bones/The boys and girls are in/I mess around with him/And I'm okay with it" that left fans in a frenzy. With these words demonstrating limitless lyrics and a there's no holding the Styles back approach to his solo songwriting style.
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‘Mr. Doctor Man’ – Palaye Royale
Headlining the front cover of Alternative Press magazine, and Payale Royal’s decade long exersion has made them music magnates. From Palaye moulding their personified personalities into true artistic value with meticulously designed merchandise aligning with the bands vivid image and independent appearance, producing products such as the popular Palette Royale as well as their distinct art rock repertoire introducing the triple collective's commencing 2012 single 'Morning Light' to their rated 2015 record 'Boom Boom Room'. 'Mr. Doctor Man' the leading hit that hoisted the Sumerian signed entity into song success upon its release in Spring 16, reveals deathly lyrics, riveting instrumentals and a voice of indisputable distressful tones by potato enthusiast Remington Leith that carries the bands indie glam sound and avant-garde style onto the imminent 'Boom Boom Room' (Side B) anticipated for emancipation next month.
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'Silver Lining' - Panic! At The Disco
Struck by a slither of a silver lining and after a rocky road, Panic! At The Disco are finally coming up cherries on top. Revamping Urie's one man band backing with touring musician members Kenneth Harris on the guitar and Dan Pawlovich on the drums, the band hit the big time bagging the instrumentally reputable Nicole Row to fill in the gaping gap of a bassist with upmost pleasantness. Releasing 'Silver Lining' as a single alongside its action packed attached 'Say Amen (Saturday Night' nostalgic religious number and prequel and sequel video its big, bold, brass, marching band style and feel good substance provide a sense of 'Nine In The Afternoon' instrumentals meets 'Death Of A Bachelor' artistic influences to produce a friendship of Beyoncé name dropping, 70's swear word inspired song vocabulary and vocalising his step up as a vocalist, with Brendon Urie's skilful singing by using the analogy of cutting his teeth to end up making a killing with the Panic! At The Disco spiel.
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‘Church’ – Fall Out Boy
Whilst not every diehard fan of Fall Out Boy was confessing their love for 'Church', the odd regeneration of rooters were on their knee's worshiping the music work. Despite 'M A N I A' feeling like we were all just sitting in the waiting room for it's delayed Winters date of release, the forth visual instalment to come out of the record brought Montague and Capulet mannered imagery, contexts correlating to religious relations and themes of Gospel sounds, digged up and derived from Island Record's export 'This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race' made a genre resurgence in a current rendition. A choir of voices to vocalise a heavily orotund orientated chorus, overlapping 'Soul Punk' man Stumps prominent singing delivery alongside a verse of tuneful bass hooks and the chiming of brash bells visually represented a kirk's atmosphere and importantly a place of devotion.
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‘Nobody Likes The Opening Band’ – I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
Local community talent shows, circa mid-1983 and uncovered tapes pre 20th century. I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME have built a band brand that brandishes a cleaver curated era of evoking 80's sounds, from the duo's supposed failed attempt at success in synth-pop scenes and art-pop areas during the decade of the Pet Shop Boys. with the ensembles efforts being brushed off and brought to life by the internets influence that the first world is welcoming warmingly being backed by a following of fans in their tens of thousands. Marketed as terminated ex Panic! At The Disco's touring bassist Dallon Weekes once and future project pre and post The Brobecks, with Weekes and Seaman's super small selection of songs from the a-ha affiliated 'Take On Me' attributes in 'Modern Day Cain', grandiloquent sounds of 'Choke' and the candidly newfangled 'Nobody Likes The Opening Band'. Singing of the struggles of being a support act at a show, Dallon's deliberately dull tones depict a sensible tale of negative contexts "Come and see the opening band/Now that you've got your tickets and beverages in hand/They look so tired/Sound uninspired/Guitars are secondhand" prevailing with a positive conundrum "But if you lend an ear and give them just one little chance/You may just like the opening band" makes for a song of sincerity and a soul spilling story.
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'Nomad' - In Loving Memory
Death and doom metal meets Panic! At The Disco's artwork of rainbow coloured chemicals from 'Too Weird To Live Too Rare To Die'. 'Introspective' track 'Nomad' is a nostalgic brining together of instrumental and vocal pickings from Bring Me The Horizon's 2008 'Chelsea Smile' and Pierce The Veil's 2012 'King for a Day' under In Loving Memory's own umbrella. 2 EP's in and the New York City capacity have established experimental styles, showcased through a stretch of 'Vans Warped Tour' stints following up a headlining tour titled 'Black Sheep Never Sleep'. Yet song 'Normad' is a backed by a band of solid shredding guitars and wholesome words of warm cordial lyrics, heavily highlighted by the voracious voice of Naveed Stone's fearless tones.
Listen to this Spring Playlist 2018 here:
Spring Playlist 2018
(All photographic content curtesy of Erskine/Columbia/Sumerian Records/Fueled By Ramen/DCD2/Island/DCD2/Fearless/None You Jerk/Bad Moon Man Music
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