#everyone else's performance was fucking phenomenal though holy shit

[lethal-liability]

Also. Holy shit Lilly Rose Depp cannot act

[konggodzuko]

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is… pretty good, ngl. Well, I guess more accurately it’s enjoyable. Lots of fun action scenes, generally likeable characters, and a quick snappy pace. Jack Black as Bowser is phenomenal. It really feels like he somehow got all the best writing, and Jack Black’s performance is stellar. He’s a villain both inherently silly and over-the-top and genuinely threatening.

However, he very much got the best character work. Everyone else is just kinda… there, doing what needs to be done to further the plot. Luigi doesn’t get to do much. Peach gets to do more, and thankfully is very competent without coming off as a lazy attempt at a Strong Female Character. Mario is… certainly the protagonist. Chris Pratt has probably the worst vocal performance, though it isn’t really BAD. It’s more that his accent varies in strength scene to scene, one time being so strong it startled me.

Overall the movie is very much like popcorn: very enjoyable, not a lot of substance, but that’s okay. I wasn’t expecting a Mario movie to be like Spiderverse or Puss in Boots. It’s a lot of fun, and if they do a sequel and learn from the mistakes of this, I’m sure it’ll be great.

Also, a spoiler under the cut!

I was convinced that they were going to completely excise Bowser's infatuation with Peach, but holy shit it was the MAIN PLOT and I was SO FUCKING HAPPY. Like, hell yeah, gimme that old-school villain nonsense where the villain demands the heroine's hand in marriage or he'll destroy everything, I'm such a sucker for it. We got a freaking Bowser/Peach WEDDING scene in a Super Mario Bros. movie! Hell yeah.

The only thing that disappointed me was that Bowser didn't keep his suit for the whole final fight.

[kaistarus]

Romeo & Juliet

Pairing: Bakugou Katsuki & Reader

Word Count: 1.6K

Notes: This is what happens when you have a Shakespeare final and you just... don’t want it. You and Bakugou are rehearsing for the second cultural festival. Enjoy:)

It was a beautiful autumn afternoon. The sun was casting its rays through warm leaves that billowed in the breeze, dancing down as many of your friends helped set up for this year’s cultural festival, now just days away. It was a perfect day to be outside, breathing in the fresh air and just appreciating being alive.

Which was exactly why the world had you inside an auditorium with Katsuki Bakugou.

“You’re the one who agreed to be Romeo,” You stood across from him, script rolled tight in one hand while the other was placed on a popped hip. “If you can’t handle it then let Todoroki or Kirishima do it.”

           “I didn’t fucking know it was filled with this romantic shit,” he growled, twisting his own script, small crackles threatening to light it ablaze. You knew he was lying. Your curriculum covered Shakespeare last year and you vividly remember him complaining about the ‘romantic shit’. “Besides, I’m the best fucking actor in the class as if either of those morons could do this shit.”

You rolled your eyes. Just weeks ago, when the class had first decided to perform a play, Bakugou had no interest in helping with the production. It wasn’t until you and Todoroki were both head candidates for the lead roles that he started having an issue. Just when you thought you understand his will to be the best he went and tried to participate in plays for attention.

           “I have a feeling they’d be fine,” you mumbled, placing your script against your forehead, taking a calming breath. It didn’t help that you’d been at this for nearly an hour now. Every other classmate got was working together, but Bakugou couldn’t work in large groups—too distracted from Kaminari and Kirishima’s teasing. “Well, let’s start over. Again.”

           You really didn’t understand him. It was true that, like most things he did, he excelled at acting. He would be doing flawlessly, getting through the entire first part of the play with Kirishima and Kaminari, even able to remain in character during his acts with Midoriya. However, every time they got to the romance scene he broke down; right when you thought he’d be able to make it through; his face would scrunch up and he’d start swearing. If it was this hard for him to act like he liked you, you wished he would’ve just let someone else take the role.

           You waited for Bakugou to get into character. Eventually the angry boys face relaxed and he looked at you with determined crimson eyes that never failed to make your heart flutter.

           “If I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand, to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” He brought a gentle hand up to cradle your cheek, brushing his thumb along with it with measured delicacy. His eyes trailed down your face, landing on your pink-stained lips and with bated breath, you willed your heart’s beating to slow.

           “Good pilgrim,” you began, your small hand covering his large calloused one pressed against your cheek and bringing his attention back to your eyes. “You do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this, For saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do touch, And palm is holy palmers’ kiss.”

           You pulled away from Bakugou, bringing your hands to your chest with a pained expression. You tried to walk away, but Bakugou lightly grabbed your elbow and turned you back around. He held both your hands gently and close to his chest, pressing your foreheads together, ashy-blonde hair mixing with your own.

           “Have not saint’s lips, and holy palmers too?” Through hooded red eyes he gazed down at you, a piercing look so intense it took your breath away.

           “Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.”

           His eyes were focused on your lips, filled with such desire that part of you, a part that you desperately wanted to keep locked away, hoped it was more than an act. A hand, strong and calloused from years of explosions, slid back to your cheek as he spoke well-rehearsed lines.

           “O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray: grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”

           “Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake.” You gazed at him through thick lashes, midnight-blue flickered between his intense crimson gaze and his lips, though chapped, they never looked more inviting.

           “Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take.”

           Bakugou leaned in and carefully, he pressed his lips against yours. Though your heart took off, you couldn’t deny you were a little disappointed; you had always imagined a kiss from him would hold more passion given his temper. It was short, soft, and everything the play needed, yet lacking everything you didn’t know you wanted. When he pulled away seconds after, your cheeks were tinted pink.

           “Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.” Bakugou said, breathlessly above a whisper. His eyebrows were knit, eyes flickering across your face for reasons you couldn’t fathom.

           “Then have my lips the sin that they have took.” You turned your head away from him, both from necessity and to remain in character. His fiery orbs, always filled with passion that you found inspiring, were becoming too much when his focus was solely on you. Unfortunately, Bakugou turned your chin, forcing you to meet his eyes.

           “Sin from thy lips?” He said, hurt, suddenly capable of remaining in character. You were ashamed that after all your complaining, you were the one having difficulties. “O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.”

           Your eyes widened when Bakugou pulled you towards him for another kiss because this time, it wasn’t cautious, or careful, but instead, he felt desperate. The hand on your cheek slid to cradle your neck, tilting your head and giving him better access to your mouth. You felt your face warm as you wrapped your arms around his neck, temporarily forgetting the intention behind your kiss. Had Romeo & Juliet’s kiss been this passionate? You didn’t know if that detail was in their scripts.

           When a tongue ran along your bottom lip and an arm wrapped around the small of your back, tugging you flush against him, you had your answer: no. The scene was definitely not supposed to get this heated. So, when you opened your mouth, giving the explosive blonde permission to explore, you weren’t sure what that meant; or, frankly, if you cared. All you knew was that your heart was soaring, your legs felt like jelly, and he was a phenomenal kisser.

Actors were allowed creative liberty… right?

After several moments of clashing tongues, embarrassing noises and probably too rough tugs on ashy blonde hair, you pulled away from the boy’s grasp. If you allowed this to go on any longer, you were unsure if you’d ever stop, especially since Bakugou was starting to get cocky, kissing places elsewhere than your mouth, creating a whole new sensation that you didn’t want to explore right then.

You were taking deep breaths, trying to collect yourself. Then, you looked into Bakugou’s eyes, now dark and filled with desire, making you turn a deep red that rivaled his deep eyes.

           “Thou kiss by th’book.” You said between breaths, smirking. Bakugou looked at you confused, blinking several times.

           “W-What?” He said, scrunching his eyebrows. His eyes flashing down to your now red lips. His mouth quipped a quick smirk before he started to lean in again and your heart picked up speed.

           “Hey! Are you guys ready?” Kirishima’s voice rang loud through the auditorium.

           You quickly turned your head and shoved Bakugou away at the sound of Kirishima’s voice. He stumbled back, glaring. As if nothing had happened you, as casually as possible, hopped off the stage and jogged towards the red-haired boy.

“Uh-Yeah, we uh… just finished our scenes, so we’re ready to practice with everyone!” You clasped your hands together behind your back, an awkward grin plastered on your face. Kirishima smiled, nodding enthusiastically. He was dressed in theatre clothes, and you realized you and Bakugou must have been practicing longer than would be necessary. Your face warmed.

           “That’s good. Yaomomo was getting antsy you guys weren’t getting the part down,” he looked passed your shoulder where Bakugou was staring intently at a spot near his shoe. “You good, bro?”

           Bakugou grunted, stretching an arm above his head and staring lazily at the ceiling.

           “Alright, hurry up. Otherwise, Momo will have my head,” he started to leave, but then back stepped. “Oh, and fix your hair or everyone will know you were making out.” He added, snickering before he left the auditorium.

           Your hands flew to your head, you felt the strands that were once in place flipped and tangled. “We-We weren’t-” You started lamely but gave up since Kirishima was long gone.

           Bakugou snorted behind you, climbing off the stage and shoving his hands deep in his pockets. He walked towards you with his usual, I-don’t-give-a-fuck gate paired with a cocky smirk; you felt your blood start to boil.

           “This is your fault.” You accused, placing your hands on your hips, glaring him down as he advanced towards you. He raised an eyebrow, stopping when your chests were mere inches apart. He leaned closer, but you held your ground.

           “I didn’t hear you complaining a few minutes ago.” He smirked. “In fact, you sounded like you were rather enjoying yourself.”

           “Well,” you said, leaning forward till you felt his breath warm against your lips. “Guess you aren’t the best actor in the class after all.”

           You leaned back, winking before skipping out of the auditorium. He growled, exploding his crumpled script, letting the ashes fall before stomping your figure.

[woozi]

i agree how you described twt, sometimes everyone's just ready to fight it seems, i've genuinely had fun on both platforms at different times but now it's just too much on stan twt (no space for difference of opinion djsjdjj) it's good to know you're having fun as well :3 & omg i've seen few of my moots starting to give svt their attention after fallin flower dropped, everything abt it is <3333 the song, mv, choreo i love it.

hdjdjddkdjdj " virgos 😐 " also me in next breath "happy birthday mark :D i love you so much 🥺💕💗" any virgos reading this i really hope you enjoy your month to the fullest djjdjd <3. righttt?? you're correct abt mark's temper being very virgo djdjdkd.

your line screams hard-working people <3 jihoon, jaebeom, jeonghan the 3Js <3. isn't jaebeom also an infj? (i don't take mbtis seriously but at the same time it also makes me happy if it ends up matching someone i like djdjjd) chan & yugs 🥺 these two imo have the sweetest personality, like the one which makes you feel welcomed & they also have the cutest laugh 🥺.

i love jus2 <3 focus on me is one of my favorite kpop mvs of all time & also drunk on you??? i love this song so much, very sexy of them. the vibes, style and everything w/ their album, i want more songs like that. and for when i am feeling melancholy i need more songs like jjp's verse 2 😭💔 but i am also okay if they don't want to go back to these units bcoz everything so far they've been giving is just as great <33 ( maybe in future we'll get blessed w/ features 🥺)

honestly g7 as grp and individually have won me over with their music style, even if i don't like full album ik there will be 3-4 songs which will be exactly what i like to listen to, all of the music they've released individually i've liked it so much. there is this song of youngjae's, titled "i'm all ears" i had no idea of its existence until it popped up in my spotify i'm so glad it did, it's been in my playlist ever since. there was also a time when i was obsessed with jackson's 'on the rocks' djdjdk.

aww <3 the live performance video of 1° has mark as thumbnail so for long time i used to associate this song with him jdjddk. i think the only j*pe thing i'd miss is got7 studio live sessions 🥺. RIGHTJDKSKS aju nice's mv is very cute djjddk I love it, in reality its reverse tho, i see them and boom! 💖💛💗🤍💕💙

it was the year they won first bb*as award so that gave them the exposure, and no i don't follow them anymore. mixed feelings abt them, very negative feelings abt f*ndom fjdjdjd. i do miss what it used to feel like liking them sometimes. at that time i never thought i'll willingly drop them from my interest (i've stanned zayn since 2012 first him as grp member then solo. sometimes thinking abt it gives me a whiplash hddjks it's been 9 years, really thought it would be same with them too but it didn't happen)

i've had falling in love by yugs and in to you by jaebs on loop for days djdkdk i really love these two songs and also air by bammie <3 (i'm slow jams kinda person djdjdk :3)

(bam released the most fun album & title this year idc abt others, ribbon is one of the soty) also special mention of look so fine & running through the rain. yes! you do make sense they feel organic & very them.

exactly 😭 it's more believable when they drop stuff out of nowhere like encore 😭😭. the way youngjae posted his letter on twt too ddjjdkssk the announcement & release of encore is such a 'you just had to be there' situation the excitement, nervousness, confusion and everything 😭 sometimes i can't with them. also is the bibi with mark on ost, the same one you mentioned in last ask? the ost is really good <3, it must've been fun to see it happen (if its same bibi).

making a whole ass playlist just for me???? 😭😭😭🥺💗 yza you're so sweet nooooo 💖

and don't worry abt replying late jdjdkdjd i mean it, sometimes my friends text me after weeks and i'm am the same. it's really okay <3. i hope this week is treating you kindly, take care yza - 🪂

p.s ( just saw last post djjej) - it was me who manifested more bunny dino <3 manifesting even more <33

i was on stan twt during my younger years too and it was v fun and memorable to me ngl <3 idk what happened though.. it's evolved to be.. Something Else.. i still see a lot of good people there though 😭 and now that i'm in my Hag Era... idk it's just too fast for me now 😭 it's still my go-to place for updates though nothing can top twitter on that dept

and ms fallin flower.... i feel like everyone was blown away by it (based off of what i see carats when talk about it) and rightly so!! she SERVED. the looks too oh my god. it's another factor i look forward to and enjoy so much when i watch their performances!!

u know what? virgos 😐 indeed KJJKDFJKFDJKFDKJ i want to slander virgos today because it's their season and no one slanders them that often so <3 ABOUT MARK'S VIRGO TEMPER THOUGH... i know i've said i enjoy seeing it sm but whenever i think abt it i cant help but say that.. I Love His Temper <3 he doesn't get pissed off in a scary and douchebag-y way it seems so... contained?? IDK HOW TO DESCRIBE IT he punched an a/c though so that might not be the perfect word to describe him lmaoo <3

THE J TRINITY HFDJFJDJHDF BESTIE UR MIND IS SO!!!!!!!!!!! honestly... maybe it's the acts of service for me <3 JKDFKJFDKJFJKD i think this is just my eldest sister and savior syndrome speaking though kfjkdkjf ALSO OH MY GOD THE WAY U NOTICE THESE THINGS <3 THAT'S SO SEXIE OF U!!! and yes he used to be an infj!! there was an interview that's more recent wherein he mentioned that he's now an enfj though but i cant rmb which interview it's from :/ ALSO MOOD FKJJKGJGKF i dont believe in mbtis too but im just... a little obsessed w it for the fun of it all <3 and the way u described them </3 what if i tear up a little </3 I LOVE CHAN'S LAUGH SO MUCH BUT IM SO SOS O GLAD U BROUGHT UP YUGYEOM'S LAUGH??????????? IT'S NOT TALKED ABT ENOUGH LIKE...... HELLO!!!!!!!!!!! one of my bird moots said he sounded like a schoolboy in choir 😭😭😭😭😭😭

GOD UR TASTE!!!!!!! what if i start falling in l*ve a little :/ what then :/ focus on me was ahead of it's time and people fucking slept on THEM i cannot fucking believe this. this has to be some kind of sick joke 😭 ALSO HAVE U SEEN THE CHOREO FOR SENSES!!!!!!1 INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! holy fuck!!!!!! sorry for the expletives but like.... holy SHIT they did THAT!!!!!!!! ALSO UR SO RIGHT </3 jjp verse 3 when... ALSO did u know i let go of the jjprojects url... thats the worst mistake of my life KDKJDSKJDSJK also agree wholeheartedly <3 i think they're all trying to find their footing this time around as soloists and im so proud of them for that!! i'll stand by my jus2 agenda though bc they're almost in the same company so maybe.. i might have hope left 😭

SO TRUE BESTIE!!! the same principle goes w svt for me as well <3 got7's such a flavorful group musically like... all of them have the capacity to go solo and they're still considered flops.. waht the fuck <3 ALSO OMG FJDKJFKFJD YOU'VE HEARD The Song!!!!!!!! maybe he'll be releasing something along those lines <3 esp now that he's supposedly coming w an album KJSJKDJSK on a similar note.. do u also listen to jamie (the other artist on the song) <3 NOO SHUT UP THIS CANNOT BE FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 i was obsessed w on the rocks too 😭😭😭😭😭😭 IT WAS MY FAVORITE ON THE MIRRORS ALBUM HELLO??????????????????????????? im proposing to u rn

ok now i have to watch all the live vids again JKDSJKSJDKDSKJ ik keep saying 'ur so right', 'i agree', and 'so true bestie' but im gonna have to say this again bc i LOVE LOVE LOVE live sessions sm no matter the artist. i also just am a little partial to live bands in performances like that in general so JDJKKDSJDS

the way you're saying these cute things abt the svteenies.. </3 giving me heartache!!! i'd bully them though i can't coddle them anymore <3

not the fandom JKFDKJFDKJFDKJFKJF ok but i think it's mostly their younger fans tbh. it wasn't this bad before.. i also really liked bts during their debut days. their songs were really good!! i kind of lost interest though and couldn't really get into them although their songs slapped lol. my irls are still into them though so i still hear about them. 9 YEARS............................... wait oh my god it HAS BEEN a little over a decade since 1d was The Thing huh 😭 now i feel kinda old lmao. and i totally get that feeling </3 it really do be like that sometimes JKFDJKJKFD

you really ARE keeping up w the sevens oh my god how are you doing it!!!!!!!!!!! it's like getting svt content now at this point but more complicated bc u need to get the updates from different sources JDKJSDKJJSKD love ur song choices too <3

ALSO FULLY RELATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when i saw bam's teasers... the aes was my cup of tea and THE HIGHLIGHT MEDLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can't fucking get it out of my mind it's objectively one of the best things i've seen from kpop in 2021. i'm super impressed <3 love how abyss really supported bambam on this. they really went all in for him!!

I KNOW GKJDFJDK I GOT SUPER ???????/// DURING THE TIME EVERYONE THOUGHT THEY WERE DISBANDING LMAOOOO they pulled a move that's so unheard of though no one really expected That. i respect jaebeom so much for handling all the paperwork and shit behind the scenes it must've been HELL!! ALSO IT MEANT I CRIED FOR NOTHING THEN 😭😭😭 AND YES OH MY GOD IT'S THE SAME BIBI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE SHOCK I HAD WHEN I SAW THE LIST????????????????????????? thought i was gonna black out like,,, mark,,, AND BIBI??????????????? she's fucking phenomenal how is she just a YEAR older than me.. INSANE!!! ... and i also thought jackson was gonna have an ost for this movie.. idk why it wasn't released though i didnt look into it :/

i had a rough few days so i'm not yet finished with the playlist (my laptop's Dead i am still trying to revive her and uni's starting soon 😭) but for the mean time, here's another one that some people from caratblr previously asked for JDSJKSDJ these are mostly english songs though its not my k-playlist KJDSKJSDJK

i do hope this week gets better!!! and i hope that you'll have a fun one too <3 thank u for being so patient w me 🥺 i just get so many messages and find the need to recharge FDKJDFJK

ALSO I FELT LIKE IT WAS U!!!!!! OH MY GOD, i even searched my blog for the word manifest but for some reason your ask didn't come up in the search so i didnt mention u in the tags so i wont misattribute if it ends up not being u 😭 thank u for manifesting this chan for me he's my little... hop hop now ig... 😭

[intheseautumnhands]

I don’t have an assumption but after all that musical talk I am VERY curious about your favorite musical? 🤔

I am so sorry, you have just, like, jammed the Ramble Button, musicals are my eternal fandom and one of my biggest reoccurring obsessions and have been for like... at least seventeen years? Longer if we’re also counting film ones?

Which is to say, I can’t pick a singular musical? I can’t, every time I try to narrow it down to one my brain just goes “but what about--” There are too many I love with my whole heart and cry over on a regular basis.

So, I guess... top five? With the caveat that depending on when you ask me, and by that I mean literally the day, that list can change. I am so bad at picking favorite anything and musicals have meant so much to me that it’s particularly bad.

I’m putting a jump in here because I’m only two shows in and the rambling is ridiculous. I’m so sorry.

I eschew numbers because that implies a ranking and there is none. Also there is so much rambling here. I’m so sorry, I can’t stop talking about musicals.

- In the Heights: So very very shortly before Hamilton’s cast recording came out and burst into popularity, my local theater company (who were, I digress to mention, fucking fantastic, I hated my city when we lived in Florida but holy shit we had the most talented local theater people) put on In The Heights for its yearly musicals in the park. (It used to be Shakespeare in the Park, but I guess they didn’t get enough sales, because it switched to musicals.) My mother and I pretty much always went, so we went despite having absolutely no idea what the show was about. And I fell in love. The music is so good, the characters, the story, and part of it is that it hit on some things I was going through at the time, but a lot of it is just... fuck, it’s so good? It’s so good. I get why the general preference seems to be for Hamilton -- I really enjoyed Hamilton! -- but In The Heights just speaks to me. I cry ever freaking time, usually at least three times (Breathe, Hundreds of Stories [it’s “inseparable, they even got sick together”, it breaks me], and the Finale [USNAVI IS A STREELIGHT AND I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS ABOUT THIS someday I’m gonna write that In the Heights SHC post and ramble about how the end of this show hits me so hard].)

- Wicked: So I was super into a lot of shows as a teenager, but Wicked was my second musical obsession. (The first was Rent.) It took until 2017 to manage to see it live (every time it came around I went for lottery tickets, but never succeeded before) but I can’t regret that because the cast I saw was. fucking. perfect. (Except for Nessarose but I have to admit to having an unreasonable attachment to Nessarose and her, like, five verses in total throughout the show, 90% of it because Wicked Witch of the East just feels so good to sing. Everyone else was perfect and I got to see it from the front row and it was such a good day.) This one is a very emotional attachment to be honest -- it’s tied in very, very deeply with old friends, only one of whom is really in my life anymore, and maybe that makes it hit a little harder for me than it might otherwise, but on the other hand, even when I first got into it I could not get through For Good without breaking down sobbing so who knows. But it’s also just such a great story of growth and friendship and growing up and it’s taken on new shades and dimensions to me as I grew up with it because of that. (When I saw it live, Glinda’s solo in Thank Goodness almost broke me. “There are bridges you cross you didn’t know you’ve crossed until you’ve crossed” hit a whole lot different at 27 than it did at 14, let me tell you.)

- The Last Five Years: This is, like... 40% technical admiration, 40% emotional attachment, 10% that Jamie is in my top five musical roles to sing, and 10% that Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Renee Scott are among my favorite musical theater actors and knock that goddamn cast album right out of the park. But it’s so good! THE STRUCTURE OF IT IS SO GOOD. (I don’t know if you’ve ever heard it, so: L5Y is a two-person musical that tells the story of a couple meeting, dating, getting married, falling apart, and getting divorced over the course of five years. But Cathy is telling it backwards, from divorce to meeting, and Jamie is telling it forwards, from meeting to divorce, and they only ever meet up in the timeline when they get married. It’s BRILLIANT.) There are so many little moments that build on each other, and I could literally write thousands of words just going into raptures about the sheer perfection of the last song, of the time-displaced duet between them and the way it ends unsettled and I love every moment of this show with my entire heart.

- Into the Woods: I don’t have the same emotional attachment to this one - I do cry over it, admittedly, but it’s not the same as the last two particularly, which have been part of my life since I was a teenager and have multiple emotional ties to them. I just think Into the Woods is a phenomenal musical on a technical, story-telling, and particularly story retelling level. The music, the musical themes, the way act two flips act one and our knowledge of these fairy tales on its head, the fourth wall break (I love anything that breaks the fourth wall in an interesting way, it’s a problem). Also, I have to love a musical where I can actually watch the original cast perform. More of those please.

- Chess: I love this ridiculous mess of a musical and its many, many, many various forms and changes. (I particularly favor the Kennedy Center version and the Actors Fund one, but I just find all the changing variants terribly amusing, to be honest.) I love how everyone’s intense about chess and it makes perfect sense in context, I love seeing how things get shuffled, I genuinely and absolutely love the music itself. It’s a mess but it can be such a good mess.

(Runner-ups because I really do fail: Bare: A Pop Opera is not on here because I’m less a Bare fan and more a one very specific production of Bare from sixteen years ago fan. That said, I have more emotions about that one production than I ever know what to do with, one day I will write a dissection of John Hill’s Jason McConnell and then cry. Similarly, it feels like cheating to put Feeling Electric on here but if it didn’t than Feeling Electric would be on here. (It’s the workshop version of what became Next to Normal. I heavily prefer FE. I can ramble about why but that will also be a long, long ramble.) Company is not a mess like Chess, but it’s one where how little variants in the way people deliver lines can give such a different impact, especially of the main character, and I find that fascinating. Rent will always hold a special place in my heart. Though I actually prefer tick, tick... BOOM on a lot of levels. I am a tiny bit obsessed with how Pippin ends. Also with Patina Miller’s Leading Player. And I know it’s a not-undeserved joke in a lot of places, but I grew up on the Cats VHS stage production, Cats was the first live musical my mother took me to see, and I genuinely adore the stage version. It makes me happy. EDIT: Okay I’m not going to mention EVERY musical but I just realized I didn’t even mention Zanna, Don’t and that is a crime, because it already doesn’t get enough love.)

[jtsodergren]

The Best of 2019

2019, what an exceptional year for movies! A great way to close out the shittiest decade! Here are the 50 best films I saw this year... click on the title to go to the IMDB page, and I’ll try to post a link to where you can see many of them. Also for the first time this year, I’m including MOM WARNINGS! My mom reads this list and sometimes actually watches these movies... so to save her some grief, sadness, or general concern for my psyche, there will be a NOT FOR MOMS!! warning where applicable... here we go!

50. STAR WARS - EPISODE IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (Amazon)

People really hated this movie... I actually really liked it! Aside from the horses running around on the outside of spaceships (which makes no fucking sense... didn’t Leia get all space frozen exactly one movie ago??), it was a satisfying conclusion to a franchise I guess I don’t really care about as much as other people, so I was into it!

49. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM (Amazon)

Quickly becoming one of the more well produced action franchises of all time. Probably two too many machine gun shootouts in this one for me (I get a little exhausted with gun violence), but the hand-to-hand stuff is brilliant and bloody and badass! Not to mention the deepening of the mythology and Halle Berry and her dogs. It’s a fun time, a welcome addition to the series, and I can’t wait for number 4.

48. QUEEN & SLIM (Amazon)

Billed as the black BONNIE AND CLYDE and from first time feature director Melina Matsoukas, this atmospheric tragedy is gorgeous to look at, delivers a pair of standout lead performances, and proves to have one of the more stressful final 30min of any of the films I saw this year, even if you know the inevitable conclusion is just around the corner.

47. UNDER THE SILVER LAKE (Amazon PRIME)

A wild Los Angeles noir story from the director of IT FOLLOWS. Plays like if David Lynch directed THE BIG LEBOWSKI, a weird, screwball whodunit. It’s a little long, and there are so many loose ends that seem to be thrown in just to fuck with the protagonist (and the audience), but it’s a really fun time and you’ll want to stay to the end to see it all play out. LA looks gorgeous too.

46. KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE (Netflix)

Truly inspiring. Really shows how if you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and that you can make a difference, you can accomplish anything. Regardless of your political leanings, or how you feel about AOC personally, this is well worth your time and it has a great message for young people, especially those young women of color who might not think they can achieve great levels of success. It made me cry the happy tears.

45. LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (Amazon)

Best known for it’s remarkable 59min-3D final take, this hallucinatory journey through memory and dreams is mind-blowing and breathtaking. Hard not to leave this one feeling like you’ve been put though some kind of experiment that you don’t fully understand, but you’ll want to experience again. Highly recommended if you have access to 3D, or simply have some killer edibles and want to be thrown for a loop.

44. CLIMAX (Amazon PRIME)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

Speaking of being under the influence, holy shit is this film nuts! From Gaspar Noe, who if you’re aware of his work, you kind of already know what you’re in store for here. It’s been described as “FAME directed by the Marquis de Sade”... incredible dance sequences and audacious camerawork that slowly but surely devolves into hell. It’s a blast!

43. HAIL SATAN? (Hulu)

A fresh and funny documentary about a group of smartass Satanists exposing the hypocrisy amongst bible-thumping Christians who’d rather stomp their feet and be the loudest in the room than listen to anyone else’s perspective. Frustrating and entertaining in equal parts, this compulsively watchable film makes you want to scream at these Jesus freaks as much as you want to laugh along with the antics of these harmless, intelligent and organized troublemakers. An excellent time well spent.

42. FIRST LOVE (Amazon)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

Director Takashi Miike’s yakuza action-comedy is the most accessible of his films I’ve seen (he’s now made more than 100 movies, which is insane), but that doesn’t mean it’s not a gonzo wild time at the movies. The violence is here in full force, but unlike AUDITION or ICHI THE KILLER, you don’t need a barf bag close by to enjoy it. It’s often hilarious and moves at a breakneck speed. Super fun!

41. THE DEAD DON’T DIE (Amazon PRIME)

Jim Jarmusch’s star-studded, droll zombie-comedy came and went from theaters without much fanfare, but provided me with plenty of laughs. It’s also the second of 3 Adam Driver vehicles to be on this year’s list. Bill Murray and Driver lead the way along with plenty familiar faces in cameos throughout (including the RZA in one of my favorite scene’s of the year). Classic Jarmusch... a meditation on death and mortality in his vintage style.

40. EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE (Netflix)

Dude, Aaron Paul is a legit GREAT actor. Picks up right where the show left off, and I was on the edge of my seat and filled with anxiety just like I was during the best moments of the now classic series. It was good to hang out with my old friends again.

39. DOCTOR SLEEP (Amazon)

A box office flop due to poor promotion and a title people weren’t familiar with, this sequel to THE SHINING is based on the Stephen King book of the same name, which I read, and I can’t recommend it more. Great suspense, and fantastic performances from both Ewan McGregor and (especially) Rebecca Ferguson. It’s a dark and scary film that is a fun trip back to the Overlook Hotel... provided you wish to return there...

38. THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO (Amazon PRIME)

About 90min into this beautifully shot film I was ready to lock it in as a possible Top 5 contender. Then the bottom fell out for me the last quarter of the movie and lost my confidence. No bother, it’s still wonderful enough to find a spot on the list and carry my recommendation. Young men and women watching their city change before their eyes, and wondering what the concept of “home” really means is a real challenge facing many people here in the Bay Area. This film does a fantastic job conveying that, for most of the film anyway. 

37. THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (Amazon)

A bonafide crown-pleaser of a movie, and another example of the true talent Shia LeBeouf has and is capable of (more on him later). A young man with Down Syndrome escapes his assisted-living facility to track down his wrestling idol the Saltwater Redneck with the help of an outlaw and a social worker. Sweet, funny, and heartfelt... a feel good surprise.

36. A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD (Amazon)

I didn’t cry nearly as much as I did during the excellent documentary WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR from last year, but if you’re a Mr. Rogers fan, you’ll still shed a few during this heartwarming film. Tom Hanks does his thing, and even though this movie is guilty of borrowing a little too much from the previous doc, it’s still a great showcase for the truly selfless and beautiful force of nature that Fred Rogers was. Bring tissues anyway.

35. CARMINE STREET GUITARS (In Theaters Now)

A love letter to both New York City and the art, joy, and love that goes into honing and maintaining one’s craft. Meanwhile the looming doom of gentrification hovers over the proceedings, never letting you get fully enrapt in the sweetness that these artists (and their many famous customers) exude when talking about and playing their one-of-a-kind works of art. A stunning and lovely piece for musicians and talentless fans of music alike.

34. HOLIDAY (Amazon)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

A tough, cold film with nary a character to actively root for... until after about an hour of icy behavior comes (no pun intended) a scene so shocking in its graphic and disturbing nature, people left the theater without staying for the final resolution. First time director Isabella Eklof pulls off the bold and audacious maneuver, all while making it seem like she doesn’t care whether you like her characters (or her film) at all. It’s a very fine balancing act, executed to perfection. But be warned... it’s rough.

33. AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Disney+)

What can I say? You saw it. It’s good. A bunch of Supermans fly around and blow shit up. A satisfying end (until the next 20 films).

32. MIDSOMMAR (Amazon Prime)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

A disturbing slow burn of a gothic horror film. Characters do hallucinogens while ritualistic religious murders and tribal mating practices threaten to ruin everyones existence. Florence Pugh is phenomenal (more from her in a minute) in a very trying roll. Doesn’t pack quite the punch of the director’s last film, HEREDITARY, but it’s still well worth the watch. But yeah, it’s disturbing.

31. APOLLO 11 (Hulu)

A fascinating look at the first moon landing from rarely seen archival footage and audio. Seeing it on the IMAX screen was intense and exhilarating, unlike narrative pictures like the severely overrated FIRST MAN. This isn’t my favorite documentary of the year, but it is an absolute lock to win the Academy Award for Best Doc of 2019. It’s a must see, a must experience.

30. HIGH LIFE (Amazon PRIME)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

French auteur Claire Denis’ bizarre, erotic sci-fi mindfuck about isolation and humanity is not for everyone, but is a brilliant take on the genre, and is yet another showcase for Robert Pattinson, who is quietly becoming one of my favorite working actors. Juliette Binoche also is on fire here and has what one critic calls “the single greatest one-person sex scene in the history of cinema.” So it has that going for it.

29. TRIPLE FRONTIER (Netflix)

A fully loaded heist film with no real bad guy, but instead a group of recognizable badasses in a Netflix-released action thrill ride. There’s absolutely no reason this should’ve worked, or even been half as good as it is, but boy is it good! Compulsively watchable, and rewatchable. If this were on Showtime as much as DEN OF THIEVES is I’d have seen it 30 times by now. It’s one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

28. 1917 (Amazon)

An unbelievable visual achievement from cinematographer Roger Deakins and director Sam Mendes. The story isn’t the greatest war story ever told (are there great war stories?), but it’s shot to look like one continuous long take, sustained for 2hrs. It’s really an unbelievable feat, but doesn’t come off as gimmicky or distracting. It’s intense, beautifully staged, and sad. A big screen spectacle. 

27. TOY STORY 4 (Amazon)

Woody and the gang are back, and the films continue to keep the dust from collecting. It’s still so much fun to hang out with this group of misfit toys. There was talk that after the incredible TOY STORY 3 this was just a money grab and was labeled unnecessary, but I found it to be a sweet, charming, and nostalgic trip I was glad I took.

26. HONEYLAND (Hulu)

My pick for documentary of the year comes from the mountains of Macedonia, where a woman named Hatidze lives with her dying mother making a living cultivating honey. When a family of shitheads moves into a shanty next door, what seems like a fix for her lonely existence becomes catastrophic as they disregard her teachings and threaten her livelihood. I was an emotional wreck throughout the experience and it goes without saying it’s a must-see. Gorgeous and heartbreaking.

25. LITTLE WOMEN (Amazon)

I have never read the book, nor seen any of the film adaptations, so I went in blind to this lovely film. Director Greta Gerwig follows up the phenomenal LADYBIRD with this Altman-esque rendition of the widely beloved literary classic. I found it exceptional in its execution and performances, including the previously mentioned Florence Pugh, who is a knockout. A wonderful addition to the ever-growing stable of Christmas films I look to enjoy during future Decembers.

24. GREENER GRASS (Hulu)

It’s as if Tim & Eric made BLUE VELVET. Bizarre, outrageous, gross, and a guaranteed future midnight movie favorite. My sides hurt. A satire skewering upper-middle class suburban soccer moms and dads alike. Babies are given away. A boy turns into a dog. Everyone has braces. There’s a creep on the loose. It’s wild and flat-out hilarious literally from start to finish. Almost too many jokes to keep up with. Watch it! Bring weed. 

23. RELAXER (Amazon)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

Speaking of gross, this film is disgusting, but in a good way. A satire about lazy consumerism and self-destruction. It’s a short hang, thankfully, but if you can stomach it to the end (remember, it’s nasty) you’ll be rewarded with not only a hilarious dark comedy, but also an unexpected haymaker of sadness you didn’t see coming. It’s a pretty impressive feat, and an overall success. But, yeah, it’s fucking gross. 

22. AD ASTRA (Amazon)

APOCALYPSE NOW in space starring Brad Pitt. If you need more information than that, I don’t really know what else to do for you. 

21. SLUT IN A GOOD WAY (Amazon PRIME)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

A black-and-white raunchy French arthouse teen comedy that gives a middle finger to the double standard set by the equally raunchy teen-boys-will-be-boys genre. It’s so much fun, and honest, and the actors are such natural talents you forget the subject matter is at times shocking (only because of said double standard) and just go with it. I think it’s just wonderful. Seek it out!

20. US (HBO)

Jordan Peele’s excellent follow-up to GET OUT. Doppelganger home invasion terror with a killer twist. To describe more would be to risk giving something away. I’ll just say that Lupita Nyong’o is my pick to win her second Oscar, this time as Best Actress, here in a dual role. She’s incredible. If you haven’t seen it, try to go in blind, you’ll be rewarded.

19. THE FAREWELL (Amazon PRIME)

A heartfelt homecoming film about family, culture, and how the things we don’t say can be just as strong of a show of love as the things we do say. It’s sweet, tender, and bursting with personal flare and emotions from director Lulu Wang. Awkwafina also curbs her more manic and loud tendencies as a performer for more quiet, thoughtful, and somber choices. She’s phenomenal. 

18. KNIVES OUT (Amazon)

A clever ensemble whodunit that’s just as funny and smart as it is mysterious. Everyone across the board delivers as the assorted motley crew. The film rewards repeat viewings and Daniel Craig knocks it out of the park, stealing every scene he’s in, reminding us all what a fantastic actor he can be when he’s not sipping the Vespers. 

17. BOOKSMART (Hulu)

The female SUPERBAD is the elevator pitch, but this coming-of-age gem is really unlike any other example in the genre. They’re privileged, uber-smart, and have never partied. Yet they have the same neuroses as any other teen scared to death of what to do next or how to be normal. It’s also fucking hilarious. You wanna hang out with these girls and at the same time bury your head under the covers because you feel their pure terror/embarrassment. It’s a blast.

16. THE MUSTANG (Amazon)

Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, one of the finest actor’s working today, this understated and emotional drama about rehabilitation and redemption floored me upon first viewing. It is a gorgeous film. You’ve probably seen stories similar to this before, but rarely is one told with such compelling conviction. A borderline masterpiece. 

15. HONEY BOY (Amazon PRIME)

Remember a few years back we had the McConaissance, where everything Matthew McConaughey did was solid gold after years of middling bullshit? I’m calling it right now: Shia LaBeouf is about to have the same thing. He wrote the script and plays a version of his own father in a brutal version of his own fucked up childhood as an up-and-coming child actor. It’s heartbreaking and absolutely riveting. I’m hoping he gets an Oscar nod, but regardless I implore you to seek this film out, he’s incredible. 

14. MONOS (Hulu)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

A bizarre, bewildering, chaotic, and unsettling film. Some of the most beautiful photography I saw on the big screen this year, yet some of the most surreal and disturbing imagery as well. It’s a militarized, Latin American LORD OF THE FLIES with commentary on tribal behavior and violence. It can be a tough sit, but boy is it beautiful. 

13. DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (Netflix)

What a wonderful, welcome surprise! Eddie Murphy in an awards caliber performance as Rudy Ray Moore, the multi-hyphenate performer who created the alter ego Dolemite, spawning a film franchise and many legendary comedy albums. It’s obviously hilarious, and a great behind-the-scenes biopic, but also shockingly sweet and heartfelt, even between all the cuss words. I even teared up a couple times. The 3rd best thing Netflix released this year (more on that in a minute).

12. JOKER (Amazon)

You already saw this.

11. THE IRISHMAN (Netflix)

It’s far too long. It could’ve done with being cut as a three part miniseries or special. There’s about 45min worth of scenes that are quintessential DVD bonus features (I’m looking at you Action Bronson), but goddamn if it’s not Scorsese doing his Scorsese thing. It’s a gangster film, but it’s also a meditation on aging and death. Pesci is incredible and Pacino steals the show. Sure, the de-aging thing is distracting, the curb stomping scene is embarrassing. But still, I mean... IT’S MARTIN SCORSESE!

10. PAIN AND GLORY (Amazon)

Pedro Almodovar’s most personal work to date, a tale about making art and the loneliness of love. If you are unfamiliar with his work, this is a great jumping off point. His movies can be challenging and dark, but this film has such joy and hope amongst the heartache. The final reveal, while not earth shattering on paper, is nonetheless so moving it left the screening I attended without a dry eye in the place. It is his best film yet. 

9. THE LIGHTHOUSE (Amazon)

From the director of THE WITCH comes another type of gothic horror, this time with the legendary Willem Dafoe and the (already mentioned) brilliant Robert Pattinson marooned on a lighthouse rock alone to drive each other completely insane. It’s hallucinatory, violent, disorienting, and flat-out brilliant. If it weren’t for another guy we’ll get to in a minute, Dafoe would be a lock for Best Supporting Actor here. It’s a slightly challenging film, with the period style mariner dialogue, but it’s just as funny as it is terrifying.

8. JOJO RABBIT (Amazon)

A beautiful, touching, funny, crowd-pleasing comedy about a little Nazi whose imaginary friend is Hitler. Yep, your read that correctly. There are about a million reasons this should absolutely not work. Yet, it’s one of the best theater going experiences I had this year. A must see... ESPECIALLY with Mom!

7. MARRIAGE STORY (Netflix)

The best written and acted film of the year, and the third Adam Driver vehicle to appear here. Sad but honest. Touching but brutal. It’s awkward and a bit of a bummer, but there’s such great work being done here, in front of and behind the camera. Noah Baumbach is a force of nature, and has yet to make a film I was even iffy about. He’s the real deal and this might be his masterpiece. 

6. WAVES (Amazon)

Speaking of auteurs, Trey Edward Shults is now 3/3 on features after the brilliant KRISHA and IT COMES AT NIGHT. Here he follows a middle-class black family, led by a domineering father, through a tragic moment in all of their lives. The first half deals with the son’s story, then abruptly switches to the daughter’s life post said event. It shouldn’t work, yet somehow manages to be one of the most emotionally affecting pieces of art I saw this year. The camera never stops moving, constantly swirling and whirling and you can’t help to be sucked up into it. It’s a beautiful tragedy.

5. LONG SHOT (HBO)

The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the year. An opposites-attract rom-com with more brains, bite, social commentary, and laughs than it has any right to have. Easily the most fun you’ll have with (almost) the whole family... there’s a lot of cum jokes. But don’t let the vulgarity dissuade you! It’s a total riot with just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the saltiness. I love love love this movie.

4. THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE (Hulu)

What starts as a strange, dark comedy morphs into a FIGHT CLUB-esque thriller with allusions to disturbingly toxic masculinity and an offbeat take on what it takes to “be a man.” It is laugh-out-loud hilarious, and expertly made, while really having something to say, and it says it in a way I’ve never really seen before. It’s not surprising this didn’t get more attention, the characters are truly difficult to relate to, let alone root for, but as far as originality goes, you’d be hard pressed to find anything this year much better than this. 

3. UNCUT GEMS (Amazon)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

The cinematic equivalent of being locked in the brain of a lunatic having a cocaine-fueled anxiety attack. If that sounds like fun (AND IT IS!!!) then this is the film for you! Oh, and Adam Sandler is going to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. For real. It’s a chaotic, stress-filled masterpiece.

2. ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD (Amazon)

My favorite filmmaker’s 2nd best film. A personal story about the love of film during the late 60s, a time of dirty hippies and Charles Manson, as well as the passing of the torch from old Hollywood to the “golden age” of cinema. It’s a fairytale of sorts, with Tarantino’s trademark flare for spontaneous violence and mining multiple genres to make his most mature work since PULP FICTION. I’ve been rewarded with new takeaways upon each subsequent viewing, and my love and appreciation for it only grows and grows. Brad Pitt is a lock for Best Supporting Actor, he’s magnificent. It was always going to be my #1 with a bullet no matter what, because it’s just that great...

1. PARASITE (Amazon)

...but then Bong Joon-ho, the master of new Korean cinema unleashed PARASITE. Not only is it the best film of 2019, it’s one of the best films I have ever seen. Like EVER ever. He is in such astonishing control of his craft it’s hard not to sit back and marvel and the sheer skill on display. You can be laughing one moment and then recoiling in horror during the same breath. He’s using multiple genre tropes, incredible set design, pitch perfect acting/writing, and such exquisite planning you can’t possibly know what’s in store for you from one scene to the next. It is an absolute masterpiece and if it doesn’t sweep every category it’s nominated for at this year’s Oscars, it’ll be a travesty. If you have even a passing interest in film as an art form, the power it can wield, and the messages it can convey, you owe it to yourself to see this film. It’s perfect.

Well, there it is. Thanks for reading any part of this. Now go see PARASITE. I love you.

[musicrunsthroughmysoul]

Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had in what feels like a really long time (although is probably true up until when I got to meet Thunderpussy, so you know, since like the new year). I’m considering writing a legit review of the show on my Wordpress blog but I don’t even know if I can write anything that seems structured about how actually-fucking-incredible last night was. It was mind-blowing, and probably something along the lines of life changing? I mean, one of the performers - she was a guest who (apparently played an Alice in Chains cover with Whitney Mongé) played a few songs of her own after Whitney Mongé’s main set - had one of The Most Incredible Voices I Have Ever Heard that I literally felt breathless listening to her. Her name was Maya Marie, by the way, if you consider finding her on Instagram or Youtube.

Of course, Whitney was fantastic, too, and early on she played this acoustic and slowed down/soft version (although the entire show was acoustic and that was the point...) of my FAVORITE song of hers, “Good Things,” and it made me fucking cry and apparently it made my friend who was there with me cry, too, and he told me after the show “I’ve literally never cried because of a song before but I cried during that song.” The rest of her set was some of just the most beautiful energy, and there were only 15 people there, too, so she worked HARD to make it a great show and I think she totally, 110% succeeded in doing so. (Immediately after I got home I shared her next show’s event on Facebook and was like ‘ALL OF YOU WA PEEPS, YOU HAVE TO COME AND SEE THIS NEXT SHOW FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD AND YOU WILL SOOOOOOOOO NOT REGRET IT!’) Before the show my friend and I were talking, though, about the fact that people maybe weren’t there last night because of the coronavirus hysteria goin’ on and I’m afraid she won’t have much of an audience in two weeks, either, considering that I also saw that Pearl Jam are postponing their tour...

Nicolle Swims who fronts the band Black Ends was also a really lovely opener, although the first couple of songs she played I couldn’t really tell what she was singing (and lyrics are so important to my experience of music so it was kinda a sad thing that I couldn’t understand her sometimes!) but that might’ve been because she was nervous doing a solo acoustic performance, and luckily after she played her third song or so I started to be able to understand her better and I REALLY liked the rest of her set.

BUT THEN, AT THE VERY END OF THE SHOW NICOLLE AND WHITNEY PLAYED AN ENTIRELY ACOUSTIC COVER OF “SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT” AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At that point I was like ‘Okay, so Whitney Mongé is the only person who should be SINGING “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and everyone else can only hope to perform it as well as she and Nicolle did.’ AND THIS WAS A MOTHERFUCKING ACOUSTIC COVER, Y’ALL. After the show when my friend and I were [both quite speechless and could pretty much only repeat to each other, “That was wow, that was so amazing...”] talking, he said “I’m gonna need that cover to have, like, I need them to record that so that I can buy it and just have it forever and listen to it all the time.” It was literally so fucking amazing, and I AM SO PLEASED that Whitney introduced their rendition of that song by saying, “Seattle musicians are so afraid of grunge. Like, I like grunge! But everyone’s so afraid to play it, and I don’t get that. So we’re gonna play a song, and it’s like the only Nirvana song I know.” And Nicolle said “I’m gonna mess this up so bad,” and then they both proceeded to FUCKING! KILL! IT!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD.

Anyway, so yeah. I should probably write a legit review of this but so much of it would just be me screaming about what a phenomenal night it was and I think all the performers there deserve something better than just me screaming, LMAO...or in Maya’s case that I hardly know what to say because I was so literally blown away that I just felt breathless listening to her. I hardly wanted to breathe during her three- or four-song performance, and the last song she played was SO emotional AND I COULDN’T EVEN CRY - EVEN THOUGH I WANTED TO - THAT’S HOW ARRESTING HER PERFORMANCE WAS. I MEAN, GOD DAMN.

Best night since New Year’s Eve, oh fucking yes.

[marlettwrites]

4, 18, 30 for the LGBT asks!

Ooh thank you thank you!

My answers may be a little long-winded, so I apologize for that in advance.

4) Who was the first person you told, how did they react?

Oof ho boy it was really awkward. I was about halfway through high school when I started to think ‘gee, maybe I’m not straight. Maybe I’m not even a girl,’ while it seemed to me that everyone else around had this shit figured out years ago.

I knew people in middle school who were, in hindsight, out and proud when I had never even heard the word ‘gay’ before.

So around the time I started exploring my gender (as in, the week that I learned ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ weren’t the only options), my friend Daisy (Not their real name) invited me to our high school’s gay-straight alliance. I was resistant at first because ‘I’m not gay, and it would be weird’ and they retaliated with ‘okay, but it’s for gay AND straight people, and you don’t have to come back if you don’t want to’(spoiler alert: I am hella gay, but didn’t figure that out for about two more years even though people kept pointing out that my now girlfriend and I were basically the perfect couple. They were right by the way. I love her with my whole heart). 

I was right about it being weird though, but only because I’m a super awkward person irl. We go in to the Gay Straight Alliance room, and there is a handful of kids sitting on chairs in a circle. The teacher proctoring it suggests we introduce ourselves with names and pronouns. It’s my turn and I give everyone my ‘I’m uncomfortable and don’t know how to act about it’ shrug, which makes me look like I’m trying to retreat into a non-existent turtle shell via sucking my head into the crevice my neck grows out of and say: 

“I never really thought about it, but I guess I’d like to try... they/them pronouns????”

I get a few silent nods and that was about it. It might not seem that bad, but just typing this out is making me cringe.

18) What is your favorite lgbt+ book?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to read many. I attempted to read Love, Simon several times because I heard it was good and I love me some gay literature (read, Solangelo or Klance fanfic), but I just couldn’t get through it.

So by default, The Diviners series by Libba Bray has to be my favorite. 

I’m not saying it’s bad, I honestly loved the first two books, especially Lair of Dreams because of how deeply it explored the complex romantic relationship two characters had together (two gay men) and there was an amazing character arc of an ace lesbian exploring her sexuality and realizing ‘holy shit!! women!!! Exist!!!

The third book really let me down, though. It was basically a sex scene sandwich on filler bread. Even worse, those scenes come out of absolutely fucking nowhere. There were ZERO in the previous two books, and now you’re hitting me with five in a row?? Even worse, you really expect me to believe every main character is getting it on with someone else at the exact same time in different parts of New York??? With no coordination or pre-planning?? 

My sex-repulsed ass did not come here to read about how smooth-talking thief mcgee gets it on with drunk radio host girl.

Bitch.

30) Why are you proud to be lgbt+?

I wouldn’t say I’m proud to be born lgbt+ because that’s something I had no control over, so I’ll write the stuff I do as an lgbt+ person that I’m proud of instead. :)

Personally, I’m just proud of myself for the little things. Like being able to openly using the phrase ‘my girlfriend’ in casual conversation, even with people I don’t know all that well. Or correcting my dad when he forgets to use the right pronouns. It may seem small, but it’s a little act of bravery I can perform every day. I struggled for a long time with things like that because when I came out to my mom, she threw an absolute hissy fit.

Every time I tried to remind her of my pronouns she would just yell ‘Your name is [deadname]!’ at me, and that was before I told her my name is Marlett. 

Thankfully, I’m no longer living with her and my dad is much more understanding. I only came out to him last month, but it’s so relieving to hear ‘you two’ instead of ‘you girls’ (I have a sister who also lives with us) or ‘Mar, please do the dishes’ instead of ‘[deadname] you have laundry to put away’. My dad is awesome

Here is the tag game, if anyone else wants to ask me something!

[kpoprambles00-blog]

MAMAMOO (마마무) - White Wind (9th Mini Album) [COMEBACK REVIEW]

[NOTE: I couldn’t fit in all the videos due to the video limit, so click/press the name of each song to go to YouTube and listen to it!]

There's a very well known saying that we often save the best for last. And yeah, that might not always be true, and I'm not trying to spoil my opinion right away, but... MAMAMOO took that saying to heart. HARD. I've loved the vast majority of what they've given us with the '4 seasons, 4 concepts' thing they've been doing for the last year or so - with their last album, Blue;S, admittedly being my least favourite, and Red Moon being my favourite. Yellow Flower was alright, with a few great songs here and there.

But White Wind? White Wind is THAT BITCH. AND I MEAN IT.

At this point this blog is basically composed of hyperbole and nothing else, but... holy fuck, this album. THIS FUCKING ALBUM. These sorts of releases are the reason I started this blog and these comeback reviews - every now and again we'll get to see something really special get released, and White Wind is one of those occasions. It's... the best thing MAMAMOO have ever done, period. And it absolutely shows why these girls are so damn popular. This is one of those albums that's making me proud to be a Moomoo since "Mr. Ambiguous". This is THEIR album. This is MAMAMOO's evolution if you ask me - this is where they go from a great group to a downright phenomenal one.

So I could wax on all day about how phenomenal this project is, or I could actually SHOW you why. And hey, that's what this blog is for, so buckle the fuckle up and get ready to have your wig fly to Mars.

I mean it. Get some glue for that shit, you're gonna need it.

1. WHERE R U

Any time I'm listening to a MAMAMOO song, and I hear Solar say this at the beginning:

🌟🌙✨C O S M I C ✨🌙🌟

I IMMEDIATELY LOSE MY SHIT. 'CAUSE THEN YOU KNOW THE SONG IS GONNA BE GOOD.

Cosmic Girl (formerly Lucy from RaNia) and Cosmic Sound have worked with MAMAMOO as composers and lyricists for quite a while now. But I'm now at the point where I'm convinced - CONVINCED, I TELL YA - that they cannot make a bad song for the girls. And "Where R U" serves to continue that trend!

It honestly fits the title of the album really well; there's some plucked strings and marimba-like notes in the instrumental that feel so damn breezy and relaxing. As well as this, the song's tempo is slow, but not slow enough that you're bored with it. "Where R U" is a very bright, smile-inducing song if I'm being honest. I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat the first time I listened to it, it's just damn delightful. It also helps that all four members sound like honest-to-god angels here. And hey, any song where Moonbyul sings more is a good song in my book!

The lyrics carry this very light-hearted feel to them, as well - they match the song perfectly. They're very sweet and heartfelt, but with emphasis on a lot of minute details that are super charming. It's not often that MAMAMOO actually do a lovey-dovey song like this, but when it's done right, it's very effective. And yeah, that's absolutely the case here! I like the lyrics a lot.

Do you want to eat and watch a movie? Just the two of us? The corners of my lips are curling up just thinking about it

All in all, I don't have a single bad thing to say about this song. It serves as a great introduction to the album, since it's slow and breezy yet pleasant at the same time. It's the perfect sort of song for a really summery day, to be honest - not the sort of sound I thought MAMAMOO would nail like they did here, but damn! I'm impressed. And that's just the start of this album. Oh boy.

2. GOGOBEBE (고고베베) [TITLE]

Not gonna lie, leading up to this song's release, I actually listened to all of the teasers - which is something I very rarely do - and I got hyped. It all sounded a bit more hip-hop inspired than most of MAMAMOO's title tracks, and the vocals sounded out of this world (as per normal). So when the song actually came out, and it was THIS good? Yeah, I was floored from the word "go".

I remember reading an interview where the girls themselves said "Gogobebe" is "a term that means everyone should just play, go, and enjoy themselves". And yeah, that certainly comes across here! There's playful acoustic guitars scattered around the instrumental, some really bouncy synths, a STRONG bassline, and choruses that just fucking explode towards the end of the song. Seriously, this is the sort of song you'd blast at a party at 2am, and the entire room would start singing along - think "Mr. Brightside", but not on the same level of recognition, obviously. That shouty "뻔뻔하게 놀아 미친 듯이 즐겨" section in the choruses is AWESOME.

I feel like this is the first title track we've had where MAMAMOO get to show off their personalities a bit more, too? Like, we all know how upbeat and playful these lovable idiots are, but that's mainly shown off in their side tracks - like "Taller Than You" or "Sleep in the Car". But here, their personalities are on clear display. This is a song they can have fun with, and that absolutely comes across in both the MV and the live stages. And when the song is this contagious, it catches on fast - just listening to "Gogobebe" puts me in a really good mood!

The playful/party theme of the song is carried over really well into the lyrics, which are also about just enjoying yourself and not caring about what comes tomorrow. There are a few stellar lines in there though, especially in Wheein's introduction and Moonbyul's second rap - apparently Solar and Moonbyul both helped write the lyrics, and if that's the case, consider me very impressed! They're a really fun and uplifting. (Also "너와 나의 mix and match" is A DAMN GREAT LINE. Thank you very much.)

The people who talk too much Always die first in the movies So raise up your self-love

So the song and lyrics are great, but what about the choreography? Honestly, I feel like MAMAMOO haven't had that many stellar choreographies; they're more focused on their songs and performances. Which is completely fine, that's just their style - but I'll be damned if they didn't knock it out of the park for "Gogobebe".

NOTE: The choreography in the video below is mirrored, so it's actually the wrong way around! There isn't an official dance practice for this song, so this is the best I could find.

That's mainly because they got Mina Myoung from 1MILLION dance studio to do the choreography here; and her skill in choreographing shows massively. There's a lot of pretty complex footwork and fast movements here, and yet the girls look flawless doing it! My favourite part is honestly the "9 slash 6" section after that second chorus - MAMAMOO go OFF and I am living for it. There's just a lot of complex details and touches here that make the routine so fun and pleasing to watch - they all make it look so easy, too, which, hoo boi that's not the case once you learn it. It's tough, but in the way that I love!

And hey, the girls even visited the studio to perform it with Mina when she taught it for a class. That's adorable. 😄 (Also HOLY SHIT WHEEIN. GO OFF GIRL. MAIN DANCER COMING THROUGH.)

Yeah, "Gogobebe" was fucking amazing. It's definitely up there with MAMAMOO's best title tracks, if you ask me - it's got the right blend of charm and charisma yet some silliness as well, and if that doesn't sum up the girls I don't know what will. I really hope they keep this momentum going, cause goddamn, I'll be a proud Moomoo if they do. :,)

3. WAGGY (쟤가 걔야)

Not gonna lie, when I saw the title of this song for the first time, I immediately thought "CHOO CHOO JOKE SONG TERRITORY HERE WE COME". And while that isn't completely false, it's definitely not completely true either. The jokiness of this song comes across more in the live stages than the actual song itself, since "Waggy" is actually an adorable little love song! And when I say adorable, I mean ADORABLE. This shit nearly gave me a goddamn cavity.

Let me be clear when I say that cutesy songs like this normally aren't my thing - I often find that unless they do something unique with their cuteness, I'll be bored with them veeeeeery quickly. But thankfully, describing your crush like a little puppy who follows you everywhere is JUST the sort of unique charm I look for in these sorts of songs. It's a memorable metaphor, and IT'S JUST TOO DAMN CUTE, MAN.

There's also the fact that the song itself is infernally catchy; the drum beat matches how my head was bopping along when I listened to it for the first time! It's honestly very reminiscent of Animal Crossing for me, since the soundtrack in those games is very similar to "Waggy"; full of acoustic guitars, simple rhythms and nice little songs you hum the melody to every now and again. I'm... honestly quite disappointed that this didn't blow up amongst young kids like iKON's "Love Scenario" did - it's adorable, and not that complicated either! There's also the fact that when the girls try to be cute, it either works, or ends up being hilarious (for example: Solar's little animal impressions in that bridge. I was ROLLING).

The lyrics are certainly another one of this song's assets, if you ask me. This is already "Puppy Love: The Song", and the lyrics definitely fit that theme! I'd love to know if the girls were able to keep straight faces whilst recording this, because I feel like there would've been a few laughter fits here and there... But like I mentioned before, that comparison of your crush to a puppy is the best part of this song. Hands down. My heart has melted and I'm surprisingly okay with it. ALSO HWASA SINGING IN FRENCH HOLY FUCK.

Woof woof woof, follow me upstairs, puppy When you follow me around You're seriously so cute

Y'know what the cherry on top for this song is, though? The live performances. Go watch them and then try to tell me that MAMAMOO are a deadly serious group. Hwasa looks like the friend that got dragged into everything because she lost a bet, and it's hilarious. 😂

But I don't think there's much else I can say about "Waggy"! It's got the perfect mix of jokiness and cuteness to be memorable, and it's irresistibly fun to boot. And catchy. Seriously, I've had this stuck in my head for weeks. Help.

4. 25 (WHEEIN SOLO)

All I can say is: IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME.

A lot of Moomoos caught on quite quickly that each member would get one solo per album; Hwasa had a solo on Yellow Flower, Moonbyul had hers on Red Moon, and Solar had hers on Blue;S. BUT NOW IT'S WHEEIN'S TURN. If you ask me she's the most underappreciated member in MAMAMOO! And yet, while this doesn't live up to "Moderato", her other solo - but let's be real, what can - it's still a pretty solid track that acts as a nice interval to the album itself. And hey, Hash Swan isn't in this, so that already makes me happy! (Seriously, that guy's voice is insufferable... couldn't RBW have picked someone else???)

Similarly to "Where R U", "25" has a very chill, relaxed vibe going for it, with some atmospheric guitars and echoing vocals in the instrumental. I really like the triplet/sped-up rhythm of the lyrics in the verses, too - they give the song a nice bit of flavour where it's needed most. And obviously, the star here is Wheein; her vocals are no joke, she's the best vocalist in MAMAMOO in my opinion. But I do unfortunately feel like the song runs a bit short? It feels like she was hampered a bit, and I don't like that very much. She deserves her time to shine, too. But either way, she's still got a gorgeous voice, and she does get her chance to at least show that.

But aside from Wheein's voice, the lyrics to this song are my favourite thing about it. I never expected Wheein to take such a mature angle! And yes, she helped write the lyrics for this, go figure. Wheein actually talks about the topic of growing up, and trying not to lose your innocence and curiosity as you become an adult. She fully admits that growing up is, at times, not something she wants to do - she just wants to curl into a ball and not have to face adulthood. But eventually you get used to it - you adjust, you adapt, and you become more comfortable with the person you are (as well as who you'll be in the future). It's... surprisingly deep? Yet really, REALLY beautiful at the same time. They really changed my opinion on the song, actually! I went from being lukewarm on it to really, really liking it.

At times, I don't want to grow up Like the natural days I want to talk about it myself, but it's hard

"25" ultimately ended up being a song I really enjoyed - and yes, that's largely because of both Wheein's vocals and those amazing lyrics. The song itself does run a bit short, and I do still think it had a lot more room to develop, but what we got in the end is of an insane quality. Wheein should really try her hand at songwriting more, because if this is the sort of thing she's going to write, I'd love to hear what else she can come up with. 👌

5. BAD BYE

Ohhhhhh man, now we're getting into the part of this review where I just start to gush.

Everything we've had so far is either insanely high-quality, or memorable enough to become one of my favourite MAMAMOO songs - but now we're going into ballad territory. And THAT is where MAMAMOO apparently decided to step things up a notch, and turn this album from a good one into a great one.

All I can really say about "Bad Bye" is this: if you haven't done so already, listen to it. Just... listen. Sit there, listen to it in its entirety with no interruptions and preferrably a good pair of headphones, and just take it in. I can 100% GUARANTEE you that you will cry. Even if you've never been through a breakup, even if you can't understand the lyrics - that doesn't matter. I promise you, this song will leave you bawling. If you're not crying by the end, you'll certainly be close to it. And yes, that's largely because of the song itself and its execution, but what really put me over the edge was THE MOTHERFUCKING VOCALS.

People always categorise MAMAMOO as a "vocal group", right? Because of their power and technique, and the fact that pretty much all of the members can sing? I've always felt that title was fitting - but holy SHIT, this is taking it to a new level. Not only are Moonbyul's raps full of anger and raw emotion, Hwasa, Solar and Wheein fucking nail it vocally - THOSE ADLIBS, MAN. THOSE ADLIBS. They legitimately left me in tears here.

I cannot wait to see clips of this from their upcoming concerts, because if they sing this live? ...I may just collapse to be honest. "Bad bye" is so beautifully done, and so emotionally performed on the girls' part that it's breathtaking. And really, really damn heartbreaking, too. It's one hell of a sincere ballad. The instrumental has a part to play there too, because even though there are very skittery trap snares throughout, they never overpower the really emotional piano line - they never feel like a distraction, and they actually end up giving the song a good rhythmic base. But yeah, they're nothing but background to the girls' vocals, which are honestly some of the best in the industry. Fight me.

But if your heart wasn't broken from just listening to the song, don't worry! There's lyrics to help with that! Moonbyul once again helped on the writing here, and the lyrics end up being just as emotionally charged as the song and vocals. It's like the icing on top of a really depressing cake - but in a good way. There isn't a dull moment in them, they're as descriptive and heart-wrenching at the end as they were at the start.

Stop trying to comfort me now, I'm holding back tears I'm afraid of it being the end if I turn my back I can't go, I can't do it - tell me this isn't it

I could go on forever about "Bad bye", honestly. It's just... perfect in the saddest way possible. THIS is the sort of magic I look for in ballads; this has so much legitimate feeling and so many emotions to it that it makes you emotional regardless of whether or not you understand the words. I really didn't think they'd blow me away this much late into the album, but... man, was I wrong. As I'm typing this, their concert is taking place tonight (April 19th) - and I know I said it earlier, but I'm saying it again. I DESPERATELY need to see a live performance of this song. Please. 😭

Y'know what else I need a live performance of, though?

6. MY STAR

BITCH, YOU'RE ASKING ME TO PUT MY FEELINGS FOR THIS SONG INTO WORDS?

Hooooooooo man.

This song made me FEEL things, y'all. IT STILL DOES.

Again, once we were blessed with that "Cosmic" namecall at the beginning, I was excited. Really, really excited. I know Cosmic Girl & Sound make phenomenal MAMAMOO songs, so this was going to be great, right?

BITCH, WRONG. IT WAS GOING TO CHANGE YA DAMN LIFE.

We're only four months into the year. FOUR. MONTHS. And I may have found my side track of the year. Because "My star" is fucking insane. It, once again, left me in tears - but not because the song was emotional. I was in tears from how fucking shook I was whilst listening to this. This song goes haaaaaaaaaard. The bass and drumline in this song is SO damn powerful, the really creepy synths are right up my alley, the hand claps are hype as fuck, and THEM VOCALS. LET ME FUCKING TALK ABOUT THEM VOCALS. Because the girls all sound jaw-droppingly good, but... I need to call someone out real quick.

SOLAR.

MOTHERFUCKING KIM YONGSUN.

BITCH?!?!? WHERE WERE THESE VOCALS HIDING????

Did y'all even HEAR that fucking F6?! LIKE. FOR REAL?! KE$HA IS (majestically, like the queen she is) QUAKING.

Those adlibs... that was a fucking spiritual experience. My soul has left this plane of existence because of those high notes. Looks like she heard that I thought Wheein was the best vocalist in MAMAMOO and decided to fucking change my mind, good LORD.

Another huge thing for me is that this song has sustained my hype for it SO DAMN MUCH. Often, I'll love a song to death once I first hear it, but then it'll wear off over time. But "My star" is so good that that hasn't happened!! It is not only one of the best Cosmic tracks the girls have, but THE BEST B-side MAMAMOO have done. Period. It rivals "Midnight Summer Dream" from Red Moon for me.

And hey, speaking of "Midnight Summer Dream", this song also carries a creepy vibe! Now, unlike "Midnight Summer Dream", I don't think that creepy vibe is intended on "My star". But goddammit, read this song's lyrics and listen to those distorted/reversed synths during Solar's first verse, and tell me you don't immediately think 'stalker girlfriend'. This is a yandere anthem and y'all can't change my mind. IT'S CREEPY AND I LOVE IT. I really want to see a yandere MV for this. PLEASE, RBW. MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE.

But every time I breathe, [and] my heart is beating I can't feel it through you I wanna be your love

So don't mind me. I'm just going to go listen to this song for the millionth time and cry over how good it is. And also Solar's falsetto.

UPDATE [21/04/2019]:

THEY ACTUALLY FUCKING WENT AND PERFORMED IT LIVE.

The best video I can find of it right now is this Wheein fancam but I DON'T CARE. THEY ACTUALLY DID IT.

QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEENS.

7. 4SEASON (OUTRO)

...you know an outro is good when I want it to be a full song.

And that NEVER happens with me. I very rarely listen to intros/outros and go "huh, this would be nice as a full song". But that happened with "4season"! It's so nice and chill, literally perfect for listening to in a coffee shop of some sort. It's very short, of course, but the blaring synths and the trap snares actually make a really cool, atmospheric outro. And, as always, all four girls sound phenomenal. It's MAMAMOO, is that really surprising to you at this point?

Since the song is so short, the lyrics are going to be quite minimal as well. But the lyrics here remind me a lot of "Daydream" from Dreamcatcher's recent album - they seem to be a thank-you of sorts to the Moomoos. And I love stuff like that - it's super heartwarming when an idol/group does it, to be honest. If you're a Moomoo, you know how much MAMAMOO really do care for their fans, and that just makes this all the sweeter. :,)

One by one, build up [the] good memories and walk Walk together You and me

"4season" ultimately serves as both a great outro to "White Wind" as an album, and the '4 seasons, 4 colours" project as a whole! And godDAMN, what a way to end it. I wasn't kidding when I said this album is the best of the 4. It's skyrocketed its way to my list of favourite MAMAMOO albums, and I can't wait to own this physically. It's 100% worth it. 😊

ALL THE SOURCES FOR THE ENGLISH LYRICS I USED IN THIS REVIEW: Where R U Gogobebe (고고베베) Waggy (쟤가 걔야) 25 (Wheein Solo) Bad bye My star 4season (Outro)

COVER IMAGE CREDITS: Wind transparent background by KissPNG

[sassysweetstories]

Not What You'd Expect

Summary: you’re a singer who’s got a rather low and groggy voice. Everyone thinks your a male because of your androgonistic traits.. but you’re actually a female who dresses more masculine. You do a cover of some of Shawn’s songs and he gets pissed and plans on confronting you. When that happens he’s taken back by your true appearance.

Ship: Fem!Reader x Shawn Mendes

Warnings: fluff, sexual tension, angst, swearing, cuteness, etc.

Notes: (your/Instagram/name)

Your P.O.V

I dug into my bowl of cereal, eating casually after posting my most recent cover. Enter Sandman by Metallica. My friend, April, sat across from me, beaming. I look up at her with a confused expression. Before I could ask, she blurts out. “THEY LOVE YOU! YOUR COMMENT SECTION IS GOING INSANE! THEY ALL THINK YOU’RE A GUY?!” I smile, shrugging. “I do have androgonistic traits. What’re they saying?” I press her to tell me, purely out of curiosity. She laced her fingers through her hair, playing with it like she’s impersonating a school girl. “OH MY GOD, HIS VOICE IS SO SEXYYYY! IT JUST MAKES ME SHIVER!” I bolt out laughing, unable to withhold myself.

I shake my head, unable to fathom that comment. “Bullshit, I don’t believe you!” She shows it to me as proof before continuing. “HIS MUSCLES ARE SO JUICY! AND HIS VOICE! GOD, HIS VOICE IS SO SEXY! IMAGINE HAVING HIS HANDS WRAPPED AROUND YOU WHILE HE PLAYS!” I bury my face in my hands, giggling. She shows me the text after I remove my hands. After that, she practically jumps out of her seat, yelling excitedly. “YOU SHOULD DO A SHAWN MENDES COVER!” I nod, brows furrowing at the idea. He was a great artist, and doing a cover of one of his songs would be cool. “I’ll do one. You can pick it out for me, if you want?”

April hugged me, beaming before she shoved her phone in my face. “This one! PLEASE!” I laugh, scanning over the lyrics. “Okay, I should be done with it by tomorrow.” She hugged me again before heading off to shower. That night I put my version together then film it. Around ten o'clock is when I finally post it. I don’t bother to check the comment section afterwards because I was beyond exhausted, sleep taking me the second I hit my bed. The next day, April leaps onto my bed, awaking me from my rather incredible slumber. “DUDE, EVERYONE’S FLIPPING THE FUCK OUT! THEY LOVE IT!” I shoo her away with my one hand, my voice groggy due to the early morning wake-up call. “Yeah.. yeah.. yeah.. let me sleep..”

She runs over to the kitchen and I sleep for another twenty minutes before my body forces itself to awake. Intruiged by April’s news, I check the comment section for myself. More and more people wanted me to do covers of Shawn Mendes’ music. The likes were higher than ever, hundreds of comments still coming in. Glancing up at the follower count, my jaw drops in shock. I’ve gained 4k (four thousand) followers since yesterday. Grinning from ear to ear, I scroll through the comment section. 

“AMAZING! I NEED MORE!!” 

“your voice is so sexy oh my god” 

I couldn’t help but laugh. My smile faded when a saw a text from someone I didn’t know. I check my DMs on Instagram, eyes widening when I realized it was Shawn! SHAWN MENDES HIMSELF?! “Hey, you’re cover of me was cool.” My brows furrowed. Cool? I thought I did awesome? But okay. I reply kindly before going to finish up another one of his covers that April had begged me to do. 

A few days pass, and I could tell their was heat between him and I. The media was pulling a lot of attention towards our ever growing feud. Some say I was better than him. Which I didn’t think was true but he obviously cared about it. Talented people always do, especially when people think they’re competition. Everything got more and more intense because the next thing I know, I’m being asked to perform at The Late Late Show with James Cordon and Shawn Mendes, who wants to, and I quote from Twitter, “settle this like men.” Which I couldn’t help but laugh at. I sat down with the producer of The Late Late Show and told him my predicament. We decided to come up with an amazing plan. 

The producer and his second in command would put me in a dressing room where I’d get changed and wouldn’t be seen by anyone else. After that, they planned on clearing the backstage so nobody saw what I looked like. I would make my way up to the catwalk where I planned on entering. We put an outline of a buff man on one side of the stage, a light shinning up on his outline while I was on the middle catwalk. I would be introduced and then sing on my way out. It was brilliant, perfect even. I wanted to baffle the audience. When the day finally arrived, I walk up to the producer, who was beaming just as much, if not more than me.

After getting dressed, I make my way out onto the catwalk where I was supposed to be. My stomach fluttered with nerves and butterflies. This was it, the world would finally know who I am. I take a deep breath, watching the teleprompter. James Cordan sat across from Shawn. The producer told me prior, that Shawn had no idea I was here. I focus on their voices, waiting for my signal. James smiles, looking at Shawn. “So, what’s going on with this dispute, the one between you and this guy?” He shrugged, teeth gritting. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t attractive. They talk for a little longer before James’ eyes went wide. “Oh my god, so apparently, he’s here?!” The crowd roared to life.

Shawn immediately tensed up, looking at the outline of my fake self. They both stand up, Shawn walks forward slightly, jaw clenched. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my honor to introduce, (Y/I/N)!!” The producer’s assistant pointed at me. This was my cue, it’s go time. Everyone watched the my fake self, while I stood behind the opposite curtain. I didn’t realize it until now but I looked bad ass AF. My hair was wavy and everything on me was rather risque. We chose the song Enter Sandman by Metallica. The song started off like normal. I sang the lyrics with so much passion. Right as the chorus came up, they opened my curtain and flashed a light on me while the one everyone thought I was at turned off and closed.

I stepped out onto the walkway, strutting perfectly. My hips moving in a sexy motion. When I get to the microphone post, I latch it on and pull my guitar from my side to play the solo. I look to see the producer and lights working together to create a light show that works with the song. It looked phenomenal. James is practically jumping when he notices I’m not who he thought I was. Shawn- well- his jaw was almost to the floor. He no longer had the tough guy act, all he was was pure shock and what seemed to me as a flushed expression. As the song ended, I noticed my insane breathing pattern and high adrenalin.

I was a little sweaty. I smile at the audience who complimented me with a lot of applause's and hoots. I walk over to James, giving my guitar to the assistant, the host was practically giddy. He took my hand, sitting me down in Shawn’s seat. Shawn sits down in the chair next to mine, eyes still obviously on me. “Wow! That was incredible! Honestly, they didn’t tell us you were coming!“ I smirked, shimmying my shoulders up and down. “Your producer actually called me up. Only like, three people knew about it, myself included.” James grinned at the crowd, jaw to the floor. “THAT WAS AMAZING! Holy shit!” I giggled, blushing slightly. The crowd laughed again, wondering why, I look over at James and then at Shawn for the first time. 

His cheeks were flushed pink, jaw dropped, brown eyes wide. His chest was rising and falling slowly, taking deep breaths. His chest expanding every time he did it. “Wow.. I thought- you’re not- I’m so- what-?” He barely formed words, stuttering. I thought it was adorable. Before he could speak, I talked sincerely. “Look, Mr. Mendes. I’m really sorry if I’ve caused you any distraught. That wasn’t my intention. My friend recommended me to do a cover of one of your songs because, like myself, we both enjoy your music. You have a lot of talent. And I’m really sorry if you took it the wrong way." He waved his hand around, blushing slightly. “It’s fine, really.” I smile. "I hope we can start over. I’m (Y/n).”

I give him my hand, he takes it, smiling. “I’m Shawn.” The crow roared to life, James laughing along with them. The rest of the interview, Shawn kept his eyes on me, almost as if he was listening to every word that I said. Once the interview ended, James gave me a hug. “You were phenomenal! You need to come back on and perform! Promise?!” I giggled, nodding. “I would be honored!” He gave me another hug before he left Shawn and I alone. I fiddled with my fingers, nerves aching in my stomach. We spoke at the same time. “I’m sorry-” We both stop, laughing. He begins. “I’ll go first. I’m sorry for judging you so harshly. I’m still new to this business and when I saw a ‘guy’ singing better than me, I got worried. I shouldn’t have acted the way that I did.”

“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have egged you on. I should get going though. My friends are waiting outside for me.” He nodded, almost saddened. “Yeah, of course. Umm- (Y/n).. do ya maybe- do you wanna maybe go out sometime?” My heart fluttered. I try to speak, stutters coming out instead. “Uhh- yeah- I- I would love to.” I give him my number, turning to wave. I could feel his eyes on me. He was definitely not expecting that. Not expecting me.

(I hope you liked it!)