#groove chronicles classics

[c-40]

A-T-3 080 James Ingram - Yah Mo B There (John "Jellybean" Benitez 12'' Remix)

Picking up from where I left my short history of reissue labels in the age of Record Shop Day (which are all reissues in some form or other) and back catalogues (legacy records) making up 75% of all US album sales

In 1990 CBS brought back it’s Legacy label, CBS was acquired by Sony the following year and Legacy serves as the reissue label for Sony and all its labels

1991 Beechwood music launched it’s highly successful Mastercuts series, their promise “Mastercuts will cover all areas of music and endeavour to provide a higher standard of track listings, quality music and packaging. Conceived and compiled with love by Ian Dewhirst.” The first three in the Mastercuts series were:

Classic Mix Mastercuts volume 1

Classic Jazz-Funk Mastercuts volume 1

Classic Mellow Mastercuts volume 1

They were all compiled by northern soul dj Ian Dewhirst but as the catalogue grew other djs were brought in, Greg Wilson did Classic Electro, Dave Lee Classic Disco, Paul "Trouble" Anderson Classic House Volume 2, Dez Parkes Classic Rare Groove Volume 2, and on and on. The selections crossed over with Street Sounds, especially the Street Sounds Anthems series but the sleeve notes were a little better and they were spread over 2xLP, this was reflected in the price. I remember Mastercuts being more expensive compilations. With the success of Mastercuts, Beechwood would reissue Street Sounds Anthems series in the mid 1990s. Beechwood acted as distributed for BBE and Ian Dewhirst would become a record exec working for reissue labels S12, Suss’d, and Harmless

Blue Note’s Blue Break Beat series began in 1992, the quality of the package had improved with extensive sleeve notes thanks to being compiled by Dean Rudland and Eddie Piller of Acid Jazz Records and coming from mind of Giles Peterson (BGP, Acid Jazz, Talkin’ Loud) The popularity of the compilations led to reissues of the Blue Note street funk albums by Donald Byrd, Grant Green, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Jimmy McGriff et al

Polydor parent PolyGram (Polydor and Phonogram) launch its Chronicles series in 1992 to issue anthologies and expanded reissues like Yes We Can ...And Then Some by Lee Dorsey. Funk Essentials was an offshoot of Chronicles, the Parliament, Kool And The Gang, Barry White, Gap Band anthologies are all excellent as they often included rarer, funkier tracks and extended and instrumental mixes. Chronicles would become a label in its own right handling reissues for all labels under the Universal Music umbrella, like Motown Deluxe Editions

1992 also saw the record shop Sounds Of The Universe reissue 1974 soul-jazz album Fresh Out by Eddie Russ on their new label Soul Jazz. Soul Jazz would go above and beyond when it came to sleeve notes, sometimes this would extend to a book and film, they set the standard

The following year Blood & Fire would launch their reissue and anthology label. Blood & Fire was loved for it’s high quality releases, great packaging, great sleeve notes, and great selections. Each Blood & Fire released was a premium product

James Ingram - Yah Mo B There (John "Jellybean" Benitez 12'' Remix) is track 1 on the first Mastercuts compilation, Classic Mix. This classic mix is by John "Jellybean" Benitez (A-T-2 123 A-T-2 283 A-T-3 039) and Yah Mo B There was written by Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones, Michael McDonald, and James Ingram, with Quincy Jones producing

[tvstool]

Album Name Generator

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This is a basic tool. With this tool, even an 8-year-old can come up with the best names; all you need to do is tell it how many album names you want it to provide. Hip-Hop Albums- The Urban Chronicles - Street Symphony - Rhyme and Reason - Beats and Bars - Urban Legends - Mic Check - The Concrete Jungle - East Coast Echoes - West Coast Waves - Southern Swagger - The Golden Era - Underground Vibes - Lyrical Legacy - The Cypher Sessions - Rap Renaissance - Flow Dynamics - Hip-Hop Hymns - The Beat Laboratory - The Game Changer - True to the Streets ... (and so on, up to 200) - African Rhythms - Afrobeats Evolution - Lagos Grooves - Naija Vibes - Afro Fusion - African Pulse - Sahara Sounds - Afro Harmony - Tribal Beats - African Dream - The Afropolitan - Drum Circle - African Spirit - Sahara Soul - Congo Rhythms - Afrobeat Odyssey - West African Waves - East African Echoes - Afrobeat Anthems - Melodies of Africa ... (and so on, up to 200) - Country Roads - Honky Tonk Heartache - Nashville Nights - Southern Stories - Rodeo Rhythms - Hillbilly Highways - Cowboy Chronicles - Bluegrass Bliss - Twang and Twirl - Heartland Harmony - Western Whispers - Country Classics - Backwoods Ballads - Country Comfort - Barnyard Ballads - Lone Star Legends - Appalachian Anthems - Fiddle and Steel - Country Carousel - Prairie Tales ... (and so on, up to 200) - Delta Blues - Chicago Soul - Electric Blues - Blues Revival - Memphis Groove - Texas Blues - Blues Legends - Soulful Serenade - Blues Chronicles - Midnight Blues - Blues Highway - Jazz and Blues - Blues Ballads - Louisiana Blues - Slide Guitar Stories - Piedmont Blues - St. Louis Blues - Harmonica Heaven - Chicago Blues Revisited - Blues Fusion ... (and so on, up to 200) - Trap Tunes - Urban Trap - Trap Evolution - Atlanta Vibes - Trap City - Hood Chronicles - Trap Kings - Southern Trap - Trap Symphony - Bass Boosted - Trap Legends - Street Trap - Trap Essentials - 808s and Heartbreaks - Trap Dynasty - Dark Trap - Trap Anthems - Ratchet Rhythms - Trap Dreams - Trap Fusion ... (and so on, up to 200) - Smooth Jazz Sessions - Bebop Brilliance - Swing City - Jazz Fusion - Saxophone Serenade - New Orleans Notes - Cool Jazz Chronicles - Jazz Standards - Piano Jazz Journeys - Latin Jazz Legends ... (and so on, up to 50) - Classic Rock Chronicles - Alternative Anthems - Hard Rock Heroes - Psychedelic Dreams - Indie Inspirations - Progressive Pulse - Punk Revolution - Grunge Grooves - Rock Ballads - Stadium Anthems ... (and so on, up to 50) - Pop Perfection - Bubblegum Beats - Electro Pop Echoes - Dancefloor Divas - Synth Pop Sensations - Radio Ready - Billboard Buzz - Teen Pop Triumphs - Pop Pioneers - Global Pop Grooves ... (and so on, up to 50) - Ambient Atmospheres - Techno Tunes - House Harmonies - Trance Transcendence - Dubstep Dynamics - Drum and Bass Drifts - Synthwave Surges - Chillwave Chronicles - Electro Essentials - IDM Inventions Read the full article

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.

Welcome to the working week although, for those of you working in the NHS, welcome to just another day.

Many thanks to everyone that listened to the radio show.  My Executive Producer was the gorgeous @joannehenry.  She couldn’t make it to the studio but she sure did a fine job!  Next week, The Letter W (Pt. 5), Executive Producer: @garyclarke; top tunes, which I think you’ll really enjoy.   

Saturday night, we and a few invited guests were lucky enough to attend a book launch by my beautiful friend Jennifer D. Knight, who @MissCopPatterson-Wesker has known since they were kids!

For her launch, Jennifer rented the backroom of a Caribbean pie and mash shop on the Harrow Road, near Stonebridge Park station called Lovers And Pies.  Caribbean pie and mash?  I'll be back!

'The Stowaway' is the first book in The Windrush Chronicles series and charts the journey of a group of stowaways aboard the legendary ship, The Empire Windrush.  The number 22 holds significance due to The Empire Windrush's arrival on June 22nd, 1948, marking the start of the Windrush generation's contributions and struggles in Britain.

At the book launch, we were treated to archive visuals, rum punch, rum-infused cupcakes, coconut drops and classic reggae music and, in a stroke of marketing genius, we were all given canapes to accompany the author's reading.  As she described food, we were instructed to take a bite of canape, so that we could taste her words.  The characters in the books are fictional but, for anybody with an interest in Caribbean history, these stories are likely to ring true.

We are very happy to have a pre-release (rare groove) copy of the book (with no ISBN number) ahead of the formal launch of the book in October.  You will want to buy two copies of the book, one for yourself and one to give as a present.

Just been invited by my brother @steviedundee to play at The White Lion on Saturday, July 6th and I was very happy to accept that invitation!

Have a marvellous and momentous Monday.  I love you all.

[dustedmagazine]

Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly — Mestizx (Nonesuch/Intl Anthem)

Two musicians with Latin roots but primarily Western musical training and experience dig into a multicultural heritage, incorporating indigenous rhythms, instruments and sounds into intricate space-age explorations of history, myth and personal authenticity.

The two musicians in question are Frank Rosaly, a well-regarded free jazz drummer whose exploits have been frequently chronicled here at Dusted. Jazz fans may associate him primarily with a thriving Chicago scene, but he has Puerto Rican heritage and now lives in Amsterdam. His wife Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti is a singer and multimedia artist, classical trained but born in Bolivia. This is their first collaborative album, a careful excavation of the sounds and musical traditions of their respective Latin cultures, a reclamation, of sorts, of influences that neither artist feels fully able to claim as his or her own.

Authenticity, is, of course, a tricky concept. Ferragutti freely admits that growing up in Bolivia doesn’t necessarily entitle her to ownership of indigenous culture, while Rosaly, in the liners, admits to experiencing Puerto Rican culture largely as an outsider. Mestizx (a non-gendered term for people of mixed heritage) is as much about being estranged from one’s history as it is about participating in it.  

So there is joy but also a sense of longing in these multi-rhythmed, intricatedly constructed cuts. The beats are insistent, celebratory, all-enveloping, and yet you glimpse them as through a window. Elements may come from isolated rainforest tribes—the two enlisted Fredy Velásquez a scholar and performance artist with expertise in Colombian indigenous rites as a collaborator—but they are viewed through the whole of the western tradition: jazz, rock and classical. The gorgeous “Saber do Mar” flickers like a hallucination, threads of drone winding through intricate structures of malleted percussion; it feels both real and imaginary, a place visited in febrile dreams.

These songs are sung mostly in Spanish, with occasional diversions into other dialects. The titles indicate political engagement (“Balada Para La Corporatocracia” translates as “ballad for corporatocracy,” “Destejer” as “to unravel.”) yet the music is anything but didactic. It seethes and undulates with an easy fluidity, Ferragutti’s serene vocals cresting over the synchronized clatter of percussive instruments made of metal, wood and skin. Other artists, mostly from Chicago, drop by to play. Ben LaMar Gay, Bill MacKay, Rob Frye, Mikel Patrick Avery and Avreeayl Ra all make appearances.

All of which coalesces in some genuine sonic pleasures. “Turbulência” barrels down a groove like a freight train, the shush and pop of samba rhythms clattering amid grinding bass and the trebly sparkle of keyboards. “Writing with Knots” pounds a two-toned cadence, shakers and fluttery melody at play, the thread of dissolution always looming. This one, in English, recounts the terrible history of colonialism, but also points towards the future. Like the Meztizx project writ large, It sends tendrils back into the past in order to plot a better way forward.  

Jennifer Kelly

[worldeaternyc]

Hey folks! Thanks for taking a minute to read out April/Early Spring News Update, and as always, thank you (again) for all your past and continued support! Here are the latest bits of news from World Eater Recordings, our bands and projects to update you with!

STARTING OFF: World Eater Recordings has been hired by Italian filmmaker Alan Carlos Guido for sound design and mixing for his amazing short film "we Live", based on an amazing, diverse neighborhood in his native Italy. It's a compelling and engaging film, presenting the various sides of life juxtaposed against the modern European reality. Its a film that conveys a unity of community that transcends national boundaries, and I'm sure you'll recognize yourself and your local community in it. We'll update you once the film is released-please look out for it!!

CURRENT CLASSIC PUNK/HARDCORE: We're very proud and thankful that so many of you have picked up a copy of GAMMA PHI ACME: 30 Years Beyond The Future! Its been fantastic for us to read the supportive comments and memories of amazing live shows from those who've been longtime supporters of the band. That being said-put one hand on your hat and another on your ass and hold on while we hip you tho this:

A LIVE CASSETTE OF GAMMA PHI ACME HAS BEEN UNCOVERED!!!!!!!!

While we suspect this cassette is from one of Gamma Phi Acme's infamous CBGB's shows-its a PURE FORCE either way! We are currently putting our magic sonic touches on it to bring the audio into the modern day, while preserving and enhancing the amazing live sound and energy of a legendary fun and dangerous NYC classic NYHC/Punk band (IYK, YK). We'll keep you posted on a release date, and in the meantime if you haven't done so, purchase yourself a copy of GAMMA PHI ACME: 30 Years Beyond the Future from https://gammaphiacme.bandcamp.com/album/30-years-beyond-the-future and when you're walking or driving, stream the album from Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, or other favorite music streaming platform!

PERFORMANCE UPDATE: Jared Hassan Foles, and The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy have separated from their work for the stage play “1001 Nights: Love Stories on Death Row (a Rock Opéra)”, (written and produced by Olga El), AND WILL NOT PERFORM at this year's NYC Fresh Fruit Festival, May 1-3, 2024.

The World Eater Recordings team and The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy apologize to anyone that may have purchased tickets to see them perform or hear Jared's compositions-the show WILL NOT FEATURE ANY MUSIC OF THE SWEET FUZZY ITSY BITSY OR JARED HASSAN FOLES, due to contractual obligations.

HOWEVER-the play and the Fresh Fruit Festival feature a wonderful set of performers and great works, and we encourage all those who may have bought tickets due to Jared Hassan Foles or The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy's involvement, to keep their tickets and GO SEE THE PLAYS!!! You will have a GREAT time, you'll be supporting deserving, burgeoning artists, and The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy will still (but separately) release the music as an EP/album sometime thereafter.

In the meantime, if you haven’t already-grab yourself a copy of The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy’s latest, “The Masters of Rock and Roll” from https://worldeaternyc.bandcamp.com , and remember you can their earlier works on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and our music videos on YouTube.com

Also: The Sweet Fuzzy Itsy Bitsy have partnered with our great friends at Punkdemic.net to offer a limited edition tee, designed by Jared to celebrate the latest SFIB release "The Masters of Rock and Roll", and its ONLY available at https://punkdemic.net/products/recycled-unisex-mens-and-womens-sports-jersey . Go Get it!!

THE JAZZ CHRONICLES: A small update-we've had to push back the release of Ty's Urban Groove- Tyree Pope’s amazing album that we’ve been working on the last year. We just want to ensure that everyone that's playing on the album is properly taken care of via the publishing-we want to get it RIGHT!! So remember: If you love smooth jazz with a touch of funk, you’ll love Ty’s Urban Groove, featuring members of the Latin Jazz All Stars, Irene Cara’s band (RIP), and the Drifters (yes-THE Drifters!!). Look for Ty’s Urban Groove on our label sometime between June-August 2024.

FOR THE GAMERS: Though some of you are already in the know-if you're a fan of Twitch, and like to play the latest games and independent live music performances, both World Eater Recordings and Jared Hassan Foles have Twitch channels for you to follow and subscribe to! Currently you can watch, chat and engage with Jared and the World Eater Recordings team while they have their internal gaming competitions, and help us reach our subscriber goals, so we can ultimately broadcast LIVE IN STUDIO CONCERTS of your favorite independent musicians and artists. YOu don't have to be member of Twitch to watch, but Twitch is a great platform, and only members can follow/subscribe to our channels and qualify for drops and special subscriber only items. We hope you'll join us! http://www.twitch.tv/worldeaternyc http://www.twitch.tv/jaredhassan

BIG LIVE PERFORMANCE NEWS!!!!! BOOM-CHECK IT: Shrine for the Black Madonna (Shrine4TBM anywhere on the web) be playing a raucous Thursday evening show, May 9th at the fantastic The Bowery Electric-back in our beloved Lower East Side! Shrine for the Black Madonna joins an AMAZING lineup led by Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber that are fired up to get us all SPRUNG for Spring!

The lineup features:

BSAC Electric Slide Conduction #1 conducted by Vernon Reid Shrine for the Black Madonna Juba Lee 4Tet @Ms. Olithea Ben Tyree’s Activator Trio Smoota & The Beast Honeychild Coleman B-Mack & Ms. Olithea w Jared Michael Nickerson’s Bubble Bass at the Top & Inbetwixt Sets

So, get your advanced tickets at the link below, and join us Thursday May 9th at The Bowery Electric!!!

BURNT SUGAR SMOKEHOUSE (Bow Wow Bowery Edition) Thursday, May 9th @ The Bowery Electric 327 Bowery NYNY 7pm Doors

SMOKEHOUSE TICKETS $20 Advance / $25 @ The Door First 50 through the door receive a Free BSAC Tee or CD CLICK HERE TO BUY ADVANCE TICKETS: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/-burnt-sugar-the-arkestra-the-bowery-electric-tickets/13417524?pl=boweryelectric

PS: Remember in the last issue, we mentioned a teaser of new, unreleased Shrine for the Black Madonna? Well, stick this in your ear: Someday, Monday: https://soundcloud.com/jared-hassan-foles/shrine-for-the-black-madonna-someday-monday?si=c5cc6cb31e6f41e7a35fc1b7f2937eca&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

We’re always in the act of making something we hope you'll enjoy and resonate with. Please stay in touch with us, feel free to reach out, and follow and like “worldeaternyc” everywhere across the internets!

World Eater Recordings Merch!!!

Design By Humans: https://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/WorldEaterNYC/

Punkdemic.net: https://punkdemic.net/products/recycled-unisex-mens-and-womens-sports-jersey

[courtneyscreations]

Module 8: Your Musical Theme

Theme: Journey Through Time

As an avid music listener, I find myself always getting drawn to the notion of time, its passage, and the multitude of experiences it encapsulates. So for this themed playlist that I am creating, I have made a selection of songs that traverse different eras, evoking a sense of temporal journey through their melodies, lyrics, and sonic landscapes. Each piece represents a distinct period or moment in time, showcasing the evolution of music across genres while maintaining a cohesive thematic thread.

Classical/Traditional: Johann Sebastian Bach - "Air on the G String": Bach's "Air on the G String" epitomizes elegance and tranquility. The melody flows gracefully, supported by a lush harmonic framework. The piece's timeless beauty resonates across centuries, inviting reflection on the enduring power of classical music to transcend temporal boundaries.

Rock: The Beatles - "A Day in the Life": "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles is a sonic odyssey that encapsulates the tumultuous spirit of the 1960s. From its haunting introductory piano chords to its explosive crescendos, the song captures the zeitgeist of a transformative era.

Jazz: Miles Davis - "So What": Miles Davis' "So What" from the iconic album "Kind of Blue" is a masterclass in modal jazz. The cool, laid-back groove established by the rhythm section sets the stage for Davis' evocative trumpet lines and improvisations. The piece exudes a timeless allure, capturing the essence of improvisational jazz at its finest.

Hip Hop/Rap: Nas - "The World Is Yours": Nas' "The World Is Yours" serves as a testament to the resilience and ambition inherent in hip hop culture. The song's thematic depth and introspective tone resonate across generations, embodying the spirit of perseverance and self-determination.

Country: Johnny Cash - "I Walk the Line": Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" is a timeless classic that epitomizes the essence of country music storytelling. The song's simplicity belies its emotional depth, capturing the essence of American roots music and the human experience it chronicles.

Blues: Robert Johnson - "Cross Road Blues": Robert Johnson's "Cross Road Blues" is a haunting blues lament that delves into themes of fate, mortality, and the human condition. The song's raw emotive power and bluesy cadence resonate across generations, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Delta blues.

Each piece, though distinct in style and genre, contributes to a cohesive narrative of temporal exploration, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of existence and the enduring power of musical expression.

[udaiporeonlinein]

Parachute Pants Chronicles: A Journey Through the Timeless Style Evolution

Embark on a style journey through the ages with Parachute Pants. From the vibrant 1980s to their resurgence today, discover the enduring allure and fashion evolution of this classic wardrobe essential.

[aashriapps]

Old MacDonald Had a Farm | Old MacDonald Had a Farm Nursery Rhymes | Far...

🔗 Download Now: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=6047620568157430302 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aashriapps.balloonspop "Modern Farm Adventures with Old MacDonald" "Farm Life Reimagined: Old MacDonald's World" "Exploring Old MacDonald's Farm Today" "Old MacDonald's Farm: A 21st Century Makeover" "Behind the Scenes at Old MacDonald's Modern Farm" "Old MacDonald's Farm: Then and Now" "The Future of Farming: Old MacDonald's Legacy" "Farm Life Revamped: Old MacDonald's New Groove" "Old MacDonald's Farm Tour: From Classic to Contemporary" "A Day in the Life of a Modern Farmer (Old MacDonald)" Your Queries :- old macdonald had a farm old macdonald had a farm e-i-e-i-o old macdonald had a farm song old macdonald had a farm cocomelon old macdonald had a farm with lyrics old macdonald had a farm chu chu tv old macdonald had a farm super simple songs old macdonald had a farm yeah yeah old macdonald had a farm poem old macdonald had a farm rhymes old macdonald had a farm animal sounds song old macdonald had a farm dance macdonald had a farm Lyrics :- Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some skeletons Ee i ee i oh With a dance-dance here And a dance-dance there Here a dance, there a dance Everywhere a dance-dance Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some zombies Ee i ee i o With a slime-slime here And a slime-slime there Here a slime, there a slime Everywhere a slime-slime Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some witches Ee i ee i o With an hee-hee here And an hee-hee there Here an hee, there an hee Everywhere an hee-hee Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some pumkins Ee i ee i o With an ha-ha here And an ha-ha there Here an ha, there an ha Everywhere an ha-ha Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some mummies Ee i ee i o With an ooo-ooo here And an ooo-ooo there Here an ooo, there an ooo Everywhere an ooo-ooo Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o And on his farm he had some ghost Ee i ee i o With a boo-boo here And a boo-boo there Here a boo, there a boo Everywhere a boo-boo Old MacDonald had a farm Ee i ee i o "Old MacDonald's Rural Retreat" - Journey to the countryside and experience the tranquility of Old MacDonald's farm in this enchanting tale of rural life and catchy melodies. "Farm Days with Old MacDonald" - Step into the shoes of a farmer as you spend memorable days on Old MacDonald's farm, filled with fun and sing-along adventures. Old MacDonald's Rural Retreat" "Farm Days with Old MacDonald" "Sing-Along on MacDonald's Farm" "Old MacDonald's Barnyard Ballads" "Life on Old MacDonald's Farm" "Tales from the Farm: Old MacDonald's Story" "Old MacDonald's Country Serenade" "Old MacDonald's Melodic Menagerie" "The Farmyard Chronicles of Old MacDonald" "Old MacDonald's Musical Homestead" "Sing-Along on MacDonald's Farm" - Join in the musical fun on Old MacDonald's farm, where every animal has its own tune to sing, making this story a delightful and harmonious experience. #countryliving     #ruralretreat       #familyfungame       #animalsounds     #farmstories     #countrysidelife     #farmanimals     #childrensbooks     #storytime     #kidsentertainmentvideo     #classicsongs     #farmsongs     #nurseryrhymes     #kidsmusic     #singalongsongs     #educationalvideos     #preschoolsongs     #farmanimals     #childrensmusic     #farmlifeadventures     #learningthroughplay     #familyfungame     #farmyardadventure     #childrensentertainment     #kidslearning     #parentingtips     #interactivevideos     #farmadventures     #kidsactivitiesathome     #funforkids     #kidsentertainmentvideo     🌟 **Follow Us:** Stay up-to-date with the latest news, updates, and promotions. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551426965282 https://twitter.com/AashriApps https://www.instagram.com/aashriapp/

[hannah-graces-world]

Wanderlust Chronicles

Music is a universal language that can transport us to different places and evoke a wide range of emotions. For this themed playlist, I've chosen the unifying theme of "Wanderlust Chronicles," a musical journey through various musical genres that explore the idea of travel, exploration, and the emotions associated with it. Each piece in this playlist conveys the spirit of adventure, taking us to different destinations both musically and emotionally.

Classical/Traditional: Johann Strauss II - "The Blue Danube"

Link: The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss II

Description: This waltz by Johann Strauss II is a classic representation of the beauty and elegance of the Danube River. Its lilting melody and graceful tempo capture the essence of a leisurely cruise along the riverbanks, inducing a feeling of serenity and nostalgia.

Rock: Led Zeppelin - "Ramble On"

Link: Ramble On - Led Zeppelin

Description: Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On" is a rock anthem that combines folk and rock elements. The song's lyrics tell the story of a traveler's journey, making references to "The Lord of the Rings." With its catchy melody and spirited guitar riffs, it embodies the restlessness and excitement of exploration.

Jazz: Louis Armstrong - "What a Wonderful World"

Link: What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Description: Louis Armstrong's iconic jazz ballad is a celebration of the beauty in the world around us. Its smooth and soothing melody, accompanied by Armstrong's warm vocals and gentle trumpet, evokes a sense of awe and contentment while traveling and experiencing the world's wonders.

Hip Hop/Rap: Outkast - "SpottieOttieDopaliscious"

Link: SpottieOttieDopaliscious - Outkast

Description: "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" by Outkast is a genre-blending hip-hop track with elements of jazz and funk. Its mellow yet groovy rhythm captures the laid-back vibe of late-night city exploration. The smooth brass instruments and poetic lyrics reflect the introspective mood of wandering through the urban landscape.

Country: John Denver - "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

Link: Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver

Description: John Denver's timeless country classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is an ode to the open road and the longing for a place called home. Its simple yet evocative melody and the heartfelt vocals inspire feelings of nostalgia and a deep connection to the countryside.

Folk: Simon & Garfunkel - "America"

Link: America - Simon & Garfunkel

Description: "America" by Simon & Garfunkel captures the essence of youthful wanderlust. The song's acoustic guitar and harmonizing vocals paint a vivid picture of a cross-country road trip, exploring the heartland and searching for a sense of purpose and adventure.

This playlist, spanning classical music, rock anthems, jazz, hip-hop grooves, country ballads, and folk tales, showcases the diversity of musical expressions related to travel and exploration. Each song conveys a unique emotional journey, from the tranquil riverside to the bustling city streets and the yearning for a place to call home. Music has the incredible power to transport us to far-off places and connect us with the emotions tied to those experiences, making it the perfect companion for our wanderlust chronicles.

[zahri-melitor]

What I always think tends to be hugely under appreciated by US narratives on this:

It is hard to explain exactly how much Enid Blyton kids in Commonwealth countries were still reading in the 1990s, but we’ll start with ‘a LOT’ and go from there. It’s an outgrowth of parents picking up their OWN favourite old stories from childhood and reading them to their kids. What are mainstays of Blyton? Boarding schools and mystery-solving pre-teens and teens.

From the perspective of a 90s kid who had been raised on Blyton, the first three Harry Potter books hit exactly that sweet spot of ‘instantly familiar but modernised’. They were treading a hugely familiar groove, but these ones had magic and unicorns. It’s exactly the same familiarities that Diana Wynne Jones was exploiting. It made them very, very easy to read.

I will also agree with everyone else who has pointed out the local Australian market was reasonably robust for SFF in what became the young adult scene, if rather tilted toward post-apocalyptic tales; however I will note after having checked the Children's Book Council of Australia winners for the 1980s and 1990s in Younger and Older Readers (that would be the 8-12 and 13-18 categories) and the Aurealis Awards Young Adult category, that while there is a reasonable amount of depth there's still a lot of repetition in names.

Names and titles from that period off the top of my head:

Brian Caswell had Merryl of the Stones come out in 1989 and then kept publishing through the 90s. My personal favourite is A Cage of Butterflies.

Emily Rodda was a mainstay particularly for the middle grade readers: the Rowan of Rin series started in 1993 and Deltora’s Quest started in 2000

Gillian Rubenstein: Galax-Arena is the most famous, which was 1995, but I’d also point to the Space Demons trilogy

Garth Nix published Sabriel in 1995 and Shade's Children in 1997

Isobel Carmody had the Obernewtyn Chronicles running through the 90s (find an Australian YA fantasy reader from the 90s and ask about the wait for the Stone Key)

I want to add Kate Forsyth as the Witches of Eileanan started in 1997 but were very much that crossover juveniles/adult fantasy coming of age story. I still lose it giggling thinking about how Forsyth names her snowboarding tribe the Khan’cohban (it's the name of a local town near the main NSW ski fields turned into a fantasy name)

Ruth Park's Playing Beattie Bow is another 1980s classic

Robin Klein, with Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left among others

Catherine Jinks with among other the Pagan's Chronicles series and Witch Bank

Michael Pryor had the Doorways Trilogy and The Mask of Caliban during the 90s

Despite all this, the entire concept of the YA genre definitely gained momentum of its own in the wake of Harry Potter and created so much more space for itself. The opportunities definitely increased.

I have ~Thoughts~ on the Harry Potter Phenomenon that was

(Courtesy of memories prompted by this Tumblr Poll)

Back when I was a senior in college (back in the mid-to-late 1980s), I actually wrote a fantasy novel for kids aged ~8 - ~11 (in a self-designed course for a single credit, under the guidance of my Literature advisor), inspired by a series of dreams and recurring characters that showed up in them.

My advisor encouraged me to try and get it published. And so, I arranged with teachers from my old school to have a class of 30 or so 10 year-olds beta read it, and give me feedback for revisions. The kids also encouraged me to try and publish it.

So I did.

Now, back then, there was no "Self Publishing." The closest thing was "Vanity Publishing," where you would pay 100% of the publishing cost of your book, which would be printed in hard copy, for the benefit of having 500 -1,000 books shipped to your personal address, which you were then responsible for storing and selling out of the trunk of your car in a parking lot, somewhere. And if word got out that you were trying to claim credit for being a "published author" because of a Vanity Press book, actual publishers wouldn't touch you with a 40-foot pole.

If you wanted to get published, you had to buy that year's copy of Writer's Market: a listing of magazine and book publishers, and agents, with a brief description of what material they published, and what they wouldn't touch.

Guess what genre no agent or publisher was interested in handling?

That's right, Gentle Readers: Fantasy for children aged 8 - 11. I would have happily sent out a dozen queries for each story I wrote, if there were publishers and agents willing to look at them. But for three to four years of trying, in directories of two-columns of tiny print, and several pages long, I'd be lucky to find two or three outlets even willing to look at fantasy for kids.

The general consensus, across the publishing business, was that fantasy was a dead and obsolete genre. If it was for kids old enough to read chapter books and novels, it must also be firmly grounded in realism and actual history, because everyone knows the only people buying books for kids that age were teachers, who wanted stories with practical applications in the classroom.

***

After 3 - 4 years of trying, while I was in grad school, I finally got a rejection from the one agent who agreed to read my novel. A few days later, I received news that my mother had died from the breast cancer she'd been fighting, and my heart just went out of the project altogether.

A few years later, the first Harry Potter book was published. And it became a worldwide phenomenon. And it was the kids, themselves, who were driving the sales.

See, I think the real reason the books were such a success, even though they were never really very well written, was because they were in a genre the audience was hungry for -- a genre they'd been denied access to for all of their young lives.

Someone who is starving will think even moldy bread is delicious.

[concerthopperblog]

The Best of Americanafest 2023

One thing you learn early on as an Americanafest attendee is that it's a marathon, not a sprint. With almost 300 artists spread across dozens of Nashville venues, it's impossible to see everything you'd like to see, or even a majority of the things you'd like to see. But during Americanafest 2023, we caught over 30 bands across the broad spectrum of Americana, from classic country to Southern rock to traditional string band music. Trying to single out the best of those bands is almost as difficult as deciding which of them to see, but here is our list of the best things we saw at Americanafest 2023.

Best of the Fest- Dom Flemons and Amythyst Kiah There is typically one artist whose performance stands out from the others as the best thing we saw all week. Not this year. On Thursday, Dom Flemons delivered a high-spirited set of traditional black string band music and original songs written in the traditional style. Throughout, Flemons showed off his impressive multi-intrumental talents, playing not only guitar and banjo, but also bones and pipes.

On Saturday, Amythyst Kiah closed down the festival with a set of songs as earnest as her albums. Opening with a blistering rendition of “Black Myself,” Kiah never let up throughout her 45 minute set, converting many of the people seated around us, who hadn't heard of her, into fans. Equally impressive was Kiah's band, who floated into jazzy improvisational moments while Kiah tuned up.

Best History Lesson- Bobby Rush Following Dom Flemons, Americana's best historian, was 89 year old bluesman Bobby Rush. It's one thing to chronicle history. It's another to be history. Bobby Rush was there when much of the history of modern blues was written, from Muddy Waters to B.B. King. Additionally, Rush lived through attempting to make his living as a musician (and before that a comedian) during segregation. His set was a mix of soulful harmonica blues and stories from his long and eventful life. It was in equal part entertaining and inspirational.

Best Reminder That History is Sometimes Ridiculous- J.P. Harris' Dreadful Wind and Rain Someone in line outside 3rd and Lindsley on Saturday night called J.P. Harris “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and that's a fair comparison. At times, he is a raucous country rocker and at others, like this set, he plays as a duo of banjo and fiddle (from the always excellent Rachel Baiman) on songs that date back as far as the 17th century. Harris kept things light by spotlighting the surreal, and often borderline silly, nature of these traditional folk songs featuring vampires, voodoo pigs, witches, and a firm conviction that every banjo ballad has to end with someone being murdered or executed.

Best Dressed- Della Mae They say you should dress for the job you want. If that's the case, Della Mae has a budding career as professional nappers. On Wednesday night at Basement East, vocalist Celia Woodsmith and bassist Vickie Vaughn showed up in their pajamas, but they certainly weren't sleeping. If you've ever seen Della Mae, you know the kind of kinetic shows they put on and, fashion choices aside, they didn't disappoint on this night.

Best Lemonade From Lemons Moment- Ever More Nest It was early in Ever More Nest's set at the Louisiana Roux to Roots showcase at Vinyl Lounge when the electricity went out. After a brief pause, the band grabbed their instruments, climbed off the stage, encouraged everyone to be as quiet as possible, and delivered a true “unplugged” set that worked perfectly with their laid back style of roots music. It was such a special moment that it was almost a disappointment when the lights came back on and they were able to finish their set as intended.

Best Representation- Queer Cowpoke Roundup For the second year in a row, Cindy Emch of Secret Emchy Society and her friends made sure Americanafest represented all of Americana with the Queer Cowpoke Roundup. Featuring “queer country” artists all day at The Groove, the showcase was a reminder that who you love or what you look like makes no difference in how strong your musical output is. Americanafest has made representation in all its forms a priority in recent years and the Queer Cowpoke Roundup was one of the best examples of that commitment all week.

Best “Love is Love” Set- Wild Ponies Happy Hour Wild Ponies has always been a band that promoted inclusivity, and their set on Friday at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge was a perfect distillation of this. Not only did they debut what is likely roots music's only “polyamorous love ballad” but also an ode to their journey as new foster parents. If “love is love”, Wild Ponies are the official spokespersons for that movement.

Best “Off-App” Showcase- Femme Noir It's a testament to just how influential Americanafest has become that the 300 or so bands performing “officially” are supplemented by nearly as many performing in unofficial shows at even more venues across Nashville. While waiting for the Wild Ponies' Happy Hour at Dee's, we caught one of these “not on the app” shows in the Femme Noir showcase, featuring one of our favorite artists, Anana Kaye, as well as others ready to remind that, in Americana, women rule the roost.

You can see our full gallery from all four days of Americanafest now at our Facebook page!

[hopeonmyphone]

Reminiscences...

J-HOPE CONTENDS WITH THE FIRE OF FAME ON JACK IN THE BOX [NYLON]

The BTS rapper’s debut solo record roots him as one of the greatest lyricists in the K-pop music scene

“My name is my life,” says j-hope in the opening line of his 2018 mixtape, Hope World. For nearly a decade, the BTS rapper and K-pop megastar’s name has been synonymous with his bubbly and optimistic persona, adored by millions around the globe. On the seven-track series, he chronicled this vibrant image through bright beats and a buoyancy that enamored fans, as well as new listeners. With his debut studio album, Jack In The Box, he’s now complicated that image as he enters a new chapter of his career following the announcement of BTS’ hiatus in June. In an industry that essentially encourages a lack of boundaries between fans and artists, many ARMYs may feel they know everything about their favorite musician. JITB begs to differ and asks: Who is j-hope really?

Released on Friday, July 15, the album is a play on the classic Greek myth of Pandora’s box (which also inspired his stage name), according to a press release. Across 10 tracks, j-hope peels back his deepest and darkest layers and reveals his quest to discover what’s outside the fame and fortune of stardom. “While being part of BTS for 10 years, I’ve experienced a lot,” the rapper told Rolling Stone about the project. “From that standpoint, there are stories I want to tell, and I realized that it could be tough to tell some of these stories through music with the existing image and vibe of J-Hope. I wanted people to realize that J-Hope isn’t limited to bright things. He can do these concepts and has a wide spectrum. I wanted to call attention to this ability by challenging myself.”

j-hope accomplishes that on the album, straying from BTS’ vibrant pop melodies and his own associated bright image with a seemingly darker alter-ego. Sonically, the 21-minute project takes on a blend of hip-hop and emo-punk sounds that feels like an adrenaline rush, while his words spill seamlessly into every beat coming off as quite a surprise even for day-one fans. He experiments with new sounds, like rock guitars on the pre-release single, “More.” There are also callbacks to classic hip-hop tunes on the track “What If…,” which samples Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” These sounds pay homage to the 28-year-old’s dancing and B-boy roots, using old-school tunes to strengthen his foundation as a rapper.

j-hope kicks off the album with a reading from the Greek myth Pandora’s Box. On the 2-minute track of the same title, he doesn’t hesitate to get existential, speaking of his life as a Korean idol, serving others over himself, and questioning his own perspectives. The song reveals a vulnerability and genuine self-awareness that we don’t often see in the industry as he conveys his messages through references to characters, films, and ancient proverbs throughout the album. On “Pandora’s Box,” he highlights the weight of his responsibility to his fans, rapping over smooth underground grooves, “Someone's light, someone's smile/ Someone's hope, my activities are someone's life.”

It’s evident the singer’s had these topics on his mind over the years, and he unleashes the dark clouds he’s hidden from the public eye across JITB. On “Safety Zone,” he expresses that despite achieving an unfathomable amount of success, his career has consumed his personal life and, in the midst of the glamorous lifestyle, he’s felt isolated from his inner self. “My life is becoming my enemy, it is getting lonesome/ What it feels like to keep going and not take a break, stop and ask yourself/ Reflect the past,” he raps.

LISTENING TO THE ALBUM IS AKIN TO FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES OF J-HOPE’S DIARY, BUT IT FEELS LIKE THERE’S MUCH MORE TO BE SAID.

Since the album release, publications like Variety and NME, among others, have described the album as a look into the dark side of the rapper, but I’d argue that he actually cements the concept on a note of hope and optimism. Despite the album’s confessions of struggles, on the song “There Are No Bad People in the World,” he gives us a look into his core values by commenting how humans, despite our differences, all actually want the same things. “It's hateful and wild, but think about it one more time/ How are they all alike, and how are they all the same?/ The core essence can't be changed, so realize it, and be myself/ A single belief dominates me/ There are no bad people in the world,” he raps. On the track “What If,” j-hope further reveals what he’s learned by stepping outside of the “box” – the importance of staying true to yourself. By the album’s closer, “Arson,” he reveals that he’s currently at a crossroads: should he put out this fire that he created or make the flame even bigger?

Throughout JITB, j-hope tears apart his conscience by telling stories about his own passion he once desperately sought, and his beyond-exponential rise to stardom that quickly spiraled out of his control. These songs further root the rapper as one of the greatest lyricists in the K-pop music scene as they further humanize the beloved superstar. JITB is j-hope’s most expansive project yet, serving as continuation of the evolution of the rapper as an artist outside of the group. His experimental sounds and honest words are evidence of his growth, and in some ways are reminiscent of BTS’ earlier songs like 2013’s “No More Dream” and “N.O.”

Listening to the album is akin to flipping through the pages of j-hope’s diary, but it feels like there’s much more to be said. Fans often expect musicians to remain a constant aspect in our lives but just like everyone else, they too are always evolving. J-hope’s Jack In The Box makes you wonder if we would’ve ever seen this side of the rapper if the group didn’t announce their break. But with or without the group’s hiatus, one thing’s for sure: there’s a lot we don’t know about him, or even ourselves.

Source: Nylon

[luigi-mcdingle]

steam summer sale 2023 is here, here's game recommendations

mostly lesser-known indie games hopefully Kill it with Fire ($3.74) - Funny little game where you kill spiders across a house and unlock increasingly wacky weapons (has arachnophobia options!) A Short Hike ($5.19) - A LUDICROUSLY relaxing isometric open-world platformer; if you look it up and don't like the weird pixel aesthetic, that's actually just a filter you can turn off in the options ;) Supraland ($7.99) - First-person puzzle metroidvania? where you play as a tiny clay person in a kid's garden; sure, why not

Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara ($4.94) - A game I will never stop plugging; 2-pack of classic D&D beat 'em ups that are just a blast to play, even singleplayer, though it naturally has 4-player co-op SanctuaryRPG ($1.35) - ASCII-based RPG that's weird to learn at first, but immensely gratifying to get into the groove of Iron Fisticle ($0.89) - 2-player twin stick roguelite? Basically medieval Smash TV, simple fun Evoland Legendary Edition ($5.99) - Super cool 2-pack of RPGs that basically act as a celebration of the genre, with art and gameplay style advancing from Gameboy jank all the way to modern flourish Pathway ($6.39) - XCOM-style combat set between the two World Wars; Fightin Nazis, collectin gear, lookin at gorgeous pixel art, very fun Toree 3D and Toree 2 ($0.49 each) - Short, simple 3D platformers that are just generally Fun™ Hammerwatch ($1.99) - 4-player dungeon crawler, heavily inspired by classic Gauntlet but with actual story and character progression Ravenfield ($11.87) - Fully singleplayer team shooter based on Battlefield; basically completely built on modding with a huge community and a ton of customization available Out There Somewhere ($0.28) - Another game I plug at any opportunity, super well-crafted space puzzle-platformer that's a complete steal even at the full $0.99 Aggelos ($12.74) - Platformer RPG inspired by Zelda 2 and Simon's Quest; generally just super fun and worth the price Going Under ($4.99) - Roguelike where you delve into failed tech startups infested with monsters; utilizes the "corporate art style" really well, fun characters, and of course very cool gameplay The Adventures of Elena Temple ($0.74) - Platformer inspired by oldschool PC games; very simple to play, but generally fun and has a cool style to it The Coin Game ($11.19) - Love letter to Chuck E. Cheese style prize arcades, with a ton of faithfully recreated games on a cool vibin' island Press X to Not Die ($0.74) - FMV game where the only gameplay is quicktime events; short, but charming, funny, worth a shot at the price

[kemetic-dreams]

Blues is a music genre and musical form which was originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s by African-Americans from roots in African musical traditions, African-American work songs, and spirituals. Blues incorporated spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads. The blues form, ubiquitous in jazz, rhythm and blues and rock and roll, is characterized by the call-and-response pattern, the blues scale and specific chord progressions, of which the twelve-bar blues is the most common. Blue notes (or "worried notes"), usually thirds, fifths or sevenths flattened in pitch are also an essential part of the sound. Blues shuffles or walking bass reinforce the trance-like rhythm and form a repetitive effect known as the groove.

The lyrics of early traditional blues verses probably often consisted of a single line repeated four times. It was only in the first decades of the 20th century that the most common current structure became standard: the so-called "AAB" pattern, consisting of a line sung over the four first bars, its repetition over the next four, and then a longer concluding line over the last bars. Two of the first published blues songs, "Dallas Blues" (1912) and "Saint Louis Blues" (1914), were 12-bar blues with the AAB lyric structure. W.C. Handy wrote that he adopted this convention to avoid the monotony of lines repeated three times. The lines are often sung following a pattern closer to rhythmic talk than to a melody.Early blues frequently took the form of a loose narrative.

 African-American singers voiced his or her "personal woes in a world of harsh reality: a lost love, the cruelty of police officers, oppression at the hands of white folk, [and] hard times".

This melancholy has led to the suggestion of an Igbo origin for blues because of the reputation the Igbo had throughout plantations in the Americas for their melancholic music and outlook on life when they were enslaved. The lyrics often relate troubles experienced within African American society. 

For instance Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Rising High Water Blues" (1927) tells of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927:Backwater rising, Southern peoples can't make no time I said, backwater rising, Southern peoples can't make no time And I can't get no hearing from that Memphis girl of mine

Although the blues gained an association with misery and oppression, the lyrics could also be humorous and raunchy:Rebecca, Rebecca, get your big legs off of me, Rebecca, Rebecca, get your big legs off of me, It may be sending you baby, but it's worrying the hell out of me.Hokum blues celebrated both comedic lyrical content and a boisterous, farcical performance style. Tampa Red's classic "Tight Like That" (1928) is a sly wordplay with the double meaning of being "tight" with someone coupled with a more salacious physical familiarity. Blues songs with sexually explicit lyrics were known as dirty blues. The lyrical content became slightly simpler in postwar blues, which tended to focus on relationship woes or sexual worries. Lyrical themes that frequently appeared in prewar blues, such as economic depression, farming, devils, gambling, magic, floods and drought, were less common in postwar blues.

The writer Ed Morales claimed that Yoruba mythology played a part in early blues, citing Robert Johnson's "Cross Road Blues" as a "thinly veiled reference to Eleggua, the orisha in charge of the crossroads".

 However, the Christian influence was far more obvious.The repertoires of many seminal blues artists, such as Charley Patton and Skip James, included religious songs or spirituals.Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Willie Johnson are examples of artists often categorized as blues musicians for their music, although their lyrics clearly belong to spirituals.

Many elements, such as the call-and-response format and the use of blue notes, can be traced back to the music of Africa. The origins of the blues are also closely related to the religious music of the Afro-American community, the spirituals. The first appearance of the blues is often dated to after the ending of slavery and, later, the development of juke joints. It is associated with the newly acquired freedom of the former slaves. Chroniclers began to report about blues music at the dawn of the 20th century. The first publication of blues sheet music was in 1908. Blues has since evolved from unaccompanied vocal music and oral traditions of slaves into a wide variety of styles and subgenres. Blues subgenres include country blues, such as Delta blues and Piedmont blues, as well as urban blues styles such as Chicago blues and West Coast blues. World War II marked the transition from acoustic to electric blues and the progressive opening of blues music to a wider audience, especially white listeners. In the 1960s and 1970s, a hybrid form called blues rock developed, which blended blues styles with rock music.

[zannolin]

Thanks for sharing the fae au's first chapter, it's a delight. The setting feels vibrant, the characters feel grounded, the way you wrote it is really like idk, fun and interesting? Dividing it like that to give more info about the place, and the characters' history and dynamics, works super well and also keeps you on your toes reading, hah. Loved reading about all the little things Wilbur does to protect himself. I'm not _too_ familiar with fae lore, but you seem to have really done your research and it'll be lovely to learn more about your version of it, I'm sure! Also, I absolutely adored The Spiderwick Chronicles as a kid!! Gotta check out the rest of the inspirations you mentioned :D

aaa thank you so much this is so lovely to hear!! i've been reading an awful lot of memoirs lately and it's really started to get me into a groove of figuring out how i want to string the narrative together. LOTS of fun. also mostly dead things by kristen arnett has been a big influence so far. i think stories aren't necessarily supposed to be told in chronological order, but in the order that makes the most sense. parts that are alike go together, yknow?

also it's funny you should say it seems like i've done research because actually a lot of it is made up or cobbled together from many books i've read and random googling. there's actual research put in to be sure—iron, the color red, salt, and some of the other things are all classic fae/supernatural repellents—but some stuff i got from books i read (the inside-out clothes are from a book i read when i was a kid, the backwards ones from the spiderwick chronicles, no idea if that's based in real folklore or not) some stuff is inspired by mabel podcast (that comes in later), and quite a bit is me cherrypicking flower/plant meanings and using them.

i remember a long time ago i read a magic au in another fandom that had a lot of substances with specific magical meanings, and i was so fascinated i reached out to the author to ask if she had done research for it. she told me most of it was just made up based on what felt right, and it's stuck with me ever since. that's what i like to do for a lot of stuff including this. i had a notebook that i have about four handwritten pages full of worldbuilding notes for this au and half of it is just me going "i think this would work". it's been very fun.