#i personally love making friends with things like the sea and aeroplanes

[chucklefuckmusic]

Every ‘The Apples In Stereo’ Album* Ranked

*with some caveats; more accurately its “Every Main ‘The Apples In Stereo’ CD Ranked”

We all love Neutral Milk Hotel, yeah? Or more accurately, we’re all generally familiar with NMH. If you’ve been in any music group or page on the internet, it’s highly unlikely you haven’t at least seen the cover of NMH’s famous 1998 In The Aeroplane Over The Sea album. Personally, I think it, and the overshadowed On Avery Island are fantastic albums and the talents of Jeff Mangum and co. shine through those two albums, but I think I’ll be the first to admit that literally everyone has talked about Neutral Milk Hotel. Doesn’t matter if you’re on Music Tumblr, Twitter, aesthetic music Instagram accounts or (god forbid) /mu/, but I cannot really say anything about the mighty Mangum and his album about Anne Frank that hasn’t already been said. However, I can talk quite a bit about the man who produced ITAOTS (Robert Schneider; not to be confused with Adam Sandler’s buddy) and his most famous band.

As many of you are familiar, The Elephant 6 Recording Company was quite a significant powerhouse in the mid to late 1990s when it came to lo-fi and psychedelic-inspired indie music. Notable bands from Elephant 6 include the aforementioned Neutral Milk Hotel, the Olivia Tremor Control, of Montreal, Beulah, The High Water Marks, Elf Power, The Minders, and Circulatory System, to name a few. For this ranking, I will be looking at one of the most famous from the collective, and one of the original three bands that formed E6 along with Neutral Milk Hotel and the Olivia Tremor Control: the Apples in Stereo.

I love a lot of bands. Anyone who has talked to me know that I love stuff like Green Day and the pillows, but out of all the bands who entire primary discography I’ve listened to, the Apples in Stereo is one of only a few that are, on average, incredibly consistent with their overall quality. I can listen to (almost) every album of theirs and find myself in a great mood. This band is perfect for when you’re taking a walk on the beach during a sunset, or driving home on a dark night from a long day, or just chilling casually with friends on a nice day. While the Apples in Stereo is one of the more famous bands from E6, I haven’t found that much in terms of writings online regarding a proper ranking with in-depth explanations. The community that exists is super passionate and has a lot of cool shit from throughout the bands existence, but not much new stuff for about a decade. Outside of OG Apples fans, Elephant 6 connoisseurs, or fans of the OG Powerpuff Girls, there’s a strong possibility that many of you aren’t at all familiar with the Apples. That shit can’t stand, so here I shall be taking you on this journey...then you’ll know how it feels to know you’re not real.

Caveats before starting: in this list, I am including all primary Apples albums/LPs, in addition to their EPs released on CD, and one B-Sides/Rarities compilation. Their two debut EPs, Tidal Wave 7″ & Hypnotic Suggestions will be represented collectively under the Science Faire compilation. I will also be combining the EPs Look Away +4 & Let’s Go! in the same ranking to make things easier for me. The Live in Chicago digital album and the two “greatest hits” compilation albums (Sound Effects & #1 Hits Explosion) will not be included.

Additionally, I want to give credit, thanks, and apologies to @kpoppapi/@idolisnotdead due to the fact that I am essentially taking the same format they used on their ranking of every the pillows album. Pls don’t sue.

Got that? Now then, Let’s Go!

1. Fun Trick Noisemaker (1995)

This album, man...this banger album...let me tell you an anecdote, when I first listened to this album I was out at night enjoying the stars. They were particularly bright and plentiful due to a power outage knocking out most of the surrounding light pollution. And the moment it began with that record fuzz noise and that old 1960s Relay 2 Satellite broadcast recording began with its classy yet surreal archaic narration, I was already aware that I was in for a treat. And then, boom, the opening drums and chords kick in for ‘Tidal Wave’. It was the best.

If you talk with fans of the Apples and/or E6 about their best/favorite albums, their debut album Fun Trick Noisemaker will definitely be mentioned. Sound-wise, it encapsulates a raw, genuine sense of lo-fi that you can’t really find anywhere else in their discography, save for the EPs that make up Science Faire. Schneider also clearly is utilizing the Phil Spector technique of the “Wall of Sound” method that lends itself to a dense instrumental which can sometimes be a rough listen to some, but personally I don’t have that issue with this album.

There are so many fucking bangers on this album, and some of the Apples greatest essentials can be found on it. From the reutilized ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Glowworm’ from their previous EPs, to more lowkey and lo-fi tracks such as ‘Green Machine’ and ‘She’s Just Line Me/Taking Time,’ to bombastic tracks such as ‘Winter Must Be Cold’ (lyrics courtesy of their first drummer, Hilarie Sidney) and ‘Dots 1-2-3,’ to the dense and beefy guitars of ‘Lucky Charm’ and ‘Show the World,’ this album is a choice listen on a nice day or summer evening. My favorite track from the album, ‘High Tide,’ never fails to put a smile on my face.

There’s frankly not much else to say about this album. Every track on here is fantastic. This is the Apples in Stereo at their pinnacle, and a fun experience all around.

10/10 Top tier shit, right here.

2. The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone (2000)

Okay so...you know how I said I was taking inspiration from the format that @idolisnotdead used on their Pillows ranking? Well...I swear to god that the placement of this album and my feeling towards it, when compared to their placement of the Pillows album Good Dreams and how they feel about it, is completely coincidental. I swear to you.

Anyways with that being said, The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone (which we will shorten to Moone going forward) is my personal all-time favorite Apples album. This is an opinion that I don’t think is super common among Apples fans. While I think that Fun Trick Noisemaker is their best work, I ADORE this album and always have a great time listening to it. Perhaps it’s due to Schneider’s decision to shift away from Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production towards a more loose/raw sounding audio aesthetic, but this album was one that when I first listened to it in full, I immediately listened through it again. And then again.

This one is particular is a bit of a stylistic mix with a common theme of psychedelic pop, which is heavily evident in tracks like ‘What Happened Then’ and the Beatles-esque ‘Submarine Dream,’ along with bombastic guitar melodies in ‘I Can’t Believe’ and ‘Allright/Not Quite’[sic]. Schneider himself has stated that he wanted each song to be distinct with spaces between for the sake of putting your record needle down where you want - akin to the Beatles White Album (albeit, this record has waaaaaaaaay more cohesion). 

Other highlights from this album include the triumphant and upbeat horn section in the opening track ‘Go,’ the more chill nature of ‘Stream Running Over’ and ‘Look Away,’ Hilarie Sidney’s marvelous contributions with ‘20 Cases Suggestive Of..’[sic] and ‘Stay Gold,’ and one of my favorite Apples songs of all time: ‘The Bird That You Can’t See.’ Holy DAMN I love that song. You’ll sometime hear me humming the chorus and melody if you catch me in a good mood. The interlude is stuck in my head as I type this.

Come down, plant your feet into the ground...feel free, plant your mind in mystery...

Anyways! Alongside Fun Trick Noisemaker, Moone would be the first album I’d recommend to someone unfamiliar with the Apples. Fans of psychedelic-pop and lo-fi will get a kick out of this, and I think even those who aren’t super into LPs will get a lot of good feelings out of this one.

10/10 I am biased on this one. Some Apples fans might rank it more like 8/10, but nonetheless, go give this one a listen and have a good time.

3. Velocity of Sound (2002)

HOT DAMN! This is the Apples in Stereo? If one thing is for certain, that title doesn’t lie. Velocity of Sound is perhaps the most unique of the Apples discography in general tone and direction, but by all means this is to the albums benefit. It is just. So. Damn. FUN!!!! The songs in this one are more fast paced, louder, aggressive, electric and dynamic in distorted guitar and bombastic drums. It is definitely a rock ‘n roll album that’ll make you want to dance (or at least, it makes me want to dance).

From the beginning, the opening track ‘Please’ gives us a massive cathartic guitar opening, along with Schneider and Sidney singing like they just won the lottery. I have a strong feeling that everyone had fun with this album, and when I hear it I can’t help but feel that vicariously. ‘That’s Something I Do’ is so fun and cute, and I say it could potentially be considered a pop-punk song...maybe. It certainly wouldn’t be out of place if sung by Blink-182, which is not a bad thing in my eyes. When I listen to it, I think of Mae and Gregg’s friendship in Night in the Woods.

Highlights of this album include the aforementioned opening��‘Please’ and ‘That’s Something I Do,’ alongside bangers such as ‘Rainfall,’ ‘Do you Understand,’ ‘Better Days,’ and ‘I Want’  just to name a few. Bassist Eric Allen even gets a chance to flex his songwriting ability with the upbeat ‘Yore Days.’ 

I should make this quick disclaimer: the American and British versions of Velocity of Sound concludes with the song ‘She’s Telling Lies’ but the former is Bryce [Goggin’s] Mix, and the latter is Robert [Schneider’s] mix. From what I can tell, Robert’s Mix is more distorted and raw sounding, while Bryce’s mix is more polished. Other than that, I think the recordings are generally the same but with different production mixing. (Also, the Japanese release swaps ‘She’s Telling Lies’ with ‘Other,’ but we will get back to that).

Overall consensus towards Velocity of Sound among Apples fans is generally positive, and I completely agree. Might sound like a broken record with this, but this album, like the others, is a fucking banger and an amazing time. It could arguably be interchangeable with any of these top three, or even (some may argue) Tone Soul Evolution and Her Wallpaper Reverie, but when I think of the Apples in Stereo I think of a good time, and this album delivers it hard.

10/10 This one is a forever banger. Play it in a basement with your troublemaker friends, and have fun.

4. Science Faire (1996)

And here we are at the beginning. This one is a compilation of the Apples first two EPs: Tidal Wave 7″ (1993) and Hypnotic Suggestion (1994), along with three miscellaneous tracks at the end which were either unreleased or released on split EPs and other formats. 

I’ll say upfront: Science Faire was the first Apples CD I ever bought. It was sitting in the “used miscellaneous CDs” section of my local record store, and recognizing them from their appearance in The Powerpuff Girls, I was eager to hear more from them. And as a compilation of their earliest, raw, unpolished, unapologetically lo-fi tracks, this was a great introduction. Even with improved production values on all their albums going forward, Science Faire continues to be a blast to listen to. 

Personally, I have a lot of nostalgia and admiration for every song on here. Standout tracks include the heavy ‘Motorcar’ and ‘Hypnotic Suggestion,’ which both feature heavy vocal and guitar distortion, ‘Not the Same,’ which starts out slow and then gets bombastic very quickly, instrumental tracks such as the bubbly ‘Turncoat Indian’ and the slightly ominous ‘To Love the Vibration of the Bulb,’ the earlier, unpolished versions of ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Glowworm;’ both of which appeared again on Fun Trick Noisemaker. The final track ‘Rocket Pad’ is also particularly catchy. The original bassist for the Apples, Jim Mclntyre, contributes a couple songs on the compilation: ‘Stop Along the Way,’ ‘Touch the Water,’ and ‘To Love the Vibration of the Bulb.’

However, my absolute favorite from Science Faire and one of my all time favorite Apples in Stereo songs is ‘Haley.’ That guitar and the raw repetition of the song hits differently for me, ya know? I fuckingggggggggg loveeeeeeee it.

With this all being said, some people who are not as accustomed to unpolished lo-fi audio might have a harder time listening to this compared to the rest of the Apples discography, and there are times where the rudimentary production is sometimes distracting, but for me it adds character and soul to the early days of one of my favorite bands.

9.5/10 A killer compilation showcasing the talent that the Apples would sophisticate over time. Pure. Raw. Energy.

5. New Magnetic Wonder (2007)

Here we are in some interesting territory. I will openly admit that, for the longest time, I didn’t really listen much to this album. The first double LP and 2 CD album from the Apples, their first album after five years of inactivity since Velocity of Sound in 2002, and the first Apples album released under a co-venture with E6, Yep Roc Records, and Elijah Wood’s Simian Records, there is definitely a slight change in formula in terms of production and content. At first, this slightly overwhelmed me from listening to New Magnetic Wonder in full, but I eventually got around to it later on (and as someone who has cosplayed both Frodo Baggins, and Wirt from Over the Garden Wall, I will not do Elijah Wood dirty).

And holy hot damn, this album is pretty damn good!

I’ve noticed a lot of appreciation on the internet for this album, even sometime surpassing albums higher in this list in reputation. So what is the gist of this album? Firstly, there is an eclectic assortment of songs, styles, and instruments packed in this baby, and with 24 tracks contained in this baby, only about 14 are “technically” songs, with the rest being “link tracks.” The opening track ‘Can You Feel It?’ with robotic, distorted, Daft-Punk-esque vocals singing Turn up the stereo~ before Schneider breaks into his bombastic, upbeat singing sets the stage for this diverse album. There seems to be a solid mix of clean, polished audio mixing alongside purposefully rough, unpolished, and lo-fi audio. There’s also more general utilization of piano; a first for the Apples.

Examples of variety include ‘Energy,’ a charming standout track that mixes smooth acoustic guitar strumming with distorted singing, electric guitars, and (inexplicably) a cowbell, and ‘Sun is Out’ which starts out with a cute little chiptune and Schneider playing acoustic guitar on audio that sounds like it’s from a demo cassette, before transitioning into a polished mixture of smooth bass, a strong acoustic guitar playing in the left channel, alongside what seems to be the band playing literal woodwind recorders in the background. Fun stuff. This album also introduces tracks that involve the “Non-Pythagorean scale,” which was developed by Schneider in a way which I don’t understand because math is my worst subject, but this hints to Schneider’s deep knowledge and interest in mathematics. 

This album is incredibly eclectic, and although Schneider compared Moone to the Beatles White Album, it’s this one here that I think is closer to that in terms of cohesion. This is not necessarily bad, though! However, to a small degree my biggest criticism of the White Album applies to New Magnetic Wonder: it’s length is partially due to filler, and some of the “link tracks” are frankly forgettable to me. With that being said, it doesn’t harm my enjoyment of the album that much in the grand scheme of things.

This album really does feel like you’re travelling through space. ‘7 Stars’ is particularly brilliant to listen to when sitting out on top of your car on a starry night. It’s got a catchy melody, clever lyrics, and the chorus which honestly is one of the highlights of the Apples catalogue. ‘Open Eyes’ is another good track to listen to at night, but I must admit that it sounds like an Oasis/Liam Gallagher song from the early 2000s. Take that as you will. Other highlights of the album include ‘Joanie Don’t U Worry’[sic], ‘Play Tough,’ ‘Pre-Crimson’ courtesy of Allen, and ‘Radiation.’ Two Sidney songs show up on the album: ‘Sunndal Song’[sic] and ‘Sunday Sounds’ which are both great, and unfortunately are the last we’ll hear from Hilarie Sidney, as she left the band around the time this album came out.

Wow. I typed way more on this album than I thought I would. Par for the course, I suppose. 

A bit much, a bit experimental, but overall I think this album has earned its spot here, and the praise it gets is earned and understandable. It might be long, but I recommend dedicating a couple hours in the evening to listening to this baby in whole. It’s a swell time!

8/10

6. Her Wallpaper Reverie (1999)

I’m not going to lie to y’all, this one was the toughest for me to figure out where on this list it should go. On one hand, this album has some of the most essential Apples songs on it, it’s got some of my favorites, and I listen to it waaaaaaaaaaaay more than New Magnetic Wonder. On the other hand, there are some factors with this album that compel me to put it in this spot below New Magnetic Wonder. I shall explain those now, and then go on to explain why I fucking adore this album still.

Her Wallpaper Reverie is deceptive in its track list correlating to its length. With fifteen tracks listed, one would be forgiven for assuming it’s roughly the same length as Fun Trick Noisemaker and Tone Soul Evolution. The reality of the situation is that this album here sits at a mere 27 minutes in length. This length could warrant a decently-sized EP. So what is the deal? Most of the tracks, notated by roman numerals, are variations of the same melody. Granted, it is a nice melody and the band gets creative with all the various ways it plays it, but since there are more of these melodies than actual songs, it leaves one desiring more. And if I am being frank, some of the melodies such as ‘iv. From Outside, in Floats a Music Box’ and ‘vi. Drifting Patterns’ are long enough in length that when I listen to this album on my iPod, I am compelled to skip them. That's a bit of a bummer. 

WITH THAT ALL BEING SAID, I still fucking love this album. It’s surreal, it’s aesthetic, it feels like I’m floating out in the sea on a dingy boat, or am a merman myself when I listen to ‘The Shiny Sea.’ I’ve noticed that two of my favorite Apples songs are about the ocean...this one and ‘High Tide’ from Fun Trick Noisemaker. Interesting. 

Meanwhile, ‘Strawberryfire’[sic] is beautiful to listen to, and is Sgt. Pepper-esque in its lyrical content and instrumentation. As with Moone, the psychedelic pop is strong with this one. ‘Ruby’ is a cute as hell and catchy as hell, ‘Questions and Answers’ has Hillarie Sidney singing one of my favorite songs of hers with an iconic opening chord and creative lyrics, ‘Y2K’ is, as someone born in late 1999, really funny in retrospect and particularly relevant in terms of how much the United States media is plagued by manufactured consent, and the penultimate and final (song) tracks, “Benefits of Lying (with Your Friend)’ and ‘Ruby, Tell Me’ are both low-key, lo-fi, and generally chill and melancholic to listen to.

I think that, while the length of this album and the prevalence of melody tracks brings it down a bit, to listen to Her Wallpaper Reverie is like enjoying a high-quality dessert. Sure, it might not technically be healthy, but the ingredients that pop out are of high quality, and you get a feeling of honest satisfaction after everything is said and done. I see a lot of people talk about this album as their favorite (especially on the horrific landscape known as /mu/), and I can completely understand it! It might not be my favorite, but it is damn good, and I especially recommend it to anyone who likes the Olivia Tremor Control or Neutral Milk Hotel.

8/10 Some flaws, but what glitters in this one is pure gold.

7. Look Away +4 (2000)

&

Let’s Go! (2001)

Okay okay okay so, this one I am going to cheat a bit. Look Away +4 and Let’s Go! are separately released EPs. The former consists of the track ‘Look Away,’ which would appear on Moone, along with four tracks that were bonuses at the end of the Australian and Japanese releases of Her Wallpaper Reverie. The latter is an EP containing the song ‘Signal in the Sky (Let’s Go)’ from the Cartoon Network classic The Powerpuff Girls in the episode ‘Superfriends,’ where the girls befriend their new neighbor Robin, and which was additionally made into an official Cartoon Network music video that played in between commercials during the early 2000s. The album cover for Let’s Go! even includes caricatures of the band as drawn by Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken! That’s pretty fucking sweet. I love all of his shows.

And yes, it was in the same Powerpuff episode that this joke that every fucking 14 year old on the internet since this episode aired over two decades ago has joked about in their “TOP 10 DIRTIEST ADULT JOKES IN KIDS CARTOONS (NOT CLICKBAIT)” videos:

But enough about that. 

I’ve combined these two as they are only available on CD format, that they are not included in 2008 B-sides and rarities compilation Electronic Projects for Musicians, and, well, because I say so. So that is that. Due to their combined lengths, I will talk about each individual song. There is some “eh” in this collection, but at the same time some of these songs are in my all time favorite Apples in Stereo songs.

Look Away +4 begins with the titular ‘Look Away’ from Moone, which is a great song! I don’t really have much else to say about it here; go back to #2 on this list. ‘Behind the Waterfall’ is a long, trippy song with a lot of distortion and what seems to be...the sound of squishy water?? Schneider alternates between smoothly mixed singing with hard, aggressive guitars and distorted vocals during the vocals. An interesting song, but overall I think it’s pretty good. He really doesn’t want to be like the sun, though. They don’t seem him at all. He stands behind the waterfall. Just thought I’d let you know. Some people be like that.

‘Everybody Let Up’ and ‘Her Pretty Face’ are two of my all time favorite Apples in Stereo songs. I am flabbergasted at how underrated and unknown these two songs are. The former is a catchy, fun song about living se-la-vie and dealing with the ennui of late teenage-dom and early 20s: “I don’t feel like doing shit.” Damn I love this song. The latter is perhaps Sidney’s most beautiful and melancholic song in the bands catalogue. Back then, it made me think about past crushes, and now it makes me think about how it’s bad to treat someone like the idea of them in your head instead of how they are in reality. It also makes me think of GAY. I don’t know. Sad song, but very pretty. Much like her face (it’s all you know).

‘The Friar’s Lament’ is alright. It’s short, and honestly to me it’s just alright. If this is your favorite song, I apologize for my generally apathetic feelings towards it. And that concludes Look Away +4.

Meanwhile, Let’s Go! starts out with a track that I bet most of you have already heard: ‘Signal in the Sky (Let’s Go),’ which is also featured on the Powerpuff album Heroes & Villains. If you’re a fan of The Powerpuff Girls or Cartoon Network in general, this song is up there with ‘Back to the Lab Again,’ ‘My Best Friend Plank,’ They Might Be Giant’s little Courage the Cowardly Dog song (which @waymu asserts is the John’s worst song), and ‘The Incredible Shrinking Day.’ 

And, yeah! It is a good song! It’s fun, it’s catchy, and it’s pretty good for the Apples. To me though, it’s kind of like how I feel about a song like Green Day’s ‘Good Riddance’ or the Beatles ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ in the sense where it was the first song from the band that I heard in my life, and while I love it, I feel like I have matured since then. I love ‘Signal in the Sky (Let’s Go)’ and it will always have a special place in my heart, but I feel like I have matured in my Apples in Stereo since then. There are objectively better songs from the band.

‘If You Want to Wear a Hat,’ meanwhile, is fucking adorable. As the only original track on the EP, it’s a charming song about the wacky and terrifying world of fashion. On the subject of Craig McCracken shows, this song would be fitting if played in Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends. Also, there is a piano interlude in this song so I redact what I said when talking about New Magnetic Wonder...they DID have piano before that album...although one could still argue that it wasn’t yet on an LP of theirs!!

The remaining three tracks are a live cover of the Beach Boys ‘Heroes and Villains’ song, recorded live at a show they did in Chicago in 2000 (which is a cool piece of history and the band plays it good, but the audio on this track is TERRIBLE by fault of being recorded in 2000 on something), an acoustic version of ‘Stream Running Over’ from Moone (which is wonderful), and the demo for ‘Signal in the Sky (Let’s Go)’ (which is pretty cool). Hm. Yep, that’s all I have to say about that.

These two EPs are pretty alright for what you are getting. They’re not perfect, and there are some duds within, but with how much I love some of the songs on Look Away +4 and how culturally important their song from The Powerpuff Girls is in terms of bringing awareness and fans to the band, I’d recommend that anyone looking to listen to all of the Apples discography listen to these. These are good times!

Individually, Look Away +4 gets a 4/5 and Let’s Go! gets a 3/5, which I will combine for a grand collective total of 7/10

8. Tone Soul Evolution (1997)

OKAY OKAY SO this is probably going to be my most controversial placement on this list. I guarantee that an OG Apples fan is preparing their pitch-forks and torches, because when you talk with hardcore fans of the Apples in Stereo and ask them what their favorite albums are, they’ll definitely include Tone Soul Evolution alongside Fun Trick Noisemaker. I completely understand and respect that! So then, why so low on my list? 

Well, I don’t find myself returning to this album individually that often. I don’t know exactly what it is, but a lot of the songs on here are not as catchy and memorable (to me) when compared to its predecessor and successors. Additionally, this was still when Schneider was utilizing Spector’s “Wall of Sound” method with production and audio mixing. While it doesn’t distract me much in Fun Trick Noisemaker, for some reason, it is really evident in Tone Soul Evolution to me, to a point where the guitar in songs such as ‘What’s the #?’ just aren’t as punchy as they would be if produced and mixed differently. The sound is dense, and a bit overwhelming.

HOWEVER,

These are still damn good songs! None of the songs on their own are bad, and some such as ‘About Your Fame’ and ‘Tin Pan Alley’ are some of my favorites from the bands early days. There’s also a plethora of experimentation with this album, such as the twin ‘The Silvery Light of a Dream’ tracks. The first half of the first of these is literally just outdoor night-time sounds, footsteps, clocks, and then it transitions into the seaside. In this case, I think the “Wall of Sound” philosophy actually benefits in immersing you in the environment that the track is presenting. It’s honestly really cool!

Highlight tracks include the opening track ‘Seems So,’ ‘About Your Fame,’ ‘Silver Chain’ courtesy of Sidney, ‘We’ll Come to Be,’ ‘Tin Pan Alley,’ and ‘Coda.’

I feel bad for ranking this one so low. I know it means a lot to a lot of people, but compared to what came before it and what comes after it, while the songs are amazing, the production and sound design keeps it in the lower tier of Apples in Stereo albums.

With that being said, lower tier for the Apples is still pretty damn good. Think of the Pizza scale from Night in the Woods. There is bad pizza, but everything immediately above bad pizza is still really damn good. Anyways,

6.5/10 leaning towards a soft 7/10. Please don’t hurt me.

9. Electronic Projects for Musicians (2008)

Here’s the other outlier in this list: the elusive B-sides and rarities collection, Electronic Projects for Musicians. Released as the second Apples CD through the triple junction of E6, Yep Roc, and Elijah Wood’s Simian Records, this is potentially a companion piece to Science Faire (at least, that’s what Wikipedia claims). Every piece of non-main album content is on here, with the exception of songs from Look Away +4 and Let’s Go! for licensing reasons.

Most of these songs came from additional tracks on the Japanese releases of the albums, through 7″ split singles with other bands, occasional unreleased songs/internet exclusives, and even a cameo from Stephen Colbert himself (in the form of an Apples song...he doesn’t sing in it).

Tonally, this album is all over the place in terms of cohesion by nature of being a B-side and rarities album. I do not fault it for that. However, there is one noticeable thing with this compilation that @waymu and I have talked about.

It’s.

Really.

Fucking.

Loud.

Like, distractingly so. It kind of hurts my ears in a way. This can be alleviated through turning down the volume, but that also makes it harder to listen to the Apples! This is truly the worst of all possible worlds. My understanding is that this album was mastered from various different sources, including flexi-disc and the likes, and I understand that there were potential challenges in making sure they were all at a consistent homogenous level. But...man this hurts my ears. When you have that flaw in an album, it’s a real bummer.

With that being said, there are amazing songs on here! The titular ‘Shine (in Your Mind)’[sic] is catchy and absolutely fits at home with Fun Trick Noisemaker, the ‘Thank You Very Much’ track that follows with Schneider thanking the Japanese listeners for listening to the album is just adorable, ‘Onto Something’ is perhaps, one of the greatest Apples songs ever created, and we get an eclectic mix of titles from ‘The Oasis’ to the French-language ‘Avril en Mai,’ to the concluding track to the Japanese release of Velocity of Sound entitled ‘Other,’ which is a kick-ass song, but I must confess that I think ‘She’s Telling Lies’ is a stronger closer for that album, and the unreleased song ‘Dreams’ intended for Tone Soul Evolution. 

The song written for The Colbert Report ‘Stephen Stephen’ is charming and funny for the show it was made for, but in all honestly I’ve always preferred Conan and John Oliver, so “eh.” Meanwhile, “The Apples Theme Song” which was used on their official website from back in the day is a super adorable song that could’ve been the theme song to a cartoon based on the band (which I would hope was created by Craig McCracken. If I had a choice between that and a third season of Wander Over Yonder...I would still go for more Wander Over Yonder to be honest. Disney did that show dirty...).

Overall this is a good collection of songs, but it is still a bummer that the audio levels are loud to to the point that it distracts. If you are a CD collector or want to own everything Apples in Stereo, go ahead and get this. But if you’re an audiophile or are sensitive to super loud music...maybe just find where these B-sides originally came from. Sorry.

5.5/10 Because my ears hurt. ‘Shine (in Your Mind)’ and ‘Onto Something’ are both solid 10/10 though.

10. Travellers in Space and Time (2010)

As of 2022, this is the most current Apples in Stereo album released. The first in the post-Sidney era. The third of the triple labels of E6, Yep, and Simian. This album is also heavily influenced by Electric Light Orchestra. I am not the most familiar with them, but I do like those ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ memes I see online! With all this in mind, we are at the bottom of the Apple bucket. It’s not necessarily rotten, but...well...we’ll get to that. Here is Travellers in Space and Time, which we will refer to as Travellers moving forward.

Anyways, this album begins with a narrative section entitled ‘The Code’ which is reminiscent of the opening narration of Fun Trick Noisemaker. I couldn’t exactly find where the source of this audio was, but it was neat! 

I won’t beat around the bush, I have a hard time listening to Travellers. 

Maybe it’s nostalgia or familiarity bias that clouds my perception, but this also applied to New Magnetic Wonder and I ended up loving that album! And I also want to make clear, this album is by no means bad. I know bad albums when I see them (sometimes). This is not to the Apples what Father of All Motherfuckers is to Green Day.

It’s just...underwhelming, and it drags at parts.

The opening song after ‘The Code,’ entitled ‘Dream About the Future’ is slightly reminiscent of ‘Joanie Don’t U Worry’ in terms of tone and some of the melodic characteristics, but it’s not as dynamic and admittedly, I think that this song drags. I think that its repetition and structure would’ve worked better if the time was reduced by half. 

The remaining tracks were of similar caliber to me. ‘Dance Floor’ was too long, so was ‘No One in the World,’ so was ‘Nobody But You.’ Those three songs also all feel too similar to me in terms of lyrical content. I am not here to knock love songs or songs about having the hots for someone, as that consists of most of the Apples catalogue, but these songs are just generic and reminiscent of early 1960s pop songs imitating the Beatles first two albums. Honestly, this album feels to me more like what the Beatles ‘With The Beatles” era sound is like. That is by no means bad, but when compared to everything the Apples have created leading up to this album, it’s just disappointing to me.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. I think the best track on here is a legitimately great track: ‘Next Year at About the Same Time’ from our good ol’ Apples basis Allen. He’s always got hidden gems in the Apples catalogue. ‘Floating in Space’ is also a really good track, written and sung by John Dufilho, who replaced Sidney as the drummer.

I don’t really know what else to add to this place. I know some people like this album, and that’s awesome and more power to you all. 

I also am not here to shit on Robert Schneider and where he was at this point in his career. After this album, aside from some supplemental releases and side-projects, he has since become a gosh darn math professor in universities! That is absolutely awesome and I would definitely geek out (in a healthy way) if I ever got the opportunity to meet him. I hope he’s doing good (and also if he reads this post...holy shit hi and I’m sorry if I was mean at all with Travellers). 

But with that all being said, I think that unless you are very curious to hear this album, are a huge Apples fan, or are a completionist...this one is skippable.

4/10 Sorry guys, I still love y’all

Postscript (kinda)

Phew! That was my first album ranked list. I would like to once again credit and give apologies to @idolisnotdead​ for basically utilizing their format verbatim. Thank you all for reading this, I’ll post another one whenever that happens, and if you haven’t yet, please give the Apples in Stereo a listen! 

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Adoption (Parent!Phan) (3) Masterlist

Links last checked: July 8th, 2024

part one,��part two

All Because of Him. (ao3) - Howellsprincess

Summary: Someone leaves a baby at Dan and Phil's flat. Dan doesn't know what to do with a baby, he can barely take care of himself.

Can I Go Where You Go? (ao3) - sapsgroupie, sweetestcon

Summary: Dan and Phil find time to settle down.

A proposal, a marriage, a honeymoon, and an adoption.

The life they'd always secretly wanted.

Charlotte (ao3) - dannihowell (anotherdaughter)

Summary: When Dan's little sister needs a home, he and Phil offer a place to stay.

Father and Child (ao3) - dannihowell (anotherdaughter)

Summary: Dan and Phil in the adoption process. The mother is a young girl who doesn’t seemed too pleased the future parents of her child.

Firsts (ao3) - TortiTabby

Summary: A series of oneshots about firsts in life as parents for Dan and Phil

It Feels Like Home To Me (ao3) -  TheUKAmazingDan

Summary: Phil decides to shave off his mustache and his little girl decides to take it personally.

Katie’s Graduation Present - auroraphilealis

Summary: Phil Lester has missed the majority of his daughter’s high school years because he’s spent the last four years in the military. When Dan finds out he’s going to miss her graduation, too, he throws a fit, and doesn’t even say “I love you,” before hanging up on him. So who’s the military guy in blue at the bottom of the bleachers?

let me make something beautiful (ao3) - huphilpuffs

Summary: Technology arises that allows same-sex couples to have biological children. Dan and Phil consider.

Loving Livy (ao3) - dannihowell (anotherdaughter)

Summary: "You fell asleep on the aeroplane and I keep making funny faces at your kid to keep them amused and the steward mistaken us as a couple and for some reason you keep flirting with me now but I don’t really mind."

on the nature of daylight. (ao3) - commonemergency

Summary: They have a house. It has two people, a dog, and plenty of rooms for guests, family members, and a child. Someday. Soon. Or the one where Dan and Phil are ready for a child and sometimes it doesn't always work out, but then it does.

Pool Parties, Booze, and Kids: A Short Story in Domesticity (ao3) - Eavans

Summary: After an invitation from one of Phil’s old Uni friends turns out to be a pool party for his 4 year old son, the topic of kids comes up. And neither of them are really afraid to hold back.

Sea of Love (ao3) - pasteldnp

Summary: After years of preparation, planning, heartbreak, and waiting, Dan and Phil finally get the call that there is a baby for them to adopt.

Supportive - doomedhowell

Summary: Dan and Phil’s 16-year-old son finds out he’s a Carrier after he sleeps with his best friend, and he ends up pregnant. He tries to keep it from his parents but they end up finding out anyways.

That Little Thing Called Family (fanfiction.net) - Salvatore-Whore 

Summary: The sequel to That Little Thing Called Love! Read that first! Dan and Phil are married now, and have grown up a lot, but still hold on to their Vlogger life! Read their adventures with their adopted daughter Cherry.

Thinking Out Loud (ao3) - koleen

Summary: Dan and Phil finally get married after settling down for years, and they have a child.

Through the Wire (ao3) - breatherepeat

Summary: While on the US tour, Dan receives multiple calls from his grandmother.

No worries. Grandmother is fine. She just has an important question for him to answer.

Set in the same universe as Everything. Don't need to read Everything to enjoy this one though.

Two Daddies - doomedhowell

Summary: It’s almost Mother’s Day and the class is required to make cards or something for their mommies, but little Emily has one problem, she has no mommy. She has two daddies.

[spongeaddict]

Fanfiction Year in Review!

Fanfiction Year in Review

Thanks for the tag @xxiamaclichexx! Spoilers, obviously, for all my fics that I’ve written thus far.

1. List of fics completed this year in the order they were finished

Two For The Show -- longfic, started in January 2020, completed in May 2020

Anniversaries -- twoshot, started in June 2020, completed in August 2020

Three To Get Ready -- longfic, started in May 2020, completed in December 2020

My God, I wrote literally all year long. Twelve months straight, from January to December. Holy cow.

2. Number of words written

TFTS: 91,025

Anniversaries: 6,009

TTGR: 87,078

Total: 184,112

WHOA

3. Your most popular fic

TFTS had over 8400 views this year, but it still comes in third place over all, behind Scooby Doo and the Mysterious Tape (over 11k views, finished in 2010), and One For The Money (more than 53k views, finished in 2019) 

4. Your personal favourite

How do I choose between my children?!

I think overall, I’m going to say TTGR was my favorite this year. It had all the things I love -- secret romances, jealousy, betrayal, angst, a creep factor, and even a little bit of humor! I don’t usually write angst, but I had a good time with the chapters where it was present. I also got to do some really interesting character work in TTGR, which was super fun and exciting for me. 

5. Your fave scene

I mean...I just love that scene in TFTS where Tony catches Shaggy and Velma making out in the practice room. I did a lot of nervous-laughing on behalf of everyone involved while writing it.

Also (I know I’m cheating here) I love the scene at the end of TFTS where Fred tells Daphne he loves her kind of off-the-cuff, and Daphne, who’s been trying for the entire story to work up the nerve to tell Fred that she loves him, bursts out laughing. It was so easy to picture Daphne trying to come up with the perfect, heartfelt way to share her feelings and then Fred, being so genuine without realizing it, just says “I love you” like it’s the easiest thing in the world.

6. A fic or scene that challenged you

For whatever reason, any time I needed Marcie and Velma to interact in TTGR was a challenge for me. I think I got too much in my head about the whole thing, and it seemed like nothing I had them do or say was organic. I rewrote the guest-room-at-Tony’s-party scene a bajillion times before I landed on something that I liked.

7. A line of writing you’re proud of

I know this says “a line of writing,” but I’m gonna cheat again and do like, a paragraph for each story I published this year. Don’t tell me what I can’t do! 

TFTS, ch 14: Fred took a deep breath, apparently steeling himself for a difficult confession. "I've always had a fear that the people I love will all leave me one day," he told her. "I didn't even realize I felt that way until I was thirteen and found that letter my mom sent to my dad. I mean…if my own mother could leave me behind like that, what was stopping my dad? My friends?" He exhaled and looked into Daphne's eyes. "It even happens in this play. Diana leaves Dan at the end. Just like my mom left my dad. Just like she left me." He shook his head. "You and the gang are the most important people in my life. And when Shaggy's dad said that thing at the end of the summer, about how one day we'll all go our separate ways…I started to panic." He swallowed. "I don't want anyone in the gang to separate, but I'm terrified of losing you the most."

FRED IS SO SINCERE protect him at all costs

Anniversaries ch 2: Shaggy grinned and pulled her closer. The wind was starting to pick up, and he was starting to regret the ice cream just a teeny tiny bit. But having Velma snuggled up next to him warmed him throughout.

"Besides," he said. "It's not like we have to worry about it right now. Why worry about things that like, haven't happened yet?"

Velma snorted. "Says the guy who goes into a fetal position anytime Fred even suggests investigating a haunted house."

Shaggy nudged her playfully with his shoulder. "My point is," he told her. "We like, already made it one year. Who's to say we won't make it another?"

"That's true," Velma conceded. "And it's been a pretty good year."

"The best," Shaggy agreed.

They pressed their foreheads together and closed their eyes. Velma sighed contentedly and murmured her favorite line from In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.

"But for now we are young, let us lay in the sun and count every beautiful thing we can see."

Shaggy opened his eyes and gently tapped her once on the nose. "One," he murmured.

Is it arrogant of me to swoon at something that I wrote?

TTGR ch 12: Velma left the practice room first, eyes stinging with more unshed tears. She forced them back into their ducts as she made her way to her locker. I can't let Daphne and Fred see me like this, was all she could think to herself. She couldn't let them know that anything was wrong. She had to get a hold of her emotions. She needed to seem apathetic. Detached. Even though it felt like her chest was ripping open and everything inside her was screaming in agony.

Back in the practice room, Shaggy could feel his heart pounding like a drum against his ribcage. His pulse reverberated through every muscle in his body, and it seemed so loud that he was sure other students could hear it out in the hallway as they walked past. He leaned against the concrete wall and tried to steady his breathing.

He couldn't believe it. Velma had broken up with him.

Or had he broken up with her?

Regardless, they had broken up.

They were broken up.

I have to go, he realized. He couldn't stay in this room – he'd need to face the real world eventually – and besides, Scooby was almost certainly wondering where he was. With another shuddering breath, he wiped his eyes and steeled himself to leave the practice room.

Their practice room.

The thought had been automatic. With a sharp gasp, Shaggy clutched his middle, as though physically trying to hold in his anguish. How cruel it was that their relationship had ended in the same place it had begun. He had always thought of this place as theirs, ever since last year. But now, there was no more their anything. They were no longer a they. It was him and her, separate, apart. And now it would be forever.

His chest seized up and his throat tightened, burning. I can't stay in here, he told himself, even as his heartbreak surged. I need to leave this room.

But he allowed himself a short, muffled sob before swallowing and finally bracing himself towards the door.

I’ve always felt more comfortable writing dialogue than descriptions, but I felt pretty good about this paragraph about the aftermath of a breakup.

8. A comment that touched you

Oh come on!

Every single review means the world to me, and I’m lucky enough to have a handful of consistent reviewers who always read my work carefully, and their comments truly reflect that.

Though I will say, the comment that made me truly feel like my writing did its job successfully was from a pal of mine in Discord who, after reading a breakup scene, said, “I feel like I just got broken up with.” (Sorry again @complikated1)

9. Something that inspired your writing

Lord, so many things. My whole life and everything I’ve ever read. But mostly Scooby Doo.

10. Your proudest accomplishment (that one scene; finally finishing that one fic; posting your first fic etc.)

I mean, I essentially wrote two novels and two short stories this year. I’m pretty proud of that (and so is my husband...so much so that he outed my accomplishments to my whole family, who are similarly proud.

11. Do you have any writing goals for next year?

Several!

Start - and finish! - the finale, Four For The Road

Finish this got-dang Fraphne oneshot I’ve been promising to write

Begin writing ~what comes next~ (IT’S A SECRET, SO NO SPOILERS)

[romilashah]

Gender Neutral Parenting

 I was born and brought up in a joint family of a small town. While growing up in a country where majority favours the male gender you did not need any proof for the same. It was all around to see. Personally though I  never experienced any discrimination in our house based on gender apart from there being some instances here and there during family functions where some relatives behaviour did bring the bias for the boys to the fore. When I started working and met women from all backgrounds you could hear one heart breaking story after another and the struggle they faced growing up based on just their gender. I vowed to never discriminate between my kids based on their gender and somewhere someone seemed to be listening. I now have two and one from each gender.

When I was pregnant the first time around with Rita 9 years back I had no idea about the gender of my unborn child. What irritated me the most was that majority of the kith and kin would always talk about the baby using male gender. The day she was born and I was lying open in the operation theatre the nurse got her to me after cleaning her up and I saw this tiny being who was just a few minutes old looking at me with big open eyes. My heart just melted and I planted an awkward kiss on her cheek as that is all I could manage as I was still being stitched up as they took her to the recovery room. One thing that day I was truly sure of was that I was gonna bring her up as an equal to any boy and my husband agreed.

She was our first born and we went extra miles to do things for her. Be it the exposure she got or the toys we bought, we always aimed for things that were best and gender neutral. I bought her teddy bears and cars , dolls and trains, books and legos and over a period of time realised she enjoyed playing with the soft toys more than cars and trains. She loved pink outfits from a sea of gender neutral colour wardrobe and all girly things like dresses and gowns. Surprisingly she never liked barbie dolls and preferred books and legos more than any other toy. So the number of books, legos and soft toys in the house increased over a period of time and by the time she was two we realised that her taste and liking was always towards things that were more attuned for girls. However, this never stopped us from exposing her to things which are fundamentally considered to be a male domain. Like when she was  four years old we took her to a workshop at the Mercedes showroom where kids were gonna experience seeing the car parts and try their hand in painting a car as well. We were surprised to see that there were only two girls including her in a batch of around 20 kids. She had a blast at the workshop painting the car and trying to change a tyre. Most happy I ever saw her at any workshop. When she was 6 and in grade 1, one day she came home infuriated. I could not figure what was wrong but that she was upset with some class friends. After she had changed and rested I was surprised to see her trying to do cart wheels in the house. When I prodded she said some boys in her class had said that girls can’t do cart wheels and she wanted to prove them wrong the next day in school. I felt a string of emotions at the same time, proud, overwhelmed and happy that she knew how to take a stand for such things and disappointed and disheartened that she got to hear such gender related snide remarks this early in age. She is 9 now and still the same. Any gender reference remarks even as small as don’t cry like a girl triggers her. She loves coding and robotics but reading is still her first love.

When I had Rudy four years back I followed the same template of exposing him to all gender neutral things from the start. But even when he was a couple of months old he was always more attracted to cars and things that moved and had wheels. He loved to toss around the soft toys like a ball and had the first instinct of breaking everything up. His favourite colour turned out to be  green and aeroplanes his first love. Over the years the number of cars, construction vehicle and aeroplanes increased in the house and  the only common toy between them being legos as he loved them too. For his last birthday he insisted on buying lego aeroplanes unlike my daughter who preferred the classic versions as she could make much more things with them. He loves reading too but is not as fanatic about it as his sister. They have diametrically opposite choices for food, toys, games and movies but thankfully manage to find common grounds. For eg. he prefers watching Cars while she would prefer a Frozen but a superhero movie unites them. He does enjoy the Katy Perry, Frozen and the other songs his sister plays but he himself always prefers to listen to what’s up danger from Spiderverse, Still I Fly from Planes 2 and the iron man and star wars theme song. And to be honest they are not always amicable. We have war zones in our home at times over which movie to watch and which song to listen to or as simple a thing as who wants to sit where. They are at loggerheads throughout the day but it's all good at the end as they eventually do make up without our intervention.

 This experience that I am going through of bringing up a girl and a boy has given me a reality check of sorts. Boys and girls are born with emotional, physical and mental differences. They are as different as cheese and chalk. Trying to bring them up as equals might not always be a correct approach as they aren’t equal but unique. As a parent I believe what you can really do is give each one of them equal opportunity and freedom to explore, excel and do whatever they want. Treat them as equals when it comes to them deciding about their life. There can’t be a different set of rules for them based on their gender. I would have never realised Rita loves robotics if had not exposed her to it based on her gender and never known Rudy loves to cook if had stopped him from watching cooking videos and helping me in the kitchen. Do not assume what the kids will prefer or should do based on their gender. Give each one of them a choice to decide for themselves.

[alediazpizarro]

Senior Soundtrack

Music is a love language. Lo he tuiteado, lo he dicho, y —con ustedes— lo he vivido. Parte de mis 7 años en ASF ha sido la música que he compartido: canciones que son intereses en común, recomendaciones, o hasta tracks de obras de teatro que nunca voy a borrar de mi memoria. After all, de eso se trata la música en parte: de acordarse. Y sepan que cada vez que oiga una de las canciones en esta lista, va junto con su recuerdo. A todos ustedes, de todo corazón, gracias. No sé que sería de mi vida sin ustedes.

Les dejo la playlist que construyeron conmigo, whether you knew it or not, de 2014 para acá.

PS: si no aparece su nombre en esta lista de canciones, lo único que quiere decir es que we have yet to share a song. Los adoro a todos. 

Abarca

Burn · Lin Manuel Miranda You have the voice of an angel, and every time I think of this song I no longer hear it in Philippa Soo’s voice, but in yours.

Tuyo · Rodrigo Amarante Dancing Kermit.

Alexander

"Eungenio” Salvador Dalí · Mecano We love the music, hate the lyrics.

Na Na Na · My Chemical Romance Debate bus trips. Blasting it from the backseat, with Nesquik and cold pasta at hand.

I’m Not Okay · My Chemical Romance “¿Estos son los Rolling Stones?”

Being Alive · Stephen Sondheim Life’s dream: be Bobby. Not literally. That would suck.

If I Could Tell Her · Benj Pasek & Justin Paul You once said this is the song you would dedicate to me. Though I think we’ve grown past that, I will always remember how warm it made me feel when you said it.

Ana

Isle of Flightless Birds · Twenty One Pilots Ya sé que me odias, pero DARARAAAARAAA

I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket · Pierce The Veil El concierto que más he disfrutado en mi vida (and that’s saying a lot), y parte de por qué fue porque fui contigo. Lloramos en esta canción y en el video que grabé con mi horrible teléfono se oye lo feo que cantamos. 

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea · Neutral Milk Hotel De un Tiktok (de miles) que me mandaste pero de los pocos que sí abrí.

Numb · Linkin Park WAWAWAWAWAWA 

Anna

Fashionista · Jimmy James Really obscure pre-middle school memory, pero every time it gets stuck in my head me acuerdo de ver el lyrics video en el ballet y la miss Celia regañándonos.

Ari

Life Itself · Glass Animals It slaps. Plus, concert.

Remember When · Wallows My favorite song in my “Drive” playlist, cada vez que sale I remember sitting in the backseat of your dad’s car and you turning the volume up so we could drive over the Reforma speed limit with this blasting.

The Cave of Two Lovers · That LSD guy from Avatar SECRET TUNNEL!!!!!!!! SECRET TUNNEL!!!! THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN!!!! SECRET SECRET SECRET SECRET TUNNEEEEEEEL!!!! (No Spotify version, so here’s the surf rock cover.)

Covarrubias

Toxic · A Static Lullaby Flashbacks a clase de Ms. Miranda en 7º.

Back to Black · Amy Winehouse No puedo oír esta canción sin acordarme de tu audición para Grease. Rizzo could-have-been?

Diana

The Adults Are Talking · The Strokes Es chill yet vaguely nostalgic Diana vibes to the max.

Stuck on the Puzzle · Alex Turner Thank you for liking Alex Turner. :`)

Dark Red · Steve Lacy Memorias de una tarde que pasamos armando Repentinos con una mini guillotina y pláticas de Dinamarca.

Diego

Thinking of a Place · The War on Drugs La primera que me recomendaste, y la mejor para manejar de noche.

Vissi d’Arte · Giacomo Puccini No creo que hubiera visto Tosca si no me la hubieras recomendado. Qué bueno que lo hiciste, porque esta aria se volvió de mis favoritas. 

Money · Pink Floyd Alguna vez jugamos music trivia en el salón de Stearns y me acuerdo de que yo todavía no la ubicaba pero tú la adivinaste sin problema. Years later, eres la persona que sé que le gusta Pink Floyd tanto como a mí. Lástima de Roger. :(

Layla · Derek & The Dominoes Este año tuve un classic rock renaissance que empezó, you guessed it, cuando me recomendaste esta. Clapton no falla.

Klavierkonzert Nr. 21, No. 2 “Andante” · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart También me hiciste escuchar mucha más música clásica de la que conocía, y aprendí a disfrutarla. Esta sigue siendo mi favorita.

Sara · Fleetwood Mac De las pocas de Fleetwood Mac que no conocía pero que me recomendaste en uno de esos exchanges a las 12 am y que oí con audífonos in the dark.

Resguardum Ether · León Larregui También de las pocas de este cuate que nunca había oído pero que se volvió de mis favoritas.

Fer

Good Life · OneRepublic Buenas vibes.

Can’t Fight This Feeling · REO Speedwagon Horton --> improvised conciertos en el baño.

What the Heck I Gotta Do · Lin Manuel Miranda Más conciertos de regadera/vestidor en lo que nos arreglamos juntas.

Beth �� KISS El club Glee y el karaoke en el Wii.

Miss Jackson · Panic! At The Disco No lo vas a admitir, pero te gusta mi música y lo sabes. Anytime que dudas, sólo es cuestión de ponerte esta.

The Man · The Killers Nada como nuestros buenos trips manejando de noche.

Fernando

The Bad Touch · Bloodhound Gang You and me, baby, we ain’t nothing but mammals...

EugeRiq

This Life · Vampire Weekend Siempre que la oigo pienso en ti.

I Wear Glasses · Mating Ritual Me la recomendaste en alguna de mis countless Close Friends stories.

Jose

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) · The Proclaimers Picture it: a gaggle of eight or so kids marching around Cumbres de Santa Fe loudly screaming this in a terrible Scottish accent after watching a horror movie.

Somebody Else · Clones of Clones A bop!

Ocean Man · Ween I will only say four words: Lord of the Flies.

Lauro

Desencuentro · Residente ft. Soko Clases de Domínguez contigo were always lovely. Plus, who could forget the iconic “NO HAY SEÑAL”?

I Don’t Know How to Love · The Drums Otra de cuando we were still developing our own music tastes.

Luz

Papaoutai · Stromae De cuando estábamos haciendo Haiti research and really wanted to get into the francophone mindset.

Moonlight Sonata · Ludwig Van Beethoven Those Knowledge Bowl kids never saw it coming.

Beware of the Boys (Mundian To Bach Ke) · Panjabi MC Memoria tangible de Vancouver: cuando pusiste esta en el restaurante indio al que fuimos.

Madison

I Know Things Now · Stephen Sondheim No sé cuántas veces me ayudaste a ensayar esta canción. Me ayudaste muchísimo todo Into the Woods, y desde ahí en 6º sé que te tengo como amiga.

Mare

Rumour Has It · Adele ¿Te acuerdas del proyecto que hicimos de Mr. Kamm en 7º estilo “fleas on rats”? Literal después de que usamos esta canción ya no puedo cantar las lyrics de la original.

Mariana

Bitter Sweet Symphony · The Verve La oíamos dizque “para concentrarnos” en el salón de Austin.

Pas de Quatre from Swan Lake · Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky De cuando te fui a ver bailar ballet con Fran. :)

Tú y Yo Somos Uno Mismo · Timbiriche EL SOL

Manu

Fly Away · Laid Back The moment you played this at Montero’s party you literally made everyone be vibing. It’s like the Fairy Godmother of Chill. That was also the day you stopped being “Manu from TEDx” and were just “Manu” there on. Probably ‘cause you appreciated my ability to drive a stick. :`)

MDRH

Choke · I Don’t Know How But They Found Me I wouldn’t like this Dallon spinoff as much as I do without you. It’s like emo, but evolved, mature— like you. In a good, compliment-y way.

Oceans · Frank Iero Remember when we were gonna see him in concert? :( Thanks for being the only person with whom I can enjoy weird throaty emo screamy shit. At least the guitar is good.

House of Wolves · My Chemical Romance Something about the aggressive guitar and fast pace of this song has always reminded me of you.

Mich

Tear in my Heart · Twenty One Pilots Your Koreaboo initiation before you even knew it.

The Kids Aren’t Alright · Fall Out Boy Remember the lyrics from this I wrote as a dedication in your eighth grade yearbook? I meant them. 

I Write Sins Not Tragedies · Panic! At The Disco I CHIME IN—

She’s My Winona · Fall Out Boy Something about Folie à Deux, and especially about this song, always carries a you vibe.

Perfect · Simple Plan From when you got angsty and Montes called you out on it. Then it became a bit of a joke.

One of THOSE Nights · The Cab Back in seventh grade, this was the most ambitious crossover ever attempted. 

Montse

I Want To Hold Your Hand · The Beatles De cuando saturamos la rockola del Johnny Rocket’s con 15 canciones y pensaron que no servía. But we knew. Plus, a really fun Snapchat video de nosotras bajando las escaleras a tambos y aplausos con esta canción.

Something · The Beatles Too bad Eric Clapton stole George Harrison’s wife.

I Am the Walrus · The Beatles Want to feel what it’s like to do acid without actually doing it? Play this song on Rock Band!

Don’t You (Forget About Me) · Simple Minds De la única pijamada que me han dejado hacer, donde vimos tu película favorita. An unforgettable night with an unforgettable person.

Pato

Hit the Back · King Princess The best experience of my life was one I’m glad I shared with you. Still want to murder those Rock Lobster loiterers though— blocked us from KP. >:(

Just the Same · Bruno Major I had never heard of him, but to be next to you enjoying him, with our KP t-shirts in my bag and just-refilled water bottles, was one of the highlights of my night.

The Louvre · Lorde Remember when we played Melodrama in your bedroom? This is the song that I feel best captivates that: shoes on the floor, laying softly on the bed, sunlight streaming in through the window, the vinyl spinning, and a general feeling of levity.

No You Girls · Franz Ferdinand Friendly reminder of literally the worst physical experience of our lives. :))))

The Other Side of Paradise · Glass Animals The first GA song I ever showed you, which is a nice chain thing because it’s the first GA song I ever listened to that Jordan showed me. And a birthday vinyl we played in your room.

Romina

The Only Thing · Sufjan Stevens This entire album is your personality. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

Futile Devices · Sufjan Stevens Same as above. It’s not your fault you’re a Sufjan Suf-stan. But every time I listen to Sufjan I remember you playing him at the Open Mic. That’s a very nice feeling.

Mama · My Chemical Romance Indisputably goes HARD and hey what are mommy issues without a little angst/general gender confusion?

Sam

Goodie Bag · Still Woozy El día del college fair que estuvimos juntas al principio y conocimos a la USC rep que nos cagó traías tu camisa de Still Woozy. Since then, el grupo me recuerda a ti.

Vale

Heart of Glass · Miley Cyrus Tú viviste esta out-of-body transcendental experience al mismo tiempo que yo, el día de mi cena. 

Don’t Stop · Fleetwood Mac Espero que ya te guste Rumours completo. :)

Yuhis

Chiquitita · ABBA I didn’t know you could sing. After listening to you sing this one (and almost crying), I wondered why you didn’t do it more often.

Beauty School Dropout · Frankie Avalon I am sorry pero literal I can only think of this song in your voice. Iconic!

Gracias por todo. Los quiero. Los voy a extrañar.

[enchantingqueenkitten]

tagged by @justtinfoley ❤️

do you prefer writing with black pen or a blue pen? Blue

would you prefer to live in the country or in the city? City or country depends on the mood 

if you could learn a new skill, what would it be? Drawing portraits, rock climbing and scuba diving

do you drink your tea/coffee with sugar? Tea with sugar.

what was your favorite book as a child? I don’t have one. 

do you prefer baths or showers? Showers all the way.

if you could be a mythical creature, which one would you be? Pegasus. I loved him in Hercules.

paper or electronic books? Paper always. 

what is your favorite items of clothing? My hoodies. 

do you like your name? would you like to change it? Yep. Nope, because you can make several different nicknames from it - which I do have from several different people 🤣 

who is a mentor to you? My momma. 

would you like to be famous? if so, what for? Yass. For singing, if I had the talent which I like to pretend I do. Or for writing. Or for acting. I was good at drama in school. 

are you a restless sleeper? Can be sometimes. It comes and goes in waves. 

do you consider yourself to be a romantic person? Hmm.. maybe. I guess I could be one. 

which element best describes you? Water

who do you want to be closer to? The friends that live so far away. Wish we were neighbours 😩

do you miss anyone at the moment? My nan and grandad.

tell us about an early childhood memory. Playing on my bike, with my friends, down my street. 

what is the strangest thing you’ve eaten? I don’t think I’ve eaten anything really strange. Hmmm... or I can’t remember it atm. 

do you like spicy foods? Yep! 

have you ever met someone famous?  Max Iron’s father, Jeremy Irons, was sitting in the seat across the aisle from me on a plane once. 

do you keep a diary or journal? Nope. Really wish I could. Have tried and failed at it. 

do you prefer to use pen or pencil? Pen 

what is your star sign? Sagittarius

do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy? Crunchy 

what would you want your legacy to be? Helping others. For writing stories that meant something/made a difference to people and making a difference to children and their lives. 

do you like reading? what was the last book you read? Yep. I have like 3 books to finish but I am reading ‘It Only Happens in the Movies’ by Holly Bourne at the moment. 

how do you show someone you love them? Hugs. Or spend quality time with them. 

do you like ice in your drinks? Yass.

what are you afraid of? Running out of time to do the things I dream of doing. 

what is your favorite scent? Dried rain. Freshly cut grass and this room spray I had that was blue and smelt of the sea. 

do you address older people by their name or surname? Surname unless they tell me otherwise. 

if money was not a factor, how would you live your life? Travelling the world. 

do you prefer swimming in pools or the ocean? Pools. Unless it’s like a super clear ocean.

what would you do if you found $50 on the ground? Pick it up. 

have you ever seen a shooting star? did you make a wish? No and no. 

what is one thing you would want to teach your children? To be kind and respectful to others and to not worry about what others might think of you or what you have. 

if you had to have a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it? Hmmm... If I really had the guts to go all out, probably like a half sleeve of beautiful flowers that are brightly coloured. 

what can you hear now? People talking outside and aeroplanes flying over. 

where do you feel the safest? On the couch, in front of the tv or in my bed. 

what is one thing you want to overcome/conquer?  Anxiety 

if you could travel back to an era, what would it be? The time when humans came to Earth/evolved. To see how that process really happened.

what is your most used emoji? 😅

describe yourself using one word? Determined

what do you regret the most? Wasting time worrying over things that I shouldn’t be worrying about. 

last movie you saw? IT Chapter 2 

last tv show you watched? Good Girls 

invent a word and it’s meaning. Scrumbulous - It means yummy! 

tagging: Anyone who’d like to do this challenge. Tag yourself in 😁

[100albumcountdown]

1. Stars of the Lid - And Their Refinement of the Decline (2007)

So here it is. Nine months later, I’ve finally reached number one. Given how long this project has taken, and how much increasing effort I’ve put into each write-up as I’ve progressed, I can’t help but feel like anything I write here is going to be somehow anticlimactic. So before I get into talking about this album and why it’s my favourite, I feel like I need to discuss the way in which this whole 100 album process has transpired. As I stated in my very first entry (back in August last year), the way I first went about starting this whole thing was by throwing a representative song from any album I thought might make the list into a playlist, and then roughly ordering them using mostly gut instinct until I had about 30 albums at the bottom that I could cut, leaving me with a list of 100. This gave me a starting point and led to my first write-up, and from then on I’ve gone through the list and ordered and re-ordered, making sure that each time I wrote an entry, I was happy that it was correctly placed in the list. This continued all the way up to last week’s write-up of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, which only narrowly beat out In Rainbows after several days of playing both albums in the car just gave the former the edge at the last minute. Strangely though, …And Their Refinement of the Decline has been at the top spot since the very start. Somewhere in that initial process of non-specific shortlisting, this album ended up temporarily sitting at the number one spot. Whilst every other album got rearranged and moved – even those that I knew would be in the top 10 were moved around and pored over – at no point did I ever want to take this from the number one spot. The longer it stayed there the more right it seemed. I’ve mulled over this for the whole time I’ve been writing the blog – in reality if I were to stand this album up next to classics such as Bridge Over Troubled Water or Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space could I really justify its position? The reality is that whilst I know this is not a cult classic or an era defining masterpiece like some of these albums; it is an album that I personally love more than any other. One that I’d almost go so far as to say is actually a fairly defining part of my personality. It’s a strange thing to say about any piece of music, particularly a two hour long piece of minimalist, ambient droning; but over years of repeated listens I’ve absorbed every second of this album completely; I know every chord change, every subtle sound, every gentle melody and every soft textural shift. I’ve seen it played live, I’ve listened to it at home, I’ve heard it at work, in the car, alone, and with friends. Ambient music as a rule is designed to colour the background, to be pleasant but not demanding; but Stars of the Lid made something so much more than mere ambience when they crafted this record. It’s an album that sits on the intersection between drone music and minimal classical, its pillowy atmospherics are regularly dressed in melodic horns, drifting strings, and gentle piano refrains, giving an aching, human heart to what could otherwise be cold, distant abstraction. The way the shimmering textures of ‘Articulate Silences Pt.2’ swirl around its weeping cello refrain, or the moment that the tentative introductory notes of ‘Don’t Bother They’re Here’ relax into a languid waltz that sounds like the aural equivalent of a sigh of contentment; each track here defines itself against the overarching atmospheric continuum with its own quiet flourish. This kind of depth is the work of two people in complete control of their craft. With The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid the duo had moved from spacey drones into a warmer, denser kind of ambient music all of their own; but with this record they perfected it – balancing lush instrumentation with treated guitar loops to create a consistently beautiful and hypnotic suite of interlinked pieces. Tracks like ‘The Daughters of Quiet Minds’ carve aural sculptures out of thin air using dense textural changes and an enormous sense of space, whereas ‘Hiberner Toujours’ puts forward a moment of aching beauty with only a few well-placed cello notes and a vast cloud of reverb. To talk through every track here would not only take a long time, but would also miss the point – in spite of these individual moments of transcendence, this is one long suite of sound that is designed to calm, soothe, delight and envelop. I’ve been listening to it for well over ten years now, and the sound-world it offers and the emotions it stirs become more vital to me every time. It’s like a favourite t-shirt or a well-worn pair of shoes. It might not fit everyone, it may not even seem that appealing to many people, but whenever I put it on I’m immediately transported to somewhere happier. There are many purposes to music, to make you dance, to provoke thought or excite – but on a personal level, what can be better than music that brings you peace? The more time passes, the more I realise how important this is, and the more this album fills a space in my life that no other has yet managed to. And for that reason alone, this is my number one album.

Also listen to: The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid, Avec Laudenum

 I’ve been writing this for almost nine months now, and I’ve basically been doing it for my own gratification. But if you are reading this, or have read any of my other write-ups and you’d like to leave comment or drop me a message to let me know your thoughts, then please do feel free.

[harryhookwriter-blog]

Our Reader

Okay! So here we have a personality thing about Y/n the reader. The questions are below.

Enjoy!

1. Her full name in Fiánn Gráinne Trinket Ní Mháille. Its pronounced (Fee-aw-n) 2 syllables. (Gr-aw-n-ya) 2 syllables. Trinket (rhymes with drink it) and Ní Mháille, her surname. (Knee-v-all-ya). Her first name is after Na Fianna, a legendary band of Irish Warriors, who were the toughest, bravest, strongest and most intelligent. They were the eleite. Trinket, after one of the Lost Boys, Tootles, Pockets and Tinkerbell. And her surname was her mother's.

2. She was born 20th October 1995, but the year does change with the story, and is a libra. But she is almost the opposite of the stereotypes.

3. She has a really high tolerance for alcohol, and has to be on vodka and strong shots for hours for her to get drunk. Also, doesn't get hangovers and always shows that off when her friends are dying and she's up at 8 a.m making a full fried breakfast.

4. Strengths: is the best fighter in all of Auradon, and doesn't ever lose her cool, not even a blush. really good at comebacks. Also, zero fuck giving. A real tomboy too.

Weaknesses: she's unpredictable, and down right dangerous. She has trust issues, and has a hard time opening up. And doesn't understand feelings.

5. She loves anything roasted over an open fire. Like what they'd make in Neverland. All Neverland foods too, because it's whatever you want, any kind. Also, bone soup. What, she's a pirate?!

6. She would be wrath. My reader is always ready to kill, or maybe just fight depending on whether she's from Auradon or the Isle.

7. She has her father, whom she hates the most, but the lost boys and her friends are more family. She also holds a special place in her heart for her mother, and a deep respect for all female captains. Also, she prides herself for being like her mother, intelligent, strong, authoritive, bold and badass.

8. Her body is really small, mostly from lack of food as a child. She has a... Princess figure. She's really small and I imagine her with a tiny waist, with baggy/boys clothes. But, I usually don't bring size into my fics, so that's readers preferance.

9. She's afraid of nothing, for she's been through hell. Sometimes, she loses confidence, and doubts herself, but always pretends she's still got it, and keeps going. Her father is someone she would rather not face, but always hopes he's proud. (He never is.) Oh, and aeroplanes freak her out.

10. Fiánn is actually allergic to cat and dog hair, so shes always stayed away long enough to not get attached.

11. Warrior, realist, atheist, crazy, and somewhat of a bitch, but the good kind.

12. If she was suddenly handed a puppy, she'd quickly and carefully put it down and get some allergy pills. Also, she'd stay the fuck away from it.

13. Her reaction would depend. But she'd always need a second to understand. If it's a friend, a friendly hug back. If it's someone who she doesn't know/like, she'd punch them. If it's a romantic partner (Harry) she could tell imidiatly and she'd hug back. More than likely with hands getting too friendly. (cough cough, Harry, cough cough)

14. Her biggest secret is usually her feelings. If she's feeling bad, she won't say it. If she's sad, won't say. If she's happy, she dances randomly.

15. She's a carefree person, so she doesn't have pet peeves, but hates people who gossip to spread rumours. And girly people, but she'll give them a chance.

16. She doesn't really care. She'll eat the pineapple pizza, but will go straight to pepperoni.

17. It does depend, but usually a full 9-10 hours a night. But she has pulled all nighters.

18. If she had a superpower, it would be to control the sea. Or, if she could end child abuse, child neglect, rasism, and homophobia, she'd do it in a heart beat.

19. She doesn't collect items, but she had a great memory, especially of feelings or events, even just laying in someone's arms. But if your horrible, she'll remember that too.

20. She'd like bands like dua lipa, the chainsmokers, coldplay and SEO Linn (they make songs in Gaelic), but loves artists like Gnash and Drake. Also, the Peter Pan soundtrack. Also, she constantly sings "drink up me hearties". And all pirate songs and shanties.

21. She speaks 2 languages fluently, English and Irish Gaelic. Also, some Of the American Indians tribe language, as she grew up in Neverland.

22. When she's sad, she dances, and does something shes good at or she loves, like Taekwondo, or singing. Or being with Harry or friends.

23. She doesn't snore, but she does breathe in a sighing way. You can tell by her breathing when she's awake and when she's asleep.

24. Her voice is like Sabrina Carpenters, with an Irish (Kildare) accent.

25. I feel that she would survive a zombie apocalypse, and probably kill most of the zombies. Shes a warrior, and won't go down without a fight anyhow.

That's it! I hope you know our Reader a little better now.

<3 R

xoxo

[surveysonfleek]

746.

5000 Question Survey Pt. 47

4501. Who do you feel on shaky grounds with? anyone who’s acting suspicious or uneasy. 4502. How would you rate Stephen King as a writer? i’ve never read any of his books tbh. 4503. What movie are you looking forward to? ocean’s eight! 4504. Hulk Hogan with or without the bandana? i can’t even imagine him without one. 4505. Do you more often tell people what you feel or what you think? both, i think they work hand in hand.

4506. Have you been to see an opera? no, i wouldn’t mind seeing it though. 4507. What do you wish that you knew with more certainty? what the future will bring. or at least what direction it’ll take. 4508. Does your heart break and break and live by breaking? no. 4509. Can you tell the difference between what you think and what you feel or do you often get them confused? nope. 4510. Do you feel like there are a lot of referances in this survey that you are not getting? yeah, it’s lame. a lot of grammatical errors too. 4511. You are shopping in the Mad Mall for things to add to your room. Of the following list, what 5 things will you buy? lollipops, lace up boots, bondage gear, bubblegum machine, a miniature orange grove, house plants, Bob Geldof, duct tape, Buzzcocks, poet shirts, Marc Almond, Al Gore, acrylic paints, Snoopy's dog house, an original andy warhol painting, zippers, orange and pink matching curtains and bed spread, flash, oj simpson, a slurpee maker, some flutes, electric chairs, feather pillows, post it notes, the terminator wax statue, fight club the movie, fight club the book an original andy warhol painting, snoopy’s dog house, feather pillows, slurpee machine and house plants. 4512. Of the following things, which would you most like to have more of? drink, dreams, bed, drugs, lust, lies, hate, love, fear, fun, pain, flesh, stars, smiles, fame, sex bed, love, love, smiles, sex. 4513. Your preference. David Bowie or Marc Bolan? bowie. 4514. Who'd win in a fight, Morrissey or Robert Smith? idk either of them enough to choose. 4515. Earth girls are: what are earth girls? 4516. One of your friends tells you they are going to train to become a cop. your reaction? i’d be supportive and congratulate them. 4517. Would you ever consider working for the government? i would, they get really good benefits here. 4518. What are the best and wort television channels? i hardly watch tv. 4519. If you had a magicle pencil and everything you drew became real what would you draw? money!! 4520. Your boots were made for: walking. 4521. What movie would you like to see a mystery science theater episode about (even if it isn't a sci fi movie, just one that needs making fun of)? idk... 4522. What's the buzz? nothing. 4523. The last person you would want to be stranded on a desert island with is: someone i hate. 4524. Your partner takes an aeroplane trip. the plane disappears and is never found. How long do you wait for them to return before you begin looking for a new partner? i couldn’t put a time limit on it. i might not even move on, who knows. 4525. Soma animals that mate for life can literally die of grief if their mate is captured or dies. How many humans would do that do you think? it’s definitely possible for other humans to do this. 4526. What would you like to touch? the biggest diamond in the world. 4527. Does anything you own glow in the dark? nail polish. 4528. Would you rather ride a dragon or a unicorn? dragon. 4529. Do things just always go right for you? hell no. 4530. What's the best nick toon? hey arnold. 4531. Can you make a balloon animal? nope :( 4532. Would you undress at a nude beach? no. 4533. Wherever there's a secret recipe, there is someone who wants to steal it. True or false? i guess that’s the allure of calling it a secret recipe. 4534. What is today but yesterday's tommorrow? the present. 4535. Are you more like spongebob who does nothing right but still everything good happens to or like squidworth who tries to do things right and ends up having nothing good happen to him? squidworth. 4536. How many glasses of water do you drink each day? aiming for the usual 8. 4537. What is the difference between intelectualism and pretentiosness? being pretentious obviously just means you think you’re better/smarter than the people you’re with. 4538. What do you like in a poem, accessability, crypticness or somethin in between? i hate poems. 4539. What do you think of William Blake? Is his writing difficult to understand? never read his stuff. 4540. Has learning to spell become obsolete? not at all. but in this survey, yes omg... 4541. Who do you find yourself in constant conflict with? Why the conflict? me. 4542. What is the difference between literature and hallmark cards? everything lol. 4543. How many contemporary poets can you name? none. 4544. What subjects do you refuse to talk about? Why are you hiding from them? i’m open to talking about anything as long as it’s with the right people. 4545. Are you every parent's wet dream? ew, no. 4546. Everyone starts in the garden of Eden but no one can stay there. Why not? idk. 4547. Would you want to join a club that would have you as a member? sure. 4548. Greatest black and white film: i haven’t watched many in my time tbh. 4549: Greatest film three hours or longer: titanic, duhhhh. 4550. No means.. no. 4551. When you are exposed to the artwork (poetry, painting etc) of a friend, family member or aquantance how likly are you to criticize it? if i know them well i’d give them constructive criticism. i don’t think i’d bash the work of someone i didn’t know. 4552. Do you mentally reject people? Before speaking to them? some days i just check out i guess. 4553. Are we already living out 1984? no. 4554. Sing, now!  What did you sing? Can you sing? Are you the next american idol? no, no, i’m not american. 4555. Do you like the feeling of a ball point pen being used to draw pictures on your palm? no lol. 4556. Have you ever been airbrushed? no. 4557. Are you an alitist? What are you elitist about? lol let’s not go there. 4558. Are you arrogant? About what? i’m arrogant towards arrogant people, does that count?  4558. Use the two following words in a sentance: ghandi, ford no. 4559. Are you trecherous? no. 4560. Nam the ten bands you are the biggest fan of: Name the ten bands who are your biggest fans: no. 4561. Are you jolly? not really. 4562. What does the world stop for? nothing. anything could happen and in some places it’ll just be business as usual. 4563. Would you like to reapolster your furniture in camoflauge? no thanks. 4564. Would you rather have your own personal live in massuse or a new car? personal live in masseuse that also cooks haha. 4565. What were you born holding? nothing. 4566. Big nose, is it ugly or does it give the face character? depends if it works with the other features of the face. 4567. Name three things you would NOT do, even for one million dollars (tax free): 1 kill a human, 2 eat a human. 3 kill someone’s pet 4568. Who has rejected you? Who have you rejected? certain jobs. 4569. Natural body odor or perfumes and colognes? perfumes and colognes! 4570. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? ss. 4571. Who frolics in the autumn mist in a land called honalee? lol. 4572. Is anything nastier as a snack than fruit roll ups? shit i guess. 4573. When you hear someone make a joke about something will you later make the same joke to someone else as if you had just thought it up? my boyfriend always does this lol. i hardly ever do it, i’m pretty forgetful. What if someone just says something intelligent, would you use what they said later as if you had made it up? no, if i repeat this i’ll always the credit the person that told me. 4574. What's on your pajamas? plain colours. 4575. Are people nicer in new york or california? i’m guessing california. 4576. Ever think about moving to Alaska to live as a hermit? i’d love to do it temporarily. 4577. You are interested in a potential mate who is already attatched. Do you encourage him or her to leave their current catch or try to find someone all alone? no way. i’d never try and break up a couple. 4578. Do you play in the snow? haven’t done so in about ten years. 4579. Do you save a snowball in your freezer to hit someone with in the summer time? no lol. ouch. 4580. What bible storiy would you like to see acted out by animated veggetables? What vegetable would play jesus? idk. 4581. Will you be ready for the next alien attack? the next? has there already been one? 4582. You can't make this easy can you? nope. 4583. What is a small thing that people let slide but that actually has dire consequenses? cheating. 4584. Are you the open window maniac? no? 4585. Have you ever been a hall monitor?  What exactly do hall monitors do anyway? nope, never had one in my school either. 4586. Would you rather wear an army uniform or a cow costume for halloween? cow lol. 4587. When was the last timeyou played tag, musical chairs, hide and seek etc? as a kid. 4588. Can you leap frog? i haven’t tried in years. maybe! 4589. What was the lost strong and clear emotion yo felt? idk... 4590. Are you more of a disco ball, a candle or a robot? candle. 4591. Could any good come out of a nuclear holocaust? i’m not the right person to ask. 4592. Are you an angel in disguise? no, i wish. 4593. Could you have fun with ajelly fish? for 12 hours? no thanks. 4594. Who throws the wildest parties? it used to be this one guy i know. and then we all grew up. 4595. Do you own an I <3 NY shirt? yes. 4596. If you could make a channel that played only one show all day what show would it be? the office. or the simpsons. anything with a ton of episodes and is funny. 4597. Are you a rockstar only no one knows it yet? no. 4598. have you ever been stung by anything? What? nope. 4599. Who's autograph have you gotten in the last year? no one. i feel like selfies with celebrities are more popular now than autographs. 4600. Are you enjoying this? no.

[khoistop100]

# 1 In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is one of the greatest albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Nothing will change that. And here’s the beautiful thing about this, you can disagree. You can say that it’s completely overhyped and overrated and you can be right but music, much like life, is subjective and knowing that, nothing can take away the admiration and love I have for this project.

    I don’t always feel the need to defend my position but this album is a curious case. In the Areoplane Over the Sea is one of the most, if not the most, notorious albums on the internet because of its position as one of the most, if not the most, famous indie albums ever made. That fact ultimately changes how if you are going to try to get into the album now. It has these expectations levied against it, whether you initially want the album to be great or to suck. And that is part of why I put it on the classics list, because it is an album whose fame will most certainly affect the way you listen to it.

    However, I was lucky enough to hear the album before being introduced to any of the baggage. I heard it at an early time in my life, a time when I was still starting Infamous on ps3, when I stilled played for the same soccer team I joined in second grade, when I still thought that my phone was unable to send texts (a wonderful story, the first time I ever got texting on my phone, I did not know that I had to delete messages. I was actually texting a girl I had a crush on when I stopped getting anymore texts (it cut off mid conversation) and I thought she had gotten mad and stopped talking to me. And for the next year and a half, I was simply convinced that I just never got a text from any person ever, only possible because I had about zero friends at the time. Never saw or heard from the girl again but I do get texts now so it’s a net win for me in the long run). My musical palate was different back then, too. I was past the pop punk phase, into heading toward a feaux-deep, “this is so deep” phase. The majority of my library were bands like The Strokes and The Arctic Monkeys, mostly poppy, modern rock. Lines like, “I’d probably still adore you with your hands around my neck/ or I did last time I checked” were the peak of poetic potential.

    Needless to say, I was totally unprepared to appreciate, or even like, Neutral Milk Hotel the first time I heard it. It was shown to me the way almost every album back then was, by my older brother Kiet. He walked into the living room while I was playing the aforementioned PS3 game, Infamous (a great game and also the first game I ever 100% completed so it will always hold a special place in my heart) and told me that he had just heard one of the best albums he heard in a while. “Everything runs together and it’s just so good,” he said, and since we were both raised by a dad who worshiped the track seven through sixteen run on the Beatle’s Abbey Road the same way he worshipped the Buddha (both are unfathomably groundbreaking in their respective fields and that fact was ingrained in both of us as kids), so the fact that the tracks ran together instantly necessitated a listen. I made him burn me a CD, because back then we weren’t allowed to use the computer too late (though I often did to play League of Legends because I was probably addicted and also lonely and thirteen or fourteen like, that’s kind of the point of being that age) and played the album for the first time on my CD player alarm clock.

    I don’t remember my initial reaction but I also don’t remember hating or loving the album. I remember disliking Jeff Magnum’s voice, which made sense seeing how I was a stupid petulant shitbaby who knew nothing of the world used to singers like Alex Turner and Julian Casablancas, guys whose smooth voices sounded like they were made for music. I also remember being thrown off by the music, it was strange and folky but it also had horns and big grand moments which I thought wasn’t supposed to be happening together and ultimately I was confused. I was also intrigued and, most importantly, I was totally incapable of putting the album down. I was entranced, it was 1 AM and I was mindlessly eating the Spicy Nacho Doritos that was In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.

    It’ been over half a decade since that first listen and I can confirm that I do really really fucking love this album. From the first those opening guitar strums to the crumpling of paper that sounds the end of the album, there is nothing that I can bring myself to dislike. Sure, there are a few low points, the instrumental tracks of Fool and Untitled being some and the song Ghost being another. But even these tracks are ones I adore and fit the album perfectly well. Without the long droning horns on Fool, the quick cut and burst of energy at the beginning of Holland, 1945 isn’t as pronounced. Without Untitled we don’t get the haunting introduction of Two – Headed Boy (Part 2) that is cut through and dissipated by Jeff Magnum’s nasally, desperate voice, an effect that gives the final song a sense of clarity and bareness that the other tracks don’t have. And those are the weaker tracks. There is so much this album does right. The music is everything and everywhere, it’s galloping guitar and these grand horns and bombastic drums but then there’s lonely, acoustic guitar with these quieter, tame horn and spirits swirling in the background then the swirling turns into a roar and threatens to swallow everything then, oh shit is that bagpipe what’s happening. The sounds are confusing and can be a mess but they are beautifully constructed and layered and are accompanied by Magnum’s songwriting which is just impossibly insane. If we take the “level” of fiction theory that I have been running with that pictures the amount of fantasy, the level of separation from reality, as vertical height, most work I enjoy is right at telephone wire level. It’s high up, higher than I’ll ever reach but it’s nice to know that if I had to throw something up there I probably could. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is soaring among the birds, below the clouds but untethered to reality by any measurable standard. They are hopeful and sweet and sexual yet desperate and sad and scared all at the same time, all the time being haunted by the memory of Anne Frank, whose diary shook and haunted Magnum throughout most of this album. Just look at Two Headed Boy (Part 1) to see the mood the album creates: “Two headed boy/ There’s no reason to grieve/ The world that you need is wrapped in gold silver sleeves/ Left beneath Christmas trees in the snow/ And I will take you and leave you alone/ Watching spirals of white softly flow/ Over your eyelids and all you did/ Will wait until the point when you let go.” I previously described as Magnum’s voice as desperate and that’s true in different ways on the album. Sometimes, as it is in the passage above, it’s a quiet desperation, a prayer or birthday wish, and sometimes, like the “Say what you want to say” on oh comely, it is biting and bone-chilling, nasty in its sadness.

    And before I go I just want to talk about the best song on the album and the rare song that I think is a six star, Two Headed Boy (Part 2). The song does everything that the album does as a whole but at the top level. “Daddy please here this song that I sing” (desperation), “Long ago wrapped in sheets warm and wet” (sexual), “And in my dreams you’re alive-” (happy, hopeful) “and you’re crying” (sad again). “God is a place where some holy spectacle lies” is a line that pushes me further and further into my deep interest in Christianity and understanding how so many people in this world have grown up in while also being a line that haunts my bones until I hear “God is a place you will wait for the rest of your life” and every last muscle of my heart slows to a crawl as it waits for the last lines. “Two headed boy, she is all you could need/ she will feed you tomatoes and radio wires/ and retire two sheets safe and clean/ but don’t hate her when she gets up to leave.” Then Magnum leaves and you are left to wait in the dark and quiet.

    You can disagree with everything I just said and be right. In that case thank you for reading. You can think that everything I read into is just part of the problem of the cult surrounding this album and in that case I thank you for getting this far. But at the end of the day, music is subjective and based off what it does for me. What it does is makes me love music. I will enjoy every moment on this album for the rest of my life.

[travellingunicorn7]

I deleted this thinking I was outside the realms of reality and I probably still am, but I've decided to repost only because why should I delete it? Most of the sentiment is true and I'm not going to be shy or embarrassed about it. Fuck anyone who wants to be dick over it. Just because maybe it also focuses on one person, for everyone else- perhaps it focuses on you too, just as much.

Here is an novel/essay on my feelings. After this post I am going to try my hardest not to post anything else along these lines because I just don’t want to, I’ve said enough now. I’m just begging if I say anymore, and I don’t beg. I worry about some of the things I have said and I hope I haven’t overstepped a mark. I don’t really want to post this, but I feel if I don’t I may not get what I want, but then I may not get it anyway, so why not just say it and be done with it. Please don’t do anything hasty from this, accept what I have to say and don’t shoot it down in flames before thinking about it, because you never know, some things may be worth considering.

1. I am a true convert to Royal. You will not get me cruising with another company, not if I can help it. But I can not keep cruising on the same ships. I need to mix it up and see something different. I’m loyal to royal but I’m not loyal to the ships. I will be doing my absolute level best to see the other vessels within the fleet and if that means flying halfway across the world, so be it, I don’t mind, because I love to travel, but it does annoy me a little Australia misses out a fair bit.

2. I am saving madly to get to the Caribbean, Miami, London and the Netherlands. I am hoping between 2022-2025 these trips will happen. I can’t specify dates yet because I’m not in a position to and quite frankly I don’t want to say too much online about it, because I would like to make new friends in person where I get their contact details and maybe ask if they would like to be my personal travel guide when I finally get to these places. However I intend to stay for a full month when I do visit these four parts of the world. 

3. I’m not going to the Caribbean for 1 cruise. What a long way to go for just a week. I intend to pay for 2-3 back to back cruises within the Caribbean. I want to visit Coco Cay, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, and where possible; Jamaica, Mexico, Haiti and Puerto Rico. I am sold on Odyssey, she will happen, and I’m tossing up between Explorer, Oasis, Independence, Allure and Symphony. As for the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Zaandam, Zaanse Schans, Leiden, Lisse, Den Haag, Scheveningen Strand, Delft, and possibly Rotterdam are all places I intend to visit. 

4. Lelepa and Wonder of the Seas: I’m still hesitant, on these two, only because I have concerns, Australia will not be considered fairly when it comes to more information being released about them and Australia often falls into the Asian category when it comes to travel destinations. However if Wonder can be taken away from Asia then yes I will consider this ship. If Wonder is taken to Lelepa from Australia- I’m looking at Brisbane- then yes I will consider Wonder and Lelepa. If Wonder can not be taken away from Asia, then Royal and Brisbane better make some decent decisions when it comes to other ships in their fleet, that aren’t already here, such as Mariner, Navigator, Symphony, Independence, Allure, Harmony and/or Oasis to make their way to Australia for me to consider going. I’ll make that call when further announcements are made and on the completion of Brisbane’s new cruise terminal. I also believe Sydney is looking at building a new cruise terminal too, which I’d like to believe Royal will come to the party and provide Australia their “bigger and bolder” ships in confirmation and completion of that. Also I understand Lelepa will be different to Coco Cay but it better not be lacking too much. I would like some similarities for me to consider visiting. 

Before all of these changes of new cruise terminals are completed, I would love to see ships with similar sizing to Ovation, Explorer and Voyager (considering our ports aren’t big enough), visiting Australia more, as there’s not enough itineraries and I wouldn’t mind going from Australian port to Australian port; rather than heading to the South Pacific or New Zealand all the time. I don’t want to cruise with Carnival or Princess and no offense to the Radiance class ships, but they lack too many activities for me to want to jump on them, I know these ships do visit the Australian ports more; I just need a mixture of places to see and things to do on board. Not one or the other .

5. I am not interested in visiting Asia. There are few reasons why, I just don’t want to explain them here. Asia in general seems to have some amazing landscapes, and the people I know are wonderful but I would rather get fat than go to Asia. Unsure why I should, because I just said I have no desire to go, but, persuade me to go to India, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan and I will consider Quantum and Wonder. However will I be looking at a carbon copy of Ovation if I step on Quantum?

6. I am learning Dutch. I enjoy it. I will continue to say and write things in Dutch so I can continue to get a grasp on the language. I’m planning a trip to the Netherlands and the Caribbean. I know people in the Netherlands speak English but I think it’s only fair I learn their language too. I am also looking at Russian and Polish after I feel I have successfully got the Dutch language ‘down pat’.

7. Why Dutch? Why the Netherlands? There are several reasons, one I’ll explain later, I can count at least 5 reasons. Get time off and come and find me in Circular Quay checking out Voyager and Ovation and I will tell you why. Or better yet when it’s holidays, kom alsjeblieft naar Bairnsdale en vind me. Kom me alsjeblieft bezoeken, don’t fly straight home…

8. I cannot keep posting my music. My music tastes ranges from rock, pop, classical, electronic, dance, hip hop, rap, alternative, indie, folk, punk, blues and metal. Country is the only genre I suffer through. A few Australian country music stars however, can be tolerable like Lee Kernaghan. As long as the artist has 99% input into the way the music is delivered then I’ll listen. As much as I enjoy sharing my music, because I love music, there comes a point where you start to know too much about me, without actually getting to know me at all. You want to get to know me, talk to me. Here is a list of some the bands I have the most music of and if I could share my iTunes with the world I would, but I am not subscribing to several different streaming services to do so. Spotify is enough:

Linkin Park

Garbage

The Killers

Glass Animals

Arcade Fire

Peking Duk

Safia

Rufus/Rufus du Sol

Delphic

Florence and the Machine

Sia

Interpol

Kingswood

Major Lazer

Miike Snow

Kings of Leon

Gomez

Duke Dumont

Friendly Fires

Zhu

Jamiroquai

Spoon

Flight Facilities 

Arcade Fire

The Aston Shuffle

Fatboy Slim

Basement Jaxx

Chemical Brothers

Groove Armada

Marilyn Manson

Placebo

Foals

Nine Inch Nails

Mø

Arctic Monkeys

Cold War Kids

Hayden James

Mansion Air

Presets

Chvrches

Beck

The Rapture

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Jack River

The Prodigy

New Order

Depeche Mode 

Korn

Kasabian

Muse

Oasis

Gorillaz

Two Door Cinema Club

Calvin Harris

9. The list of emojis; There are stories behind them all. I will tell you if you want to say hi. ♉⚽🏊🏏🌹🇦🇺🔮🇳🇱🎶👻🚢✈🤸🐈🌷🌩. I’ve just explained the music emoji, I’ll explain my love of travel. I love my country I’d like to see Darwin, Broome, Perth, the coast of South Australia including Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and Northern Queensland. I want to go back to the US and Canada, and maybe New Zealand. As mentioned Netherlands, London, Caribbean and Miami are currently on my immediate list. I’d like to see parts of Russia, Poland, the rest of England, Scotland, Egypt, Morocco, Chile, and Peru. I work to earn money to travel and play pole. If money was no object I’d just spend my entire time travelling maybe I could study further and be a professional pole teacher, teaching all over the world? Just a thought. I like to spend my money on experiences and culture and education, not unnecessary things. So the aeroplane and ship emoji reflects my love for travel and cruising and ships in general fascinate me including the stories of ‘ghost ships’. Yet there will become a time I need to set up roots, sooner rather than later, and south east Queensland is currently getting my attention, but I’m not closed to the idea of moving OS either.

10. I will continue to be as honest as I can and saying things that may or may not sit well with others without name dropping. I don’t like sugar coating, yet somehow I live in a society where people get offended so easily. So I hold back. I say things on here and on my instagram because I can be me and say things that are true to me because somehow there are people who are offended in how I live my life, and it makes me worry about what our society is turning into where people are scared to say what’s on their minds or say how they feel without a keyboard. Too many people are wrapped in cotton wool these days, it’s why they get offended over the most miniscule thing. I think about that a lot, and that’s why I try and not care about other people’s opinions. It doesn’t always work but if you want honesty, check this out or instagram or better yet- get to know me and talk to me in person.

11. Let's talk about honesty for a moment. Lying and keeping secrets from me doesnt end well so don't do it. Being honest with me may upset me at first yes, but I'll accept it and let things be. Honesty is the best policy, regardless of how much someone may get hurt, just be honest.

12. This gets to my next point, why is it ingrained in current culture for arguments sake that men should be the one chasing the woman to get her attention. Why can’t the woman let the man know she’s interested? This whole ‘chase’ mentality just really needs to stop. She’s not going to play games with you when it comes to feelings so don’t string her along. Let your ego relax a little and let the woman ask you out. Let her ask you to come home with her, she’s wanting to get laid, and just as a guess you probably do too because you paid attention to her in the first place and wanted her to notice you. She might even want more too if it’s all worth it. She’d be open to anything ranging from friendship to lovers, to whatever works. We’re all adults and I’d like to think we all switched on enough to work out fairly quickly whether something is worth continuing or not. If he wants to do the work fine, I’m sure she’ll let him, but he shouldn’t be rejecting any effort from her when it’s given to him, because it’s probably taken her some courage to do so in the first place and wouldn’t he want the pressure taken off him just a little bit especially if he wanted her attention? She’s also probably just as interested, he would know if she wasn’t interested; and women can be capable too. 

Both parties should be able to meet each other halfway with effort, and work 50/50 to make a go of things. It shouldn’t be give and take and it shouldn’t be one party or the other doing all the work. It should fall on both sets of shoulders. A lot of women get tired of getting attention from guys, so they reciprocate that attention because they’re just as interested, by being proactive and doing something about it, and are more or less ‘ghosted’. That’s cowardly behaviour. If a man shows interest, follow through with that interest, don’t bail before giving anything a chance. Why can’t women make the first move to get what they want too? Didn’t the man initially get the woman’s attention because he wanted to sleep with her? Maybe she does as well…

Maybe it’s the social media. We all have it, we all enjoy it, it’s not going to go away, but it’s changed everyone’s ability in how to speak to one another. People are afraid to say how they feel now regardless of whether it’s good or bad. We can be keyboard warriors and armchair experts to strangers but we can’t have decent conversations with people we actually meet and want to get to know further, we are all too scared. How do you think your grandparents met each other? They didn’t have social media, they met each other in person, and spoke to each other in person and showed effort to each other. Maybe social media and the online world is what makes guys run away from normal or average or different because they are so used to seeing ‘perfect’ that anything different to ‘perfect’ hits them for six, and they don’t know how to handle it. I’m not perfect and I refuse to be, what a hard life that would be to live up to and expensive too. All that botox and plastic surgery just to be ‘perfect’ and to put on a persona that’s not me- no thanks.  I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I enjoy my exercise, it makes me feel good and that’s enough even though sometimes I do have doubts about my body, I see so much ‘perfection’ online that I often feel like I’m expected to look the same. I prefer to be stronger, fitter, have muscles and just be myself any day, than worry about what snap chat filter to use, or how much money I need to go under the knife or change my personality to impress people, so just take me as I am.

13. Also if you are in a relationship be honest about it. We don't need to see the ins and outs. That's no ones business other than yours and your partners, but leading other people on, showing other people your attention, letting them think that you're single and they may have a chance with you, when in actual fact you're not and they don't have a single chance whatsoever. That's not on. Not only does it upset the person your paying attention to, it will also upset your partner and then most likely everyone loses in some way shape or form. So just don’t do it. It's almost a form of cheating and I don't have time for cheaters. There will be no second chances with cheaters. If you are not 150% in your relationship and you want to be with and pay attention to other people, then break up. 

Once you make your partner feel like they're not the only one, whether it's cheating or not, that's a rule breaker. If you are paying attention and showing interest and appearing keen and single to others, when you're in a relationship, perhaps you need to take a good look at your own relationship and decide if it's for you or not. Maybe the relationship isn’t strong enough to keep going, sometimes you have to be honest with yourself, and especially if someone within the relationship, is wanting to make eyes at other people and wander, that’s not showing your partner any respect. (Not everyone deserves everyone’s respect, and that’s life, just don’t be unkind about it). Decide if things need to change and work on them. Don't throw your relationship away before you think about it properly, but if you’re not into the relationship 150%, throwing the relationship away is probably the best option. No one likes to break relationships up, but maybe walking away from the relationship is what needs to happen too. Look at Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth? Sad they couldn't work it out and make they're marriage last, but they obviously weren't happy, and the following behaviour, especially from Miley where she wanted to wander, she really wasn’t ready to settle, she wanted to be with other people, now I think they are both better off apart. You should be in a relationship for the right reasons. Is there a reason someone is paying attention to someone else and showing them interest? Are they really ready to settle? Or do they still need time to be with other people?

If there's someone else, before you go breaking everyone's hearts, make sure that someone else gets your complete and full attention, don't go doing the same thing by paying a person number 3 the attention you paid person number 2, when you just left your last relationship with person number 1 for. Does that make sense? Prove to the current person you are with (even if it means you broke up with someone to be with someone else), that they are the only one for you, and that you only have eyes for them. They deserve that at least. Person number 2 doesn't need you running around behind their back giving person number 3 attention, just like you did with person number 1 to get to person number 2.

Just don't cheat. Break up before you move on is all I'm saying.

14. Going back to all things Dutch, maybe I’m learning the language for one of many reasons; to impress a guy and get his attention, and I don’t know how successful it is, but it’s my way of trying and/or making an effort because he is still in my head. He is Dutch, he works abroad for 95% of the year, he doesn’t even live in Australia and the situation is incredibly far fetched and that damn difficult, I don’t even understand why I would even want to pursue this idea, but if you really can’t let something go, you put in the effort, you try and want to make it work, right? He will not leave my thoughts and I miss him way too much, more than what I should. I would love it if he either let me make an effort or he made a little effort in return, but I don’t expect too much really, I’m sure I’m flogging a dead horse after eight months and counting. Maybe he’s just someone who’s very easy on the eyes 💪 who I can only like from a distance 😍. I would like to be his friend, I would like to take him home and have sex with him and I would like to get to know him. Situations can be hard, and situations can come with huge limitations and often situations distort reality, I get all that, but give me a little credit. I hope he thinks about me just as much as I think about him. I hope he misses me just as much and I hope some days he thinks about the exact same things as I do, like wanting to get to know me too, or wanting to come to bed with me… naked… 💋 I suddenly have Tove Lo’s Talking Body in my head.

15. If he wants to see me, or wants to give something a go with me, be it anything, then I’m giving him a few choices: Don’t fly straight home at the start of the holidays, come to Bairnsdale, het is niet zo moeilijk om een supermarktmerk in Bairnsdale te vinden waar ik voor werk, omdat iedereen boodschappen nodig heeft. Be my personal travel guide… Netherlands… Caribbean… Miami… Please transfer and be around when the 30/01/2021 arrives. I’d love to see a friendly and familiar face. I will be partaking in water slides, mini golf, ice skating, and laser tag and I will consider surfing and rock climbing. I still have around 14 months to go until my holiday and I’m not giving up hope that I will see him again yet but maybe one day I will if I can’t see anything working, I can’t hold on to nothing forever.

16. Would I like to contact him? Would I like him to contact me? Fuck yes, but I’m not here to beg for his attention. I also feel I shouldn’t, that I haven’t got the right to, so I sit here quietly thinking about him and doing nothing about it…. So, I’ve said my piece. I’m interested in him and I think about him every day. Everything tells me not to be, but here I am, still interested. I’ve tried contacting before it didn’t work, and I can only hope I see him again sooner, rather than later, for one last opportunity and where possible, there’s a way around the situation- whether it works or not, whether I can try and contact him or not, time will tell. I do think he’s around again for a reason, I just hope that, that can extend out until January 2021 if that’s the only chance available. If everything fails, it fails, and at least I can say I tried without bailing before giving it a chance and I’ll accept whatever life throws at me, I’m used to that. I will ask though; I’d like to know why Australia is on the cards again at the same familiar home? I appreciate it regardless and although I hate the fact I’m not around this time and it’s so long before my holiday and wishing I could find the time to see him sooner, I’m sticking around aren’t I? I’ll just be over there instead of the familiar, as I said I’m loyal. All I can say is, please accept my feelings for what they are. I can’t ask for my feelings to be reciprocated even though I would like them to be, I guess I would just like them to be have been acknowledged.

[seeyouwednesdayrecords]

Anxiety Tripping at the Gates of the Merriweather Post Pavilion

A Guide to Going to Shows Alone

Leila Escandar

The conversation tends to follow this format:

Person A: “Who'd you go with?”

Me: “Uh, it was just me.”

Person A: “So, you went by yourself?”

Me: *Mentally* “That’s exactly what I just said.”  

Me: *Aloud* “Well, I booked my ticket when I saw they'd be here. When I found someone who'd want to go, too, it was already sold out. So, yeah, I went by myself.”

Maybe if I was having this conversation a few years ago, I would have been Person A. I’d react in mild surprise that someone would go to an event that involves a lot of waiting around in some form of a crowd- be it a door line, bar line, bathroom line, or general admission crowd-without company. Wouldn’t that be lonely or-even worse(!)- boring? Wouldn’t you feel uncomfortable standing around while groups of friends or couples chatted mindlessly around you in between sets? Wouldn’t you be aware that people might notice you standing there alone for so long you must not have come with anyone else?

                                                 ~~~

It was a deceivingly spring day circa mid-April in New York. I debated bringing a jacket for almost half an hour before leaving my apartment. I was going to a show at a venue that just opened in Greenpoint. If you don't know where that is, it's the a little east of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. An extension of the hip, but where trains don't go. Living in Florida for over a decade gave me the deviced notion that not everywhere offers coat check. Upon walking out of the door of my building, I knew skipping on a light spring jacket was a grave mistake, but I went with it & continued on my way to the train.

I got there late, hoping to not wait through the first band, but the line indicated it was the actual time of the doors opening (regardless of the advertised time on the ticket sale). I felt a combination of frustration that I'd have to watch the opener & contentedness that this new venue was already off schedule while I waited for the ID checkpoint, with the confusing April breeze under the sunshine trying to throw off my body temperature.

There was a massive line at the entrance bar I dreaded waiting in en route to the ladies room, noting the irony of passing coat check before entering the restroom. On my way out, I contemplated the line for the bar before forfeiting and pulling the door open to the performance area. There was already a large crowd in the general admission section, but the opener hadn't even started sound check.

I made my way to the line-lacking bar (ha-those suckers needing a drink upon entry), yards beyond the stage, and ordered my first of two overpriced craft beers before working my way stage right through the crowd, finding myself in notable visibility. I was surrounded by people well beyond my age (doubled even), a father & underage son, a mass of drunken couples, & one other solo flyer to show who I’d later find out was lost from his friend due to a dead phone, and would eventually let me score front row access due to my lack of height. When we talked after the encore, he asked if I came alone, and when I answered yes, his response was something along the lines of being impressed.

That’s the word he used: impressive. I’m forced to question that diction. Impressive is a word used to describe something that takes more of a skill level or a relentless amount of hard work, like being able to type 120 wpm or graduating from law school while working full time. Not something as easy as drinking a couple of beers and seeing a band you love.

                                                   ~~~

There is a subtle stigma about doing things, though, that are perceived as a social activity by yourself, that perhaps only exists as a projection onto others because of our own egos. As if humans weren’t already inherently vulnerable to the need of seeking approval for centuries upon millenniums, the invention of social media has only amplified that need to a crippling extent. Realistically, I can’t comment on if it was more of a social norm to attend a concert alone thirty years ago, but I can comment on the reactions I get now whenever I go see a band I like solo (see above).

My first experience of going to a concert alone was Cinco de Mayo 2015. We do Secret Santa in my family for the past 6 or so years, yet it never remains confidential. That year, one of my sisters had gotten me, and I told her all I wanted was a ticket to the Neutral Milk Hotel show in Orlando. It was allegedly  their last tour as a band (I say allegedly because to this day, July 1st, 2017, they have yet to perform together again, but you know how final tours go). I luckily got the ticket, expecting she'd buy herself one too. For whatever reason, she hadn't. No worry, Amanda would just go with me, but she waited just long enough to buy her ticket that it was already sold out by the time she took the initiative.

I remember the day of and my mom telling me to skip the two hour drive to Orlando, it wasn't worth it. Naturally I didn't take her advice, and shortly after was on 1-4, blaring “In An Aeroplane Over The Sea” in anticipation of my soon to be role of Jeff Mangum Fangirl Extraordinaire.

They did a Broadway-esque performance, i.e. no photography beyond authorized press or you’re getting kicked it out. It’s a unique protocol to enforce, and makes for an experience nothing short of spectacular.  It was an amazing night where nobody was attached to their phones. There was no video evidence we had attended. We were all living in the present and experiencing the music. It felt somewhat isolated without familiar company, but I made show friends. Leaving the venue with chills, I couldn’t imagine having missed that for the fear of going by myself.  

A few months later, I was living in Brooklyn, and if you didn’t already know, there is one major benefit of living in the city for any music lover: no musician skips it, despite the length of their tour. The uninhibited need to go see bands I love even though I had no friends here that had my music taste started slowly. First it was The Dig. I’d bought a ticket for myself, and on my way there, found a who friend decided to tag along with me.

Planning on going alone to that show, though, sparked a new level of comfort in going to see whoever I wanted to, because I wanted to. First it was Andrew Bird at Terminal 5, & shortly thereafter Peter, Bjorn,& John at Baby’s All Right. Then Conor Oberst for my (6th?) time. Then Beirut at Celebrate Brooklyn, & I already had a Ticketmaster gift card through work that'd cover the ticket.

It started feeling normal. A good friend’s brother’s band,The Fritz, at Arlene’s Grocery in September. A friend suggested Explosions in the Sky, & of course I was going, even if they hadn't asked. The Good Life announced their first tour in years. Conor Oberst released Ruminations and would be playing at Carnegie Hall a month later. Tickets were pricey, but I was going. The pattern is clearly becoming visible. It wasn’t as though I was forming the habit of going to see live music, but breaking the bad habit of believing I needed someone to go with me if I wanted to go.  It went from feeling normal to just being natural, and once something starts feeling familiar, you have a much better understanding of why.

Let’s  break down the three (most likely) reasons people attends concerts:

They want to  hang out with their friends under the influence of one/multiple substances and have an excuse to be loud/listen to loud music.

They want the bragging right’s of seeing a particular band, even though they only song they know by that band. (For instance, in 2015 a friend and I overheard a girl at a Modest Mouse concert in Florida saying she “drove all the way from North Carolina to see Modest Mice. I really hope they play ‘Floating Away’”). Alternatively, they are trying to see as many bands as possibly (again, mostly for bragging rights). This second tier of bragging rights is mostly those fest-people, you know, the hoopers, the fire-spinners, the burners, the wookies. The people who brag about seeing Kendrick and Alabama Shakes, but only saw 10 minutes of each of their sets at Bonnaroo.

They want to experience their favorite music live. They want a genuine experience that brings them closer to the music that has gotten them through the best and worst time of their lives.

If you are like me, you go to concerts for reason number 3 (although sometimes 1 & 2 can be fun, supporting perks of reason number 3). If you are going for reason number 3, the first few shows you go to alone do make you experience that unspoken judgement of attending them by yourself. The reason you keep going to shows alone is because of how you feel afterward.

I recently read an article that may have been pop psychology, but speculated that people who go see live music are overall happier than those who don’t. We are all just trudging through our days wondering what the meaning of it all is, searching for happiness, so why not take action toward doing things that  foster some form of joy. Even if that means going to shows alone...

[gerrybasaunit5]

Research Road Dahl  James and The Giant Peach

This story is about the a boy who is forced to live with his abusive aunts because his parents who were killed by rhinoceros as they were eaten to death. A stranger gave him green “Crocodile tongues” when drunk with water, will bring him happiness and great adventures. On the way home he spilled spills the crocodile tongues onto a barren peach tree, which then produces a single peach that grows nearly the size of a house. When James found took a closer look at the peach he saw a tunnel leading to the peach seeds. There he saw human sized talking invertebrates. They traveled to new York when the peach rolled down the tree causing critical damage to its path killing some of his friends. After they got to new York people mistakenly thought the peach was a bomb, calling all army to destroy it and keep people safe. James in the end appears from the peach and told the story that the peach isn't a bomb and now lives in new York central park. Him and his friends establish careers in the human world in the end.

The quote “ 'There was not a sound anywhere. Travelling upon the peach was not in the least like travelling in an aeroplane. The aeroplane comes clattering and roaring through the sky, and whatever might be lurking secretly up there in the great cloud-mountains goes running for cover at its approach. That is why people who travel in aeroplanes never see anything.' is where James and his companions were travelling to new York where they discovered something fascinating on the way as the peach floats through the ocean. 

“The Centipede, who had begun dancing wildly around the deck during this song, had suddenly gone too close to the downward curving edge of the peach, and for three awful seconds he had stood teetering on the brink, swinging his legs frantically in circles in an effort to stop himself from falling over backward into space. But before anyone could reach him - down he went! He gave a shriek of terror as he fell, and the others, rushing to the side and peering over, saw his poor long body tumbling over and over through the air, getting smaller and smaller until it was out of sight.”  this is another quote  that i can choose from the book as it has a good sentences to animate. 

  characters i want to animate : characteristics

James - he’s the main character of the story. James i incredibly lonely and wishes to spend time with children his own age.

centipede - has 42 legs, is very particular about his boots, and is in the habit of telling stories through songs. Despite the charming elements of his joking,outspoken personality, Centipede’s outlandish personality sometimes gets him into trouble.

earthworm -   Long, blind, and very self-defensive, Earthworm is the most pessimistic of the peach passengers, and he frequently quarrels with the high-spirited Centipede. Earthworm repeatedly points out that the peach is doomed and that its passengers are surely soon to die. He is also critical of some of James's plans; in fact, he is used as "bait" for James's successful seagull scheme, though he has the fortune to emerge unscathed.

spider -  Despite her scary appearance (and her status as an animal that many humans misunderstand), Miss Spider is incredibly kind and acts as a caring mother figure towards James. She is responsible for spinning the hammock-like beds for all of the passengers of the peach, and her skillful spinning is very useful later in the novel. In particular, Miss Spider's skills are essential in the peach's escape from danger; at sea, she spins the strands of rope that James needs for his daring seagull scheme.

ladybug -  proud of her status and her nine spots (a number that makes her superior to two- and five-spotted ladybugs, at least in her own eyes), Ladybug is a kind and friendly female passenger. She often comforts James and encourages him, building his confidence and offering assistance whenever the group faces an obstacle. She is even a member of a species that is prized for its service to humans; ladybugs, as it turns out, eat crop-destroying pests and are thus welcomed by farmers and gardeners.

glowworm -  Glow-worm provides the light for the interior of the peach. (She is not in fact a worm, but a female firefly without wings, as Centipede explains.) While Glow-worm does not speak often in the novel, she does take on a very important job after arriving in New York City: she becomes the light inside the torch of the Statue of Liberty

silk worm -  The female Silkworm is by no means the most outspoken passenger on the peach. For the most part, she remains sleepy and inactive, though she does have an incredibly important role in saving the peach from the attacking sharks: here, she spins as much silk as possible for James to wrap around the seagulls' necks. She saves the day in another instance as well, when she spins enough silk for James to jump off of the peach to save Centipede.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie Bucket comes from a poor family, and spends most of his time dreaming about the chocolate that he loves but usually can't afford. Things change when Willy Wonka, head of the very popular Wonka Chocolate empire, announces a contest in which five gold tickets have been hidden in chocolate bars and sent throughout the country. The kids who find the tickets will be taken on a tour of Wonka's chocolate factory and get a special glimpse of the wonders within. Charlie miraculously finds a ticket, along with four other children much naughtier than him. The tour of the factory will hold more than a few surprises for this bunch.

'"Wash your face, comb your hair, scrub your hands, brush your teeth, blow your nose, cut your nails, polish your shoes, iron your shirt, and for heaven's sake, get all that mud off your pants! You must get ready, my boy! You must get ready for the biggest day of your life!"' 

The Big Friendly Giant (BFG)

'It is quite possible that one or two late-night wanderers might have thought they saw a tall black shadow skimming swiftly down a murky side street, but even if they had, they would never have believed their own eyes. They would have dismissed it as an illusion and blamed themselves for seeing things that weren't there.'

The BFG takes Sophie with him to Dream Country where he catches dreams to give to children, and introduces her to a magical world. In their adventures, they end up starting a war in Giant Country and Sophie convinces the BFG to report the giants to the Queen of England and have the giants that eat humans rounded up and jailed by officials.

[objectivesubjectivity]

“I” albums recap.

4 weeks and 96 albums, this is recap #9 of 26.

Discoveries

1. Emo, Hip-Hip, “I” albums, and the ego.

I love hip-hop. I love emo. You could probably go so far as to say that they are my two favorite genres. Until this past month, I found this to be an oddity, two seemingly disparate styles of music that I tended to listen to more often than indie rock or alt-country or 90s alt-rock or motown.

But then the “I” albums happened.

Of the 82 albums that I own beginning with the letter “I,” 35 fell in the “emo” category and 16 in “hip-hop.” 

That’s 62%. Two out of every three albums I listened to over the past four weeks landed in the genre of either emo or hip-hop. And it got me thinking. Maybe they aren’t so disparate after all...

Let’s look at the letter “I.” It is the self, the ego. Hip-Hop is chock full of self-aggrandizing and self-congratulation. Emo is chock full of self-deprecation and questioning ones self-worth. On first glance these may seem like polar opposites but perhaps they are one of the same. Drake rapping, “I’m the fucking best,” is as obsessive and insecure as Ian McKaye wailing, “I’m a failure.” The need to pride oneself in hip-hop mirrors the need to shame oneself in emo. The two genres are mired in self-reflection. 

The other day, I was talking to my fiancee about how I obsessively question the quality of my work and, simultaneously, have an incessant need to for my work to be revered by those around me.  I embody this dichotomy between the two genres: the worry that “I’m a failure,” and the need to be “the fucking best.” 

So the next time you’re listening to Biggie or Brand New, one may say “I got that good dick, girl, you didn’t know?” and the other might say, “I never get anything right,” but underneath it all, they’re basically saying the same thing.

2. “I” guess you just didn’t make the cut.

“Indoor Living” was the first Superchunk album I owned. The title also happens to be the name of a track on Top 100 contender album, “I Am the Movie.” Plus, it was only through Motion City Soundtrack’s listing of Superchunk as an influence on their myspace page that I made the initial dive and bought “Indoor Living” in the “Scuffs” section at Everyday Music in downtown Portland, having heard nothing of their music prior. That lead to an obsession with the band and, having recently picked up their self-titled debut, I now own almost everything they’re ever released to compact disc. 

That story alone should have warranted a spot on the list. 

But it didn’t.

Soul Coughing’s “Irresistible Bliss” seemed like a shoe-in after their album “El Oso,” surprisingly made the cut. I had dubbed Soul Coughing the best band of the 90s earlier on in the project, and with only three albums in their entire discography, it seemed only right that the first one I purchased, the one with “Soft Serve,” “Sleepless,” and “The Idiot Kings,” would land a spot.

But it didn’t.

And then comes “I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning,” Bright Eyes’ foray into full blown folk, which I purchased from the Sam Goody in the Cross County Mall in Yonkers on the day it was released. I was in college and was surrounded by musical snobbery (of which I was a part, I make no excuses). I had to hide my love of Conor’s pitchy whine and frequent self-depreciation. Or, if not hide, at least temper my idea of his worth. But the world loved “I’m Wide Awake,” my friends played “Road to Joy,” at full blast and drunkenly shouted along with the creed, “Let’s fuck it up boys. Make some noise!” The Omaha poet was finally getting the credit he deserved. Even the great Emmylou Harris stopped by to lend her talents and pay her respects. There was no way that this album, this pinnacle of a career, wouldn’t cement a place on the list.

But it didn’t.

And then there was “Innervisions,” featuring some of Stevie Wonder’s greatest work (“He’s Mistra Know It All,”), The Strokes’ simple masterpiece, “Is This It?” and even, “Illmatic,” the stunning debut of Queens’ finest MC. 

There were 8 “I” albums, that, going into this project, I was fairly certain to absolutely sure would be contenders. But they weren’t.

There’s something about the letter “I,” the obsession with self, which launched my subjectivity into hypersensitive mode. I tried to listen to these albums with my ears and not the collective criticism and historical and personal context surrounding them. And, for one reason or another, only 4 out of 82 “I” albums made the cut. 

3. Where’s the Pop-Punk?

This is the first letter that didn’t add to the Pop Punk Plethora counter (a Pop-Punk album released between 1995 and 2005).  

Surprise Non-Contenders

These are albums I had thought, before the quest, would make the cut but, for one reason or another, didn’t.

Superchunk - Indoor Living

Stevie Wonder - Innervisions

Soul Coughing - Irresistible Bliss

The Strokes - Is This It?

The Lemonheads - It’s a Shame About Ray

Nas - Illmatic

I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business - I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business

Bright Eyes - I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning

Top 100 Contenders from the “H” Albums

This is also reflected in the image at the top of the blog.

Motion City Soundtrack - I Am The Movie (Debut)

Coheed and Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (+60)

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Say Anything - ...Is A Real Boy

Odds and Ends

Total albums listened to: 819

Total contenders: 59

Total weeks spent: 36

Total PPP (Pop-Punk Plethora) albums listened to: 35 (or 4.2%)

Total Debut albums on the Top 100 list: 15 (or 25.4%)

Total +60 albums on the Top 100 list: 12 (or 20.3%)

Total PPP albums on the Top 100 list: 1 (or 1.7%)

[mumknowsbestaus]

Your Ultimate Guide to Top Things to do in Sydney with Kids

It is not always that one can find quality time to spend with their kids in these modern times driven by deadlines.

So, it’s only rational to savour every opportunity which presents itself every once in a while.

When you're flying with children to Sydney, numerous such opportunities arise for you to explore together. From Sydney Opera House being one of the most influential 20th century architecture, to the beaches of the city sprawling several miles, the options are too many to miss.

Several places like the Luna Park, the museums, Ice skating rinks and the famous Vivid Sydney festival where the entire city comes to life are sure to get the fun times rolling.

Here are some tips for exploring these must visit places in the city. Check them out!

1. Sydney’s Animal Encounters

Although a huge continent, Australia’s enormous size works in its favour as it packs truly unique flora and fauna for you to discover.

What is more exciting is the fact that most of it can be observed in Sydney itself! Located across the city are various farms, zoos, parks and sanctuaries. One of which is the Taronga Zoo; it  houses different animals from different parts of the world.

And of course, it boasts of an incredible view of the city for your family to enjoy.

Finally, off the coast of Sydney, your kids can spot and enjoy migrating whales which travel across the Indian Ocean to come to the continent’s shores.

2. Luna Park

What kids don’t love fun? Luna Park is perhaps the most apt place in Sydney for exactly that. It has a variety of rides for your little ones to enjoy.

And then there is the incredible Coney Island, full of laughter and fun with an amazing view over the harbour.

The numerous side shows and contests which the island offers are an added bonus for your children to participate in.

3. A Ferry trip

We strongly recommend the beautiful Sydney harbour that gives you an opportunity to take a ferry ride across it and explore the calm sea in between.

Various passing cruise ships and big shipment vessels are a guarantee to inspire awe in the minds of the young explorers.

What is even better is the fact that all this is available for a mere $2.50 per person. Indeed, a very small price to pay for a wonderful experience of a lifetime.

4. UNESCO Convict Sites

Perhaps unknown to the general world, Australia’s history has been tumultuous. A rich history unexplored and awaiting for the world to see.

A continent built by the toil of prisoners and convicts. Out of the 11 convict sites in Australia, 4 are present in Sydney.

They are usually open to the public on most days of the week and they offer a glimpse back to the past when the modern Australia was being formed by the sheer will of the convicts.

5. Sydney Opera House

The great opera house of Sydney is one of the most influential architectural marvels of the 20th century. It is also enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is not always that you can visit world heritage sites, let alone with your kids.

Every year it hosts several shows for children, more than they host operas. In our opinion, it would be a wonderful experience for them to cherish fondly.

6. Explore Circular Quay

The circular quay is the original foundation site of the city. It is an active hub located at an opportune place in the heart of Sydney. I say opportune because the locals regard it as a gateway to the city.

One side of the quay leads to the Sydney Opera house and the other to the Harbour Bridge. How convenient is that, right?

You could also take your kids and stroll in the area and find many street performers performing their art. It would be a delight to watch kids being thrilled and amazed by street magicians and dancers.

7. Sets of Home and Away

It is the birthplace of many actors from Australia who are now working as prominent actors in Hollywood. Remember Mr. Hemsworth as Thor? He is Australian. Then you have Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and many more.

Kids love superheroes, don’t they? I know I do. Here in Australia they get to see where ‘Thor’ was brought up. A chance that must not be missed!

8. Darling Harbour

All this running and exploring will tire out everyone eventually, even the most energetic and lively of children. In comes the great darling harbour. A must visit place if you want to gorge on delicious cuisines and food from all over the world.

The streets are full of Indian, Chinese, Thai, Continental, American and Mexican cuisines. No kid will walk away dissatisfied, this we promise.

9. The beautiful daisies in the gardens

Sydney is full of a large number of lush gardens to explore and walk in. From daisies to lilies, marigolds to roses, you'll find all kinds of flowers in these gardens. So we urge you to visit there and explore away with your children!

10. The Beaches

Sydney being located on the edge of the continent, is blessed with a number of good beaches. They sprawl tens of miles and you can always find a private place for yourself and your young ones to enjoy.

You can explore the shores together, go swimming, ride a jet ski or lie down and soak in the sun. We advise you to carry buckets and shovels, because the kids would love to build sand castles with them.

11. Museums

What do you do when clouds interrupt clear blue skies and it starts to rain? You head to a museum and let the artefacts and fossils take care of your time.

Some of the museums that you would enjoy exploring with the kids are the Discovery Museum, Living Museums, Rocks Discovery Museums and the Jewish Museum. While you're at it, do not forget the museum of Fire. Going by the name, it is something I know I wouldn’t want to miss.

12. An Afternoon High Tea

It is perhaps one of the few drinks which you can enjoy with your kids; a simple cup of unassuming tea. Yes, just like most Americans love their cold bottle of beer, people in Australia love their tea. So do not worry, you'll get a lot of variety to taste in various parts of Sydney.

We recommend the Disney High Tea experience highly.

13. When sky is the limit

There is a little stargazer in all of us, especially our kids. This fascination can lead you and your family to wonderful new adventures across the city. Your kids can learn about aeroplanes, physics of the solar system and watch stars at an observatory.

And if the kids do get bored, there is always an ace up your sleeve with iFly. It is a thrilling place where you can skydive, but safely on the ground in a wind tunnel, because safety is paramount, is it not?

14. Nothing like a good walk

Walking is one of the most beneficial exercises for the body. Every parent wants their kids to adopt a healthy lifestyle. What better way to instil this habit in your kids than to do it with them?

You can put on a pair of sneakers and start strolling around the city with your little ones. A city surrounded by water offers many ideal places for sightseeing. Fortunately, a lot of options present themselves in the form of beautiful bridges. A fulfilling walk on any of those bridges is not only good for the body, but also soothes the mind.

You can consider these routes to explore on foot.

Bondi to Coogee walk, Brick Pit walk, Federation cliff walk and the famous Spit Bridge to Manly walk; always invigorating and fulfilling.

15. Playground fun

Playgrounds are a great place for fun, family and bonding. Children enjoy visiting one and spending quality time there. This not only gives you a much needed break, but also provides a great opportunity for your kids to socialise and make new friends.

There is certainly no dearth of options around Sydney to choose from. We recommend the Farfield Adventure Park which is a great spot for teens and kids alike. There is always an activity to choose from at Farfield.

And if you're looking for some place less adventurous than Farfield, you must visit the Sydney Park and Blaxland Riverside Park which are suitable for all ages.

16. Get your skates on

Who would have thought that Sydney of all places would have an ice skating rink, right? But the city is fast growing a reputation for ice skaters who enjoy ice skating indoors in state of the art facilities.

Have you ever heard of the Parramatta Winterlight Festival? It is one time when you can go ice skating outside!

Some of the best ice skating rinks around Sydney are the Macquarie Ice Rink, Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Rink, Penrith Ice Palace and the Ice Zoo Sydney.

17. Haunted Sydney

Do you have kids who enjoy a good ghost story once in a while? Sydney offers plenty of haunted places to choose from and visit. Although not all are recommended for your kids, we are sure you would find one which suits your family.

Some of the better places are the Quarantine Station, Macquarie Fields Train Station, Gladesville Mental Hospital, Callan Park, Studley Park House, The Rocks, Central Station Ghost Platforms and our favourite, The Street with no Name. There are rumours of strange vibes felt by dogs there and weird sounds heard nearby.

18. Secret Sydney

Most of the locations in Sydney are discoverable by tourists. But there are some, about which, the locals would be slow to tell you. Perhaps the locals want all the tranquillity to themselves or they are just unwilling to share these beautiful spots with others. Don’t worry, we have got you covered.

Places like the Wendy's Secret Garden, the Auburn Botanic Gardens are a joy to venture in and relax your mind. Then there is the Nicholson Museum, it boasts of the largest collection of antiquities. And of course, the beautiful Parramatta Lake. You simply cannot miss them as they promise you a great time with the kids.

19. Vivid Sydney

A festival like no other, it runs for 23 days each winter. There are a plethora of installations all around the city to bring it to life at night. These installations offer a great range of activities to experience with your kids.

Places like the Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and the Botanic Gardens, all come to life at night. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful festivals you'll witness in the world.

20. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

We all know that not everyone has the heart to dive straight into the deep blue sea to explore its wonders, I know I don’t. And this is where the Sea Life Aquarium comes to our aid. It has the world’s largest collection of Australian aquatic life.

From sharks and dugongs, to stingrays and seahorses, you can discover 14 themed areas with your family on a journey through the aquarium. And if you're willing, you can get up close and personal with the mighty sharks!

In our opinion, the best part of the aquarium is the long tunnel park. Imagine all the wonders of the sea and its magnificent creatures, but behind the safety of a glass. This would be an experience that your kids will never forget.

21. Featherdale Wildlife Park

This park offers you a chance to meet the koalas, hand feed the kangaroos and watch the Ngukurr, largest living reptile species native to Australia.

The location of the park is ideal as it is situated in Sydney’s western region, and lies on the way to the World Heritage Listed, The Blue Mountains.

The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. It also has cassowaries and quoll breeding precincts which will allow you to watch these endangered animals up close with your children. Don’t worry; a guide is always available to be with you at every step of the way.

After watching the wombats, echidnas and owls in these precincts, you can head straight to the souvenir shop to enjoy your lunch and tea. A train station or a bus stop isn’t far either.

22. The Australian Museum

This museum deserves a special mention for the simple reason that it was the first public museum in Australia’s history. Its huge collection is dedicated to natural history, dinosaurs, the indigenous Australians and the unique wildlife of the continent.

Open from 9am to 5pm, the museum has 10 complete dinosaur skeletons and offers behind-the-scenes tours and plenty of activities for children.

As for adults, you wouldn’t want to miss the Menagerie, a contemporary sculpture exhibition. It features established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists, who have produced exceptional sculpture works of various native animals.

23. Sydney Harbour Tall Ships

Have you ever had the chance to sail aboard 18th century ships? At Campbell’s Cove situated in The Rocks, you get a chance to do the very same. There are numerous cruise ships here. The only difference is that these ships are artefacts from history and yet operational, with mast and sails still intact and the wood carefully preserved.

Children wouldn’t want to miss the adventure of a lifetime. Why? Because it is not often that you can help the crew hoist the sails and watch the canvas fill with wind. A qualified crew will even help you in climbing the mast and present a unique view to you and your kids.

24. The Sydney Tower

For $18 an adult and $11 a child, you can go to the top of the Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest freestanding structure. It stands at a mighty 1,014 ft and has an observation deck with breathtaking view of the skyline.

And for a few extra bucks, you get to take your kids on a walk of a lifetime. The Sydney Tower skywalk which is almost 900 ft above the city streets has a glass floor to look down through.

25. The Blue Mountains

And finally, we recommend to you the majestic Blue Mountains. They are situated in a region of west Sydney in New South Wales. There is also a cable car service from atop the peaks. Can you imagine the bewilderment and excitement that your kids would be barely able to contain?

Your eyes will gorge on beautiful scenery, and together with your family, you'll be close to nature and closer to each other.

So, what are you waiting for?

The world of opportunity awaits if you plan on flying with kids to Sydney. For every second in the hot Australian sun, you'll have plenty of gardens to shade you. For every mad ride at an amusement park, you'll have lakes and mountains to bring you tranquillity and a sense of togetherness with nature.

A holiday well spent with your family and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

The following post Your Ultimate Guide to Top Things to do in Sydney with Kids is available on: { https://www.mumknowsbest.com.au/

[saynoutodrugs]

To you I

To you I dedicate this poem this self referential misanthropy

To you I dedicate Alfian Sa’at mumbled to the open sea I give you broken sonnets miscalculated meters everything that screams amateur job

I give you wanders through green zones in a business world I give you car rides guess the composer ramen in orchard

I give you crushed cigarettes shared bus rides to lies meeting my friends know your music don't know your name

To you I dedicate braces my academic interests are mainly before bed Buddhism pleasures but temporary I give you things that make no sense

To you I give run on sentences enthusiasm for literary criticism I give you half drunk and half burgers midnight sights over the city secret garden lost souls

I give you secret codes obscure references I give you abstractions of my mind I give you planes of references for which you have no use

To you I dedicate my pensive moments train rides letters upon letters to you mistakes upon mistakes To you I dedicate how everything always comes out jumbled

To you I dedicate coconut drinks in martini glasses I dedicate thick green shirts in hot weather to you I dedicate filler words and awkward standing

I dedicate pointless crying and more walks through bishan to you I dedicate empty timelines and midnight ball dances odd pouts into the distance miscalibrated words you will never see

To you I offer aeroplanes over girl with waving head lying on park bench lying on floor feeling sick Sociopath to sociopath to autistic fuck I offer mutual friends I offer the chance to meet someone new

To you I give stream of consciousness James Joyce loving Mad Men two girls twice pretentious I give you words strung together trying too hard

To you I give damn T type heartlessness Perpetual misunderstandings and unshared silences to you I give the boys will always be competitive what’s this about

To you I offer latent dream content twice removed thrice substituted to you I offer my dirtiest kinks homoerotic shock value

To you I dedicate line breaks and grief in all its shades

For you I break rules to say I love your shoulder and lack of consistency disguised as authenticity To you I give nothing is real

For you I hold epistemic black boxes Warm bosoms warm morning showers To you I dedicate ghost girls and why does mike only talk to girls To you I dedicate more references nobody will get

To you I give trying to make sense and to you I give jet fuels my broken picture on the wall I give what do you care I give fool making I give you 24/7 misanthropy services

To you I give trying to get Quentin Tarantino I give 10pm curfews I give you Phoenix Park to you I give bagels for breakfast and I give you new haircuts

To you I give I prefer the coiff I give you lone street light empty walk down  I give you mindef I give you snails named after philosophers I give you tragic backstories and references that hurt

To you I leave good old egotism To you I leave Paris, both, was that me To you I give I don’t want to keep in touch

To you I give almost nothing to resonate with I give you crushed teenage dreams To you I give everything that confuses to you I give self destructive tendencies To you I give the holy trinity

For you I have thoughts that still linger neck cranes through bench For you I leave all my poignancy for you I leave life is hard

For you I have I also wrote a short story I have undertones and undermeans and undermensch In you I have an eternal muse in you I have twenty lone street lights twenty used condoms twenty instagram followers eyes popped

In you I have a time bomb I have soon to be gone I have awkward nonbyes In you I have scattered across the seven seas to create depth In you I have words strung shoulder to shoulder

In you I have walks through Chinese Garden nasi lemak eaten weird In you I have high pitched voices with three gyms in Oriel In you I have little white lines

To you I leave montages I give you dirty scumbags and famous names old Chinese KTV songs Sergeant Chicken Rice Encik Tan the great Uber Futures Market

To you I give cancer autism PS Cafe To you I give toning it down to you I give no I don’t to you I give character development I give you honesty in all its flaws

Along with rushes down Golden Mile night drives I give Deserts and terrible parallel parking I give many bright lights I give Maxwell beers I give my first cigarette I give all my frustration

I give nothing of any worth I give everything you might not want I give Linguistic jokes mid sex for you I dedicate the longest obfuscation since Hitler I give dedicated to destroying me I give off the tip of my tongue

I damn your social climbing your moonlighting your ghostlighting Your fake friends fake orgasms fake status fake life fake cock I give you bitter tastes on the cusp of fake smiles I give you airbnbs

I give you social isolation and not liking anyone I give you holes to climb into for you I’ve saved space inside bagel factories and the way some people walk

I give you honouring your grandparents and the eternal flux I give you deadlines I give you how things change and how things are never the same I give you never ending circles

I give you Great Gatsby I give you Malaysia, twice I give you imprints blooming into youth I give you people I forget to remember I give you walks near Starbucks I give you Chilli’s I give you Myrth

I give you couple walking into distance I give you fucking chicken wings I give you sick undertones and saints and seas and I give you that one person at a party not having fun I give you unison between mind and body and everything holistic and I hope you die

I give you turning red in the face I give you secret societies I give you hugs from behind I give you my deepest jealousy I give you my deepest roots

I give you one like I give you different moods I give you walks down Bras Basah I give you walks down Dempsey I give you Yio Chu Kang I give you everything happens for a reason I give you things I can’t let go

I give you warm jazz and lights as you hug me to sleep I give you everything that means to I give you twelve stories 
I give you things that aren’t so clear

I give you paranoid schizophrenia I give you adventure time references I give you freudian slips I give you the easy way out I give you being wrong about everything 

You give me unjokes and inconsistency you give me panicked texts you give me dwelling on the negative You give me needing to explain myself you give me the other you give me blockades in neurosis you give me nothing is over yet

You give me This is a catharsis you give me hardened hearts you give me Realpolitik and bad philosophy and you give me smiling at you walks to Far East random lunch two hour comics rounds in supermarkets

You give me autistic Austrians you give me taxi driver dads burn bridges you give me forced laughter you give me you drooling into your food passed out drunk you give me borgie watch fairs you give me red flags and bad boys

For you I have everything that you could ever need For you I have oh yes indeed For you I have fires popped tires floppy cock in your morning brew

For you I have Israel and blasphemy and terrible tendencies To you I have my inner nature I have everything bad But you oh you

You have flopping about in yoga pants macbook get an interview you have midnight macdonalds golden KTVs you give me haunts in every spectre you give me little left to say you give me a hole into which words ever fall you give me this isn’t the end

To you I give plagiarized Brian Patten Teenage poetry no one reads to the end I give you a photo book with everything missing I give you everything I don't want and everything I have left