#it was difficult to rank their songs for this decade

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2023: #02 & #01 (Finale)

02. CZECHIA Vesna - "My sister's crown" 10th place

Decade ranking: 5/116 [Above Daði Freyr, below Käärijä]

Finland over Czechia seems like a no-brainer. Some midcarding bitches vs ~K*Ä*Ä*R*I*J*Ä~ come on, how hard can it be? Who is Czechia even for?!

ME, motherfucker. This entry is for ME, and FOR ME ALONE!!! and since this is MY ranking, that made the decision very difficult. It took me MONTHS to settle who to put at the top.

Vesna are often cited as one of the more overrated acts in the year. Overrated by whom? Who overrates Vesna? Isn't 10th a correct placement? i've met NO ONE who would even consider putting them as high as second? - and I obv don't count since it took me AN ETERITY to out myself as a Vesna stan!!

I'd counter that Czechia are THE MOST UNDERRATED by the fandom (not by placement - that is Slovenia, as always) and absolutely deserved all the good things that happened to them ^_^

So obviously, there are multiple factors at work here. The song is a fantastic earworm. Like, defo one of the best in the year? In terms of sheer replayability, "My Sister's Crown" is on the same level as "Edgar" (studio only :-/) and "Carpe Diem", and you know how much I value those. The song has four languages (including Bulgarian) and none of them clash. The lyrics are quotable and fun. This is a track with ATTITUDE and ZEST, that managed to criticize the war in Ukraine without beating us over the head with it via a poorly hidden, clumsily written political message. The song is SMART, and respects its listeners.

LOVE'S NOT A MONEY BAG BLOOD'S ON YOUR GOD'S HANDS YOU CANNOT STEAL OUR SOULS

However, going into the year, there were issues - Vesna were messy and dissonant, and the six girls often gave the impression of competing against each other for attention. They were not a UNIT. Although "My Sister's Crown" was always one of the best songs, many (including myself!) were sceptical it could come together.

And it did, spectacularly.

See, one of the things about this year is that the good performances and good songs were often mismatched. Albania, Estonia and Poland had great on-stage glam-ups, but they were severely hampered by the songs being what they were. Other countries such as France and Austria had good songs, but required really good acts to tie them together, and failed or, in case of say UK, has good acts that were performed badly.

If you made a Venn Diagram between the best songs and the biggest growers, there wouldn't be much overlap. Except for Czechia.

To quote Matteo Lane's pearl of wisdom; if there's only ONE GAY, everything gets done! Ahmad Malloun was the One Gay and channeled his bossbottom energy to fuss Vesna into shape. Suddenly, the girls were harmonious and disciplined and that made all the difference. Suddenly, Czechia had an act with a clear vision - Six women united visually through their outfits. Vesna had become a UNIT, united through sisterhood.

SESTRO KRASIVA OI TI SILYNA HOROBRA JEDINA KORONA TVOJA

It really doesn't get mentioned nearly often enough how amazing the Czech staging was. Sure, Loreen and Käärijä, both top notch. But this is my personal favourite of the bunch. It's a visually stunning, avant garde act that fits the music, that fits the thematics, that pulls you in and tells a story without overtly complicating matters. They start as a group of angry hexaplets and then burst into joyful sororian rapture at the end. The staging is both aesthetically pleasing and intuitive. They hit the gold standard for acts that everyone should try to strive for!!

There are times where I wonder whether I really should rank Vesna above Käärijä. My Sister's Crown fully morphed into a me-coded entry. And perhaps, if and when I watch 2023 again, I may do exactly that. For now though, I've decided against it. The argument for Finland is less complicated, so I went with that. And now for the winner of this ranking I am sure NOBODY saw coming ever:

-------------------------------------------------------------

01. FINLAND Käärijä - "Cha Cha Cha" 2nd place

Decade ranking: 4/116 [Above Vesna, below Chanel]

It's Käärijä, bitch.

I rest my case for ranking Finland first. I don't think anyone argues this as invalid? Good, let's pick it all apart because if there's anything Käärijä deserves, it is being talked about. 😉

So um, where to start? Maybe it's best to start with the song - "Cha Cha Cha" was that rare 1-in-500 entry. I always say that novelty always tends to become stale over time - once in a blue moon however, it endures. "Cha Cha Cha" is a novelty song that is also an excellent song in its own right, and it stil holds up very well. It's a fun song to listen to, even without all the circus and theatrics.

The circus and theatrics though, omg <3 Talk about a DELECTABLE act, once again. This is yet again an example of how staging compliments the song and makes it digestible. Cha Cha Cha is entirely in Finnish with only a few loan words tossed in - difficult to get into on paper. The staging however, brings the plot points home.

The song's about wanting to overcome anxieties to dance? So break from the crates

Confront the inner Dance Demons that harass your psyche

make your way to the dancefloor while dodging decapitation via errant wires.

and then, when you overcome all fears transition to that godly, campy key chance, ride your them, having overcome your inhibitions.

AND I GALLAVANT ON THE FLOOR LIKE A CHA CHA CHA AND MY ANXIETIES HAVE NO GRIP ON ME NO MORE

The act is BRILLIANT. The ballroom dancers with their creepy pearly-whites, the dorkopotamus choreography, the styling, the overwhelming sense of triumph once the key change hits... It's the same deal as Vesna and Loreen, just a handful of visual cues that visualize the song's themes (anxiety, rather than sisterhood or desolation) are easy to understand and don't further complicate matters. THIS is how it's done. This is how you Eurovision.

The magical ingredient that tied it all together was the man, the dad bod, the bolero himself - Käärijä. Talk about a personality so massive everything gravitated towards him. It's hard to put the extent of his likeability into words - he's just so disarmingly himself. The key here is that Käärijä doesn't see himself as anything special. To him, he's just "boy from Vantaa who likes queen Loreen". He's just self-aware enough to realize the effect he has on others, but not self-aware enough to understand what exactly endears him to so many people. So when Käärijä plays up for funsies, he magnifies all aspects of his personality which makes him... even more endearing. 😍

(it's the same magic dust that has people flock to Baby Lasagna this year, really.)

It's rare to have a contestant who managed to completely warp the meta around him to this extent. It's even more rare that the contestant in this position then loses the competition. I remember telling my friend André, who was behind on NF news, that Käärijä had won UMK, and he replied with an innocuous "great, I haven't been this excited for a contestant since Verka!". I think I realize in that moment, that was to be Käärijä's destiny. Verka was the Hot Favourite in their year, the breakout star of 2007 - and Verka placed second to a more competent entry (Molitva <3). It was in that moment that I knew that Käärijä's inevitable fate was to come second to Loreen.

And I feel like, we all knew deep down that was where we were headed. We all wanted Käärijä to win as much as we did, because we knew that he would not. He was blissfully cruising towards a loss, and that was too much of an injustice to accept it and not manifest a reality where he beats Sweden.

It even got to a point where some people are now retroactively trying push the notion Tattoo is better than Euphoria (that statement is more offensive than anything I've ever commited to print or speech, including the one time I called Lesley Roy frumpy on cam <3) and the best entry ever (excuse you?) largely because it beat Cha Cha Cha.

So if Käärijä is this great, then why the doubt? Why only fourth for the decade (for the moment)?

Well, it's same deal as Cornelia for me. The best live of Cha Cha Cha that we received was the first one, at UMK, and every other performance we've had since then was not as good. The one in Eurovision had terrible vocals and slightly less impressive staging compared to UMK. I know right? The ESC staging did MORE and yet accomplished LESS. They got rid of all the wrestling references? Where's the close-up at the end? The arena? THE LIFT?

Sure, these inaccuracies didn't detract from my personal enjoyment of Cha Cha Cha. They however did allow for Käärijä to fall behind far enough behind Loreen in the jury vote so that he could no longer catch up with her in the televote, like a death by a thousand paper cuts.

It was a great live, but it wasn't great enough to win. Eurovision Käärijä was not Käärijä at his best, while Vesna without question gave their best performance in the Grand Final. Hence my doubts.

However, I ultimately went with Käärijä anyway because he did something Vesna could not - he gave a concert in my city, and I attended. HE MADE ME LEAVE THE HOUSE AFTER DARK. And god, if you've not been to a Käârijä gig before, absolutely fucking go if you're able to - IT'S CRAZY IT'S PARTY is the perfect catchphrase for this hyperactive, sexually amorphous, adorkable gremlin.

He was his unadulterated self, slapping his belly only vaguely aware of his sex appeal, swooning over a group of Slovene attendees because they reminded him of The Love Of His Life Bojan Cveticanin, ripping one of his merch t-shirts in half and then wearing it as a jacket, airdiving a wayward balloon that floated its way on the stage. The music was also excellent. Exposed to to the FULL scope of Käärijäness, made all the good memories of the 2023 preshow flow back, how could I not rank him anywhere other than first? Maybe I will change my mind and rank Vesna first in a few years from now, but for now, let's savour him while he's still fresh in our minds.

REMINDER THAT THE 2024 ROSTER IS GREAT LARGELY THANKS TO KÄÄRIJÄ.

REMINDER THAT HE WOULD SO WIN ANY FUTURE EUROVISION IF HE WANTED TO:

(May I just name this as my fave song from the 2024 nf season MAY I????*)

He WAS 2023. He WAS Eurovision.

He may have lost the contest, but he has won life. (and paid his taxes.)

ALL RISE FOR THE BEST ACT OF 2023!

The RANKING (completed)

"Novo, Bolje" was my fave 2024 NF also-ran. Obv.

ADDENDUM: ABOUT ESC2024

Yeah, obviously i'm not going to do a pre-show ranking. With all the poison and controversy going on, it's just not the right time. I delayed this ranking specificially so that I wouldn't be temped to do the 2024 one later. (Unlike a certain broadcasting institution, I possess a modest amount of insight, foresight and self-awareness. 🙂 )

Hopefully, ESC 2024 goes down without too many incidents, and I'll able to start my post-show ranking the week after the Grand Final.

See you there, hopefully, if Eurovision isn't dead and buried by then! 💚

[ewanmitchelll]

Imagine Taylor Swift’s songs (II): Bad Blood.

Imagine you were Aemond's good friend when politics turned you in enemies. What then?

Warnings: drama, angst, smut--fluff endings as always tho.

***

• Before the War

The beginnings are usually sweet, colored with a degree of naivety. These can be also the high of peace, but many forget that to keep it at all costs, should every single being be prepared for wars, regardless of positions. For wars and death walk hand in hand, seizing every life without considering rank nor gold.

As previously said, the start is always embellished with hopes, but shades of grey are already painting the walls of the Red Keep. Aemond Targaryen knows best than all that his presence is not desired by his melancholic mother or his phantom father.

He’s heading to the dragon’s cave, prompted for another ride at Vhagar when he tumbles onto you.

“Lady Y/N”, he whispers your name with a hint of surprise. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Shouldn’t you be at court?”

“No one would notice if I left for a moment”, you say with a sigh. “I went to the gardens to write some poems.”

Aemond is quickly distracted by your presence. You were once playmates as children, but even now as young adults the interests remain the same. For now, Vhagar occupies the second place.

“I remember how well you used to write”, he offers you a smile, pleased to see a faint shade of pink in your cheeks. “May I read a few? Perhaps we could go back to the tree?”

In reference to the spot you used to spend time as children, you agree at once. And there you two go.

“I don’t think I write well, my prince.”

“Aemond”, he cuts you gently. “You can call me by my name.”

Another exchange of smiles.

“Aemond, you flatter me more than I deserve.”

Once reaching the said tree, the prince takes hold of the parchment you hoped to keep to yourself, ignoring your protests. Eventually, though, you go silent, watching his reactions in agony. For he was always able to hold his emotions back, so you constantly found difficult to read him.

But alas! If only you could dive into his intimate thoughts! Then you’d find a rising delight in his chest because the rebel prince feels the same thing for you.

However you’d never know how he truly feels…. Because at this very moment you are discovered by Ser Criston Cole and your father.

You don’t know, but this is the last time you ought to see your cherished prince.

***

• Enmity.

So take a look at what you’ve done… ‘Cause baby now we got bad blood.

You are soon married to Lord H/N of the House Tully. Obliged to move to the Riverlands, you are unhappily tied to a very old man who’s been living with his mistress for decades. The marriage, apparently, is to force an alliance that—you are to discover soon—is meant to support Rhaenyra Targaryen. Therefore, by chance and by marriage, you are now associated to the Black party.

There are, however, some good advantages as you are left on your own. If you do your duties straight as mother to your stepchildren—who are older than you—, look well after your household and not meddle in your husband’s business, you can practice your archery, ride freely and even sharp your mind through accessing the library.

It’s not that bad in practice—your marriage hasn’t been consummated, mostly because Lord H/N is not very, eh, powerful in bed, a secret you vowed to keep—, but you feel lonely. Your friends are now a memory of your life at court and people at Riverlands could be very… strict somewhat.

What’s worse: where is Aemond? Why hasn’t he written to you?

Melancholy starts to crawl over your heart and mind despite the peaceful, almost boring life you lead. Until you perceive a dark shadow creeping over the clouds.

You’d think Lord Aemond came to rescue you, but your heart breaks when you see a dark haired lady on his back, waiting as he helps her leaving Vhagar carefully.

Your heart parts before the view. Why’d you assume he corresponded your feelings, stupid girl? You wish to vanish, a natural response in these circumstances, but you are discovering a little too late that these are trying times.

The gates of the castle are now open and you are forced to act on your husband’s behalf next to his son and heir. After all, duty is one of the mottos of your new house and you never failed to fulfill it so far.

When Aemond finds you, however, he freezes. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting to see you there.

My lady, you look horribly sad. Where has your freedom gone?

A thought he doesn’t bother to voice.

“Lord”, he greets your stepson cooly, and you in the same tone. “Lady.”

“Prince Aemond”, your husband’s elder child, H/N, doesn’t let you act as a bridge between the two parties. “We do not welcome you here.”

A shadow of displeasure crosses the prince’s face.

“By denying me thus you are proceeding with treason, Lord Tully. Is this how we ought to be?”, the silver haired Targaryen prince acts as if you are not there. Unlike him, though, you have never been good in disguising your sentiments. “You are not in position to support the Usurper. Harrenhal is mine.”

And he indicates Lady Alys Rivers as proof. You don’t like her arrogance, her looks nor the influence she exercises over him. Or perhaps all of your judgement comes from jealousy.

Regardless, you feel brutally betrayed.

“Bend your knee, otherwise you shall burn.”

You pale before the prince’s threat. It’s when a sudden courage—or perhaps a moment of recklessness—rises in your spirit. For your stepson might hesitate before Aemond’s treason, but you would not.

Therefore, you take a sword from the young man—who is older than you—and step towards the prince, himself taken aback by your behavior.

You were never the one to act so imprudently, my dear Y/N.

“What is this?”

“Where is duty?”, you yell at him, eyes puddled with tears as you raise the sword to him. “Where is sacrifice? For years you’ve been nothing but a spoilt man who followed freely what your own heart commanded you to! No burden to carry, you play with whores and take what’s not yours so carelessly?”

“Lady Y/N, I strongly recommend you to be reasonable”, says Aemond, cooly, but in his eyes there is shock. You are the last person he’d expect to find resistance.

“Reasonable? To whom? You threat my stability, my family, for what purpose, lord?!”

You press your sword against him, but he makes no move, skeptical about your intentions. Surely, you’d not harm him, not when he read your soul not so many moons ago.

But something eclipses the goodness in your heart. And though the world seems to spin slower, Aemond doesn’t let guards to interfere.

These beats of a dark heart, use basslines to replace you. Take time and erase you, love don't hear no more, no, I don't fear no more. Better yet, respect ain't quite sincere no more.

“Is this your choice?”, he frowns at you, a hand resting on his waist, ready to unsheathe the sword. “Do you opt for enmity?”

Is this what you’ve become? His eyes yell silently at yours, but you are blind to such accusation. And Aemond knows he’s the cause of it.

“Madame!”, lord H/N thinks wise to interfere. “It is unwise to opt for enmity!”

“He is our enemy now!”, you turn at the stupid boy. “He’s been waging wars, burning castles and fucking whores!”

Aemond doesn’t excuse himself from such offenses, but the same cannot be said of lady Alys.

“My lady, these are not manners of a woman who is expected to rule Riverrun”, she smirks. “But since you are putting your family at risk, perhaps a cage would do you good.”

“She doesn’t mean to”, the redhead male insists anxiously, taking from you the opportunity to defend yourself. “We’ll bend the knee, lord, if you spare us. I’m sure you’ll understand the advantages that comes from our loyalty.”

By now you feel double betrayed. Aemond, the man you loved, shows off his power over you and chooses a whore to accompany him everywhere. Lord H/N, the one son you judged reasonable, does anything he can in his father’s absence to retain some influence.

You are useless. And yet you are too proud to let tears show the path for defeat. Nonetheless, even that is better than to burn in flames. After all, you live to honor this family with the duty you’ve been taught.

Therefore you are silent. Aemond reads all that has not been said. Part of him chooses to amend what he judges to be misunderstandings, but his conscience knows precisely why you behaved the way you did.

A lioness’s pride when broken is worse than hearing a ghost’s haunting. So he thinks, taking in consideration your ties with the Lannisters, in spite of you belonging to a minor house.

***

• War

Now we got problems. And I don't think we can solve 'em. You made a really deep cut…

A cage is a cage even if it doesn’t look like one. To consider weaving revenge is useless. Despite the early disagreements with your husband in light of recent events, with now war openly declared between Aegon and his sister Rhaenyra, all you do now is focus in your womanly doings, which is looking after your new home, trying to amend relations with your stepson and so it goes.

Time begins to fly, albeit slowly. You haven’t produced any heir, but to your stepchildren your allegedly infertility is welcoming news. Ironically, this is when they start to improving relations with you.

Forgotten by your family, though, you seem forcibly content with yourself when news arrive that Lord Aemond desires to have a feast with the Tully’s. His unwanted arrival, especially regarding his royal status, means that you should dress beautifully and play the role to perfection.

“And if you point the sword once more, I’ll gladly remove your privileges”, so your husband warns you.

You agree. What else could you do? Like a creature in jail, you’ll be exhibited to enemies as if you are some sort of war prize.

Before the feast begins, though, Aemond needs a conversation with you first. He would not admit, naturally, that he’s been dreaming about you—and such dreams might reflect well his remorse in his behaving towards you. Yet, something should be done.

When you meet him in a private quarter destined to important guests, you are dressed in your best clothes. Your y/c hair is tied in a fashion braid, but your gown is red and reinforces your curves. Aemond’s eyes discreetly undress you, and the idea leaves the man to an almost bone he quickly controls.

“Lady Tully”, he begins the conversation softly, greeting you regally from his seat. He wears something to keep his lack of an eye in secret, dressing dark shade of green robes. His silver hair falls loose behind his back, giving the prince a royal look.

“Prince Aemond”, you echo his coldness, taking a seat once he indicates with a nod of his head. “I pray your journey has been safe and well.”

Aemond sees you well and part of him wishes to take you in his arms and tell you all that he never could. But this isn’t the time yet.

“Indeed I did, thank you.”

You ask the servants to fetch yourselves some wine and fruits.

“What’s the need to talk to me alone like this?”

Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes. You say sorry just for show. If you live like that, you live with ghosts.

Aemond studies you, not responding you immediately. He strokes his chin, playing with his fingers on table.

“I needed to see you.”

You scoff.

“Did you, now?”

“Yes.”

You don’t say a word. Atmosphere is heavy with tension. Aemond, sitting on the edge side of the table, watches you with his intent eyes.

“So much has happened since that day”, he begins to say. And it’s when he shows his sapphire eye. “I lost an eye, Y/N.”

For the very first time, you show some reaction.

“And because of it you sought war?”

It’s when he closes his fist and hits on the table. But you are not frightened by his temper, familiar with it.

“I did what I had to do! I was humiliated!”, and now staring into your eyes, he adds: “I thought you would understand that!”

“That is the difference between us, Aemond. Content never makes amends of broken things. It only worsens it”, you speak softly.

He shakes his head, skeptically.

“You speak like a fool.”

“You underestimate me”, you retort. “Like most men do.”

“I am not like most men”, he stares at you and now you are able to read his emotions.

“You should not, but by looking for battles you presented me with wars.”

Aemond sighs heavily, impatiently so. But he is not ready to give you up yet. This bad blood would have to cede.

***

• Winds of Spring.

You are riding by yourself early this morning. Dressed in red, you take this time to enjoy yourself. To have some peace. It’s when you spot him.

“Aemond”, you freeze before seeing him. Your heart races and your first instinct is to turn your horse and ride away.

But you dismount instead.

“Y/N”, he walks to you, distressed. “Run with me.”

“What?”, you pale before his suggestion. “What are you saying?”

“Fuck this war. Fuck them all”, he takes your hand with one all the whilst delivering you the old parchment. “I remember this.”

As you take it and open it, you read the poem about your prince of spring. Tears rise to your eyes and you stare at him in disbelief.

“You’ve kept this.” It’s not a question.

“I have, yes. I’ve never had the chance to say I love you too, my princess. But your father swept you away from my sight. I had no idea where you were… I was forced to follow my duty to my family”, he explains in a whisper.

You lean to cup his face with both hands.

“Oh my dear Aemond. But what about lady Alys?”

“She was just a trophy of my conquests”, he murmurs. “This isn’t about her. It’s about you.”

And without waiting further for your response, the silver haired prince takes you in his arms and presses his lips against yours. You don’t resist him, finally letting love blossom from hatred and frustration.

“I love you, my prince of spring.”

“I love you, my summer princess”, he smiles at you with the purest devotion. “Let us leave this life behind. This world is not for us.”

As much as you want to, you hesitate.

“I am still a married woman, Aemond”, you smile weakly, sadness evident in your eyes.

“Fuck them”, he pulls you against him. “They won’t dare to reclaim you anyway. My brother’s on the throne, therefore, we can rely there shall be no uprising against his authority. Less so against his brother’s.”

When you look into his eyes, you know you see someone so similar like you, a mirror of your soul.

“I came to release my lady from this golden cage”, the prince says, taking your hands and there kissing each. “Be my wife, lady. It’s all I ask for.”

You smile down at him.

“When have I ever refused you anything, my lord?”

And this is how it ends. A princess freed by her prince. You are finally able to be yourself.

***

• Epilogue

You cling onto your husband’s arms, ignoring the scandal you left behind, which had your name erased from the Tully’s records, but added to the Targaryen’s.

Politics aside, you are now Lady Targaryen by marriage, but what does it matter when he loves you so dearly, so intently every day?

Harrenhal is yours, but mostly important is his. As you watch him sleep, you prepare to wake him up with naughty intentions. As you begin to kiss his shoulder, you use one hand to caress his face, his neck, not stopping until you reach his manhood. Praising the Gods for his nude state, you do not need to slow down before you start to stimulating him, all the whilst your kisses go to his neck and more.

“Mm…” the prince groans, not entirely awake nor fast asleep. “My lady…”

You feel your own body react in response, but this is about him, you want him to come undone in the first moment of the day.

As your delicate fingers play with his now erected member, your lips move slowly downwards and now Aemond’s eyes are starting to open. And his eyes go wide when seeing what you are about to do.

“My lady, what have I turned you into?”

You give him a mischievous look.

“Good morrow, husband.”

And just like that you take him with your mouth. You still have in mind when, right after taking you as his wife, he enjoyed being your first man. How he touched you, making you discover every bit of a sensual pleasure you’ve only dared to know in books. You took such a linking in these domestic activities that the fire of dragon has you burning alive.

“Y/N!”, he groans louder, properly awake this time. “You are such a good lass. You learned so quickly. Oh!”

But as good as this is, Aemond does not intend to release his seed on your mouth, so hence why he throws blankets away and gently rises you, turning you under his strong body.

“No, lady. I have a better place to seed you”, he smirks at you, pleased to make you blush as he lifts your hands above your head and starts to kiss you fervently.

Aemond is well aware you like to submit to him easily, and he dominates you promptly. He finds his equal, and it shows in every part of this marriage. But in truth, as his body now tangles with yours, he knows that he’s been tamed by such a damsel.

Little wonder why is that in two weeks you are about to discover you have conceived. And a long list of children will be written by a surprised chronicler of King Aegon II’s reign.

[glindaupland]

The Phantom of the Opera | Seoul, South Korea | 집팬텀 x 손크리 Review

October 11, 2023 - Evening

The Phantom of the Opera | 김주택 Kim Ju-taek/Julian Kim

Christine Daaé | 손지수 Sohn Ji-soo

Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny | 송원근 Song Won-geun

Carlotta Giudicelli | 한보라 Han Bo-ra

Walked out of the theater, face in my hands, soul in pieces, etc etc. Listen, I've been a POTO fan most of my life and after a while you become used to (?) not easily moved anymore by (?) things in this show even though you still love it deeply. You love and enjoy new casts, but it's pretty difficult for some to stand out enough to squeeze their way into the top tier. So tell me why I haven't cried watching it in at least over a decade and I left this performance with full tears streaming down my face? I need therapy Actually, this pair needs to use their POTO paychecks to pay for my therapy because this is their fault!

My favorite performance and my favorite seat right under the chandelier (things that were way too expensive on Broadway)! Let's pretend I didn't arrive just 7 minutes before the performance after over-estimating the time I had to get there after seeing Rebecca because I was not expecting to have 500 disasters happen to me on the way. But I lived!

Admittedly, at the time of casting I was a bit unsure seeing an opera singer with no musical experience taking on the role. It's not that I automatically assumed the worst, it's just that this brings its own obstacles (the type of singing, acting, etc). But he has really been able to turn that experience in addition to his passion for music into an advantage for himself. He brought such a fresh new interpretation to the role that was so nice to see after being a fan for so long. 🥹 So now I've ended up with a new surprise favorite Phantom in my top ranks. I was very impressed, I'm a big fan now

The Mirror/Angel of Music

KJT Phantom had such a powerful entrance that it gave me chills hearing his booming voice. It sounds crazy. But I loved how clearly his tone shifted after hearing Christine respond to him SJS Christine seemed very worried about disappointing him. I think she tries really hard to gain his favor because she holds him in such high regard.

The Phantom of the Opera

His Phantom is possessive and mentor-like. Already in the title song he's looking at her like he's so proud of the student he's created. At "In all your fantasies-" he sings "I gave you all of those fantasies, all of those secrets-" and when she finishes the line "-you gave them to me" his gaze feels strong and he nods approvingly. Like - Yes, I taught you well. I gave you all of this. When they get off the boat he really turned into a strict teacher with the way he commands her to sing I know title song is pre-recorded, but wow...opera singer pair is so healing for your ears actually. Both Kim Ju-taek and Sohn Ji-soo studied at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy so this was a pair that was meant to happen 🙏 My soul was happy, I was ascending.

The Music of the Night

Even though he put himself in this mentor position with her, I think at this point in the run he had softened up a bit. By the time he started his last lines before MOTN, his eyes were brighter and filled with adoration and fascination. He worships her, but his feelings aren't quite romantic yet (something Ju-taek said himself about his interpretation). KJT Phantom has hidden himself from the world and buried himself in music to keep himself safe. So it's everything to him, his biggest priority, the most important thing in the world. So Christine is precious to him more as his muse, as the key to making his music - his whole purpose - come to life. He has to shape and tune her into the perfect instrument. I have to talk about his voice more god he really had fantastic control. I think he sounded heavier and leaned into the big full operatic voice most of the time in the early Busan days, but there was more nuance here. His stability in his higher register had improved and it didn't feel like the light notes got shaky or were cut off too soon. I got chills after his big powerful note in MOTN because of the gentle way he sang the next line. "마침내 내 것이 될 순간 / The moment you'll finally be mine - he put the whispered emphasis on "finally" this performance. He finally had what he needed to complete his music. The way he acted when he came close to her was like she was a precious treasure he had handle very carefully. SJS Christine has fantastic chemistry with him. She's more trusting and swayed by the Phantom more easily. His passion for music really seemed to draw her to him. At times though, it felt like he was under a spell himself as well. He had a lot of power, but getting close to her you could sense he was a little bit overwhelmed with the slightest hand trembling. There were moments of "distractions". He doesn't act overly flustered, but when Christine almost kissed him he gasped a bit when pulling away. Like "Okay wow! Uh, time to move along, learn how to redirect that passion elsewhere~" I cannot blame her for being so very into his whole thing though. Regardless of his real intentions, if someone was looking at me and treating me like that I'd definitely be like "what are we" If I'm forgetting something (feel free to correct me, I have the worst memory sometimes) but I noticed that the Korean lyrics actually don't have the Phantom mentioning "love" in Act 1? I believe the first time he actually used this was when he was plagiarizing Raoul proposing to Christine after PONR. So it made his interpretation work pretty well in my opinion. But also, king...then what the hell kind of weird artistic (?) symbolism (?) are you going for with this bride replica for your student. Christine, this is a symbol of...uh...you devoting your life to music with me? : ) Yeah okay that's normal!

You can listen to a TV performance of Music of the Night here for a little taste! It's amazing, but I think he sounds even better now. Some of his gestures and expressions here are a little similar to his actual performance, but obviously not fully like it

Stranger Than You Dreamt It

So he definitely has a frightening temper, but you can tell his outbursts are very fear-driven. The beginning of STYDI sounded threatening and cold, but halfway through that wall he put up started to crack and reveal this vulnerable insecure side of him. Throughout the show, he basically acts like a wounded animal that lashes out in defense, but then cowers and shrinks in fear immediately after. He would snap, but then be close to falling apart moments later. Quite a rollercoaster! Christine had been looking away at the ground, but she finally slowly turned to face him with teary eyes. As soon as he met her eyes he started realizing the position they both were in and looking a little regretful. She moved like she wanted to go comfort him after he turned around, but stopped herself and reached for his mask instead. It was after receiving the mask that it seemed like his feelings actually began to shift into something new. ...Oh well! Time to smack whatever the hell this feeling is away, I'm taking you back upstairs!

All I Ask of You (Reprise)

To him, he gave her the most beautiful gift and instead of devoting herself to him and his music, she was ungrateful and used it against him. Just threw it away for some stupid boy! He has no idea he actually just wants to be in the stupid boy's position! You have feelings for her now! Anyway he's mostly very fragile in this part and I thought his transition to rage during Christine and Raoul's singing was very smoothly done. Honestly though first moment I saw him I just thought of him saying he has to be really still or else the angel starts swaying and then everyone's paying attention whatever the hell is going on up there instead of Christine and Raoul because it was making some slight movement above me 🤭

Wandering Child/Bravo Monsieur

Oh, I loved the difference between these parts. He starts this off so warmly and delicately. It's after Raoul demanded him to stop that he became hostile with a very stern, dark, and deep voice. The way he growled Christine's name when calling her before 'Bravo Monsieur' was harsh and commanding like he was getting impatient. Major temper issues! He sounded like he was scolding them for disobeying him at the end in scary teacher mode. The audacity trying to act like an authority figure so much...

The Point of No Return

Once again he tried really hard to be controlling, but he was fighting being controlled by her himself (something that she doesn't realize of course). "The moment my fate is about to be sealed - I won't regret this" he sings as the last lines of his part. Ohoho, I think he is definitely regretting it from the start though, let's not lie. He already was kind of wriggling and having difficulty facing her before she reached for him I really like the detail where he mirrors Christine when she entwines her fingers together for the choreo (singing "내 곁에, 내 품에 / beside me, in my arms" -> “defenseless and silent”). It looked like he was trying to keep himself composed and focus on everything playing out exactly as he planned so he could ignore that he had just cornered himself. Always, always trying to push his feelings down with distractions or anger!! He kept reaching for his face and cloak when he wasn't sure what to do with his hands. He's very restless and sort of glanced to the side nervously a few times too like he needed to know what she was about to do at any moment Poor Ji-soo struggled getting his hood off. You could hear the mic getting smacked loudly on the first attempt. I actually got kinda worried she would knock off the mask early, but it was fine! But lol what could the Phantom be thinking in universe Anyway it felt like this was finally the moment he started to understand what this feeling he had was all along. He wanted her for more than his music. And since he had no idea how to express his feelings because he barely even understand what the hell they were until now...uh...shit quick! Let's steal lines from the guy who did know what he was doing! Okay, but I have to admit that the way he screams "안돼! / NO!" is really funny. He sounds like a possessed rooster. Dinosaur? Eh, same thing

Final Lair

Category 10 emotional disaster no survivors and the ground is radioactive after. You can really see the internal conflict in the smallest of changes on his face. There was so much uncertainty about his actions and a weird guilt creeping up. He hesitated and had a panicked look for a moment when she said she didn't fear his face anymore. Quickly, he snapped out of it and continued in a rushed sloppy manner like he hadn't heard her. He couldn't believe her rejection was for any reason other than his face. Or maybe he couldn't allow himself to believe it. Every rejection she gives him, every cold word made him look more and more doubtful which only made him increasingly desperate. He actually can't handle upsetting her now. If he doesn't shout and unleash his emotion as rage it seems like the only other way to do it would be with tears. Oh man and he lunged at Raoul when he asks him why he should force her to choose a lie like he's trying to strangle him and shut him up. He was so frustrated growling loudly when Christine got in the way. When Christine tells him "음악의 천사 위선자여! 믿었는데 그댈 / Angel of music, you hypocrite! I trusted you!" -> (“Angel of music you deceived me! I gave my mind blindly!”) he usually replies with “믿었다... 날...믿었다고... / Trusted...you trusted me“ in disbelief. When he looked at her you could see in his tearful eyes - You trusted me? Did you really? So then why all of this, why not me? - In this moment he looked like he already knew what his choice would have to be in the end. So when she told him he wasn't alone, he was shaking his head just before she turned him around. No, I will have to be alone in the end because I have to let her go During the second kiss, he almost fully surrendered. His expression was so calm for just a moment and his hands hovered so close to her back before one strayed up quickly to gently but quickly pull her away from his face. He couldn't let it continue. He looked at her hands then quickly covered them both with his when he registered what she had just done. He then reached up to his own face as he stumbled away. When he looked between Christine and then Raoul his face actually looked so mortified and ashamed at the situation he had created. His eyes were wide and his hand reached up to his mouth for a moment like the truth of the situation hit him, like he had finally woken up. I think now he was more disgusted at his own actions than he was of his face. He realized in the end what the problem really was. While he sang that he loved her smiling, SJS Christine shook her head like she wasn't ready to leave him forever. She kissed his hands and they took a long time to separate. He was trying to show her that it was okay, that she needed to leave, but they practically needed to peeled away from each other with how long they dragged it on. He kissed the ring when she was gone. Actually, Ju-taek said he wishes the way he could say "I love you" could be "I'm sorry" in this moment. Like "I'm sorry for being selfish, I'm sorry for only using you and not treating you like a person. Now I know I love you, so you have to go" Oh, I was going to be sick!!! Forgive any awkwardness in translation, but this part - "share each day with me, each night, each morning"- from my understanding is like: CHRISTINE: 말해줘요 그대 단 한 사람 / Tell me you’re the one and only RAOUL: 결코 변치 않을 한 사람 / The only person who will never change CHRISTINE: 세월 흘러도 나를, 나만을 -> this is followed by "사랑해줘Love me" in AIAOY so if not cut off, it would fully be "Even as time goes on, love me, only me") So when she watches the Phantom it looked like she's asking him to keep loving only her forever. She does this with every Phantom, but because he actually turns around and locks eyes with her as she does it, it was extra painful. He really did hear it, he wasn't too lost in his crying to miss it.

I was sitting there destroyed, but at least curtain call was cute! After Ju-taek kissed Ji-soo’s hand he paused like he realized something and turned around to face Won-geun. He looked at his hand and then back at his eyes and stretched out his hand hoping for Won-geun to put his there. ....But Won-geun is a jerk and slapped his hand away lol. Accept the love! Don't be rude! There's different ways this has gone it's so silly. After Ju-taek kept blowing tons of kisses into the crowd

Anyway to conclude this half of his Phantom reviewing, I'm grateful for Lucy's recommendation to me (to see this pairing specifically). I had been tempted to see him with both Christines because I had grown attached to his Phantom during my wait and it pushed me into giving in and adding this performance to my schedule. It was so wonderful to have my live experiences end up exceeding expectations! ❤️ But this means there's one more KJT Phantom show review too! I can wrap up my thoughts there

[mindthelspace]

Eurovision 2024 first impressions

Wasn't sure what to listen to at work, and then I remembered that all the Eurovision songs have now been released! So I thought I'd give 'em a listen.

Until today, I'd heard small clips of the songs in Youtube top 36 lists. That was it.

Caveat 1: I've paid zero attention to any of the national finals, so I'm blissfully ignorant of 90% of whatever drama happened in those.

Caveat 2: Everything below is the personal subjective opinion of me, a knobhead on Tumblr. You will probably disagree with a lot of it and that's fine.

Caveat 3: "Why are you not boycotting when Israel are-" Yes, I know. I do follow the news. I'm not going to go into why I'm not boycotting because that's not what this post is for, but I promise I have thought about it and can explain my reasons.

So, with that out of the way:

Croatia: Strong start! I really like this, and get why it's one of the favourites! I might be on Team Croatia this year- I'd love the winner to be someone who hasn't won before, or hasn't won for decades!

Netherlands: It's... alright, I guess? But I'm not sure it's as funny as it thinks it is, and might get a bit old fairly quickly.

Switzerland: This is interesting, and a nice break from their pattern of the past few years. I'll be happy if this does well :)

Italy: I like this better than I thought I would, based on the little clips I've seen. Still a bit confused about why it seems to be topping literally all the Youtube rankings, though.

Austria: Meh

Sweden: This is the ONE song I couldn't make it all the way through. I, yeah, sorry, I hate it. Sounds AI generated. Sweden, please, you have good music, I know you do, I've heard it, you don't need to send this kind of crap every other year, please!

Ukraine: Ukraine my beloved, always understanding the assignment <3

Greece: Way more interesting than the clip I'd heard previously made it sound!

Germany: This is exactly what I was afraid would happen if LotL didn't do well. I'm getting flashbacks to Michael Rice and his 2019 last place.

Belgium: Meh

Cyprus: Extremely Meh. This is like a composite of every bland, inoffensive, radio 1 song ever.

France: It's a nice ballad. 'For the Mums', I think is the phrase. S'fine.

UK: Apparently 'obnoxious ear worms' is my country's new schtick. Although like Italy, I do like this a bit more than I thought I would. Also starting to notice a lot of the songs sounding a bit 80's-lite?

Georgia: S'fine, I guess. 50/50 as to whether it breaks their NQ streak.

Malta: Wow, there are a lot of trendy girl pop songs that I have absolutely no feelings about this year.

Armenia: This is enjoyable and I respect it.

Azerbaijan: Another Whelming-to-decent one, but I do like that they're singing in their own language for the first time!

Albania: Snore

Australia: I get what they were going for, but I find this a bit cheesy.

Ireland: Look at Ireland taking a risk! I so, so, hope this works out for them and breaks their NQ streak! I am slightly concerned, just because this is the kind of experimental that can be difficult to translate to a three minute stage performance, but if they give it the creativity it needs it could be their best entry in years!

Lithuania: A nice little catchy thing. Quite like it.

Denmark: Oof, Denmark really are in their wilderness years, aren't they? Look, this isn't bad, but there are a lot of songs that sound similar to this, and this has 'lost in the shuffle' written all over it.

Poland: There's nothing about this that makes it stand out from all the other trendy-girl-pop-songs objectively, but I do have a soft spot for this one.

Spain: This is really cute! I think I've found my favourite Big 5 :)

Czechia: Oh look, we have some pop-punk this year. Cool.

Serbia: I'm... not feeling much for this *now*, but I think it might grow on me once I've heard it a few times.

Finland: I am CACKLING

Portugal: I'm a bit undecided about this, tbh. Might have to see how it is live.

Norway: I knew I'd quite like this, and I do! I feel like the live performance is really going to make or break it though.

Luxembourg: So I've heard this song is *also* Israeli propaganda, and if that's true, a) that sucks, because Luxembourg, mate, this is your re-entry, you didn't want this, and b) it's disconcertingly cheerful.

Estonia: Whatever this is, it has no business going this hard.

San Marino: Another pop-punk. I'm a bit more intrigued by this one than the Czech one. I can't see it doing amazingly, but if the performance is good it could get San Marino a rare Q.

Slovenia: It's OK. Seemed like it was going somewhere and then... didn't.

Israel: Was debating whether to ignore this (and sit there wondering about it), or give in and listen to it once so I could stop caring. Went for the latter. You'll be relieved to know it's bland as shit. The inevitable background booing might even be an improvement.

Iceland: I didn't get Hera Bjork in 2010 and I don't get her now.

Latvia: I really want Latvia to break their NQ streak, especially with how they were basically robbed by the semi draw last year, but this just... needs to be more than it is. A really good live performance could save it, maybe? I don't know. I wanted to like this but I'm not hopeful.

Moldova: Slovenia Two. Another one that was sort of going somewhere for a minute, and then stopped.

In conclusion:

So much Eurodance

So much 80's

Loooads of really similar songs. More than usual. Some of them are inevitably going to cancel each other out.

The "everyone follows the runner ups of the previous year" trend seems to be holding, with lots of similar-vein-as-Noa-Kirels, and a few similar-vein-as-Kaarijas.

This is definitely a year that's less my cup of tea. That's OK. I was spoilt last year. And there are still some solid entries.

[instantartific]

I wanna ramble about how I don't like to call 1010 "family" because it's too clean to boil it all down to that.

If they became sentient enough to question whether the things they sing about in their songs is something they've ever actually experienced, it makes sense that they'd look back at each other and question if what they have is that kind of "love." And of course, it isn't—they don't share the things they lie about in lyrics to make the fans swoon. And even if they tried, in application, it would feel... different from what they lie about even if the actions are the same. There's something missing in that that they aren't fully grasping and they assume it must be love.

They don't love the Captain and they don't love each other because they don't want to seduce the Captain (it'd be violating so many things to even attempt that with someone that isn't their rank in the first place, if we bring the military aspect into this) and it feels... not the same to seduce each other. It doesn't work cleanly. They know there's something missing that they aren't grasping. Maybe they even look for this concept within each other and find there's something but it isn't quite that because all they know is pretend.

This can't be love, then. They don't feel love. They only pretend to.

If you asked them, they're certainly not siblings because they can't be, but they're also not lovers because they have something missing.

It doesn't feel natural to put on all of the charades for each other because they know it's all an act and they've seen each other both with it on and with it off and they know each other better than that.

They can't love each other because they aren't the fans.

And I love the thought of them feeling so complicated that they feel like they've formed the bond they now have over the span of decades but it's only been a few years at most.

They're not siblings. But they have the concept of a brotherhood with each other and it's complicated but it's human. They became the people that they are now in relation to one another, in each other's gravity, they've been all intertwined since they began to conceive the concept of being unique.

The relationship they all have with their Captain is mutually straightforward—he commands, they obey, and he allows them room to relax and he actually tries to speak and bond with them—but with each other? Not so much.

So, sure. Let's call them... bandmates. Sailors. Soldiers. That's what their occupations are and their relationship to each other on paper, technically.

They may still have enough of the military aspect drilled into them that 'brothers in arms' feels comfortable despite the fact that they aren't at war anymore. They might shorten that to 'brothers,' in the sense they were if they were more of unit than a boyband.

At least that's a lot less difficult for them to say.

[dustedmagazine]

Andrew Forell 2023 End of Year

Robert Forster, photo by Stephen Booth

2023 buzzed by in a whirl of too much work and music. So many records and so many missed. I kept going down rabbit holes of genre and artists, chasing and never quite hauling in all the things I wanted to, or felt I should, listen to. In the end, music being so difficult to rank, here, in alphabetical order are the records I spent most time with a bunch of others I’ve been recommending to anyone who would listen.

The Feelies – Some Kinda Love (Bar/None)

2023 has been a good year for guitar music.  New albums from Teenage Tom Petties, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, The Drin, The Tubs and The Murder Capital have been on high rotation here. So why a 2018 live tribute to a band who broke up in 1973 by a group in their fifth decade? First, these are songs are from The Velvet Underground, and second, simply, The Feelies. Joined by Richard Barone and Joey Maestro from The Bongos, they rip through a set that features the “hits” and some lesser-known songs with affection but not awe. Glenn Mercer and Bill Million’s guitars thrum in the style we are accustomed to, while Stanley Demeski, Dave Weckerman and Brenda Sauter provide rhythmic support which adds a dynamic swing to songs like “There She Goes Again,” “Head Held High” and “I’m Waiting For the Man.”  Some Kinda Love is a pure dopamine hit of great songs played by a brilliant band. Joy and fun in equal measure.

Robert Forster – The Candle and the Flame (Tapete)

On The Candle and the Flame Robert Forster produces some of the most emotionally direct and effecting songs of his career. Recorded in the shadow of his wife, Karen Bäumer’s diagnosis of, and treatment for ovarian cancer, Forster writes with grace about family, friendship, love and the past. The only song written in direct response to the illness “She’s A Fighter” contains only six words but the propulsive tension of the music expresses everything Forster doesn’t attempt to say. It’s an extraordinarily powerful performance, a cathartic blast, and for me, one of the songs of the year. “Tender Years,, “The Roads” and “When I Was A Young Man”  are also up there. As I said in my review “few (songwriters) imbue the quotidian joys of domestic life and the power of memory with such poetry.”

Iceboy Violet – Not a Dream But a Controlled Explosion (Fixed Abode)

On their self-produced album Not a Dream But A Controlled Explosion Iceboy Violet mixes rap, grime and swathes of liminal ambience into an emotionally purgative chronicle of identity, desire and fantasy which flows with a dreamlike intensity. Over deep pulses of sub-bass, taiko influenced percussion and concrete noise, their voice shifts in and out of focus, here a background whisper, there an urgent Northern accented boom. The music, like the vocals, is in constant flux, slipping between hard club beats and eerie ambience. At just 17 minutes, the eight tracks here stay with you for far longer.

The Inward Circles – Before We Lie Down in Darknesse (Stone Corbel Press)

Scottish composer Richard Skelton manipulates a six second fragment of Baroque recorder music taken from the run-out groove of a battered 50-year-old vinyl recording into haunted soundscapes that to tap into something primordial and elemental within layers built like geological strata. This is music to lose yourself in. Obsidian and glacial, Skelton’s work captures and preserves trace elements of melody and rhythm so imperceptible that you feel as much as hear them. Before We Lie Down in Darkness is a beautiful, timeless voyage andhas often eased me from insomniac anxiety to sleep in the last few months.

King Vision Ultra – Shook World (hosted by Algiers)

Using musical stems from Algiers’ Shook, found sound and collaborations with artists including ELUCID, Matana Roberts, DJ Haram, Dis Fig and Bigg Jus, King Vision Ultra’s self-styled mixtape is a companion piece and conversation with its source rather than a remix. A shifting  sound collage that explores and interrogates race, class, gentrification, violence, love and community, Shook World digs into the core of New York City. Recordings of subway announcements, overheard conversations and confrontations lend a bracing realism and more than once Shook World  has merged with the noise and incident of daily trips on the 1 train. A brilliant, often disorientating and abrasive sound portrait of NYC from some of its most interesting musicians.

Kofi Flexxx – Flowers in the Dark (Native Rebel)

Native Rebel founder Shabaka Hutchings has been in the vanguard of the English jazz scene with his bands Sons of Kemet, Shabaka & The Ancestors and The Comet Is Coming and as a cross-genre collaborator with artists on three continents. Posited as a “creative principle” rather than a band, Kofi Flexxx, Hutchings acts as guide and producer. Flowers in the Dark is anchored by pianist Alex Hawkins, flautist Ross Harris and a dynamite rhythm section of bassist Daisy George and drummer Jas Kayser. Backing guest vocalists including rappers billy woods and ELUCID, singers Siyabonga Mthembu from South Africa and Tamil born Ganavye and poet Anthony Joseph on album highlight “By Now (Accused of Magic)”, the quartet provide a fulcrum that draws together the strands of black music into sinuous unity. The instrumental tracks  are equally good. “It Was All a Dream” has the rhythmic power of Sons Of Kemet with Hawkins’ percussive piano and George’s bass bounding along ahead of a wall of horns and Harris flying above them while managing to find a gritty rasp the bottom end of the flute. “Fire” is a bluesy spiritual jazz with George and Harris both prominent. An album that exemplifies Hutchings’ holistic approach to music.

Seablite – Lemon Lights (Mt St Mtn)

San Francisco band Seablite’s second album Lemon Lights delves deeper into their love for 1990s English sounds. The quartet of vocalist/guitarist Lauren Matsui, vocalist/bassist Galine Tumasyan (bass), guitarist Jen Mundy and drummer Andy Pastalaniec channel the lush end of 1990s British indie. Ride guitarist Mark Gardener mastered Lemon Lights and the result is an album of shoegaze adjacent songs which incorporate the jangling sound of Seablite’s Bay Area contemporaries. It’s a deeply satisfying combination elevated by vocal harmonies, serpentine bass lines and Pastalaniec’s driving percussion. Lead single “Melancholy Molly” has the rollicking rhythm of Ride’s “Leave Them All Behind” overlaid with Matsui and Tumasyan’s lush harmonies and the twin guitars sparking from the mix. The sound is dense but melodic, allowing the guitars to chime and shimmer than rather fuzz and the  melancholic edge to tracks like “Pot of Boiling Water” and the dreamy closer “Orbiting My Sleep” make Lemon Lights resonate.

Sinaïve – Répétition (Antimatière)

When Sinaïve released Répétition in April, I had a cursory listen, filed it away and promptly forgot about it for several weeks. My mistake. On second listen, their combination of Gallic cool, psychedelic pyrotechnics, VU drone and the distant echoes of Ye-Ye and the French underground was irresistible. The Strasbourg trio - Calvin Keller on vocals/guitar/keys, Alicia Lovich drums /vocals/organ and bassist Alaoui O - make a wholly satisfying racket. On the 11 plus minutes of “Citadelle/Bis Repetita”, Sinaïve ride Lovich’s robotic rockabilly beat and Alaoui’s throbbing bass though a suite that sounds among other things like “Ghost Rider”, “Sister Ray” and Love at their wiggiest before Keller’s freight train riffs entangle themselves as if on a lock groove. It’s a terrific piece of sonic détournement. “Les Diaboliques” finds Keller crooning over a squalling guitar and molasses bass line before guest singer Raphaëlle Albane enters, an earthbound angel amidst the feedback. Albane appears again on “Cela ne Fait que Commencer” to close the album duetting with Keller over a quiet pulsing beat, organ and strummed guitar.

99Letters – Makafushigi (Disciples)

Osaka producer Takahiro Kinoshita’s Makafushigi (Mystery Tape)is built on samples of the instruments and vocal styles used in Japanese Imperial Court music. As 99Letters, Kinoshita fuses these ancient sounds with modern electronic music in ways that are as malevolent as the demons of mythology and as sinister as the organized crime and ultranationalism in contemporary Japan. The tracks on Makafushigi are washed in a seamy mix of grit and clamor, a grim, grimy world of back alleys, dingy bars and low-tech manufacturing. On discovering this I went on to a deep dive into 99Letters’ back catalogue and emerged when Kinoshita put out his most recent album Zigoku on Phantom Limb in November. He is the artist I’ve been most thrilled to discover this year.

The Others:

Algiers – Shook (Matador

Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips (Fat Possum)

jaimie branch – Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)) (International Anthem)

John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy – Evenings At the Village Gate (Impulse)

Comet Gain – The Misfit Jukebox (Tapete)

The Drin – Today My Friend You Drunk The Venom (Drunken Sailor)

Euglossine – Bug Planet is the Current Timeline (Hausu Mountain)

Asher Gamedze – Turbulence and Pulse (international Anthem)

Gods Gift – Turn All the Lights Out (Play Loud!)

Laurel Halo – Atlas (Awe)

The Reverend Michael Kristen Hayter – SAVED! (Perpetual Flame Ministries)

Irreversible Entanglements – Protect Your Light (Impulse)

Life Strike – Peak Dystopia (Bobo Integral)

Kevin Richard Martin – Black (Intercranial)

OXBOW – Love’s Holiday (Ipecac)

Purelink – Signs (Peak Oil)

Quicksails – Surface (Hausu Mountain)

Rainy Miller x Space Africa – A Grissaille Wedding (Fixed Abode)

Speaker Music – Techxodus (Planet Mu)

Strategy – Graffiti in Space (Constellation Tatsu)

The Tubs – Dead Meat (Trouble In Mind)

billy woods & Kenny Segal – Maps (Backwoodz Studioz)

99Letters – Zigoku (Phantom Limb)

[winterrhayle]

rank red and lover and evermore

ok i should’ve expected this many☠️☠️☠️☠️

red (taylor’s version) this one is so difficult to rank bc its so LONG and tbh ive already changed my mind on the bottom rankings so ignore the numbers oh and im not ranking ronan bc. yeah.

i almost do - i literally could not tell you why but this has been my favourite song from red for a long long time,, probably because i’ve never gotten over anything ever

better man - WHY WASNT THIS ON THE ORIGINAL ALBUM😭😭😭😭😭😭

the moment i knew - AND IT WAS LIKE SLOOOWWW MOTION STANDING THERE IN MY PARTY DRESSS IN REEEEED LIPSTICK QITH NO ONE TO IMPRESS ok this song was always in my top 3 for red but atw10 really elevated it bc of all the references

the very first night - why are the vaults so GOOOD OMG this song is so fun and has such silly energy i love it

forever winter - this song is so devastating but also if i ignore the lyrics the horns make it a bop????

all too well 10 min version - what can i say it’s ALL TOO WELL. AND I WAS NEVER GOOD AT TELLING JOKES BUT THE PUNCHLINE GOES I’LL GET OLDER BUT YOURE LOVERS DTAY MY AGE

nothing new - phoebe bridgers makes me feel things. also i should now find this song and the fear of getting older relatable bc i’m literally ‘the kinda radiance you only have at seventeen’

babe - the sugarland version is good but taylor’s is so much better and i love the added ‘what about your promises promises’ thing

red - WHEN THE DRUMS COME IN OMGGGG ,, oh also random anec dote one time when i was 9 or 10 my teacher asked me for an example of a metaphor so i used one of these lyrics

i bet you think about me - I LOVE COUNTRY TAYLOR AND I LOVE SASSY TAYLOR (aka fearless taylor)

treacherous - that part where shes like 'i'll follow you follow you home' is so funny bc like girl are u a stalker or something😭

state of grace - for some reason i specifically LOVEE sreaming the lyrics 'twin fire signs, four blue eyes' even though i am a pisces with BROWN EYES???? (also this is one of the many rerecordings that sounded better in the og version,,, i only play tv though)

all too well (normal length version) - this one was top 3 before red tv was released but for some reason the new vocals dont hit the same😔i would still consider it to be a perfect song though,, atw is THAT GIRL 13/10

the last time - if u dont try to sing both parts of this and mess up then ur lyyyinnggggg

everything has changed - not 2 be a sheerio (i am NOT ONE) but the ed sheeran x taylor collabs on this album are so cuteeetetete and im obsessed with how the kid actors from this mv were used for joker and the queen mv like a decade later

22 - in 5 years this song will be on REPEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!AH OHHHHH I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT IM FEELIN TWENNY TWOOOOO

run - this is giving i know places and i loveeeee it 10/10 i love it when she collabs with ed within his musical range (this is a diss to endgame)

come back ... be here - THE BRIDGE. i love pretending that my (non existent) lover has flown allll the way to london soo far away from me (london is an hour drive from my house) and i am BREAKING DOWN BECAUSE MY MAN ISNT HERE (im literally a lesbian)

sad beautiful tragic - ok i dont ever actively search for this song but when it comes on i will listen to the whole thing every time. i think i said this about hoax but this is the type of sadness i craaave

holy ground - the forever & always > better than revenge > last kiss > holy ground > invisible string (that one line about the babies and presents) pipeline is one of my favourite things in the swiftverse ever everrrrr love u joe jonas

i knew you were trouble - remember that goat meme? yeah🥹

the lucky one - whoever said this song is evelyn hugo is so CORRECT.

we are never everrrrrr getting back together - I LOVE THIS SONG BUT SHE BOTCHED IT IN THE 2021 VERSION LMAOOOO RIP (ALSO SHOUT OUT TO THE ROCK VERSION OF THIS <333333)

begin again - this was such a perfect closing song for the standard edition of the album,, it ties off the whole break up album so well and it has her moving on to someone who treats her wife and ahhhhh

starlight - the 'have 10 kids and teach them how to dream' line rly catches me off guard sometimes😭 but i'll allow it

stay stay stay - THE PEOPLE WHO HATE ON THIS SONG DONT GET ITTTT. THE 5 MINUTE CRAFTS MUSIC IS CAMP. YOU CAN PRIZE STAY STAY STAY OUT OF MY COLD DEAD HANDS.

message in a bottle - this song is so 2012 where was this in the og album😒😒😒😒 it could have been one of the greats with ikywt,wanegbt,22 but whatever (same with the very first night S.M.H)

girl at home - i didnt like the og version, and i know a lot of people dont like the different production it has on the rerecording but i actually prefer it,,, but its my least favourite song on the album still. rip.

i started that ranking at 6:22am and now its 6:25pm. ITS BEEN 12 HOURS HELP WHY IS RED SO LONG anyway,,,,,

LOVEERRRRRRRR (aka one of my 3 stan albums) also not ranking soon youll get better for the same reasons as ronan ^

daylight - can i just say,, I KNOW THIS SONG TECHNICALLY DOESNT COUNT BEFORE BC TOE IS NO LONGER A THING BUT IGNORE THAT PLEASE FOR THIS ONE😭 ok this one has some of my favourite lyrics,, including 'i once believed love would be burning red, but its golden' ARE YOU KIDDDINGGGGG SHE INFLUENCED THE SONG AND ALBUM RED. AS IN SHE THOUGHT LOVE WOULD BE BURRRNIN REDDDD LIKE THE LYRIC. U KNOW THE ONE IM TALKING ABOUT RIGHT (2 mins into red the song). OHH ALSO THE VOICE MEMO AT THE END IS SO ICONIC I WANNA GET 'YOU ARE WHAT YOU LOVE' TATTOOOOOOD ON MYSELF

the archer - one thing i will eat up every time is when a song is produces in a way that makes u feel anxious (either when theres build up with no beat drop/release OR when the drums are super threatening if that makes sense) eg, labyrinth and out of the woods. the archer is such a perfect song and i love the heartbeats that she puts in the bridge (reminds me of wildest dreams and youre losing me ahhhhhh) and whenever i see eras videos of this song people say they wish it wasnt on the set list and honestly i find that baffling. if i ever see that song live i will literally pass away AND if i go to eras i wanna dress up as the archer (cupid vibes)

miss americana & the heartbreak prince - can i just say IVE BEEN A STAN OF THIS SONG SINCE 2019 and it was my favourite from lover for years omg,, and when i saw she opened the eras tour with this one i was so happy bc its finally getting the recognition it deserves !!!!!

afterglow - this song is so criminally underrated and its one of the realest songs on the album,, like is shows that love isnt always perfect and thats such an important thing to know specially for delusional girls like me ohh also theres a few songs on lover that have very specific producion styles, its afterglow, daylight, cornelia street and all of the girls AND ITS MY FAVOURITE PRODUCTION STYLE IN HER DISCOGRAPHY its so light and airy and i cant describe it properly but i love it so much

lover - omg this was my top song on spotify wrapped 2021,, its like the textbook perfect love song and i love the vows in the bridge and i love(r) the 'we can leave the christmas lights till january' and i love the mundane romantic things like saving seats and letting your friends crash in the living room and ahahsuhfjsadlgajhdfhkasgdfhgas

cornelia street - ok unlike daylight, i literally cannon ignore how defesting this song is with the uhhh...,., recent events in the toe timeline, but honestly the existence of 'youre losing me' elevates this song even more with all of the parallels and irony and before this was a cutesie song about omg what if me and my lover break up but now its just a knife twisting in my heart and yeah. rip toe

its nice to have a friend - this was also one of my big stan songs in 2019,, the simplicity just drew me in and its such a sweet song and it reminds me of walking around after school in february where its still getting dark kinda early and u can see the sky turning pink and orange and yeah <3333333333333333 i know this song has its haters but they are all just cold hearted haters, what can i say

cruel summer - IMDRUNKINTHEBACKOFTHECARANDICRIEDLIKEABABYCOMINGHOMEFROMTHEBARSAIDIMFINEBUTITWASNTTRUEIDONTWANNAKEEPSECRETSJUSTTOKEEPYOUANDISNUCKINTHROUGHTHEGARDENGATESEVERYNIGHTTHATSUMMERJUSTTOSEALMYFATEOHHHANDISCREAMEDFORWHATEVERITSWORTHILOVEYOUAINTTHATTHEWORSTTHINGYOUEVERHEARTHELOOKSUPGRINNINGLIKETHEDEVIL

all of the girls you loved before - LISTEN TO THIS SONG AND COMPARE IT WITH PERMANENT MARKER, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOW SHE THINKS OF EXES THEN AND NOW IS SO FUNNY

i think he knows - this song makes me feel so silly and michevious idk why likeeeeee im listening to it right now and i feel like i wanna go annoy everyone in my houseee

ME ! - ok i know what u guys are gonna say BUT I DONT CARE. I AM A ME STAN. IF U DONT LIKE THIS SONG UR BORING AND HAVE NO FRIENDS SORRYYYYYYYY like yeah its cringe, yeah the lyrics are corny, but you know what??????? BABY THATS THE FUN OF ME (!) HE HE HEEEE the only valid critisism of this song is the inclusion of brendon urie and tbh that is valid i agree she should have made me (!) the feature

death by a thousand cuts - the way she put in the my my my my from the song lover is so rude and criminal bc why would she do that to me :( and i know this song is sad but imma be dancing around to that bridge idc idc

paper rings - omg this one is so nostalgic,,, i remember my ex gf used to make paper rings because of this song and she taught me and a bunch of our friends at school how to make them it was so fun,,, this was the song i associated with us once upon a time and now we're not a couple anymore but yk what???? i dont find this song sad its all good memories and me and her are still besties so whateverrrr *PAPER RINGS SUPREMACY*

london boy - THIS SONG >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EVERYTHING BECAUSE LIKE SO MANY SONGS ON THIS ALBUM ITS SO UNSERIOUS AND A GOOD TIME,, IF YOU GET IT YOU GET IT!!!!!!! ALSO IT HITS DIFFERENT WHEN UR ENGLISH (taylor says she loves us <33333333) also shout out to these very iconic parts : 'we can go drivin in, on my scootuh' and 'pubwe' 'darling i fancy you' and its so funny how she literally just lists a bunch of places in london and its seems london until you put all of the locations in google maps and it makes the shape of a heart <3333333333

false god - that saxaphone😫😫😫😫 i rly hope taylor does more jazz in the future bc this song is so amazing

you need to calm down - shade never made anybody less gay FR,, like i said before, im a lesbian and this song makes me wanna tell everryyybody and its such a sillly fun song love love love,, i wish it was longer though

need - YEAHH IM DOING UNRELEASED TOO IDC,, i have this downloaded (very legally) on my spotify bc i (need)ed it very much and ill do it again. this shouldve been on the actual album #justiceforneed2023

the man - okayyyyyyy i diss this song often but i love it really,,, its so #millenialgirlboss

i forgot that you existed - ok i get the message and the whole idea of moving on from reputation idea but did it really have to be the album opener 😭 if somebody plays this album without having heard anything else from taylor and they hear 'in my feelings more than drake so yeah' THEY WILL LITERALLY NEVER LISTEN TO HER AGAINNNN ill allow it because its funny and im a satire girlie but taylor why couldnt you open the album with cruel summer☠️ screaming

evermoree

gold rush - ok guys you know how i feel about winlet and this song YOU KNOWWW THIS. gold rush is my all time most played song on spotify, and its so perfect and magical and if u listen to the dolby atmos stems theres some really nice drums and the 'my mind turns your life into folkloorreeeee' like is SO meta i love her for that

cowboy like me - con artists falling in love????? COUNT ME IN. ohh and i feel like im gonna do this a lot on this album but i have some lyrics that i neeeed to give a shout out to : 'and the skeletons in both our closets plotted hard to f*ck this up' , 'now you hang from my lips like the gardens of babylon, with your boots beneath my bed, forever is the sweetest con' imagine being able to write like that likee damn girl

'tis the damn season - im so obsessed with how this song is the other perspective from the song dorethea,, this is honestly the song i listen to the most every december bc its just the perfect holiday song for me

ivy - I CANT EVEN SHOUT OUT LYRICS HERE BECAUSE THE WHOLE SONG IS LITERALLY GOD TIER LYRICISM. WHO LET HER DO THIS. HOW DOES ONE JUST WRITE ALL OF THIS???????????????? TS > SHAKESPEARE

marjorie - this song is such a beautiful one and its my mums favourite and she always tells me to play it when i have the aux 🥹 when taylor plays this at the eras tour and that part with marjories opera singing plays and u can see taylor crying i just wanna bawl my eyes out

evermore - every few months i rediscover this song and its so perfect and the part in the bridge where the intensity is building and bilding and in the line 'you were there' her voice softens and the whole feeling of anxiety just subsides andaahhhhhhhassdbfkssf , same energy as ootw where the bridge is super fast and anxious and the end shes like 'you were lookin at me' and her voice softens there too, its such a cool thing to do vocally and it rly tells u the perspective the song is from with her spiraling and her lover kinda pulling her back into the present (its giving jacinter energyy)

willow - for literally no reason whenever i hear this song i think of a mermaid and a pirate falling in love,, and theyre both lesbians (i dont make the rules thats just how it is ok) 'wait for the signal and i'll meet you after dark' the only logical conclusion to be drawn from this is that the mermaid and pirate are sneaking around bc mermaids and pirates hate eachother,, like romeo and juliet,,,, like ariel and eric. do u see the vision. do u see the forbidden love. yeah u get it (i know it says thats my man in the song but im choosing to ignore that) (ALSO IM NOT A GAYLOR THIS IS JUST HOW I LIKE TO THINK OF THE SONG LOL)

champagne problems - the fact that she wrote this with joe is insane like how do u sit with ur bf and write a breakup song like this as a fictional thing,, and then break up for the reason in said song 3 years later?????? wild😭

right where you left me - DELUSION ANTHEM 🗣🔊💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

tolerate it - man this song is depressing,, like u know how the song ends with 'i sit and watch you' thats because its repeating the fist line of the song. as in shes in a loop. as in she has all these thoughts and realisations and then realises she has to leave and then ends up right where she started and stays. deep.

no body, no crime - OHH IMAGINE SITTING ROUND A CAMPFIRE SINGING THIS ONE ITS SUCH A FUN MURDER STORY LOVEEE IT

coney island - the bridge with all the references 😫 'were you standing in the hallway, with a big cake, happy birthday / and they're all standing around me singing "happy birthday to you but there was one thing missing' , 'did I paint your bluest skies the darkest grey? / you paint me a blue sky then go back and turn it to rain' , 'and when I got into the accident the sight that flashed before me was your face / remember when you hit the brakes too soon? .... but when the sun came up, I was looking at you' , 'but when I walked up to the podium, i think that I forgot to say your name' / this ones about calvin harris but there isnt a song about it,, but she does talk about this in the miss americana documentary

long story short - this song is literally the whole of reputation summarised its so good

dorothea - this ones the betty of the album,, the simple acoustic part of a song parinng / group, like ive said i love it when she returns to her roots and releases things reminiscent of debut

its time to go - I HATE YOUUUU SCOOTER

happiness - this one is very sad but a little uplifting i guess, i find it so sweet how taylor writes songs for abigail (fifteen and this) to help her get through things

closure - ok i know this is at the bottom of my ranking but i actually really like this song a lot,,, the production is what people hate but i love how its all chaos, representing the whole drama with the breakdown in taylor and scooter / karlies friendships and then the piano comes in smoothly THROUGH the chaos, which reminds me of taylor just ignoring all that drama and being able to move on while theyre still just bothering her in the background

BEA. THIS TOOK AGES I HATE YOU HAHAHAHH

[ageofpiracyrp]

OPLO YK ERVJOP

Pronouns: He/him

Position: President of the Theme Park Club of Tarrk

Age: 130

Romantic and/or Sexual Preference: "I only have eyes for my wife"

Species: Carrek

Home Planet: Sturn

Faceclaim/Humanoid Appearance: Dan Povenmire

True Appearance: Oplo does not resemble any particular Earth species, but resembles a lot of different lizards. He has warm gray frills on his head in place of hair, very textured gray scaly skin with occasional speckles of pastel colors, brown eyes, regenerate-able limbs ending in blunt claws, and a tail tipped in silvery-gold spines.

Information: (cw for child neglect and implied gore)

Oplo is a happily married man. He has one son named Bekl whom is currently attending a fancy boarding school on Jehk that has a great athletics program. Oplo talks about how much he misses Bekl every day. He also talks about how much he misses his beloved wife every day too because she is almost always at work. Oplo's wife Jane works long hours as a business executive, commuting back home for three out of every 10 days.

Oplo's wife has a younger sister, Junyi. Since Junyi's parents did not want to take responsibility for the child, Oplo and Jane essentially raised the younger carrek. He knows but would never admit that he is not the best at minding children. He has done a little bit better bringing up Bekl than his younger sister-in-law, but it is honestly just luck at this point that Oplo's line of carreks can regrow fingers.

Oplo's family owns a chain of exercise equipment manufacturing and distribution. None of the other club members are sure exactly what Oplo does as employed by his family's company, but he lives comfortably and has his picture all over the company's promotional materials.

It has always been a point of great tragedy for Oplo that he could not visit his favorite place in the universe that he could never visit: Universal Orlando Resort. He was devastated to discover that Blue Man Group would no longer be performing at the best place on Earth. He started the Theme Park Club twenty-six years ago and has unanimously been voted as president every year (except 2017, when he voted for his wife, who did not want the position at all). After scattered acquisitions here and there, Oplo and his club members came up with the brilliant idea of scouting out an entire pirate crew to visit everyone's dream parks, experience it all on their behalf, and bring back merchandise to cherish.

MARY JUNYI CIRTU

Pronouns: She/her

Position: Member of the Theme Park Club of Tarrk

Age: 56

Romantic and/or Sexual Preference: Pansexual

Species: Carrek

Home Planet: Kurrk

Faceclaim/Humanoid Appearance: Song Yuqi

True Appearance: While she freely enjoys her sformer, she has shockingly vibrant patterning resembling a tokay gecko but seafoam green with gold spots. Her eyes are dominated by a bright amber scelera.

Information: (CW for child neglect)

Junyi was the result of a one-time liaison between a wealthy recently widowed woman and a high-ranking Galx official. The Galx official wasn't married at the time, but he apparently decided he had enough children from his previous marriage and entirely ignored his youngest in all manners except fiscal. Junyi's mother also stopped caring about bringing up a second kid after a decade, so her sister Jane (and later brother-in-law Oplo) brought her up.

It can't be said that Jane and Oplo did a fantastic job teaching Junyi manners, but she's endearing in her own way. Unfortunately, she has little regard for the comfort of others, and is terrible at apologizing when it is due. It can be difficult to get Junyi to stop talking if she takes a liking to someone, and she has little awareness of when she irritates others.

She goes by her middle name because her first name is after one of the worst characters in Pride and Prejudice, she doesn't like how her mom says it, and she likes to have her name started with the same sound as her sister's.

Both of her parents send her money regularly (out of guilt?), even if she is already an adult. Junyi wouldn't have to work if she didn't want to, but she has put some of that money toward advancing a career in doing what she loves... designing dollhouses big enough to fit people. Or as other people see fit to call those: houses. Her early career is going surprisingly well.

Junyi loves collecting things, and is the biggest Disney fan out of the club- beyond just the parks. She has a particularly very large Tsum Tsum collection. Visitors to the clubhouse may find Tsum Tsums hidden in locations where Tsum Tsums should not dwell.

TOQJUN "QJUN" GVUGGL

Pronouns: He/him

Position: Secretary of the Theme Park Club of Tarrk

Age: 111

Romantic and/or Sexual Preference: He is honestly obsessed with calling himself "MLM" but pronounces it "Mlem"

Species: Carrek

Home Planet: Sturn

Faceclaim/Humanoid Appearance: Mika

True Appearance: Qjun closely resembles an armadillo-girdled lizard with cascading scales and a flexible body, but pale blue.

Information:

Kjeuk and Qjun's families have been close for generations, helping each other grow their own wealth. Much of the families' occupations revolves around using money to make more money. Qjun thinks that investments and gambling are quite fun.

By far, Qjun is the most socially apt out of the leadership of the Theme Park Club. Unfortunately, Qjun is only good in social situations if he is presenting information. If you ask him enough questions, his eccentricity comes out. He's fun, and odd people gravitate to him, but Qjun's family thinks that he's kind of a loser.

Qjun is equally comfortable going by his full name "Toqjun" or the nickname "Qjun". Since Kjeuk uses the nickname, the secretary is usually "Qjun" to the club.

While Qjun likes theme parks, he is genuinely more interested in watching videos and having the merchandise than actually going to a park- and risking Galx coming after him and his sweet sweet money.

Qjun's weak spot is karaoke. You can persuade him to do anything if you do karaoke with him first. It's been bad for business.

While he is the secretary of Theme Park Club, Qjun enjoys the social aspect of the club more than anything. It's nice to be a part of a community of people that enjoy things and care so strongly about it! He likes to listen and do his part to keep the club going. Also they serve really good food at the club.

[newmusickarl]

Top 50 Albums of 2023: Honourable Mentions

I’ve spent most of this year thinking to myself that 2023 hasn’t been a hallmark one for music – I think I was wrong.

With 2022 serving up some of my favourite records in recent years and most of my favourite artists releasing new music that delivered on high expectations, I sort of had in mind that 2023 just wasn’t as strong by comparison. But in the process of compiling my annual Top 50 Albums of the Year, revisiting songs and thinking back on the live performances I’ve seen, I’ve been reminded of the sheer depth of quality music we’ve been gifted over the last 12 months.

In 2022 I listened to more new music than any other year I can remember and it seems I pretty much matched this personal best again in 2023. My Apple Music Replay tells me I’ve listened to 733 albums from 884 different artists, 4,835 different songs and a whopping 39,935 minutes of music. Whittling this mass of great music down hasn’t been easy, which is why this year I’m taking a slightly different approach to my year-end countdown. Instead of focussing on just the albums with the daily Top 50 in the build-up to the new year, I’m going to celebrate all the mediums of music I’ve enjoyed instead.

From my own tally that I keep every year, I’ve consumed over 240 newly released Albums & EPs from 2023, listened to around 2,500 songs and witnessed 115 live performances (and counting!) over the last 12 months as well. This has given me the impossible task of choosing my year-end champions in terms of albums, EPs, songs and live shows of the year. The songs will come in playlist form later in the month along with a roundup of my favourite EPs and live shows of the year, but for now I’m beginning with the best albums that the year had to offer.

As ever, these albums come from a multitude of genres (pop, rock, indie, hip-hop, R&B, electronica, shoegaze, punk and post-punk - it’s all here!) so although there is a good chance you won’t enjoy everything on this list, hopefully there is at least something for everyone to enjoy. Of course, the variety also makes it very difficult to rank one above the other, so don’t get too hung up on the placements. Generally, I’ve favoured the albums that:

Had the biggest impact on me and the wider music world in the last 12 months

Had ambition or something unique to offer

I played the most during the year

Ultimately produced my favourite front-to-back listening experience

Before the countdown officially starts tomorrow with the albums that finished 50-41, I wanted to just shout out the albums that I thoroughly enjoyed this year but ultimately just missed out on the Top 50 spots. Essentially these albums would’ve made up the 100-51 placings if I had the time spare to do an even bigger countdown. However as I don’t, here they are as my 50 Honourable Mentions for 2023 in alphabetical order:

Alex Lahey - The Answer Is Always Yes

Arborist - An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros

Baby Queen - Quarter Life Crisis

BC Camplight - The Last Rotation of Earth

Bdrmm - I Don’t Know

Black Pumas - Chronicles of A Diamond

Boygenius - The Record

Circles Around The Sun - Language

The Coral - Sea of Mirrors

Danny Brown - Quaranta

Declan Welsh & The Decadent West - 2

Depeche Mode - Memento Mori

Empty Country - Empty Country II

Fenne Lily - Big Picture

Fiddlehead - Death Is Nothing To Us

FIZZ - The Secret To Life

Foo Fighters - But Here We Are

Gabriels - Angels & Queens

Gaz Coombes - Turn The Car Around

Gorillaz - Cracker Island

The Hives - The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons

Holding Absence - The Noble Art of Self Destruction

Hot Mulligan - Why Would I Watch

Jadu Heart - Derealised

James - Be Opened By The Wonderful

Janelle Monae - The Age of Pleasure

Jayda G - Guy

Kevin Abstract - Blanket

Killer Mike - MICHAEL

Lanterns on the Lake - Versions of Us

M83 - Fantasy

Metallica - 72 Seasons

Nile Marr - Lonely Hearts Killers

Noname - Sundial

nothing, nowhere - VOID ETERNAL

Paws - PAWS

RAYE - My 21st Century Blues

Sampha - Lahai

Shame - Food For Worms

Sigur Ros - ATTA

Sleaford Mods - UK Grim

The Slow Readers Club - Knowledge Freedom Power

Somebody's Child - Somebody's Child

Squid - O Monolith

Sundara Karma - Better Luck Next Time

We Are Scientists - Lobes

Wild Nothing - Hold

The Xcerts - Learning How To Live And Let Go

Yo La Tengo - This Stupid World

Zivi - Lost In Love

So that’s what didn’t quite make it - see you back here tomorrow to find out the first ones that did!

[crazyscotsmanthe1st]

Election 2024

So, the Tories are out - including many high ranking ones that have lost their seats, including Jacob Rees Mogg, Liz Truss and Penny Mordaunt. This, for many people, is cause for celebration - or at least a sigh of relief.

It's been a long time coming, so let's remind ourselves what's happened since 2010 -first there was Cameron and Osborne's austerity, the bedroom tax and rising dependence on foodbanks, the heartlessness of an ideology that blamed the poorest in society for the banking crash of 2008. Then the Brexit referendum, in which the UK made, frankly, a terrible choice after a dismal Remain campaign and downright lies from the Leave side. This led to Cameron fleeing the field, leaving Theresa May to try to hold together a divided party and try to thrash out a deal that nobody could agree on. Then Boris Johnson mishandling Covid, partying while we isolated, wasting billions on dodgy PPE and track and trace systems. Liz Truss crashing the economy and becoming the shortest-lived PM in history. Then the Tory insiders betting on the date of the election, and Sunak skiving the end of the D-Day commemorations.

There's probably a lot I've missed, but those are the things that spring to mind at time of writing. At the end of any government's time in office, there's always failures and scandals you can look back on. But I don't think there's ever been one like this. It's a terrible, shameful legacy. It's well past time this shower of selfish, callous, incompetent toffs were kicked into the gutter.

As for what replaces them, well, time will tell. The new government is shiny and polished and refreshing - but how long for? I don't hold out much hope for Starmer, but perhaps he'll suprise me.

Me, myself, I voted SNP because I wanted representatives who will stand up for Scotland and defend our interests in this new parliament, dominated as I knew it would be by a large Labour majority. Sadly, my hopes were completely dashed. It's difficult not to feel despondent and depressed.

Yet, to put it into context, Labour swept into power with 34% of the vote across the UK, while the SNP received 30% of the vote in Scotland. It's thanks to the peculiarities of the "First Past the Post" system that the two parties' fortunes differ so sharply.

Already the opponents of independence and the SNP are declaring that independence is "dead", or "put to bed", "forever" or "for a generation". Of course this is nonsense - as long as there are a significant number of people in Scotland who want it - and polls consistently put it at close to 50% - it will continue to be a live issue in Scottish politics, even if the road ahead is blocked and the future of the campaign uncertain.

In 1296, after his initial military victory over the Scots, Edward I declared "a man does good work when he rids himself of sh*t".

In 1707, after the signing of the Act of Union, the Earl of Seafield said "now there's the end of an old song".

In 1995, then Shadow Scottish Secretary George Robertson said "devolution will kill Nationalism stone dead".

You see, we've been here before. Our movement has seen many "deaths", but the flame still burned in enough of our people's hearts. It will never die. Years, decades, centuries from now, if humanity survives, there will be people living in this part of the world who call themselves Scots and who, rightly, exert or demand control of their own affairs. The unionists can rage and froth and gloat, but we're not going away.

The support of independence for Scotland is a noble, just and vital cause. Vital, because it's the only way Scotland can get itself noticed and taken seriously. Only the spectre of independence forces Westminster politicians to acknowledge Scotland's needs and rights. Without it we are ignored and marginalised.

There's another great danger too - the rise of Reform. Labour's victory was in part thanks to a significant part of the Tory vote bleeding away to Nigel Farage and his dispicable mob. So don't be fooled by Starmer's red rosette - this election marks a drift towards the far right.

These are the challenges and the battles that lie ahead of us. Only by keeping the cause of independence alive can we exert Scotland's right to a better future.

[don-lichterman]

The Reunion of the Stars of The Bridges of Madison County, Kate Baldwin & Aaron Lazar at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center with the American Pops Orchestra

We are thrilled to announce and promote what will be an extraordinary evening that people will remember for years to come.

Aaron Lazar is from my hometown, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and he had attended the same school is I did at Cherry Hill High School West, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess by graduating top of his class. He possessed remarkable talent for sports, specifically as a state-ranked discus thrower. Additionally, his outstanding theatrical performances earned him the lead roles in school musicals. Such an impressive record gained the attention of Duke University, where Aaron pursued a pre-med program. However, his talent and passion for musical theatre could not be ignored. Recently, Aaron was accepted as one of two candidates out of many to attend an elite MFA program in musical theatre. As a result, he made the difficult decision to put his medical school plans on hold.

Aaron is a highly regarded performer with an extensive range of experience. He has made a name for himself in acclaimed productions on Broadway and showcased his talent in some of the most successful movies of recent times, such as ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ and ‘This Is Where I Leave You’, which remains one of my personal favorites. Notably, he has also featured in several hit TV shows, including ‘Yellowstone’, ‘Black-ish’, ‘Blacklist’, ‘Blue Bloods’ and ‘Qunatico’. His diverse accomplishments have earned him universal praise, and his ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry are highly valued.

Kate Baldwin is a renowned American actress who has made significant contributions to the movie industry. Born on 2 May 1975 in Evanston, Illinois, Kate is an actress best known for her roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Just Beyond, and Live from Lincoln Center. Kate has showcased outstanding performances in all her projects, and her talent has earned her a prominent place in the industry. In addition to her acting career, Kate is also a proud wife to Graham Rowat, whom she married on 2 October 2005. The couple is blessed with one child and has been together for more than a decade. Kate has dedicated herself to her craft, and her passion for her work is truly inspiring. Her fans admire her for her talent, dedication, and drive to succeed.

Kate Baldwin, who has been nominated twice for the prestigious Tony® Award and has appeared in major productions such as Hello, Dolly! and Finian’s Rainbow, will be joined by none other than Aaron Lazar, a Broadway and television star who has played leading roles in The Light in the Piazza and Fox’s Filthy Rich.

The special concert and theatre event promises to be a truly unforgettable celebration of the most magnificent songs of Broadway and Hollywood, featuring two sensational performers who have received critical acclaim throughout their careers.

The concert will take place at the prestigious Axelrod Performing Arts Center, where the American Pops Orchestra, under the baton of Luke Frazier, will provide the glorious and heavenly musical accompaniment.

You may recall Kate and Aaron’s performances in Axelrod’s 2022 production of The Bridges of Madison County, directed by the acclaimed Hunter Foster.

Their previous concerts at New York’s 54 Below were massive successes with critics and audiences alike, with the pair earning high praise for their “glorious soprano” and “soaring tenor” voices. Critics have hailed their show as “stunning,” “electric,” “charming,” “rapturous,” “fun,” and “one of the top 5 shows ever at 54 Below!” The unmatched chemistry between Kate and Aaron will see them take the stage and perform an array of favorites from Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond.

It’s a performance that you can’t afford to miss! Click here for information about the show!

[borisbubbles]

12. ESTONIA 5Miinust & Puuluup - "(nendest) Narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" 20th place

Decade Ranking: 40/153 [Above Trenuletul, below Pasha Parfeny]

For those of you who don't speak Estonian.

This is message for those that didn't believe in them.

Guess where they are honey.

They're in the final.

and they're here to stay 💋 :dramatic tallharpa:

YES, I KNOW, they're out this early. Honestly, It feels incorrect to rank 5M&P anywhere other than right above Trenuletul (their spiritual ancestor), and we've already reached them point on the spreadsheet, so... Blame that year for producing 11 better entries.

I don't think Estonia warrants an introduction this year. From the second ANY of us heard :inhales: nendestnarkootikumidesteiteameküllmidagi, :exhales (this may seem difficult to type out, but I speak a language that has words such as meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornis and arbeidsongeschiktheidscommissie. Pity for the five readers I get from countries such as Romania and Portugal). Anyway, from the second any of us heard [LongestTitleEver], we all knew we were going to be in for a WILD ride.

And indeed, if there's anything you can say about Estonia is that their song went HARD in basically every live performance.

THE MEMEDANCE

(symmetrically branching out 😍)

THE TAVERN BRAWL INTO FRATERNIZATION NARRATIVE

OLD FARTS CARRYING ♥ ♥ ♥

(Yeah he does look like VSauce, i knooow...x)

Shenanigans coated by song whose lyrics effectively boil down to "Don't do drugs! Drugs are bad! Allow me to demonstrate all that can go wrong. :demonstrates absolutely nothing wrong: " 😍. This entry is hotter than a stovetop.

Never forget that they qualified, fairly comfortably, from the semi of death, with an absolutely FOUL live performance! 😂 (no wonder that Sofia Coll comparison came naturally...x). Sometimes the song and concept are good enough to carry a televote, take notes countries with no idea what makes a televoter tick (Belgium, Austria, Azer...x).

All in all, it was a really fun ride, so why not higher?

Well... You know I love a good trainwreck and Estonia provided one... but it's the same deal as Raiven and Kaleen in a sense. I think the song's really good on its own. It's a rich composition that masterfully showcases Estonia's musical tradition. No other country in the WORLD could present an entry like (Nendest) Narkootikumidest.

Yet, I found that the lives didn't do it as much justice as I would have liked. (Nendest) Narkootikumidest's first live I saw (the one at Hommik Aniga) remains the best one, largely because they managed to curb the chaos for just the right amount of time before unleashing it into a psychedelic shitstorm. What we got in Malmö was very fun too, but not quite as epic.

It's a little bit nitpicky, I know, but bear with me. I really like everyone left in the ranking. It's the little details such as "this doesn't reach its full potential" or "these vocals are kinda crooked" (both of which apply to Estonia 💔) that are going to make or break your further survival, alongside my personal whim. (Nendest) Narkootikumidest was good, and I cherish it, but I know it could have been better (case in point: Finland beat them by a handful of points 💀), and that realization sealed their fate for me.

That said, MEGA STOKED Estonia qualified (and some of my friends got to hang out with them during the off-time in Malmö you can imagine how jealous I am), so let's hear the song one last time, with THIS handy format so you have no excuse to misidentify Marko, Ramo, Lancelot, Kölver, North Korea (lol) and Päevakoer ever again!

and um lol yes another year with Lithuania as the top Baltic. Funny how that remains a constant over the years. (#LETTHEMHAVETHEIRFIRSTWINSOON)

THE RANKING

[indiejones]

ASHOK KUMAR’S TOP 175 FILMS OF ALL TIME !

How do you begin introducing a man whose career begins or coincides with the quantum rise of Indian Cinema as a whole, & ends in it's enmasse tailspin..a full 60 yrs later!

How do you start explaining the contribution of a man to Indian popular arts, who's amassed an unheard of 336 films in lead or parallel lead or supporting lead (measly support only lasting the last 5-6 yrs), over these 60 yrs, at an avg rate of 5.6 films a year, all thru those 60 yrs! All this whilst staying among Top 20 Actors for his first 2 decades in Hindi Cinema, & in it's Top 4-5 for the next 4 decades, going on to top those Actors charts (in one o' most one-sided contests) for a decade too in milieu!

HOW DO YOU BEGIN ENCAPSULATING A MAN, ELECTED IN EARLY 2023, IN AN EXHAUSTIVE WORLDWIDE ACTORS SEARCH @INDIES' ONLINE PORTAL, AS THE 3RD GREATEST ACTOR, MALE OR FEMALE, IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD CINEMA ! ELECTED @ INDIES, AS THE 2ND MOST VALUABLE & INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF INDIAN CINEMA, OVER THE LAST ONE & QUARTER CENTURY, ONLY SECOND TO RAJESH KHANNA! How do you even begin assessing the power of a man over Indian arts, who refuses to accept India's highest artistic honors, him being it's only natural & sole first choice for recipient, when initiated, for it's lack of adequate mass appeal at the time, & only when attains sufficient public sway, allows his nation the satisfaction of bestowing such greatest honors upon him.

SAFE TO SAY, INDIAN CINEMA, FOR MOST IN RECORDED MEMORY, BEGINS & ENDS WITH ASHOK KUMAR ! For if ever a greater description of one man's dedication to the arts, who blossoms to his fullest only by his 50's, & begins changing the face of, & adding never-before-seen dimensions to, Indian cinema for next 2 decades, thru a span of age most choose leading a happy contended retired life at. And whilst we critically analyze his finest artistic rise thru the times, rating him only among Top 20 Actors in the 1940's, let's not forget he actually was among the Top 3 Box-Office draws even then!..A funny yet famous incident aptly indicative via a story from as early as mid 1940's, when Raj Kapoor's wife on her wedding stage, amidst all the coy sober & traditional atmospherics of the occasion, broke all norms alongside Raj's vibe, to lift up her veil completely in full public view, in a mindless fangirl moment upon hearing shouts of the legendary actor having arrived to wish the couple..a spoilt bridegroom moment Raj jokingly never forgave his Dadamoni for all life! Watching Ashok Kumar act, from late 1950's to early 1990's, when appeared in his last memorable role alongside incidentally the only other famous man ahead of him in the world rankings, Rajesh Khanna (both coincidentally rounding off from lead or parallel lead cinema at exactly the same time ~5 yrs later), many a times was nothing short of watching a masterful painting in live creation, or solo orchestra reaching heights of delicate euphoria in front of your disbelieving ears & eyes, leaving one with a impression that the impossible had just been achieved, & new benchmarks laid out, each time! A man so on the path to artistic liberation, that by last phases of his career came to certify projects as 24 carat hallmark by mere touch or presence. A dedication to the arts so steep & dangerously extreme, documented as even resulting in self-inflicted lifelong maladies all in the process of achieving the most difficult roles or scenes to his perfection. Most infamously for instance, when undertook upon himself the dangerous & incurable as it turned out for him sickness of asthma, by consuming self-concocted home-made potions designed to naturally create a particular wheezing sound heard only in dying speech! And if ever has an actor more naturally attuned to the western taste, by his sheer non-affinity to the song-and-dance, all his brilliance emanating outside of Indian cinema's traditional template, for simple fact that never has been an example of an actor, before or since, that forced the creation of an entire new dimension of storytelling, that too in the largest film industry on the planet, just to accommodate his massively appealing yet near-retired looking physical age into the leading man stratosphere. .. Imagine a Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford today, if for closest comparison, only at 20 times the work rate! And finally onto more light-hearted matters, like the legacy left behind among peers. .. Being the veritable Grandfather to Great-Grandfather of Cinema, by sheer unbelievable longevity, a career that was bound to encompass some very interesting & most unique relationship patterns. ... 'Dadamoni' or 'ideal elder brother' as he came to be called by everyone in India, from his contemporaries to the littlest of toddlers, for last 50 yrs of his life, assumed the honorific with his trademark carefree charm & heart-filled affection. Famous by many onlooker accounts, for mingling among young stars of the 1970's, by unashamedly discussing their private love lives in front of them & full units, in a manner they infact grew to love, such his loving authority over all. Also being the quintessential researcher of the motion picture sciences, reportedly famous among colleagues for his unique mind & heart games too, designed to improve artistic concentration & produce, in plain sight. And an influence not just used for merry or education, but more serious stuff too. One such famous account, as recalled from public insider interviews, being when openly chided & snided his long-term colleague Dilip Kumar, more than a decade his junior, & who actually revered Dadamoni as his elder brother, in the 1980's for his second marriage, an open public rebuke at workplace 'tis said worked it's magic in shaking up the stalwart, enough, to revert course from an extremely unpopular decision. A man that started writing private chapters in the newly inscribed acting profession when in it's infancy at most places, & landed up rewriting the entire larger playbook several times over, by the end. Spanning 5 different generations of heroes, heroines, directors, & audiences alike, the thread that wove the most bejeweled of all cinematic necklaces, Hindi Cinema, in it's ever enduring & utterly hallowed wingspan. To The Man, Who Was Everything, To Everyone Interested In Indian Cinema, At Some Point Of Their Lives. Presenting Ashok Kumar's Top 175 Films Of all Time !

1.       .Mahal (1949)

2.       .Satyakam (1969)

3.       .Suntan (1976)

4.       .Aashirwad (1968)

5.       .Aarti (1962)

6.       .Bheegi Raat (1965)

7.       .Oonche Log (1965)

8.       .Shole (1953)

9.       .Pakeezah (1972)

10.   .Parineeta (1953)

11.   .Kismet (1943)

12.   .Mili (1975)

13.   .Kangan (1939)

14.   .Guru Ho Ja Shuru (1979)

15.   .Khubsoorat (1980)

16.   .Samadhi (1950)

17.   .Afsana (1951)

18.   .Howrah Bridge (1958)

19.   .Intaquam (1969)

20.   .Prem Nagar (1974)

21.   .Ek Kali Muskai (1968)

22.   .Nai Roshni (1967)

23.   .Raja Aur Rana (1984)

24.   .Aap Ke Deewane (1980)

25.   .Humayun (1945)

26.   .Kanoon (1960)

27.   .Rakhi (1962)

28.   .Bahu Begum (1967)

29.   .Chal Chal Re Navjavan (1944)

30.   .Paise Ki Gudiya (1974)

31.   .Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)

32.   .Mr. India (1987)

33.   .Nau Bahar (1952)

34.   .Maalik (1972)

35.   .Shilalipi (1984)

36.   .Sitaron Se Aage (1958)

37.   .Bhai Bahen (1969)

38.   .Do Bhai (1969)

39.   .Janki (1979)

40.   .Harfan Maulaa (1976)

41.   .Garam Masala (1972)

42.   .Surer Bhubane (1992)

43.   .Savera (1958)

44.   .Najma (1943)

45.   .Shatru (1986)

46.   .Gharni Shobha (1963)

47.   .Aakhri Insaaf (1980)

48.   .Ganga Tera Pani Amrit (1971)

49.   .Pooja Ke Phool (1964)

50.   .Amma (1986)

51.   .Pasand Apni Apni (1983)

52.   .Shaukeen (1982)

53.   .Jyoti Bane Jwala (1980)

54.   .Annavin Asai (1966)

55.   .Takkar (1980)

56.   .Khwab (1980)

57.   .Dil Aur Mohabbat (1968)

58.   .Anuraag (1972)

59.   .Victoria No. 203 (1972)

60.   .Pyar Kiya Hai Pyar Karenge (1986)

61.   .Amar Deep (1979)

62.   .Aanchal (1960)

63.   .Meri Surat Teri Ankhen (1963)

64.   .Bhanwar (1976)

65.   .Sharafat (1970)

66.   .Aaj Aur Kal (1963)

67.   .Safar (1970)

68.   .Bezuban (1962)

69.   .Phoolon Ki Sej (1964)

70.   .Farishta (1958)

71.   .Bhai-Bhai (1956)

72.   .Dil Daulat Duniya (1972)

73.   .Mere Mehboob (1963)

74.   .Chitralekha (1964)

75.   .Jawab (1970)

76.   .Afsana (1966)

77.   .Ansoo Ban Gaye Phool (1969)

78.   .Chand Aur Suraj (1965)

79.   .Door Ka Raahi (1971)

80.   .Purab Aur Pachhim (1970)

81.   .Grahasti (1963)

82.   .Karigar (1958)

83.   .Paisa Ya Pyar (1969)

84.   .Rakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972)

85.   .Aradhana (1969)

86.   .Naya Kanoon (1965)

87.   .Sardar (1955)

88.   .Achhut Kanya (1936)

89.   .Naya Zamana (1971)

90.   .Grahasthi (1984)

91.   .Mehrban (1967)

92.   .Zindagi Zindagi (1972)

93.   .Jewel Thief (1967)

94.   .Tumhare Liye (1978)

95.   .Sau Saal Beet Gaye (1970)

96.   .Sau Din Saas Ke (1980)

97.   .Barood (1976)

98.   .Nazrana Pyar Ka (1980)

99.   .Khatta Meetha (1978)

100.                        .Dadi Maa (1966)

101.                        .Adhi Raat Ke Baad (1965)

102.                        .Bandini (1963)

103.                        .Aadhi Mimansa (1991)

104.                        .Yeh Rastey Hain Pyar Ke (1963)

105.                        .Shatranj (1956)

106.                        .Talaash (1957)

107.                        .Ustad (1957)

108.                        .Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa (1972)

109.                        .Zameen Aasmaan (1972)

110.                        .Ek Daku Sehar Mein (1985)

111.                        .Mr. X (1957)

112.                        .Bahu Beti (1965)

113.                        .Bagula Bhagat (1979)

114.                        .Tamasha (1952)

115.                        .Hum Tum Aur Woh (1971)

116.                        .Anmol Tasveer (1978)

117.                        .Adhikar (1971)

118.                        .Raagini (1958)

119.                        .Zindagi (1942)

120.                        .Mamta (1966)

121.                        .Akashdeep (1965)

122.                        .Rani Mera Naam (1972)

123.                        .Benazir (1964)

124.                        .Shankar Dada (1976)

125.                        .Kangan (1959)

126.                        .Aabroo (1968)

127.                        .Ek Se Badhkar Ek (1976)

128.                        .Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan (1966)

129.                        .Bhagwat Mahima (1955)

130.                        .Kangan (1971)

131.                        .Masoom (1960)

132.                        .Judaai (1980)

133.                        .Ustadon Ke Ustad (1963)

134.                        .Anurodh (1977)

135.                        .Burmah Road (1962)

136.                        .Baadbaan (1954)

137.                        .Anjan (1941)

138.                        .Samsheer (1953)

139.                        .Begunaah (1991)

140.                        .Hifazat (1987)

141.                        .Woh Din Aayega (1987)

142.                        .Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (1966)

143.                        .Ujala Hi Ujala (1974)

144.                        .Bewafa (1952)

145.                        .Nakli Nawab (1962)

146.                        .Chhoti Si Baat (1976)

147.                        .Dooj Ka Chand (1964)

148.                        .Pyar Ka Sapna (1969)

149.                        .Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978)

150.                        .Jadu Tona (1977)

151.                        .Janta Hawaldar (1979)

152.                        .Safed Jhoot (1978)

153.                        .Rangilla Rattan (1976)

154.                        .Janmabhoomi (1936)

155.                        .Bandish (1955)

156.                        .Ek-Hi-Rasta (1956)

157.                        .Hatey Bazarey (1967)

158.                        .Ek Saal (1957)

159.                        .Naaz (1954)

160.                        .Bedard Zamana Kya Jane (1959)

161.                        .Kiran (1944)

162.                        .Maa Aur Mamta (1970)

163.                        .Love In Bombay (1974)

164.                        .Mastan Dada (1977)

165.                        .Apna Khoon (1978)

166.                        .Gumrah (1963)

167.                        .Durgaa (1985)

168.                        .Inspector (1957)

169.                        .Sazaa (1972)

170.                        .Beti Tumhare Jaisi (1969)

171.                        .Prayashchit (1977)

172.                        .Angoothi (1943)

173.                        .Izzat (1937)

174.                        .Arjun Pandit (1976)

175.                        .Bulandi (1945)

[biromanticwritergal]

My Top 5 songs for Iceland for 2010-2019

5. Hera Bjork- Je ne sais Quoi (2010)

4.Eythor Ingi- Eg A Lif (2013)

3. Maria Olafs- Unbroken (2015)

2.Svala-Paper (2017)

1. Greta Salome and Jonsi- Never Forget (2012)

[sezja]

10. happily doing everything with just one hand, if it means they don’t have to let go

Hand-holding Prompts (Always accepting)

"Perks of rank, eh?" Guydelot looks around the office - admittedly small, and smaller still with both of them occupying the cramped space - with unmasked curiosity, turning in place to take in the full view. The desk devours most of the limited floor space, flanked by bookshelves that appear to contain books on song and history, folklore and fables; small wonder. Sanson had gone fishing through legend for the Ballad of Oblivion, after all. The shelves also contain journals. Notes on the books, if Guydelot has his guess; Sanson's a prodigious note-taker, after all, and he does like to set all his thoughts down in words...

"Once the Order grants me permission to form my unit, I will be granted a room in the barracks," Sanson says, squeezing his way behind the desk and settling down to work. "These small spaces are for officers with no soldiers currently under their command-"

"What's that make me, then?"

"Not officially under my command," Sanson says, smiling. "Yet."

Guydelot shrugs, plunking himself down into the only other chair in the room. "Details." His days with the Gold Bulls are blessedly numbered, and he's wasting one of those days here. Officially, he's assisting Captain Sanson Smyth with unspecified duties. Unofficially, he's... observing? Keeping Sanson company while he wastes a beautiful afternoon shut up in this tiny windowless office?

He observes in polite silence for several minutes, and then: "Hey."

"Yes?"

"Give me your hand."

Curious, Sanson glances up. "My...?"

"Hand. You know what a hand is, right?" He wiggles his own fingers, all ten of them, at Sanson. "It don't have to be the one you're using." Guydelot grins, impish. "But if you'd like an excuse to stop working-"

Sanson rolls his eyes. "I knew it was a mistake to allow you to shirk your duties." But he extends his free hand to Guydelot, who takes it in his own, lacing their fingers together on the desk beside Sanson's half-written report.

Content, the bard plucks one of the books from the shelf. A several-decades-old treatise on the application of bards in combat? Eh, not his style. Back to the shelf it goes. He tries another. It appears to be a collection of Gridanian nursery rhymes and cradle songs, but several pages are marked: references to moogles, to Coerthas, to other legends...

He squeezes Sanson's hand. "Just how long were you looking into the Ballad of Oblivion, anyhow?"

"Oh..." The man doesn't glance up from his work; he doesn't like discussing his nigh-disastrous discovery in the Sea of Clouds. "Since first I spoke to Jehantel, I suppose. I wished to find evidence of the utility of song on the battlefield, and a song of such destructive capabilities seemed ideal." He sighs, quiet. His quill has gone still. "Too good to be true, I suppose-"

"Details," Guydelot repeats, sliding the book back into its spot on the shelf once more. "You proved a bard's mettle just fine, and I like our ballad better." He fishes another book from the shelf, this one a heavy collection of notes with tactics used in battles through the ages. Difficult to turn the pages with one hand, but Guydelot resolutely manages, cradling the book in his lap: awkward, to be sure, but it's the most interesting possibility he's plucked from the shelves yet.

Sanson watches for a moment, fighting the urge to smile. "'Twould be far easier if you let go of my hand... and easier for me to work on my report, as well."

"You let go first, then."

"No."

Guydelot cheerfully flips a page. "Then we're workin' one-handed 'til someone barges in, aren't we?"

[mearnsblog]

“Frozen” (2013)

Here's a pointless story about the first time I heard about "Frozen." In December 2013, I saw a Switchfoot concert at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, and the opener was a band called New Politics. They charted that year with probably their biggest hit, "Harlem," and that was all I really knew about them. After the show, I was Wikipedia-ing them (as very cool kids do), and realized that "Harlem" was used in a trailer for some Disney movie that recently came out. This is all a long-winded way to say that I'm probably one of very few people in the world to learn about the existence of the soon-to-be titanic megahit "Frozen" in this way. Again: utterly pointless.

The funny thing about that trailer is that it's really not a good one. I don't think that Disney truly realized what it had on their hands. I'm sure they were hopeful that it would be at least as successful as "Tangled," but this was a billion-dollar hit that immediately made "Frozen" Disney's biggest branding opportunity of the century to date. It's obviously still popular today, but it will be difficult to communicate to future generations just how omnipresent "Frozen" became. In the words of Kristen Bell in another project, "Hot diggity dog."

That's all well and good for Disney's marketing team, but Mr. Mouse's bottom dollar doesn't mean much to me. How good is "Frozen," really? Although parents who have had to see it 500 times might have their own opinions, as someone who has maybe seen it once since the first time in 2014 or so (aside from clips here and there), it still holds up! I like "Frozen," I really do. No, I don't have it No. 1, but it's a legitimately enjoyable time. The snowy weather looks fantastic and a lot of work went into the animation.

I don't care if it's hackneyed to say at this point: It's so smart to have two love stories in this movie, with the most powerful one involving two siblings. One can’t say enough about the incredible work done by Bell as Anna and Idina Menzel as Elsa. As a viewer, you fully understand and are brokenhearted about why Anna and Elsa's estrangement occurred, particularly with Elsa so fearful of ever hurting her sister with her powers again. She just wants whatever will ensure that Anna is safe, and it's tricky to still be close without accidentally revealing her powers following Anna's memory wipe. Oh, there probably was a way, but she's a confused kid, not to mention one who loses her parents by the time the prologue has concluded.

Almost all of the characters in this movie are incredibly good. I found the trolls a little tedious, but they really aren't in the movie that long and their song was short enough that I could play on my phone (important, I know). Olaf has become a phenomenon in his own right, but writers were judicious in how much screen time to give him. The focus remains on Anna and Elsa, and to a lesser extent, Hans and Kristoff (and the good boy Sven, of course). A few years after the fact, I've noticed some criticism of the Hans plot twist, but it still works pretty well if you ask me. For most kids, it'll probably be the first plot twist they've ever seen, so that's fun to think about.

Here's a mildly hot take: The soundtrack is only fine. "Let It Go" has gotten all of its plaudits and then some, and "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" is still an expertly-executed prologue song. The rest of it? I mean... if you dig it, I'm happy for you, but despite a shorter soundtrack, "Tangled" had more great songs. This is not meant as a knock on “Frozen!” I would just classify the majority of the soundtrack as “B to B+” Disney compared to top tier.

Again though, "Frozen" is still a good time and ranks in my personal Top 10, which I think will only have one or two more additions as we enter the most recent decade of animated classics. If you disagree, then you whatever. Take your opinion and let it g- /yanked offstage with a giant cane/

Best song: "Let It Go"

Updated ranking

1. “Beauty and the Beast” (review) 2. “The Lion King” (review) 3. “The Little Mermaid” (review) 4. “Cinderella” (review) 5. “Mulan” (review) 6. “Tangled” (review) 7.  “Wreck-It Ralph” (review) 8. “Frozen” 9. “Sleeping Beauty” (review) 10. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (review) 11. “Aladdin” (review) 12. “The Emperor’s New Groove” (review) 13. “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (review) 14. “The Jungle Book” (review) 15. “Lilo & Stitch” (review) 16. “The Great Mouse Detective” (review) 17. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (review) 18. “Fantasia” (review) 19. “The Rescuers Down Under” (review) 20. “Tarzan” (review) 21. “The Princess and the Frog” (review) 22. “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (review) 23. “Alice in Wonderland” (review) 24. “Lady and the Tramp” (review) 25. “Pinocchio” (review) 26. “Robin Hood” (review) 27. “Oliver & Company” (review) 28. “Hercules” (review) 29. “Pocahontas” (review) 30. “The Rescuers” (review) 31. “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (review) 32. “Bambi” (review) 33. “Peter Pan” (review) 34. “The Aristocats” (review) 35. “Fantasia 2000″ (review) 36. “Dumbo” (review) 37. “Bolt” (review) 38. “Meet the Robinsons” (review) 39. “Treasure Planet” (review) 40. “Chicken Little” (review) 41. “Fun and Fancy Free” (review) 42. “The Fox and the Hound” (review) 43. “The Sword in the Stone” (review) 44. “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (review) 45. “The Three Caballeros” (review) 46. “Make Mine Music” (review) 47. “Brother Bear” (review) 48. “Winnie the Pooh” (review) 49. “Dinosaur” (review) 50. “The Black Cauldron” (review) 51. “Saludos Amigos” (review) 52. “Melody Time” (review) 53. “Home on the Range” (review)