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fakeoutbf · 1 year

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so much for (tour)dust u.s. leg

magic 8 ball and piano medley songs sorted by date

color coded by album ● repeated songs in bold

tttyg ● futct ● ioh ● fad ● srar ● abap ● mania ● smfs

June 21 - Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Piano medley

- Lake Shore Drive (Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah cover)

Magic 8 Ball song

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S. (Live Debut) (Alias: GOLF)

June 23 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Maryland Heights, MO

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive (Live Debut)

Magic 8 Ball song

- Of All the Gin Joints in All the World (First time live since 2008) (Alias: GAMMA JULIET)

June 24 - Azura Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS

Piano medley

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You) (First time live since 2014)

Magic 8 Ball song

- Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year (First time live since 2014) (Alias: OCHO)

June 27 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands, TX

Piano medley

- Somebody to Love (Queen cover)

- Take On Me (Aha cover)

Magic 8 Ball song

- The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years) (Live Debut) (Alias: TANGO YETI)

June 28 - Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie (First time live since 2013)

Magic 8 Ball song

- The (After) Life of the Party (First time live since 2007) (Alias: SIERRA ALPHA)

June 30 - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, AZ

Piano medley

- Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia) (Patrick Slump song, first time live since 2011)

Magic 8 Ball song

- Homesick at Space Camp (First time live since 2013)

July 1 - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA

Piano medley

- Nothing Compares 2 U (Prince cover)

Magic 8 Ball song

- (Coffee’s For Closers) (First time live since 2009)

July 2 - BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Piano medley

- Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra cover)

- Golden (First time live since 2007)

Magic 8 Ball songs

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

- America’s Suitehearts (First time live since 2009) (Alias: ASS)

July 3 - BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Piano medley

- Every Breath You Take (The Police cover)

- I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers (Live Debut)

Magic 8 Ball songs

- The (After) Life of the Party

- Bang the Doldrums (Live Debut) (Alias: YANKEE HOTEL HOTEL)

July 5 - Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA

Piano medley

- Alison (Elvis Costello cover)

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes (First time live since 2013) (Alias: PATRIZZY S)

July 7 - USANA Amphitheatre, West Valley City, UT

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive

- Hold the Line (Toto cover)

Magic 8 Ball song

- The Kids Aren’t Alright (First time live since 2018) (Alias: KILO)

July 9 - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, CO

Piano/acoustic medley

- Goin’ North (David Stump cover)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner (First time live since 2014)

July 11 - Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR

Piano medley

- (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwarz cover)

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball song

- I Slept With Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me (First time live since 2015)

July 13 - Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI (shortened show due to weather)

Magic 8 Ball song

- Fame < Infamy (Live Debut) (Alias: BRAVO WHISKEY PAPA)

July 15 - Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Favorite Record (Live Debut)

July 16 - Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Where Did the Party Go (First time live since 2014) (Alias: WHISKEY PAPA)

July 18 - Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Piano medley

- Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover)

- I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)

Magic 8 Ball song

- 27 (Live Debut) (Alias: TANGO SIERRA)

July 19 - Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA

Piano/acoustic medley

- Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner (full song)

Magic 8 ball

- She’s My Winona (First time live since 2009) (Alias: BEETLE JUICE)

July 21 - PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC

Piano medley

- Lean on me (Bill Withers cover)

- What a Catch

Magic 8 Ball song

- Dead on Arrival (First time live since 2013) (Alias: DELTA OMEGA ALPHA)

June 21 - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen) (Patrick on drums, First time live since 2007) (Alias: WOLFGANG)

July 24 - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL

Piano medley

- Dancing Queen (ABBA cover)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do Today (First time live since 2013) (Alias: GATOR BITES)

July 25 - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, FL

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Miss Missing You (First time live since 2015)

July 26 - Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Atlanta, GA

Piano medley

- Nothing Compares 2 U (Prince cover)

- I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers

Magic 8 Ball song

- From Now On, We Are Enemies (Live Debut)

July 29 - Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball song

- Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am? (First time live since 2007)

July 30 - Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, Canada

Piano medley

- What a Time to Be Alive

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- West Coast Smoker (Live Debut)

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

August 1 - Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, NY

Piano medley

- What a Catch, Donnie

- Just One Yesterday (First time live since 2014)

- Stereo Hearts (with Travie McCoy)

- Cupid’s Chokehold (with Travie McCoy)

Magic 8 Ball song

- I Am My Own Muse (Live Debut)

- 27

August 2 - Fenway Park, Boston, MA

Piano medley

- W.A.M.S. (Live Debut)

- Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond cover)

Magic 8 Ball songs

- XO (First time live since 2007)

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S.

August 4 - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center, NY

Piano/acoustic medley

- Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene and Stop Going to Shows) (First time live since 2006)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- You’re Crashing but You’re No Wave (Live Debut)

- 27

August 5 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ

Piano medley

- I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song) (Live Debut)

- What a Catch, Donnie

Magic 8 Ball songs

- Bob Dylan (Live Debut)

- I Am My Own Muse

August 6 - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden, NJ

Piano medley

- Jet Pack Blues (First time live since 2018)

- I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)

- Golden

Magic 8 Ball songs

- Pavlove (Live Debut) (Alias: KEVIN BACON)

- 27 (Alias: ONLY THE GOOD)

- G.I.N.A.S.F.S. (Alias: ACRONYM)

#fall out boy #fob #so much for (tour) dust #so much (for) stardust #tourdust #if someone has the rest of the aliases from the setlist i'm happy to add them #idk what else to tag this but here #posting it right as the last show ends rip #i know there's no mania songs but idc i'm not using the purple for anything else bye

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burlveneer-music · 9 months

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Ordnance Survey - Turas - music in the orbit of the Ghost Box/Clay Pipe binary sun, incorporating field recordings from ancient burial sites in Ireland

Turas (Journey) is the most ambitious Ordnance Survey record to date. The field recordings used on Turas were captured with both analog and digital devices at passage and wedge tombs across Meath, West Cork, Wicklow, Connemara and Roscommon. To make use of the tombs' acoustics, elements like percussion were recorded in the tombs and through the process of re-amplification (playing pre-recorded material back in the tombs), this 3000 year old reverberation became a major part of the sound world that the listener experience. Turas is an electronically mediated journey that allows these historical sites to become an important collaborative factor in the creative process. Guest collaborators include Roger Doyle (Piano), Garreth Quinn Redmond (Violin), and Billy Mag Fhloinn (Yaybahar.) Recorded and Produced by Neil O'Connor between May 2021 and July 2022 at the National Concert Hall Studios, Ballferriter, Co.Kerry, Willem Twee Studios, Den Bosch, Holland and at historical sites around Ireland. Instruments Piano, Bass, Drums, Shakers, Bells, Tambourine. Synthesizers Moog Voyager, Moog Opus Three, Korg Mono Poly, Roland Juno 60, Roland JX3P, Sequential Circuits Pro One, Sequential Circuits Prophet 4 & 5, EMS VCS3 Modular Synthesizers Make Noise Shared System Plus, Serge System, ARP 2500 Test Equipment Rhode & Schwarz Oscillators x 12, Rhode & Schwarz Octave Filter x 3, Hewlett-Packard 8005A Pulse Generator, Hewlett-Packard 8006A Word Generator, Hewlett-Packard 3722 A Noise Generator, Hewlett-Packard 3310B Function Generator, EG&G Parc Model 193 Multiplier/Divider. Recording Equipment Revox A70, Tascam Model 80, Uher Monitor Report, Sony TC-40, Zoom H4 Garreth Quinn Redmond (Violin) Billy Mag Fhlionn: Yaybahar Roger Doyle (Piano) Artwork & Layout: Gavin O Brien Supported by Final County Council & The Arts Council of Ireland

#Bandcamp #Ordnance Survey #experimental #hauntology #ireland #2023 #Scintilla Recordings #electronic #field recordings

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tfc2211 · 2 months

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Frankie Miller – Once In A Blue Moon (2021 Reissue of 1972 LP)

Album Performers Backing Band – Brinsley Schwarz Backing Vocals – Bob Andrews, Bridgit, Janice, Joy, Nick Lowe Drums – Billy Rankin Electric Bass, Double Bass – Nick Lowe Grand Piano, Piano [Junk Piano], Accordion – Bob Andrews Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Brinsley Schwarz, Ian Gomm Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica – Frankie Miller

#Frankie Millier #I'm Ready

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lesser-known-composers · 2 months

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youtube

Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) : Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano in G Minor Op. 63

Emi Ferguson, Flute

Julian Schwarz, Cello

Peter Dugan, Piano

#carl maria von weber #German composer #classical music #Youtube

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dustedmagazine · 4 months

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Douglas R. Ewart & Ignaz Schick — Now Is Forever (Zarek)

Schick (l), Ewart (r)

When the Art Ensemble of Chicago arrived in Paris in 1969, their combination of free jazz, boundary-defying composition, sardonic humor and theater caused quite a stir. They and the other African American musicians who joined them were invited to share stages, parties and business endeavors with hippies, underground rockers, political radicals and record labels of varying degrees of sketchiness. One scene that did not rush to embrace them was the electronic music institution, Groupes de recherches musicales (GRM). Sure, there was that 1977 collaboration between Don Cherry and Jean Schwarz, but it took 46 years to make it to a record. One wonders what might have happened if the GRM had opened its doors to the first ambassadors of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). It might have sounded a little like Now Is Forever.

Ignaz Schick is one such wonderer. The German polymath’s own involvement with electronic sound was preceded by a youthful immersion in free jazz, and if you catch him in Berlin, where he now lives, he’s likely to bring an alto saxophone to a gig alongside his turntables and sampler. But Now Is Forever isn’t the product of wondering, but of action. In 2017 Schick took a break from a residency in Los Angeles to fly into Minneapolis for a couple of days, which he spent playing with Douglas Ewart. Ewart is a multi-instrumentalist, poet, sculptor and mask and instrument maker who grew up in Jamaica, then moved to Chicago as a teen, where he fell in with the AACM. He rose from being a student in the association’s school to being its chairman for a spell, and his integration of jazz sonorities, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and ceremonial staging carries on traditions initiated by the Art Ensemble in the 1960s.

While their encounter only lasted two days, there’s nothing rushed about the performances spread across Now Is Forever. Schick layers and ruptures classical piano recordings, orchestral surges, captured mechanical sounds and vinyl crackle into a seething, constantly changing backdrop. Ewart likewise moves between woodwinds, percussion and stern proclamations. His saxophone forays are like lightning rods, drawing and concentrating the powers flowing around him. His recitations direct the energy back outwards, projecting scorn towards phonies and environmental despoilers in general, Trump in particular, and the wasteful plasticity of contemporary living. He doesn’t just condemn, though; “Bamboo Paradise” suggests the titular plant as a sustainable alternative material against a backdrop of East Asian (maybe Vietnamese?) string samples. Spread across two CDs, the album is a journey, sometimes demanding, sometimes edifying, but ultimately asserting the viability of more encounters like this one.

Bill Meyer

#Douglas R. Ewart #Ignaz Schick #Now Is Forever #zarek #bill meyer #albumreview #dusted magazine #improvised music #electronic music #association for the advancement of creative musicians #AACM #art ensemble of chicago #groupes de recherches musicales #GRM

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cilldaracailin · 8 months

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I Was Born To Love You

Hello My Tumblr Lovely's,

I hope you are all well. This is the second last part of this story. Thanks so much for all the love and likes.

Suze xx

14 “The excitement of dreams coming true is beyond the description of words.”

Dropping her bag onto the floor, Robyn ignored the trees she could see from their hotel window and walked right over to Taron and pulled him in to hug him tight and close.

“Breathe.” She said into his neck. “In and out.”

“Robyn…”

“Just do it.” She replied firmly to him, hearing his sigh and then feeling his chest take some slow and easy breathes. “And more please.” Finally satisfied he had calmed his whole body down, she lifted her head from him and used her hand to tip his hat from his head so it fell backwards onto the carpeted floor. Kissing him lightly, she ran her hands through his flattened hair. “You really hate airports, don’t you?”

“So busy.”

“Yeah Taron, it’s an airport.” She saw him roll his eyes and tapped his nose. “We came out unscathed.”

“Until the papers tomorrow.”

“And they will say what? Taron Egerton seen with long-time friend Robyn in JFK?”

“Yeah…”

Robyn brushed his hair from his forehead, her hands going to his cheeks. “We are going to blend blend blend into the crowds here and walk around Central Park and look in the windows on Fifth Avenue and play the Big Piano in FAO Schwarz and look up at all the buildings until our necks hurt…”

“And be fussed about by Stella.” He added with a half-smile. “Sorry cariad. Airports just make me nervous.”

“Stella is going to make you shave.” Robyn said with a pout, her hands moving around to his neck, her thumbs rolling over his growing beard. “And I know they do but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary and we got straight into the car and came here and…” Robyn turned around to finally look out the windows. “Are you freaking kidding me!” She walked over to the glass and stared out. “I know we agreed if the hotel was for a work thing for you, it was up to you but Taron, are you actually kidding me!” She leaned as far as could into the glass. “The Ritz Central Park?”

“Well you did say that you wanted to walk around Central Park. You can look out the window and plan your route.” He smiled coming to stand beside her. “And I didn’t book the hotel. My management team did. I just asked for two extra nights.” He shrugged. “But wow that is some view.”

“Taron that is the whole of Central Park out there.” She leaned back into him as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. “And it is still sunny.”

He chuckled. “Because we didn’t get enough of that in Florida?”

“I can feel my tan melting away.” Robyn replied dramatically.

“Not a chance.” Taron pressed his lips to her neck. “Tanned skin everywhere. So you want to go for a wander around?”

“Isn’t Stella coming here?”

“It has just gone eleven. Stella won’t be here for another few hours.”

“You sure? Because at your premier she was constantly telling me she didn’t have enough time so I was certain she would have already been in the room when we arrived.”

“Well, this isn’t my premier. It’s just a red carpet thing.”

“Because that will stop her? I don’t think so.”

Taron chuckled at her words. “Stella is coming around four to us and then we leave at six. That’s two hours to get ready.”

“For Stella?” Robyn turned around in his arms.

“Cariad, that was her suggestion. She will be here at four. So that means we can go explore for a while.”

“Then I say let’s go explore.” She agreed.

After a quick change and freshen up, they made their way out of the hotel, right onto the road opposite Central Park.

“Let’s leave the park for the way back.” Taron gripped her hand and gave it a little tug.

“You know I have to walk down Fifth Avenue and am going to have many many shopping bags for you to carry and you want to walk the park after?” Robyn grinned.

“Your shopping bag will more than likely be from FAO Schwarz and it will be a stuffed bear which will weigh nothing. We can do the park at the end. You still have to look out the window of our room and plan the way you want to go.” He gave her hand a harder pull “Now, let’s go this way. There is something I want to show you.”

“But Fifth Avenue is that way…” Robyn looked behind her as Taron started to walk to other way.

“I promise you tomorrow we will do every New York tourist thing that you want to do.” He said giving her hand a tug. “But for today, please let me take the lead.”

“Okie dokie but can we please go by FAO Schwarz cos I really want that bear you mentioned.”

Taron chuckled at her. “I will get you whatever you want tomorrow but for today, trust me.” He kept walking straight towards the Columbus Cir le and then took a left down eight avenue. The streets were busy but he knew he blended in with the others walking around, Robyn more so as she took picture after picture, insisting he got in for many selfies together. They continued their walk and as they entered Broadway and the theatre district, he could feel the increase in excitement in Robyn.

“I know we are going to see RENT this evening, but do you think we can try one of those red ticket booths to get some last-minute discounted ones for another show.”

“I am sure we could definitely have a look cariad.”

“Because I mean it’s Broadway and…”

“How could I even think about bringing you to New York and not bring you to more than one show? I mean you are miss musical theatre.” He felt the dig she gave him and took it with a smile. “We will get to another show Robyn. I promise. Now follow me.” He took a right but felt Robyn stop.

“Isn’t this where the musical is tonight?” She asked looking up at the famous exterior of the Gershwin Theatre, the black frame with the iconic white lights in the ceiling known to every musical theatre lover, RENT in large letters and lights on the outside.

“It is.” Taron confirmed.

“Ok so we come back here later. Not now. Now is time to explore.”

“Robyn…” Taron let go of her hand and stood behind her to give her a little push. “Will you just trust me and take my hand and come with me.”

“Ugh fine.”

He laughed at her reply and took her hand, walking under the lights and towards the entrance of the theatre. The security guard inside gave Taron a nod and unlocked the door, opening it for him.

“Mr Egerton. Come on in.” Once they inside, the guard locked the door again. “Head on through.”

“Thank you.”

With his hand locked in Robyn’s, Taron started to make his way across the green and gold diamond carpet towards an escalator.

“How does that security guard know your name?” Robyn asked.

“Just does.”

“Taron…”

“Shh trust me.” He chuckled again when Robyn made a similar sound to the one she had made previously. “I promise it will be worth it.”

Once off the escalator they walked into the wide-open lobby, Taron guiding the way towards a set of double doors in the middle of the lobby. He opened them and let Robyn through first, following her.

“Welcome to the Gershwin Theatre.” He said.

Robyn had never been in the Gershwin but walked past it many times and she was taken back by its beauty inside. Spacious and with a fantastic view from every seat, Robyn walked away from Taron and down the aisle to get a better look at the theatre as whole, turning around to see the seating in the upper circle.

“And what time do you call this?” Her head turned when she heard a voice call from the stage. “You told me twelve and its now near one. We have a schedule to keep to and an opening night to attend to!”

Robyn’s head whipped around to look to Taron and then back to the stage.

“Well, someone kept stopping to take photos along the way.” Taron called back coming to stand beside Robyn. “It delayed us a little.”

“Oh, she did, did she? Don’t you think it’s about time I get to meet the famous Robyn?”

“Sure. We will be right down.”

Taron grinned as he watched Robyn’s head flick back and forth between him and the stage and back to him again. “Want to go and meet him?”

“Taron!” Robyn threw her hands up in the air. “Are you joking me?”

“What?” She pointed to the stage.

“Oh that.”

“Oh that.” She repeated. “That is Hugh Jackman!” Her hand was still pointing to the stage. “Haven’t you learnt to stop surprising me with people?”

His whole face lit up with a grin. “But then cariad, I don’t get to see this wonderful look on your face which is a mix of awe, anger and excitement. It’s the most beautiful look.”

“Taron!”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “It is cariad but I also like to surprise you in the way you surprise me.”

“My surprises are usually cookies. Not Hugh Jackman. I don’t have a Hugh Jackman to surprise you with.”

“Robyn didn’t you know he was part of the team that brought RENT back to Broadway?”

“No Taron I didn’t.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“You didn’t do any research about it?”

“Well no. I was told RENT was coming back, you were invited and we could go together and did you think I was going to refuse an invite to a Broadway musical! I was never told Hugh Jackman of THE Hugh Jackman was part of the production team.”

Taron gave her a half grin. “So wanna go and meet him?”

Robyn looked to the stage. “Well of course I do.”

“Keep the squeals in, ok?” He expected the dig and stepped out of her way.

“I don’t squeal.” She saw his look. “Ok sometimes but I will do my very very best.”

Hand in hand, they walked down the aisle to the stage, Taron letting her walk up the steps on the right-hand side first, Robyn waiting for him to join her before they walked together over to Hugh who was waiting in the middle of the stage for them.

“Robyn…” He held out his hand towards her. “It is very nice to finally meet you.”

Robyn shook his hand, trying her very best not to squeal and keep her voice steady. “It is, well amazing to meet you. Big fan.” She stopped mid shake, squeezed her eyes shut and whispered under her breathe. Opening her eyes, she looked to Hugh. “So, we are going to pretend I didn’t say that ok?”

Hugh laughed at her words. “Sure, but I already know you are a big fan. Taron may have let it slip.”

“Of course he did.” She looked over her shoulder to him. “Anything else I need to be aware of?”

“Hmmm nope.” She looked back to Hugh with a raised eyebrow. “Well only that you were in your own local production of RENT and won an award for it.”

“And this is where I take my exit. Hugh it was lovely to meet you but there is a big piano nearby that needs to be played.” She dropped his hand and started to walk off the stage but Taron grabbed her hand to pull her back. “You give away all my secrets.”

“To be fair to Taron…” Hugh interrupted. “I saw his Instagram post and asked him about it. He didn’t tell me exactly and a love for musical theatre should be celebrated and I am sure you know how much I love it.”

“Well kinda.” Robyn admitted.

“And you…” He stepped past Robyn to greet Taron with a hug. “Might be a good idea to give your girlfriend a heads up every now and again.” He gave him a strong pat on the back. “It’s good to see you again too.”

As Hugh greeted Taron, Robyn couldn’t help but take a few steps further onto the stage and stare out into the seats. The theatre was huge, and from the stage, every seat and box could be seen clearly.

“Now imagine it with a full audience.” Hugh suggested as he stood beside her.

“I can’t even. So many people.”

“You are a performer. You have performed in front of people.”

“Yeah a couple of hundred. Not this many.” She jumped a little when the orchestra sounded from the pit below them. “And not had a full orchestra either.”

Hugh looked to Taron and then back to Robyn who was still captivated by the theatre. “Never this big, eh?”

“Nope”

“Well, why don’t you give us a song?” Hugh stood beside her. “There might be no one here but you can say you performed at the Gershwin.”

Robyn chuckled and shook her head. “Yeah, because you have time for that. Doesn’t your cast need to warm up before the show?”

“The cast are not due for another while and the orchestra are warming up and could easily play a full song for you.”

Robyn looked at Taron who shrugged his shoulders. “Up to you cariad but ya know, it’s a Broadway stage and you are being given the opportunity to sing on one and I don’t know if I will have Hugh Jackman on a Broadway stage to surprise you with again.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling in the stage lights.

“You planned this.” Robyn turned to him. “This was your idea the whole time.”

“Well not quite. I wanted to introduce you to Hugh because I know you are a huge fan and also get you onto a Broadway stage but this is all Hugh’s idea to sing. Not mine but Robyn, do it.” He encouraged. “You know the show inside out and it is Broadway in New York and you were Mimi and may have won a teeny tiny award for that performance. I think you can handle this big stage too.”

“Hey Dan!” Hugh called out, a man popping up from the orchestra pit. “These are some friends of mine and Robyn here would tick a serious bucket list item if she got to sing on Broadway stage.” Robyn saw the look of doubt on the conductor’s face. “Trust me when I say she can sing.”

“Yeah?”

“Hmm. She has won an award for playing Mimi in her local musical society.” He echoed Taron’s words, Robyn biting her lip as he said them, her eyes on the conductor.

“Really?” Dan looked to Robyn. “Mimi?”

“Yup.” She confirmed.

“What award?” He asked, his tone a little snooty as he stood with his arms crossed.

“Best female lead, I believe Robyn, right?” Hugh said standing beside her.

“Female lead?” Dan questioned.

“Hmmm.”

“And wasn’t that from the best five performances in Ireland cariad?” Taron called out. “Won over everyone.” He said proudly.

“Amateur musical society?” Dan asked, leaning forward a little.

“Everyone starts somewhere.” Hugh replied, his own arms folded. “And the orchestra always warms up with a full song before the cast comes on.”

Dan sighed with a grunt. “We could play Out Tonight as a warm up I guess but we have no mics.”

“She won’t need a mic.” Taron pipped up walking over to take Robyn’s hand. “You got this cariad.” He lifted her hand to kiss it. “Not a bother to you.”

“Taron…” Robyn looked to him, still biting her lower lip. “This really is not a great idea. That conductor is not…”

“When will you ever get the chance to sing on a Broadway stage and you know you killed it as Mimi.” He interrupted brushing her hair behind her ear. “Show that snotty conductor what you got. I have every belief in you.”

“You just want to see me sing.”

“And those dance moves!” He winked

“Hugh!” Dan called out, seeing the producer walking away towards the wing. “If she can’t sing, I swear. We won’t have time to do it twice Hugh or start and stop.” The musical conductor raised an eyebrow. “And we do have an opening night to be concerned about. Hugh?”

Robyn and Taron looked to their left, Hugh having walked away but he was on his way back. “One microphone.” He grinned handing it Robyn. “Wanna test it for me?” He winked.

“Sure.” Robyn took the microphone and spoke into it, testing the sound system, hearing her voice echoing back. “All good.”

“Hugh, we need to get going. The cast will be out soon.”

“Robyn you happy to go ahead?” Hugh stood beside her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. “I don’t think you need a warm up.”

She looked to the conductor whose face was clearly not happy at having to go along with Hugh, his smirk hitting a nerve with her and with the microphone in her right hand, nodded to Hugh. “I don’t think I will ever get the chance to sing on a Broadway stage again, so I say let’s just go for it.” She ignored Taron’s little dance beside her and kept her eyes on the conductor.

“Great. It will be good warm up for you Dan. Give the team a chance to have some fun before the show tonight.”

As soon as Hugh finished speaking, Dan moved into position and with a tap of his baton, the orchestra turned up and within seconds, the music for Out Tonight started to play. Taron slipped Robyn’s bag from over her shoulder and gave her a wink. “Kill it, dance moves and all cariad.” His voice could only be heard by Robyn and as he stepped to the side, Robyn gave herself a quick one second pep talk before she had to start singing. There was no time for nerves and even though it was Hugh Jackman standing on a Broadway stage with her, she would never ever back down when someone tried to pass her off with a smirk. She channelled all the emotion she felt into the song and knowing it was going to be her only chance to ever sing on such a stage, she closed her eyes imagining she was back in Kilcreen on stage and was determined to hit every note to make Taron proud of her and prove she could sing the shit out of Mimi’s song.

Taron could only grin as he watched Robyn literally get into her groove and giving a nod towards the seats, himself and Hugh made their way off the stage and took a seat in the third row to watch the performance. Last time he watched Robyn sing this song, he had been a bundle of emotion but now he could sit back and relax and feel nothing but pride for her.

It was a much bigger stage then she was used too and she didn’t have a fireman’s pole to slide down and her voice wasn’t warmed up, but Robyn used the opportunity to sing her heart out and pretend she was Mimi, giving her all to the song. It was strange to hear the full orchestra behind her and before she knew it the song was over and she looked to where she heard the clapping and wolf whistling, her smile growing as she saw Taron clapping his hands above his head.

“Yes cariad!” She heard him shout, another whistle coming from his lips, Robyn taking a pretend curtesy, her eyes drifting to the conductor whose smirk has completely changed, giving her nod of approval.

“Well call me impressed.” Dan said to her. “Didn’t think you had that in it.”

“Best female lead.” Robyn grinned. “And thank you for doing that for me. A moment I will remember for a very long time.” She looked to Taron. “Jane is gonna be jealous!”

“I will sign something else for her.” Taron shouted up to her.

“It is gonna have to be a piece of clothing.”

Taron chuckled. “We will work up to that.”

“We will.” Robyn agreed and her head turned to the left, when she heard more clapping, some of the cast standing in the wing of the stage.

“Hugh, you are not trying to replace us, are you?” One of them asked as they walked on stage. “Because as the understudy for Mimi, I am feeling a little threatened right now.”

“Not at all.” Hugh shouted up towards the stage. “Just a friend ticking an item off a bucket list.”

“You sure?” She asked again, coming to stand beside Robyn. “Because as much as I loved singing at the diner, I am not going back there.” She turned to Robyn. “No offence.”

Robyn grinned and held out her hand. “None taken and Hugh is right. Just a bucket list thing. I’m Robyn.”

“Emilia.” They shook hands with a chuckle. “And I mean, join our chorus by all means but…”

“Don’t worry.” Robyn assured her. “As much as I would love to be in a chorus on Broadway, I already have another role lined up.”

Emilia smiled. “Ok good, again no offence.”

Robyn laughed. “None taken.”

Hugh joined the two and other cast members who had walked onto the stage, Taron strolling behind with his hands in his pockets, his eyes stuck on Robyn. “Well, well, well.” The Australian stood with his arms folded. “I guess no warm up was needed.”

Robyn shrugged. “First and only time getting to sing on a Broadway stage.”

“Killed it cariad.” Taron stood beside her. “And excuse me, but another role lined up?” He questioned. “Want to fill me in?”

“Well, I haven’t got one yet but ya know, optimism and auditions open at the end of September for the next musical.”

“Musical?” Emilia asked. “You have my interest peaked.”

“Our local musical society, back home.” Robyn explained. “They are holding auditions for Legally Blonde at the end of month.”

Emilia’s eyes lit up. “That is a fun musical.”

“One of my favourites.”

“Ok gang. Let’s get this warm up going. Then I want to just run La Vie Boheme one more time.” The musical director appeared on stage. “Hugh, your friends are more than welcome to stay but we just gotta get going.”

Emilia looked to Robyn. “Want to join in our warm up?” She asked. “Get some tip and tricks for your audition.”

Robyn turned to Taron with a hopeful look. “Go and have fun. I am gonna catch up with Hugh.” He chuckled at her reaction. “You promised me you wouldn’t squeal.” He stepped out of her swipe towards him and with Hugh headed back down the stairs to the seats.

“So that is Robyn.” Hugh said to Taron as they sat down together, letting the cast warm up, Robyn quickly catching on to the stretches too.

“Hmm yup.”

“She can sing.”

“Yup.” Taron said again.

“You are whipped mate.”

“What?” His head turned to his friend.

“You heard me.” Hugh threw his arm around his shoulder. “Your eyes haven’t left her.”

Taron tried to shrug off Hugh’s arm, but he gave in with a sigh. “I love her.”

“She look after you?”

“In every way possible.”

“You look after her?” Hugh asked.

“In every way I can.”

“Good. She is a fire cracker.” Hugh chuckled; hearing Taron laugh too. “I like her.”

“Me too.”

“So, what are you plans then for the rest of the day.”

“Well, if I can ever drag Robyn off the stage, she would like to get a bear from FAQ Schwarz and walk around Central Park.”

Hugh laughed hard at his words. “You can bring her back tomorrow if you want. I would love to hear her sing again plus to get the smirk off Dan’s face is worth another visit.”

“Still being an ass?”

“Yeah, a bit of one but it’s just until the end of the week and Julian is back, thank goodness. Dan is great conductor but Julian cracks a joke and smiles and is a much more supportive conductor.”

“Thanks for the invite back but me and Robyn are gonna do some New York stuff tomorrow.”

“Of course. I know you want to spend your time with her.”

“When Robyn is happy, I am happy but we only have a week left together and the time is starting to go to fast now. I want to spend it all with her.”

“I get it Taron, I do.” Hugh patted his shoulder.

Both turned back to the stage listening to the warm up, Taron grinning as Robyn was right in the middle looking as if she was part of the cast. “I am never going to get her off the stage.” He chuckled.

It was easier to get Robyn off the Broadway stage then he thought it would be and as they wandered their way back towards their hotel, they walked up Fifth Avenue, taking a quick look in the FAQ Schwartz, Taron treating her to a brown furry teddy bear, both taking a turn on the large piano before heading back to their hotel.

As they turned the corner to head down the corridor for their room, Robyn took a quick glance left and right and with no one around, she gently pushed Taron against the wall beside their door, and kissed him hard, hearing his surprise at the sudden kiss.

“Thank you so much for doing that for me.” She said against his lips. “That was an unbelievable experience Taron and you know I never expect you to do anything like that for me and you know you don’t have to.”

Taron kissed her back, his hands wrapping around her waist. “I know I don’t have to and I know, that sometimes I can do those kinds of things for you because of my job but Robyn, I also do them because I know you don’t expect it or ask for it but you always appreciate it more than anything. You have never once ever even thought about using my name or fame for any kind of reward so if I can give you the opportunity to do something like sing on a Broadway stage because it will make you smile and kiss me like that, then I am going to do it plus Hugh really wanted to meet you. I know for you these are huge things and I am sure you feel that cookies are so underrated compared to that but Robyn the cookies, the corner of your couch and a head massage is the same for me as singing in the Gershwin is for you.” His hands slid into the pockets of her shorts. The weather in New York was warm and clammy, their holiday attire still getting use and he pulled her closer into him. “Me watching you sing and smile and feel what it is like to sing in New York was just as much for me as it is for you.”

Robyn cupped his cheeks and kissed him slowly. “No more mad surprises though?”

“No more.” He promised. “But I know you loved every minute of it.”

Robyn nodded. “It was amazing.”

“And it gives you all the inspiration you need now for your audition for the next musical.” He kissed her cheek, making his way around towards the right side of her neck.

“It really does.” She agreed titling her head back.

“Maybe you can audition for me?” He asked with a smirk. “Isn’t there a part in Legally Blonde where the lead character wears a bunny costume?”

Robyn giggled and was ready to answer but a loud ‘ahem’ made them both turn their heads.

“Good God is this what I am going to have to put up now that you two are together because this is really going to interrupt my red carpet preparation’s.”

#Robyn and Taron #Taron Egerton Fanfiction #Taron Fanfic #Taron Fanfiction #Love #Relationship #Dreams

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fpp64 · 1 year

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All time best album 100

1. Chuck Berry - Chuck Berry Is On Top (59)

2. Wes Montgomery - The Incredible Jazz Guitar (60)

3. John Coltrane - Giant Steps (60)

4. John Lee Hooker - Don't Turn Me From Your Door: John Lee Hooker Sings His Blues (63)

5. Grant Green - Idle Moments (65)

6. Miles Davis - Nefertiti (67)

7. Quarteto Nôvo - Quarteto Nôvo (67)

8. The Doors - The Doors (67)

9. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis: Bold As Love (67)

10. The Beatles - The Beatles (68)

11. The Kinks - The Village Green Preservation Society (68)

12. The Beach Boys - Friends (68)

13. Blood, Sweat And Tears - Child Is Father To The Man (68)

14. John Hartford - Housing Project (68)

15. Andy Pratt - Records Are Like Life (69)

16. Frank Zappa - Hot Rats (69)

17. Chicago - Chicago Transit Authority (69)

18. The Band - The Band (69)

19. Nina Simone - Nina Simone And Piano! (69)

20. Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left (69)

21. Fairport Convention - Liege And Lief (69)

22. Bob Dylan - New Morning (70)

23. Jimmy Webb - Words And Music (70)

24. かまやつひろし - "ムッシュー" かまやつひろしの世界 (70)

25. The Who - Who's Next (71)

26. Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces Of A Man (71)

27. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (71)

28. Aretha Franklin - Live At Fillmore West (71)

29. The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main St. (72)

30. Jesse Ed Davis - Ululu (72)

31. Bobby Charles - Bobby Charles (72)

32. Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything? (72)

33. Eric Justin Kaz - If You're Lonely (72)

34. Terry Callier - What Color Is Love (72)

35. Bobby Womack - Understanding (72)

36. Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You (72)

37. George Jackson - George Jackson In Memphis 1972-1977 (09)

38. Donny Hathaway - Live (72)

39. Bill Withers - Live At Carnegie Hall (73)

40. Stevie Wonder - Innervisions (73)

41. Shuggie Otis - Inspiration Information (73)

42. Marcos Valle - Previsão Do Tempo (73)

43. Little Feat - Dixie Chicken (73)

44. Frankie Miller - Frankie Miller's High Life (74)

45. Brinsley Schwarz - The New Favourites Of... (74)

46. Brian Protheroe - Pinball (74)

47. Bruce Cockburn - Salt, Sun And Time (74)

48. Kenny Rankin - Silver Morning (74)

49. Tamba Trio - Tamba (74)

50. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live! (75)

51. John Martyn - Solid Air (75)

52. Grateful Dead - Blues For Allah (75)

53. Curtis Mayfield - There's No Place Like America Today (75)

54. Leroy Hutson - Hutson (75)

55. Johnny Guitar Watson - Ain't That A Bitch (76)

56. Antônio Carlos Jobim - Urubu (76)

57. Azymuth - Aguia Não Come Mosca (77)

58. Ivan Lins - Somos Todos Iguais Nesta Noite (77)

59. Taj Mahal - Brothers (77)

60. Jorge Ben - A Banda Do Zé Pretinho (78)

61. Lô Borges - A Via Láctea (79)

62. Joe Jackson - Look Sharp! (79)

63. NRBQ - Tiddlywinks (80)

64. Joni Mitchell - Shadows And Light (80)

65. Steely Dan - Gaucho (80)

66. Van Morrison - Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart (83)

67. Fred Frith - Cheap At Half The Price (83)

68. The Police - Synchronicity (83)

69. Ben Watt - North Marine Drive (83)

70. Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen (85)

71. Milton Naschimento - Miltons (88)

72. Lenny Kravitz - Let Love Rule (89)

73. XTC - Oranges & Lemons (89)

74. Paul Weller - Paul Weller (92)

75. G. Love And Special Sauce - G. Love And Special Sauce (94)

76. Ron Sexsmith - Ron Sexsmith (95)

77. Cassandra Wilson - New Moon Daughter (95)

78. Tony! Toni! Toné! - House Of Music (96)

79. UA - FINE FEATHERS MAKE FINE BIRDS (97)

80. Stereolab - Dots And Loops (97)

81. Caetano Veloso - Livro (97)

82. Elliott Smith - XO (98)

83. Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham - Moments From This Theatre (99)

84. Badly Drown Boy - The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast (00)

85. Common - Like Water For Chocolate (00)

86. BONNIE PINK - Let go (00)

87. paris match - typeIII (02)

88. CARNATION - LIVING / LOVING (03)

89. Steve Winwood - About Time (03)

90. Luis Alberto Spinetta - Para Los Arboles (03)

91. Metheny / Mehldau - Metheny / Mehldau (06)

92. Domenico - Cine Privê (12)

93. Diggs Duke - Offering For Anxious (14)

94. D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah (14)

95. Prince - HITnRUN Phase Two (15)

96. Ryley Walker - Primrose Green (15)

97. Ian Lasserre - Sonoridade Pólvora (17)

98. Kurt Rosenwinkel - Caipi (17)

99. Sam Gendel - 4444 (18)

100. Catbug - Slapen Onder Een Hunebed (21)

#music #all time best album

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2d-dreams · 1 year

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Hunter Schwarz's house

yes i made it in MS Paint. It's the only thing I have with nice shape tool.

Some things you can see here under the 'read more':

North is up, South is down, West is left, and East is right.

The house has three doors, instead of the standard 2. It has the west Men's door, the east Women's door, and an additional northwest Isosceles door leading to a small hall (mostly for Tommy, the small Isosceles boy, to play in), a woman's apartment for Joline, and two apartments for both boys. Inside the Isosceles part of the house, there is a Line in her apartment (the mother of both Isosceles, Joline) and the Isosceles boy.

East to the Isosceles hall is Paul, the Hexagon's apartment. Paul is seen on his bed (I was too lazy to draw the other beds). North to his bedroom is his study, holding a personal telephone on the wall. East to the boy's room is his father's study (with a desk and telephone) along with his bedroom, that leads to his wife's apartment, that also has access to the Women's door, the main Hall, and the piano apartment.

South to Madelyn's apartment is the piano room, housing her family's piano. Madelyn is seen playing it.

On the pentagon house's base is the cellar and storage room, with a few 'shelves', seen with a few books (straight lines piled together), scrolls (rolled up beside books) and a blanket.

West to the cellar/storage is the kitchen. Walter, an Isosceles, is here preparing breakfast for both families. There is a 'fridge' or storage for food items and whatever else is needed in the kitchen, a stove (with a pan full of some food and the fire turned on) and a gas tank for the stove.

In the middle of the house is the Hall, where Hunter is currently sitting and reading a book.

#flatland #the arts of being

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haitilegends · 1 year

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🎥 Immerse yourself in the captivating performance of "SOUFLE VAN," a traditional Haitian folk song arranged by Johnbern Thomas and performed by an exceptional group of musicians. .

youtube

#Haitilegends

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May 18, 2023

(HAITIAN FLAG DAY)

Johnbern Thomas - Drums & Arranger

Pauline Jean - Vocals

Marcus Lolo Keys & BGVS

Marc Harold Pierre - BGVS, Congas, Percussions

Aaron Goldberg - Piano

Billy Buss - Trumpet

Jacques Schwarz-Bart - Saxophone

David Casseus - Electric Bass

Cisco Percussionniste - Congas

Imeran Norman - Cowbell, Guiro

Jose Figueroa - Electric Bass

Aris Stanley Shegger - BGVS

Clyde Duverne - BGVS

This production was made possible by Johnbern Thomas Music Production LLC, working in collaboration with Pauline Jean and Marcus Lolo.

Recorded at : Institut Francais D'Haiti by Pierre Elove Filmed by Jean Sénatus & Etienne Shneider (LGM Studios)

Sear Sound NY by Jeremy Lucas Filmed by Patrick Ulysse (Unimix Films) & Steve Azor

Starke Lake Studio by Harrison Bormann Filmed by Benjamin Altidor.

Earecordingstudio by Ezechiel Augustin

Filmed by Erode Lapointe.

Mixed By Alex Venguer Mastered by Ken Rich at Grand Street Recording.

Project Narrative and Communication: Rosny Ladouceur.

Video Editor: Prime Concept Graphic Design & Project Manager : Ralph Stephane Momperousse.

This project is supported by: Aaron Goldberg, Pauline Jean Music, Marcus Lolo, Frantz Kenol, Yvon Andre (Kapi), Patrice Piersaint Music, Jean Huberman Mercure and the Haitian American Art Network, Inc.

Thank you our musician, friends and supporters for participating in such a noble project. Thank you for gifting this project to our DEAR HAITI May 18, 2023.

_________

Tap/Click #👈🏽

#JohnbernThomasMusic

#JohnbernThomas

#Jazz

#JazzMusic

#Haitianmusic

#HaitianJazz

#KreolJazz

#NewMusicFriday

#OutNow

#Haïti #Ayiti #haitianflagday

#covertunes

#PaulineJean

#MarcusLolo

#ayiticherie

#MarcHaroldPierre

#AaronGoldberg

#BillyBuss

#JacquesSchwarzBart

#DavidCasseus

#CiscoPercussionniste

#ImeranNorman

#JoseFigueroa

#ArisStanleyShegger

#ClydeDuverne

#HaitilegendsJazz

#Haitilegends

#GabrisanMusiclounge

#Youtube

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appears · 2 years

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It's Ayumi Hamasaki's birthday on October 2 and we're extending the celebration in true ego-maniacal, splashy celebrity fashion, by drawing out the festivities for an entire week! Each day I will briefly discuss a totally random item chosen (not by me) from my Ayu collection. Prepare for praise, disappointment, and controversial opinions backed by love and respect as we take a casual look back in this blurry snapshot of her career. Happy Birthday to our Party Queen, Ayumi Hamasaki!

Ayumi Hamasaki's Love songs-era is one of the most interesting and disputed in the singer's career. For many, it is the moment where Ayumi ceased to be an artist known primarily for her work in music (and to a lesser extent, fashion), and the moment she became a full-blown tabloid celebrity worthy of pity. The moment that all began was this single L, for which a music video was shot that featured the Austrian model/actor Manuel Schwarz who would become Ayumi's first short-lived husband after a whirlwind romance and spontaneous marriage in Las Vegas.

In hindsight, we know that L is one of the last physical singles that Ayumi would ever release, following only three more singles four years later, and the penultimate that would be released in a plethora of versions that featured varying content and jacket art. Released in September of 2010, the single is a triple-A side that features the ballad "Virgin Road," and the pop/rock tracks "Sweet Season" and "Last angel." All of these tracks are produced by legendary artists: "Virgin Road" and "Last angel" by Avex's forever-gold Tetsuya Komuro, and "Sweet Season" by beloved bad-boy and king of nostalgia, Noriyuki Makihara. But all of them bear the unmistakable imprint of Ayumi Hamasaki herself.

"Virgin Road" is incredible, one of the first Ayumi ballads I remember liking since 2009's "You were," which while not that long after, seemed like an eternity in Ayu years. I was fairly unimpressed with her previous albums NEXT LEVEL and Rock 'n' Roll Circus, and was looking for something that spoke louder to me. "MOON," "blossom" and "crossroad" were not it. But "Virgin Road" was. It's an opulent, orchestral ballad that, despite its rising crescendos, never erupts into the full-blown sound-saturated atmosphere of many Ayu ballads like "HEAVEN" or "No way to say." It's a bit more shy in that sense, relying on organic instruments over synths to produce a a warm-blanket kind of a song that somehow feels as simultaneously hushed and sacred and grand as a cathedral, or say, an entire centuries-old institution based on a bond between two people. The music video is the kind of cinematic PV a song like this deserves: a just-married couple cruising through the heat-waved desert robbing banks and convenience stores, partners in love and crime, as Ayu’s white dress picks up the dirt and grime of the Earth and of life itself, as they evade capture. The whole video is shot in a stark, violent black-and-white, all the more to bring out the rugged terrain and contrast with the final seconds that bleed into color. It's an improbable and totally fantastic take on what happens when two people vow to spend the rest of their lives (or 13 months) together.

Komuro's other contribution is very different, relying on Ayumi's business-as-usual approach for "Last angel," with perhaps a bigger focus on synths. But despite those dance elements, what's most unusual is how un-Komuro this songs sounds, a credit that would seem almost phoned-in if the production itself wasn't so impeccable. Nevertheless, it's the least important new song here, with Makihara's "Sweet Season" the honeyed companion to "Virgin Road." "Sweet Season" is classic Makihara, from the mid-range tempo to the prominent acoustic guitars and ever-present piano chords, which you can really hear in the instrumental version. It's not quite a ballad, nestling into that comfortable soft-rock zone of wistful melancholy that he perfected at that stage of his career on a song like “Firefly ~ Boku wa Ikiteiku”. It's a gentle, raw-nerve of a song that Ayumi never lets get too treacly, mostly by exposing the vulnerability, and impossibility, of such earnestness with the music video's twist ending. It's all the more heartbreaking for its refusal to indulge too deeply, past the point of honesty.

All together, this is a real whopper of a triple-A side single, even if "Last angel" is a bit of a step back. Unfortunately, the Type-B of the CD-only version (there was also a Type-A), has one of the worst track listings of all of them, opening (opening!) with an acoustic cover of TM NETWORK's "SEVEN DAYS WAR." Ayumi has done a few covers of TK songs throughout her career, not unusual as an artist signed to a record label that still feels it owes its existence to him, but it's a definite push to feature this as the first track on a triple-A-side single, one that seems like it comes more from contractual obligation, or some sort of ego-satisfying agreement in exchange for Komuro's involvement with not just this single, but the eventual album that it would end up on (I’m just speculating). The other CD-only version of this single features orchestral versions of the TMN song and "crossroad" (though not as the first track). All versions shuffle the order of the tracks.

At the time that this was released, all of the craziest drama was still to come, but in the mean time, we got three great songs, with two phenomenal producers that Ayumi had yet to work with in her long career -- can’t believe it took this long! Unfortunately, this also ignited my imagination, wondering what other sky’s-the-limit collabs would possibly yield (Ami Ozaki? Mariya Takeuchi? Tetsuji Hayashi?) Dream no small dreams!

#ayu #ayumi hamasaki #j-pop

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