#this was already a personal anthem for me this summer for Reasons but frankly this is an even better use

[ithnkperhapsyouvegotthewrongshop]

if anyone else is out there looking for music for their GOs2 playlists, this one kicked me in the teeth this afternoon

(spotify embeds have been broken for me lately so i opted for youtube but it's over there too)

The Arcadian Wild - Sparrow (lyrics under the cut)

can't you see the state of my hands so how dare you ask me to carry more than i already am cause you weren't there and i swear you wouldn't have made it back at the very least you'd have done the same as me

you don't really want to know how bad it went even if i say it was an accident i didn't know it would be this hard to come clean if you don't mind i think i'll just go to sleep and dream dream that i was chasing the right thing i'll dream there was a good reason

take a look at my heart and you'll see that my broken hands weren't the only thing torn apart i went through hell for heaven's sake and all that i have to show is the overwhelming way to being alone

you don't really want to know how bad it went even if you're convinced it was an accident i didn't know it would be this hard to come clean if you don't mind i think i'll just go to sleep and dream dream that i was chasing the right thing i'll dream there was a good reason

was it all a big misunderstanding? did i give away my heart for nothing? no there has to be a reason or it's just me to blame can you love entirely and still be left lonely

you already know how bad it went cause i'm wearing it on my sleeve again even though not one sparrow could fall to the ground without you knowing that it's going down and still i still hit the ground and dream there was a good reason

[kvndeathmusic]

my favorite records of the 2010s pt 1 (the less great stuff/honorable mentions)

Neither this post or its followup are going to be in any particular order, however all the records I talk about here are, in my opinion, not as good as the records i will talk about in my part 2. they’re all fantastic but these ones slightly a little less fantastic than the ones in my “top 10″. none of this is based on stuff like 'influence' or whatever other critics base their lists on, this is solely how much I enjoyed these records. And keep in mind, I'm only human, I havent listened to a good lot of records I've heard others describe as top 10 worthy, these are just records I found and that I resonate with. long post ahead. 

Vacation - Bomb the Music Industry (2011)

If you asked me what my favorite band is i will either say bomb the music industry or jeff rosenstock, but considering those are pretty much the same things it doesnt matter lol. While Vacation isnt a perfect record, it is one I love. It lacks some of the ska elements that I love about earlier BTMI records, but at the same time, it is the first record where Jeff’s “””solo””” career sound starts to form in tracks like Sick, Later, Hurricane Waves, Everybody That You Love, Everybody That Loves You, and Vocal Coach. And these tracks are all fantastic, especially the absolutely explosive opener Campaign For a Better Weekend. Where this album suffers in my mind is the fact that it exists as a weird hybrid middle ground between BTMI and modern Jeff Rosenstock, it isn’t really ska like old BTMI and it’s not quite to the same standard as the tracks on We Cool?. And some of the songs are just, not as good as the others, like Why, Oh Why, Oh Why (Oh Oh Oh Oh), which is washed out almost entirely in reverb, and tracks like Savers feeling barren and missing additional instrumentation. But fuck man I can not dislike this record or just call it “ok” because despite this I still listen to this record a lot, it’s so catchy and fun and Im a bit too chronically addicted to btmi. 

Reflektor - Arcade Fire (2013)

i dont really get the hate/mixed feelings others have with this record. there’s so many good tracks dude!!!! sure theres a bit of a slump in the middle and it doesnt reach the same emotional heights as their previous records you gotta be ignorant to overlook this records strengths. while i do like The Suburbs more than Reflektor, man i just vibe HARD with some of these tracks; the title track, We Exist, Here Comes The Night Time, Normal Person, Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice), Porno, and ESPECIALLY Afterlife. Plus the cover art is cool and I like it. However Flashbulb Eyes is one of the worst tracks Arcade Fire has ever put out and I hate it immensely. And while far less offensive, tracks like You Already Know, It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus), and Joan of Arc are just kinda boring and/or uninteresting. Now granted, I'm extremely biased when it comes to Arcade fire in general unless were talking about the trainwreck that is Everything Now. I started listening to Arcade Fire just before Reflektor came out, and I have a kinda sentimental attachment to the record. ill explain the feeling more when i talk about The Suburbs. anticipation oooooo.

good kid m.A.A.d city - Kendrick Lamar (2012)

i might get crucified by some for not putting this in my top 10, but whatever come at me i guess. gkmc is a fantastic record, but i do think the ending is weak, which is why it’s here instead of in the top 10. i mean, let’s be real, Real is a mediocre track, and while Dying of Thirst is an important track to the whole narrative of the record, it feels way too long. almost everything else about this record is fantastic, from the beats, to kendrick’s nasally flows, to the overall structure of the record spinning a tale of a young man battling demons both inside and out, and his eventual redemption. even if i find this record at times to drop pace, it really is flawless otherwise. it felt like a disservice to put this in the 20-10s, bc it’s a good record, but i had to make some compromises and this was one of them. 

RTJ2 - Run The Jewels (2014)

el-p and killer mike are a perfect duo, and the tracks they make together are always total bangers. and for me, RTJ2 is the best overall, with RTJ3 in a close second. it’s hard to put this on the lower half of the list, some of the tracks just don’t work as well as the others, but despite that there’s not really any tracks i hate or dislike on this record, minus maybe crown. the pure aggression in the opening track Jeopardy sets the tone for an aggressive yet highly focused record. This is some of the best rap out there right now if you want some music to fuck shit up to. 

Pure Comedy - Father John Misty (2017)

This record is both hilarious and extremely bleak. Josh Tillman is a master of satire and sarcasm, and Pure Comedy is the peak of his songwriting skills. The title track is one of the best tracks of the decade, period. And he keeps up the momentum on the following few tracks. The main problem with this record is its weaker second half, but even then it’s criminal to suggest that those songs aren’t good regardless. And despite the bleakness, the one line that sticks in my head after all this time is the line this album fades out to: There’s nothing to fear.

Knife Man - AJJ (2011)

Continuing on the trend of folky, satirical, and bleak records, Knife Man is AJJ’s defining record (next to their debut LP). AJJ blends loud, punky anthems with quieter, folk tracks that touch on sensitive issues in a way only AJJ manages to get away with. And there’s some genuine heart mixed in as well, with the final track Big Bird always striking a chord with me. However, I do feel the record is, let’s just say, padded at times in my opinion. Still, I can’t deny how much i enjoy tracks like Gift of the Magi 2, Hate Rain on Me, The Distance, and Skate Park. Speaking of which when I saw AJJ live recently they played none of those songs and that kinda sucked but hey it was like $20 I can’t complain. And speaking of not getting what I wanted...

You Won’t Get What You Want - Daughters (2018)

It was hard choosing between this record and their 2010 self titled record, but in terms of the overall narrative and variety this record shines through. If there was a number 11 spot in this unorganized list this would probably take that spot. It’s noisey, it’s abrasive, and it’s like nothing you’ve heard before unless you’ve listened to Daughter’s previous records. Tracks like The Reason They Hate Me are catchy in the weirdest and most unwelcoming of ways, Less Sex sounds like a long lost Trent Reznor NIN track, and Guest House is a masochistic and gut wrenching finisher. Fantastic record aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

We Cool? - Jeff Rosenstock (2015)

It’s obvious that I had to include this record somewhere on these list. It’s like a more refined version of the sounds that Jeff experimented with on Vacation. Definitely more punk than ska, but still some of those roots still shine through, especially in the track Nausea. Some of Jeff’s best songs are on this record, from the loud opening tracks Get Old Forever and You, In Weird Cities, to tracks dripping with bittersweet and moody lyrics like I’m Serious, I’m Sorry and Polar Bear or Africa. The main reason this record is on the back end of the top 20 is because the deeper cuts on the record do not match the energy and heights of the best tracks. Tracks like All Blissed Out, The Lows, Darkness Records and Beers Again Alone don’t feel like they belong and stick out a bit. They remind me more of the material Jeff put out on his 2012 EP I Look Like Shit. Mind you they aren’t bad tracks, but I’ll be honest I skip them often when listening to the record because i just wanna get back to the good good stuff. 

Sports - Modern Baseball (2012)

Sports is one of the best pop punk records ever, if you can even consider it as such. It’s like a blend of emo and folk punk, and it works so well. A good majority of this record is on my main shuffle playlist. Is it pushing boundaries? Not really, but tracks like Re-Do, Tears Over Beers, and See Ya, Sucker are undeniably catchy and memorable. I NEED MODERN BASEBALL BACK TOGETHER RN. There’s not really anything that wrong with the record, besides maybe lacking in variety, but at 30 minutes, it’s a record that feels nostalgic even on a first listen, and continues to feel that way even after numerous re-listens. Speaking of nostalgia...

The Suburbs - Arcade Fire (2010)

Some background, when I was 13 (circa 2013), I only really listened to whatever my parents put on for me. From my mom, I “inherited” a taste for classic pop and 80s new wave. From my dad, I got metal and hard rock. The first time I made the conscious decision to listen to a record fully, based on my own curiousity, was when I sat and listened to Sgt. Pepper in the summer of 2013, which broadened the scope of what I thought music could even be. And later that year, the first band I got into after The Beatles? Arcade Fire. When I think of my early teens, the memories are set to this record. I remember listening to Ready to Start in my brother’s old hot ass car while driving to the local fair with some friends on a chill fall night, eating tons of junk and staying up past midnight back when doing that was edgy and cool and not a symptom of my depression. 

If I was judging this record solely by its best tracks, it would easily be in the top 3. But I couldn’t place it in my top 10 because, frankly, some of the deeper cuts are lacking. I can’t say I like Deep Blue. I really don’t like Rococo. And Half Light I kills the pace of the record. But man, that title track, Ready to Start, Modern Man, Empty Room, Half Light II, Sprawl II... these songs defined my early teen years. I still tear up listening to the title track. Sure I have to skip a few songs when I re-listen, but I can’t place it any lower or my heart will break. It existing outside of the top 10 already hurts. And that’s all that’s left now. The top 10. 

But first, some random honorable mentions that didn’t make this list:

Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes

Black Star - David Bowie

Saturation II - BROCKHAMPTON

Melophobia - Cage the Elephant

Teens of Style - Car Seat Headrest

How to Leave Town - Car Seat Headrest

Daughters - Daughters

Sunbather - Deafheaven

Bottomless Pit - Death Grips

Year of the Snitch - Death Grips (should be on this list tbh)

Doris - Earl Sweatshirt

I Love You, Honeybear - Father John Misty

Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes

Plastic Beach - Gorillaz

Boarding House Reach - Jack White

POST- - Jeff Rosenstock

S/T - Joyce Manor

Firepower - Judas Priest

ye - Kanye West

KIDS SEE GHOSTS - KSG

You Were There - Kill Lincoln

Flying Microtonal Banana - King Gizzard

Infest The Rats’ Nest - King Gizzard

No New World - Mass of the Fermenting Dregs

Bury Me At Makeout Creek - Mitski

Puberty 2 - Mitski

Unsilent Death - Nails

Itekoma Hits - Otoboke Beaver

Morbid Stuff - PUP

A Moon Shaped Pool - Radiohead

RTJ3 - Run the Jewels

Angles - The Strokes

To Be Kind - Swans

Undertale OST - Toby Fox

Scum Fuck Flower Boy - Tyler, The Creator 

Igor - Tyler, The Creator

Weezer (White Album) - Weezer

nightlife - yuragi

[softytom]

money is the anthem of success - t.h [part 2]

part 1

summary: Being rich and having a gorgeous finance isn’t everything. Tom and his future bride-to-be need to discover what they truly mean to each other before their wedding

pairing: Tom Holland x female!reader

warnings: mentions of drugs and alcohol

word count: 1.8k

a/n: I have the worst cold ever, but I still managed to finish it, i decided that each chapter would be one present, and one flashback, that’s the main reason I wanted to turn in to a series. So here ya go, sorry is so short but hope you enjoy💓

*the whole chapter is a flashback, when is dated, means is flashback

London, 2:43pm. June, 2017

I looked around the garden, holding a glass of champagne waiting for my sister to show up. Happily, the weather matched my short white summer dress, with London weather you’ll never know you’ll get a blue cloudy day or a sunny warm one. It was my father’s birthday and all day he has managed to parade me around to his business partners and their sons.

My father has been trying to set me up since I turned 22 last year. It never ended well. The last guy I went on a date with was extremely dull, I ended up handing him 200 pounds so he would leave me alone and get himself an actual life. Frankly I didn’t care about marriage, but since I was expelled from Cambridge University, my father spent weeks giving me lectures and a marriage at my age would be do me good. I knew better than to complain about it, at least it will get me out his house.

“(y/n)” I heard my father call from inside the house. I drank the last of my champagne and placing it in a table on my way to him. Once I reached my father, I saw him standing with a man with dirty blonde hair in his mid 40’s and a guy next to him, who I assumed was his son. “This is Joseph Osterfield and his son, Harrison” I extended my hand greeting the older man first and then his son.

“Nice to meet you Henderson” I faked a smile at him “Harrison” he corrected me. “Don’t care” my smile grew bigger. His expression turned blank and his jaw clenched and he pulled his phone from his pocket. I saw waiter coming our way with a fresh tray of champagne, I moved my hand to grab one. “(y/n) behave” My father whispered into my ear. “The Osterfield are here in behalf of Holland Enterprise” he said louder, making sure they feel welcome here. “Well I’m sure if the Holland’s were here this party would be less tedious considering their oldest son is a wreck of a person” I commented. I saw Harrison about to speak back. “If you’ll excuse I just saw the mini burgers come out”

I walked away from them heading for the table. I lied about the mini burgers but needed an excuse to get out of there before my father started talking about wedding bells. My phone beeped letting me know I had a text. It was from my sister; her flight had been delayed until tomorrow. Fuck. I sighed and I grabbed the mini burgers tray and step outside, making my way to the pool.

I pulled out my phone again, texting my sister a ‘Can’t wait to see you’. My sister was the lucky one in the family, she had talent, unlike me. She managed to get into an art school in Chicago. I remember I begged her to take me with her but my father would have found a way to keep me here.

My sister had promised me one she graduated and moved from campus to a nice apartment in the city, she’ll come get me. Pathetic. I am a 23-year-old woman still depending on her older sister to come save her but anyone in my situation would ask for a miracle.

London, 11:51pm, June 2017

“I don’t care Harry” I said coldly to my younger brother. He was going about some girl he met at his college and I frankly didn’t care about it. I was looking through my phone and saw another headline about me. ‘Holland’s oldest son, loses it again’. Under it was a picture of me, with a bag a coke and next to some girl who’s name I can’t place. I wanted to throw my phone out of the window, if my mother read any of it, I’ll lose my head.

We were on our way to a party out of the city that Harrison won’t stop texting me about. ‘Mate please show up’ ‘It’s a fucking cock feast in here’ ‘The only girl is a bratty bitch’ ‘Show up and save me’. I would usually let Harrison on his own when it came to business parties. That’s why I had him, ‘my assistant’ but he told me it was a birthday party for (Y/F/N) (Y/L/N). I hoped on my car and brought Harry with me. If I got a chance to do business with him, half of Europe would belong to me.

“Are you sure this is the house?” Harry asked. I wanted to respond but once I got out of the car I was in a state of awe seeing the house in front of me. A mansion. A castle if we going to into big details. I grabbed Harry by the shoulder pushing him inside, he was also in admiring the enormous house in front of us.

I found Harrison trying to get waitress to go upstairs with him but she turned him down. I chuckled when the waitress said ‘sorry’ and walked away from him. I handed him my glass of champagne, I saw a look of relief on his face.

Harrison was telling me what he had found about (Y/F/N) businesses. His company was handed down to him when he turned 21 after his father died, they didn’t let him finish his studies in Oxford and he’s the smartest person in his company, there is a reason he owns half a Europe. Harrison kept telling me about how business with him would do me good, since everyone thinks I’m not serious enough about my company. I asked about him and Harrison told me had ditch his party to go to a meeting in Italy.

My concentration from Harrison’s voice faded when I looked out to pool. I moved closer to the glass door, staring at the girl in a white dress, stunning. She was completely stunning. She was walking around talking on the phone with someone. She smiled and I could have sworn a part my heart was about to beat of my chest. I snapped my fingers at Harrison so he would stop talking and pointed at the girl right in front of us.

“Who’s that?” I asked, Harrison looked what I was pointing to. A sigh of annoyance come out of him. “That’s (y/f/n) daughter. A bit of a bitch” I side eyed him before returning my eyes on her. I nodded. “Okay, wish me luck” I slid  the glass door to the side, stepping outside. Making my way to her. She hasn’t notice, or pretended not to. She looked engaged to who she was talking.

I stood at the end of the pool, her back was facing me. I was waiting for her to turned around, or to come with a better idea for her to notice me. I took breath, my hands shaking. Why am I shaking? Why am I nervous? I never been nervous to talk to a girl before, to be fair I’m mostly drunk or stoned when I talk to one, but her, something about her is making my head dizzy.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then, bye” She hanged up the phone and finally turned around facing me. She jumped and let out a small scream. “Jesus, how long have you been there?” Her eyes her looking me up and down, fuck, now she thinks I’m a creepy stalker. “I just come out here for a smoke” I lied. I smiled at her, and putting my hands in my pockets, I couldn’t let her know I was nervous. “You’re not smoking though” She pointed out. I mentally punched myself “Forgot my pack, maybe was hoping you would have one” I walked closer to her, a soft smile formed in her lips. “I don’t smoke, you’re not in luck” She turned around walking to one of the tables surrounding the pool. “I do have mini burgers if you want” She pointed at them. Fucking adorable. She sat down, grabbing one for herself. “Was wondering if this party had any food” I sat down next to her grabbing one of the mini burgers.

London, 1:22am, June 2017

She was telling the story of how she got expelled from Cambridge University. A teacher had allegedly wronged and she grab a pound of coke and put it into his desk. It took a week for the board to found out it was all set up. Her faced didn’t show any regret and I was glad to know someone out there knows how to handle people who wronged them. A girl after my own heart.

“I been talking this whole time” She covered her mouth, which made me smile, I shook my head. “It’s fine, I’m not a big talker anyways” I said to her. She looks at the time and her eyes were on the inside of the house. The lights died down, and black curtains feel down, cover the whole view of the inside. “What’s going on?” I asked a bit worried. My best friend and brother were still in there. “My father has a way of entraining his partners, to keep them loyal, and honest, well to honest to him primarily.” She looked down at her feet, biting her lower lips. She looked so dazzling. “You go in now, if you want” “I’m not your dad’s business partner” I clarified, at least not yet. “And I’m having all the entrainment I would want, right here” I said. She looked down at the ground, and let out a small chuckle. “As fun this is. I have to pick up my sister at the airport in a few hours and need to get my beauty sleep” You’re already a beauty. She got up from her chair, grabbing the empty tray and her phone. I got up as quickly as I could, making sure I didn’t leave empty handed. “Maybe we can do this some other time?” I said nervously. I hated this feeling. She looked stunned by my question but she nodded anyways. “Friday, after I’m off work. I come pick you up.” I stated. She smiled at me.

“Don’t count your blessing yet Holland” she said in a treacherous voice and walked inside the house. I ran my fingers through my hair, letting my head rest in the back of the chair. I was going to make her mine, but I already was hers.

tag list; @let-me-luve-you @spoodermain @petersunderroos @anytimebitches @andreuskystuff @hollandroos @jademmmmmm @marvelouslyme96 @dr-tardis-who @panicatttckiss @peterspanish @aussie-mantle (if you want to be tagged, just go to my inbox or replay. If i forgot someone please let me know)

[romanpopcorn]

"Ambitions" By One Ok Rock (Album Review)

Note: I listened to the English version of all of these songs (I don’t know any Japanese). This review has been long awaited, I’ve had a portion of it done for the past month or so. I finally sat down and told myself I was going to finish it, so here it is. 

Last summer, I went to a concert where One Ok Rock, a Japanese rock band formed in 2005, was one of the opening bands. At that point, I didn’t take a huge notice to the lyrics of their music or the songs in general but I was captivated by their stage performance. The band radiated energy as they jumped around the stage and got the crowd pumped for the headlining artist. 

One Ok Rock’s eighth album, “Ambitions,” blew me away. This was the first time I sat down and listened to the four piece band since I heard about them last July. I tried focusing on their recent album, although this album left me wanting to hear the bands’ previously produced work.

Track 1: Ambitions

Along with “Ambitions” being the introduction track of the album (and the name of the album), it also radiates a feeling of wonder. To me, the writer is trying to understand their thoughts. This presents a burning curiosity for the upcoming tracks. The nearly minute and a half song intensifies and then gracefully comes to a close at the very end. I was disappointed there weren’t lyrics to this track.

Track 2: Bombs Away

The second track on the album, “Bombs Away,” had my interest piped from the first cords. At first the noise is very subtle but quickly makes its presence known.

As I was listening to the beginning instrumental portion, I imagined a group of people wandering an unknown place. This group of people had no idea what was to come or what could be hidden within the walls. 

As the lyrics come pouring in, the singer’s voice is powerful and he clearly knows what he is trying to get across. The lyrics “Save yourself for a better day / No, no, we are falling down” speak to me in a way I feel everyone could understand. Thoughts change and are easily influenced. Some days we feel unstoppable and others we feel lost and hopeless. 

This track hit a home run in my book. I loved what the band was trying to say in this powerful song and I loved it musically and lyrically.

Track 3: Taking Off

The next track on the album, “Taking Off” immediately had me bobbing my head in tune to the beat and when lead singer, Takahiro Moriuchi (also known as his stage name, Taka) began singing I was captivated. This anthem was lyrically great with lines such as “Thought we had it right / Now it’s an endless night” and “We’re taking off together / Even though we always crash and burn.”

 The scenario this song painted in my mind was surrounded by relationships - the toxic ones, the forbidden ones and the dangerous ones - were all apart of that image. 

Track 4: We Are

The fourth track of the album, “We Are” is once again another lyrically powerful song. However, compared to the first two songs this one is a downtempo ballad that still manages to keep its rock vibe beautifully. 

“We Are” is one of those tracks you’d listen to when you feel weak or unimportant to the world. In times where you mess up or things get difficult, this song is there to remind you that you are “The colors in the dark.”

Track 5: Jaded (ft. Alex Gaskarth)

Before I first listened to the song, I was already looking forward to hearing All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth and his role in the track. However, “Jaded” did not meet my expectations. 

The first few seconds of the track had me thinking I was going to be introduced into a completely different world than the previous tracks on the album let on. Once the song hit the 15 second mark, my interest was piped. I loved the chorus, and how the multiple voices towards the end of the song enhanced the lines “Jaded, what are you thinking / Fading all the time.” 

Unfortunately, it was difficult to distinguish Gaskarth’s voice and I’m not sure having such a similar voice sing along with One Ok Rock added anything to the song. Personally, I think the song could have benefited more if someone with a more distinct voice in comparison with the band had been involved.

Track 5: Hard To Love

The fifth track, “Hard To Love” is a slowed down ballad and gives the listener a feeling of peace and tranquility. The song is a thank you to a parent for helping the writer get through the rough times even though the writer was “hard to love." 

I love the reference to a "diamond in the rough” which to me, represents a teenager making mistakes and trying to find their way in the world. 

The song paints a vivid picture in my mind from the scenery to the actions of the people around. I can imagine the newly green covered trees and the warm but slightly chilly air created when the wind blows. A family is comfortably resting around a fire pit, although the pit doesn’t contain any fire. A now grown man is singing this song to his parents who are wearing proud and grateful smiles on their faces as they all reflect on his childhood and how much the son has grown and accomplished. 

Any listener can tell this track is very personal to the writer. I love how a piece of the writer’s childhood was exposed in such a vulnerable way.

Track 6: Bedroom Warfare

After the previously heartfelt ballad, the album heats up immediately with “Bedroom Warfare,” a fiery track that takes the saying “keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer” to a whole different level.

The lyrical aspect is intriguing, and almost romantic. They’re enemies, sure. But I think underneath, the characters portrayed in the song have chemistry they keep wanting to deny. So called enemies by day but lovers by night. 

 This is by far one of my favorite tracks on this album. The story within the song is exciting and dangerous which makes everything more interesting.

Track 7: American Girls

“American Girls” is a straight up summer anthem. I wanted to get up and start dancing around my room as soon as it came on.

The nearly three minute song had me fascinated from the beginning. With the first line, “I’m coming straight out of Tokyo,” I was left with the impression that the inner bad boy of the lead singer was about to come out. 

The whole second verse left me shocked but 100% in a great way. The inner bad boy was definitely coming out but I’m not complaining. With the lines “It’s like I’m in a movie, said "Do you wanna use me?” / And she said “Hell yes” surprised me.

The song wrapped up perfectly and I was content after that. No complaints for this one.

Track 8: I Was King

At first track nine, “I Was King” had a harder time catching my attention than the rest of the songs on the album. 

The song has a 15 second introduction before the lyrics start flowing but for a reason I’m unaware of, it felt like a longer span of time than in reality. 

 The farther into the song I get, the more I become accustomed and the more it grows on me. However, compared to the others this is most likely a song I’d skip when listening to the album in the future.

Track 9: Listen

“Listen” is a song the band wrote for, what I’m assuming, is their fans who are suffering from depression, mental illness or just having a hard time in life.

The lyrics “All these years, the days go by / I’ve seen you fall a million times / Everybody makes mistakes” are important because we all struggle. It’s human nature to struggle and this song is about hanging on through those tough times. Sometimes you just have to “listen” to those people around you who are there for you and don’t want to lose you.

Track 10: One Way Ticket

“One Way Ticket” is a personal song different than the rest of the tracks. Emotion is clearly present in the singer’s voice. Some parts of the song remind me of something similar to pop band, One Direction. 

The image I receive when listening to this song is surrounded by a long-distance relationship. The singer wants a “one way ticket” to see his other half because when they’re apart, he feels all alone.

I love how the writer says “You are my address” and a couple lines later says “I need a one way ticket / Home.” I admire the analogy used between his address, home and the person the song is about.

Track 12: Bon Voyage

Track twelve of One Ok Rock’s “Ambitions” is “Bon Voyage” which bounces back from the two previous songs. The audience is once again emerged into the punk-rock world.

At first we’re met with the sounds of video game lasers but soon the song breaks out and we’re bobbing our heads to the beat.

This track is musically appreciable but the lyrics are only somewhat catchy. For me, the song wasn’t as great as some of the others.

Track 13: Start Again

“Start Again” is a track about being yourself and not apologizing for it. Musically, the song is terrific but the lyrics are what get me. They have an important message that frankly, the world should hear.

Lyrics such as “If you don’t think I’m worth it / Find someone else / I won’t say I’m sorry / For being who I am” are words I think people should live by. To many people these days are too afraid to be themselves.

Track 14: Take What You Want (ft. 5 Seconds of Summer)

The final song off this album is “Take What You Want” (feat 5 Seconds of Summer). This was actually the first song I heard more than once by the band. This was originally the song that made me want to dive deeper into the band’s musical work. 

I’ve loved this song since it first came out. I remember listening to it the first time and freaking out over Ashton Irwin, from 5 Seconds of Summer and his solo in the song. (Woah, I sound like such a fangirl!) 

I honestly have nothing but good opinions on the song and I don’t think it could have been any better.

Overall, I think this album is outstanding and one of the best I’ve heard yet. My top three favorite tracks are Bedroom Warfare, American Girls and Take What You Want.

[houstonlocalus-blog]

The Texans Need Colin Kaepernick Because Sports and Politics Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

Colin Kaepernick. Photo: Football Schedule

  Some might say that the entertainment conglomerate known as sports rarely crosses over into the socio-politico stadiums.  But I am here to tell you that has never been the case.  As far back as the first few Olympic games in Athens, politics has had its dirty hand in athletic competition.  For example, a young woman named Helen won the women’s 400 meter dash and then was abducted by the Trojans which brought about a great war between Greece and Troy (rumor has it that during her abduction she tore her achilles tendon and retired from the sport).  

  That’s just one instance of many sporting events being pressurized by the political climate. “The Thrilla in Manila”; “The Rumble in the Jungle”… well, frankly most of Muhammad Ali’s fights were politically charged, not the least of which was his fight to stay out of the war in Vietnam (which he also won).  And not only do these global sporting attractions involve the politics of the athletes but also the people surrounding the event itself.  In 2016, we saw Rio de Janeiro scrape together the finishing touches on sub par event spaces, stadiums and hotels, likely breaking labor laws and infringing upon human rights.  In 2022, the World Cup will be held in Qatar, the first time for the global event to be held in the Middle East, in an Arab country… and we’re already debating on how to pronounce Qatar.

  The point is that if you read the title of this article and thought to yourself, “Politics has no place in sports” or some dynamic of that sentiment then I’m afraid you’re simply wrong.  Politics is sports.  Sports is politics.  It’s all very competitive and that’s why we like both so much.  And in Houston, Texas, our brand of politics is football.  Enter Colin Rand Kaepernick.

  Colin Kaepernick made headlines in 2016 for his refusal to stand during the national anthem because “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.  To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.  There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”  Kaepernick’s protest made waves across the nation, inspiring many athletes, teams and organizations to follow suit.  Needless to say, many Americans were also disgusted by his manifestation of outrage.

  That was last year.  It’s Trump’s Uhmerika now and Tom Brady’s Last Minute Militia won the Superbowl.  And wouldn’t you know it… Ol’ Kaepernick is out of a job.  The stat sheet certainly reveals that Colin Kaepernick did not have a good season and his former team, the San Francisco 49er’s, underwent a regime change (yeah, that’s what they call it when a team overhauls its organization… REGIME change).  I should mention that Colin Kaepernick plays quarterback in the NFL.  The Houston Texans lack a reasonable excuse for that very position.  So here we are, football talk.

  Tony Romo, Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick: the top three free agent quarterbacks in the NFL right now.  Tony Romo is still technically under contract with the Dallas Cowboys but he should wrangle free from those shackles soon and is largely considered to be the best option for the Houston Texans.  Jay Cutler… gross.  How to explain Jay Cutler? Jay Cutler is like an alcoholic that tends bar and spits on patrons and walks in on women in the bathroom and maybe at one time was good at football in high school when he was skinnier and didn’t chain smoke cigarettes while watching internet porn.  To say the minimum, Jay Cutler is not a viable option for the pristine character or personal hygiene requirements of the Houston Texans.

  Kaepernick’s outspokenness has clearly soured teams on hiring him to play the game’s most complicated position.  And I would argue it’s that very outspokenness that makes him perfect for the Houston Texans.

  Tony Romo might be the only thing equally as white as our beloved JJ Watt.  He’s quarterbacked the Dallas Cowboys (albeit not very well in his few playoff appearances); he once dated Jessica Simpson; he took a vacation to Mexico before a big important game that he got paid for whether he won or not.  It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he worked at Abercrombie & Fitch for a summer in high school.  That kind of white.  He’s not very complicated nor outspoken, making him the Houston Texans’ ideal candidate.  Boring.

  Kaepernick, on the other hand, is complicated (he can run and throw the football) and outspoken. He’s also younger, more spry, less injury prone and has likely never even met Jessica Simpson.  

  Let me briefly explain complicated: Hakeem Olajuwon was complicated, as was Muhammad Ali, Margaret Court, Yao Ming, Bill Bradley, Jack Kemp, Conor McGregor, Becky Hammons and many others who reached past the simple game they played.

  Colin Kaepernick’s outspokenness reveals that he is not afraid of complicated socio-politico minefields, he’s rather courageous in that department.  I’m sure he knew his refusal to stand during the National Anthem would cause a shit storm and perhaps that’s exactly why he did it.  I’m okay with that personally, but I assume many of you either don’t care or hate it outright.  And that’s fine.  I only ask that for a brief moment you suspend your apathy or distaste and extrapolate from his outspokenness qualities you desire in a quarterback.

  Kaepernick is not motivated by money (I’m not real sure how I just typed that, it just happened).  I should say he’s not completely motivated by money.  After all, he’s clearly lost quite a bit of his future value due to his very public protest.  And he knowingly did so.  But isn’t that a good thing?  Doesn’t that mean that Kaepernick recognizes the stage he plays on is a bit bigger than his weekly paycheck?  And don’t you want someone that can look past the dollar signs to fixate on a larger goal, like winning a Super Bowl (he’s already been to one) for a franchise/city that’s never been able to?  IN THE FOURTH LARGEST MARKET AND MOST DIVERSE CITY IN UHMERIKA!  

  I’m not suggesting that we should roll out the red carpet for Colin Kaepernick.  He made an unsavory comment during one of our ridiculous floods last year (he has since apologized). So he’s not without faults, just like Tony Romo.  

  The only thing this white man is saying is: Colin Kaepernick should be the Houston Texans quarterback because Black Lives Matter.

  No, really.  Kaepernick has shown us that his mind is bigger and more complicated than the X’s and O’s on the field and I believe we need someone so savvy.

The Texans Need Colin Kaepernick Because Sports and Politics Aren’t Mutually Exclusive this is a repost