#vocal mixing and cool guitar sounds always win me over

[its-to-the-death]

Bracket B thoughts:

"Yodel-Aadle-Eedle-Idle-Oo" is better than I expected from the movie's reputation, but I really only have so much tolerance for yodeling. Also the lines "You'll suffer till the end of time / Enduring tortures, most of which rhyme" from "Robot Hell" are hilarious.

...It's fucking "In the Hall of the Mountain King." I don't need to explain that one.

"Kidnap the Sandy Claws" isn't as bad as I remembered it being, but the verses that don't rhyme really irk me for some reason, and Lock+Shock+Barrel's singing is just...not great. So I'll give this one to "Big Shot."

"Wait for It," I will begrudgingly admit, is a good song. It's not the best villain song in that matchup, though. It's not even Burr's best villain song (that would be "The Room Where It Happens"). "Want You Gone" still very clearly has GLaDOS' trademark condescension, snark, and vitriol towards Chell, but it's also mixed with her complicated need for her to be around that adds a lot of emotional nuance to her insulting goodbye. Does she really want Chell gone because she's a pain in the ass, or because she knows keeping her in Aperture will hurt her? Does she want Chell to stay to keep testing her, or because she's her only friend? Honestly, probably some of both columns. GLaDOS has very good villain songs.

"Magic Dance" just feels like an excuse to have David Bowie do David Bowie things while singing a David Bowie song alongside minions whose singing...really sucks. "Meant to Be Yours" is a really intense encapsulation of JD's character, swinging from slow, emotional expressions of love to fast-paced, aggressive vows of violence.

"Great at Crime" is just a fucking bop, IDK. It's very catchy and goofy (in an intentional way).

Both "The Mob Song" and "Biggering" are very good, honestly. Personal preference for me.

Have you heard that guitar in "E.G.G.M.A.N"?! That shit SLAPS. It makes the phrase "I am the Eggman" sound cool.

"Look Away" is...really just not a Villain Song. Doesn't focus on Olaf enough. "There Ain't Nothin But Bad Days Ahead" is not exactly what I'd call good, but it's more fitting for this tournament.

...fuck IDK, I voted for "Who Will Know" because it seemed underappreciated, but I get why "Nothing Left to Lose" is winning. That one is really good. Maybe I should have gone for that instead.

All of the IEYTD theme songs kick ass and "Cog in the Machine" is no exception. Those vocals are powerful and emotional and very good.

"Love Doesn't Stand A Chance" confuses me because it has Regina calling Snow White a "bitch," but also can't show her doing any villainy more intense than childish mayhem like ripping a grandma's knitting and pushing a dwarf over. The tone is very confused. Also, Jeremy Jordan sings the English version of "Hurricane" and I'm a sucker for him belting about justice.

"Les Poissons" is...fine. But "Hero" and the scene it accompanies are some of the few things I actually like about RWBY, which says a lot about how good that song is.

"Heffalumps and Woozles" is not about actual villains but mere products of Pooh's imagination, so I am disqualifying it in my books on the same grounds as "Look Away." Also, "The Hounds" is pretty damn good.

I really appreciate the sheer drama of Raphael singing his own damn boss theme, and I honestly could not give a shit about that rich white girl.

I always like a good Weird Al, and "Let The Pun Fit the Crime" is very good, but "The Pitiful Children" had already seared itself in my brain as one of my favorite villain songs.

I’m right there with in Great at Crime. Epithet Erased songs are just so good lyrically.

[chaosnightmare]

here are my own opinions on the shth vocal tracks

i am all of me: really good. got a grimy production style that really elevates crush 40s performance. lyrics are incredibly goofy but thats just how crush 40 is. sounds better in my memory than it does when i actually listen to it and as such i like it more in my head than i do irl. 8/10

almost dead: yes we all know its edgy whatever. i like the guitars a lot. the synths are a nice touch and for some reason i really love the specific way the vocals get chopped and repeated at times. also the drop is my favorite part of the song and i love how it starts with that "HAH" vocal idk. good i like it 8/10

waking up: i have yet to hear a julien k song that i didn't love. granted i've only listened to their first album + sonic stuff but what i've heard is always fantastic. 10/10 what do i even say. 10/10 but i also love the post chorus bridge thing the most. but 10/10 for the whole song

eggman robeatnik mix: has no business being here and it isn't even that good 5/10

the chosen one: i'm torn on this one because the instrumental is pretty enjoyable but also it's kind of insufferable. i don't like the vocal style at all either. the lyrics are a really cool look into shadows emotional state in the ending this song follows but it's kind of a nothing song on its own. not abysmal but not. that good either 6/10

all hail shadow: i do not like this song but the magna fi version gets 2 extra points for being 2 points better than the crush 40 version even though crush 40 dragged the bar for this song down to the floor and then stomped it into the dirt and buried it and let it rot away sad and cold and alone and then dug it back it up and beat me upside the head with it over and over again for over a decade. so magna fi wins this one! 6/10

never turn back: someone please yank them out of the studio with a cane. not sure if i would have noticed a difference if you'd asked rascal flats of pixars cars fame to do this track. barely music. barely alive. 2/10 actually painful to sit through

[katsukikitten]

WARNING 18+ BIRB NOT BIRB SMUT! Band AU, harem collab. In which reader meets her favorite faceless singer. Little over 3k

Sweat trickles down your spine as your favorite song is blasted from the large speakers. Fog from the stage lingers just above your head as you feel as if you were in a dream. The setting is surreal especially since you actually managed to WIN those rare radio tickets to see a band in concert. And not just any band, your favorite fucking bad.  

TOKYO MOB

The band consisted of four people, Bakugou Katsuki, the drummer who was angrier than any person you'd ever seen wearing nothing but skinny black jeans and a perpetual frown. Jiro, so cool and sleek in anything she wore as she tore up her guitar as side vocals. Then there was Denki, funny, cute even, on the bass with his electric blonde hair and killer smile. Lastly there was "Dark Shadow", the lead vocalist. 

No one knew his real name or what he looked like, he chose to wear a headpiece in the shape of a raven or crow. You loved him, even without knowing his face. 

He was so fit, strong arms and deadly abs that could be seen from beneath his cut off band tee crop top, much like you were wearing now. His voice was soothing as a bird's song, whether he was screaming or singing. The sound so uniquely beautiful it brought tears to your eyes the first time you heard it. And standing here with nothing but a small barricade and stage separating the two of you was a dream made in heaven. 

He sings your favorite song, looking out into the crowd, body drenched in sweat from the high energy show as he jumps to the beat. He pauses to hit a long note and while the guitar riffs he looks into the VIP section. You swear you feel as if he is looking dead at you. The next few lyrics are packed full with emotion as he gets onto his knee, one hand holding the microphone while the other gently floats towards outstretched hands. 

"I've been looking for youuuu, I just need to find youuuuu and when I do, when I do I'll dress you in my band teee and make youuuu~"

But it's yours that his fingers brush, intertwining his fingers with yours as tears prick your eyes. 

"Mine. Forever miiinee~" 

The world stops, his silky voice smoothing over your skin before it erupts in goose flesh, he holds on to your hand as he sings the chorus again. The screaming people around you fade away as you hear nothing but his sultry voice. 

As if he were serenading you in the kitchen of your home. 

"I've been looking for youuuu, I just need to find youuuuu and when I do, when I do I'll dress you in my band teee and make youuuu~"

"Mine. Forever miiinee~"

He squeezes your hand as he finishes the note, releasing your hand slowly before starting to stand. The music begins to fade as he huffs, trying to catch his breath before looking over the band. He sees that ever might need just a second more to take in some water so he brings the mic close to his face as he shouts. 

"Are we having a good time tonight?!" 

The crowd erupts into a scream, so loud you can barely hear the one tearing up your throat. 

"I can't fucking hear you, extras!" Bakugou shouts into his own mic. The sold out stadium shakes rivaling the bass of the sound system as they all play off random notes and beats. When the deafening roar becomes a hushed, dull roar Bakugou sets the beat, Jiro and Denki join in as their most popular song begins to bump through the speakers. The song sets a heavy, hype beat that can get anyone to bang their head to. You start along with them, booze lighting up your system and causing you to ignore the charged air around you  

Some of the bystanders, some of the women especially were jealous of the fact that you were holding hands with none other than the DARK SHADOW. 

"Stupid bitch." They murmur amongst themselves, "Let's really fuck her up." 

One says before shoving her unsuspecting and overly excitable boyfriend into another guy while shouting. 

"MOSH PIT!" The crowd follows suit, putting you in the thick of it. Normally you could handle a little mosh, staying on the fringes to avoid too much damage but being in the center was beginning to spell trouble. The world spun as body after body began to slam into you, turning you this way and that before someone begins to take advantage of the situation. A sleazy guy you had hoped to avoid "falls" into you, rough palms grabbing a handful of your ass, beneath your skirt. A yelp lost to the crowd leaves your lips, tears burning in your eyes as this man set out to ruin what was possibly the highlight of your life. 

He was going to ruin it with his disgusting cigarette breath, lips sloppily kissing at your throat as he moved the two of you closer to the barricade. His fingers dig into your ass, spreading your cheeks as he shouts into your ear. 

"These fishnets for me slut?" He slurs, chuckling as he presses your back into the cool biting metal, "Love the crop top baby, do you got a bra on underneath?" 

A sob threatens to rack through your body as your elated high quickly turns into stomach churning nausea. Desperately you look up to the stage, anything to distract you from the fingers that try to venture between your thighs, while the other rips at your favorite top.

Tokoyami jumps, stopping to adjust his feet for steady ground to do the screaming part of the song, he glances down into the crowd, silently looking for you. The woman who made his heart flutter for the first time in years and when he sees your face tilted up towards him with fear and pain twisting your features he loses his cool. 

"Fucking stop!" He shouts, the lyrics gone for now as the music abruptly stops, the man holding you startles as the light follows Dark Shadow's accusing finger. He is illuminated by the stage light as bystanders rip him from you, he punches one guy and makes a run for it. 

 "Aye yo security. Get this asshole!" Dark Shadow shouts, leaning down for your now outstretched arms. Pulling you on stage with ease as his fingers flutter over your shoulders and sides for injuries.

"You okay my sparrow?" He coos softly and you nod, and he guides you towards the back of the stage, leaving the two front members to appease the excited crowd. He presses a cold water bottle to your hand before pulling up a chair a few feet from the drum kit. 

"Stay by Bakugou okay? He'll take care of you." He wipes some sweat from your face before squeezing the nape of your neck. Bakugou glares your way with mixed emotions before doing his show starting beat to get the crowd jumping. 

"Anyone else wanna act like a fucking douche?" Denki asks, walking up and down the front of the stage waiting for Tokoyami to return to the forefront. 

"NOOOOO!" The crowd shouts, Denki offers a cheeky smile before adding. 

"That's my good fans!" He blows a kiss to the crowd and the screams fly up an octave. 

"Alright let's start this shit from the top!" Jiro shouts, letting out some hypnotic notes before looking towards Tokoyami. 

"Actually, let's give them a sample of the new album. Let's give them a tease. Do you wanna be teased?" He asks the crowd aiming the mic towards them as if he needed to. 

"SHOW US! TEASE US!" The crowd chants before Tokoyami looks towards his band members. 

"I dunno do they deserve it?" Bakugou prodes and the audience lets out a dejected whine. 

"Promise to behave?" Jiro teases and the crowd collectively screams out desperately "YES!"

"Well keep your hands to yourself and listen up cause you're only gonna hear it this once til it drops!" Tokoyami shouts before Jiro starts playing that hypnotic sound, shortly after Denki joins in. Bakugou twisting his drumstick as he waits for his cue impatiently. Dark Shadow takes in a deep breath before singing the haunting first lines of their new song. 

"What do you do, when it's stalking after yoouuu? What do you say when it's just a breath awaaay~? Coming closer and you can't seem to get awaaaaay?" 

"Always watching, always loooomming-" 

Bakugou slams his sticks down hard onto the kit, foot tapping the bass drum at an alarming speed as everything seems to be hitting a climax. 

"WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN ITS COMING FROM INSIDE OF YOU? WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN IT SHARES YOUR NAAAAME? 

WHEN YOU CAN'T HIDE THE DEMON THAT'S LURKING INSIDE!" 

The last line he screams and the crowd is overcome with emotion. The height of the music and the new song that the band pours their hearts into, sends the crowd into a frenzy. Sweat dripping from everyone as their black shirts dampen around their collars. 

The song the crowd wanted to last forever comes to an end and you find yourself standing to scream, tears in your eyes.

"That was amazing!" Curling your fingers into a fist, Dark Shadow turns back to see you, out of the millions of people there tonight, in that moment he could only hear you.  

"Well I think we gave them a good show huh?" Denki asks into the mic, Bakugou drums a heavy beat as he shouts. 

"FUCK YEA WE DID!" 

"HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!!" The band members shout in unison before waving and slowly backing off stage. Tokoyami rushes towards you, hand slipping around your natural waist as he guides you into the darkened stage towards his dressing room. Your heart is racing in your ears as the silence becomes deafening. Being this close to Dark Shadow you couldn't help but notice the little cushion that keeps his helmet from damaging his throat and the intoxicating smell that rolls off of him like a cool breeze. He smells like cedar and pine at twilight while the wind brings with it the threat of snow. 

You shiver despite the warmth of his touch. Swallowing the lump in your throat you force your tongue to cooperate as he steps in front of his door politely opening it for you. His small silver chains clink from the motion.

"You must be tired, are you sure you want...company?" If you could see his face you imagined he'd be smiling. Pressing his hand at the small of your back to urge you inside. 

"I'm sure." He walks in, waiting for you to follow before he slumps onto a worn leather arm chair. Your platform converse move on their own as you cross the threshold of the room, closing the door behind you. 

"Lock it, would you sparrow?" All you can do is nod as you turn the lock until you hear a soft click. He gestures for you to sit on the couch beside him before his broad hands go towards his helmet. 

The blood rushes from your face as a moment of honor and horror wage war in your gut, pulling your heart down towards your feet. 

"Wait!" You shout, startling both of you and you feel heat rise into your cheeks and throat, "I don't want you to feel obligated to take it off. We can just...talk." 

Nervously you fidget with the hem of your skirt, thinking he was going to kick you out for being so lame. 

Boring. 

He stands and you flinch before he sits beside you on the love seat. If you could see his eyes you wondered if they were sparkling. His winter woods smell tickles your nose and you smile. 

"I'd love to just talk. But first." He must notice your ripped shirt as he stands again. Rummaging through his suitcase to find the first edition band tee ever made for TOKYO MOB.

"I couldn't!" You half shout and then squeak, "I shouldn't" 

"I insist." He says softly placing it on your lap before giving you his toned back. The cropped tee he wears shows off the dimples in his lower back that has you thinking of what it would look like while those hips piston into you. Quickly you toss your ripped shirt aside and slip his over your head, relishing the present smell, heart stirring.

"It's safe." You say softly and he turns around taking the seat beside you again. 

After a small awkward silence the two of you begin to talk, the conversation coming easy as you gushed over his voice and where you went to college when he asked. Him wanting to know more about your life and the night ended up being about you instead of him for once and it was nice. 

Nice to not have someone prying or clawing at his neck to find out just who he was and what he looked like, suddenly heat rushes to his pants. His hand comes to rest on your knee just below the hem of your skirt, ringed fingers sliding beneath the black fabric. You swallow, looking into the face of the bird mask and softly speak. 

"How- how would we kiss?" It feels stupid, embarrassing that you would even think that. He kills the light by the love seat flooding the room in total darkness before he takes off his helmet with a clatter. 

"Like this." His lips are by your ear now sending ecstacy through your body in the form of a spine tingling shudder. He kisses at your lobe working his way down your throat and then up to your jaw, avoiding your lips as he tastes every inch of you he can. His damp hair tickles your nose as he moves you to him, hovering over you as he kisses the plane of your stomach beneath his lifted shirt. 

"You look damn good in my shirt baby." He trails his tongue up your sternum causing you to moan, he smirks against the bone before sucking at the supple skin of your breast. Choosing them for his canvas to paint in blacks and blues that you would soon come to wish would last a life time. His free hand twists your nipple, pulling it as he scrapes his teeth against your other. Tongue flicking against the sensitive nub another moan escapes your lips as he plays with you for what feels like hours. He doesn't even go to touch your aching cunt until you're covered in a sheen of sweat. Begging for his hands to move lower as your vision spots in the dark from his sensual touch alone. Your own hands explore up his defined abs and torso occasionally catching the cool metal of his chains, this time you decide to pull him into a kiss. Your lips touching his for the first time all night and you feel like a live wire. Hungrily and aggressively trying to devour him as you feel music dancing through your blood, humming in your bones, he groans amplifying the feeling as his clothed hard on presses into your core. His tongue swipes over yours and the thought of not even knowing what he looks like arches your back into his touch. 

Finally he flips your skirt up, his fingers venturing between your thighs and when he finds no fabric and the satisfying sound of your slick he bucks his hips, biting at your breasts. 

"So wet sparrow…." His voice is soft breath and a little desperate causing your cunt to clench. He circles your clit until you're crying, his fingers occasionally checking for a stream of tears. When he feels the droplets on your face he chuckles shoving his fingers knuckle deep going agonizingly slow until you're fluttering around his thick curled digits. You cum hard and he whispers praises in your ear, several times as your body shakes and you think you won't be able to make it through the night. 

"Ready for my cock babe?" He asks gently swiping his thumb over your swollen and heavily abused clit. You perk right up, ready for the finale silently thanking the gods for a band members stamina. You notice him shaking as he leans down for a kiss, his stomach sweaty and sticking to yours. You fist his hair, pulling him back just a bit. 

"You'll be okay?" You can just make out the gleam of his teeth from his smirk before his voice comes out as pure sinful husk. 

"The question is, will you sweet sparrow?" 

Too stunned to answer he swallows your silence with a kiss before he sheaths himself inside you. Relishing the moan in his mouth and the fluttering of your velvet walls as they adjust to him. You were so wet, so ready for him as he slowly rocked his hips. Your half wish from earlier coming true as your hands fly to the dimples of his lower back, trying to urge him to quicken his pace but he keeps it languid, deadly. Each stroke hitting with purpose. The head of his cock hitting that cushy spot as his pelvis snapped against your clit. The sensation sends you into a never ending moan. Each gasp his stage name as he marks you as his, nails raking down your arms as he praises. 

"Such a nice pussy you have. Taking me so fucking well." He lingers by your ear, his tone the opposite of his lustful words. Your own nails claw down his back in viscous lines as he keeps you on the edge. The coil, steady and tight as you feel the pressure in your stomach growing. He can feel how tightly you're squeezing him and how your thighs are locked around his waist. He press his fingers into your stomach as his thumb swipes over your clit, his hips snapping faster and faster as he waits for what he hopes is coming. The pressure becomes too much he overstimulates your body, shaking as you cry out. 

"I can't, I can't…" 

"You can, just for me. Don't be shy, cum for me baby." His deep voice sends a chill through your body, you go rigid, quiet before your body jerks and releases a clear liquid onto his pelvis and cock. Shaking as he fucks your through it before his voice comes out strained as you milk him. 

"Imma cum baby, where do you want it?" 

"In me, I promise I have an IUD just fucking cum Dark Shadow!" You gasp and he obeys, adding to your pleasant after shocks, filling you to the brim with his hot seed with a husky grunt. He collapses onto you fixing your shirt before he gently withdraws, keeping his face to your chest as your fingers find his hair. You try not to let your thoughts wander and as if he could read your mind. 

"I promise you, you're the only one who's made me do that." He kisses your throat gently before his hand searches for your free one, interlacing his fingers with yours before he hums. Slowly singing you to sleep. You welcome the feeling as exhaustion blankets you in darkness.

"Uh miss." The voice comes as a shock as a large man tries to wake you from a distance. You startle, grabbing at blankets to cover yourself although you're fully clothed.  

"Hate to wake you miss but we're locking up. The venue is closed and the band is…" Although he looks a brute he clearly has some sort of heart. Unable to say what you know.  

"Gone." Tears burn your eyes as you think of how stupid you were. To ever think you were special enough to be anything more than a groupie. A note sits on the bedside table. 

"Should we cross paths again, Sparrow. I'll make you forever mine" 

The note blurs as you recognize the lyrics to the song. You look down at his band tee and wonder if your favorite song was more of a gimmick to pick up fans than some fated promise. 

And so life moves on.

You can only tell that time has passed from the fading color of your bruises. Slowly they melt from a cold bluish black into cool greens and warm dotted yellows. You sigh, looking in the mirror before you head towards your room for clothes.  Finally mustering up the courage to wear that stupid band tee he gave you again. It still smells faintly of him, of the winter woods suspended in forever twilight. Of musk from your sweat and his. You fight back the tears as you remind yourself you just put on mascara, finally choosing to participate in a social life after having your heart broken for being a fool. You decided to get ready sooner rather than later, otherwise you would have backed out from the plans and mopped around the house. You figured some coffee would help kill the time as you lace up your converse thinking of your favorite shop. You head out and walk leisurely to the cafe off the beaten path of downtown.  The street is full but not overly so as people browse the shopping district of the huge city you call home. Everyone fades into the background until your eye catches against a handsome man, dressed in tastefully torn black jeans, and an onyx turtleneck. You would be concerned for his attire in this weather if he wasn't so damn handsome. You must catch his eye as well as his face instantly lights up when he makes eye contact. He beats you to the cafe door, holding it open for you with ringed fingers like a gentleman waiting for you to enter. The gesture feels familiar causing your heart to squeeze in your chest, feeling trapped beneath your too small rib cage. As you walk past him you think you smell something familiar. 

Like cedar and pine, dancing on a snowy wind as the sun sets the world on fire. 

Your world on fire as you grip at the front of Dark Shadow's shirt trying not to cry. You just wanted your fucking macchiato and to move on with your life. You had lived every fan's dream of sleeping with your favorite band member. Tasting Dark Shadow's blackberry mouth. Shouldn't that be enough? 

Your aching heart said otherwise. 

Suddenly warmth is behind you, radiating off of a thick body as the handsome man bends over to put his profile to your ear. Goose flesh prickles your skin in late August as he says with a voice that drapes you in sinful black silk.

"You look damn good in my shirt, sparrow." 

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Kismet {11}

Henry Cavill x Famous OFC Aliya Taylor

Warning: Plot, Slow Burn, Mild Cursing, Dialogue Heavy

Words: 7k

Summary: Aliya is a singer turned model turned actress. Since she was fifteen, she’s been creating her empire in the entertainment world. As the daughter of a famous fashion model/designer and Hollywood director, you’d think life is easy for her, but her past has been anything but easy. Due to past trauma, she’s forever changed and no longer trusts any man that is not in her family and a select few in her team. She’s sworn off love and serious relationships and has planned never to fall again, but love isn’t something that can be planned. It just happens when it’s meant to. Can Aliya outrun a love that seems hellbent on holding tight to her, a love that is Kismet?

Note: The musical notes emoji 🎶 signifies a song being sung. They are the lyrics.

If you enjoyed this please LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG!! 😘  

As always, thank you so much for reading. ❤️❤️

***Loosely Edited/Proofread***

***Interactive***

Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 

🎶 “But I don't wanna give up. Baby, I just want you to get up. Lately, I've been a little fed up. Wish you would just focus on—me. Can you focus on me? Baby, can you focus on me?”

 The sounds of H.E.R filled the semi-rustic kitchen as you moved around it, checking on the multiple things you were making. Her album was one of your go-to things for mellowing out. You sang along and got lost vocalizing along with her. It didn’t take long for you to forget what time it was and that you weren’t exactly alone in the house. As the song ended and the next came on, you held your hands in the air, already feeling the opening of Girls Need Love Too.

  🎶 “Honestly, I'm tryna stay focused. You must think I've got to be joking when I say. I don't think I can wait. I just need it now. Better swing my way.”

 The lyrics were hitting you as right as gospel right about now. Pulling open the oven, you checked on the treats inside, making sure they were rising just the way they needed to. After you were pleased with their progress, you checked your pots on the stove one more time, then went back to the pitcher you were mixing your famous mimosas. That was when DSVN came on, and the hypnotizing sound of the lyrics with the beat made your mind drift back to Henry, especially when the hook came on. It sounded like it was made just for you in this situation.

 For the next few minutes, you focused on trying not to burn breakfast rather than dancing or singing. That was until Santana came on, and you couldn’t help but bust out your best salsa moves to Carlos’ electric guitar and Latin flare. The song was so catchy that you quickly got carried away winding your hips and doing your best Shakira impersonation. If she were standing in front of you, you thought she’d be proud because you gave it everything you had. Before you knew it, the song was almost over, and you’d forgotten about being quiet, and were now singing along to the song as you danced around the kitchen.

 “Someone woke up on the right side of the bed.”

Your scream was loud, so loud it bounced off the walls of the room. Your head nearly snapped off your neck from the force of which you spun around.

 “Oh my god!”

 Henry stood there pinching his lips, trying to stop himself from laughing at you.

 “You scared me half to death.”

 “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I um—I smelled food and heard music, and here you are,” Henry explained.

 “Oh no, no. How long were you standing there?”

 Another smile spread across his face, and it was all you needed to know he’d probably seen the whole thing. Embarrassment filled you.

 “Oh god, no.”

 “Don’t be embarrassed. You can dance and sing. I enjoyed the show.”

 You snorted while shaking your head, trying to overcome your embarrassment. When you met his eyes again, you still saw the amusement there.

 “Good morning,” you began.

 “Good morning. What’s—what’s going on?”

 He motioned to the organized chaos around you.

 “Oh, breakfast.”

 “Did you order?”

 “Nope. One hundred percent handmade but these hands,” you replied, holding up your hands and flexing your fingers for emphasis.

 Henry’s eyebrows shot up as he approached the kitchen island.

 “You cook.”

 Approaching the same island on the opposite side, you nodded. “I cook and bake and mix and clean, iron, and do laundry.”

 Henry snorted and nodded, clearly amused by the sarcasm in your voice.

 “Cute.”

 You smiled and leaned against it, resting your elbows on the wooden island keeping your eyes on him.

 “I know I don’t look it, but they do say never judge a book by its cover,” you replied.

 Henry nodded before he spoke. “For the record, I’ve never judged you.”

 You studied him for several moments before your eyes drifted over him, taking in his tan linen pants and cream shirt. He looked good, and you almost got lost in that before you snapped out of it. Clearing your throat, you pushed off the island and looked around.

 “I’m almost done.”

 “What’s for breakfast, chef Taylor?”

 You smiled, “I’m glad you asked Mr. Cavill. We have lavender vanilla  bean beignets, scrambled eggs, sausages, and of course mimosas.”

 Henry’s eyebrows again shot up. “Wow. How long have you been up?”

 Turning from him, you dropped a few mint leaves into the pitcher you’d just mixed. “Well, I actually haven’t slept yet.”

 “So you’ve been up all night?”

 “Yep.”

 Sliding to the right, you turned off the oven and took out the beignets to place them on the stove to cool.

 “Why? Is everything all right?”

 “Yeah. I’ll be fine. I’m a night—insomniac.”

 He was going to find out one way or another throughout this vacation anyway, you reasoned with yourself.

 “Really?”

 He sounded hesitant but also surprised.

 “Yeah, most of the time.”

 You used the time he stood there in a state of shock to finish up what you were doing before turning back to him.

 “Are you going to pass out later or soon?”

 “Nope. Come on. All done. Can you grab those two?”

 You nodded your head to the two platters on the stove as you took the others walking out of the kitchen to the outdoor dining table he’d shown you yesterday. Once he saw the table that had two other platters and set place settings, he exclaimed.

“Wow.”

 “I know, but I like to cook.”

 “Everything smells incredible,” Henry complimented as he stood at one of the Rattan chairs waiting for you to sit first.

 Once you sat down, you motioned for him to begin. “Dig in.”

 A few minutes passed with the two of you loading your plates with various items. Once you were finished, you took up the pitcher and poured drinks for you both. When he brought one of your beignets to his mouth, you paused and watched him sink his teeth into it. As soon as he did, he moaned so loud it filled the space and drifted off.

 “Holy--,” he began but never finished because he took several more bites finishing his first one. Once he’d swallowed and reached for another, he continued. “How did you learn to make beignets?”

 “Well, it began with my Gramaw, but eventually, it was experimenting.”

 He bit into another and rolled his eyes into the back of his head, and groaned. “These are heaven.”

 “I’m glad you like them.”

 Covering his food-filled mouth, he spoke, “Love them, get it correct.”

 You snorted and nodded as you began to eat. The view before you caught your eye once again, and getting lost was easy. The morning was beautiful, warm, and calm, with a gentle breeze that carried the salt in the air from the nearby sea. You didn’t know who wouldn’t love waking up to this every day. It was then you realized how badly you’d needed a vacation after all.

 “You stare out a lot.”

 Henry’s voice brought your eyes back to him to find his already on you.

 “I’m sorry,” you began with a soft smile. “Another thing about me, I do that—a lot.”

 “What’re you thinking about?”

 You looked out again and nudged your head to the view. “How incredible this view is and that I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve taken a vacation,” you confessed.

 “Tell me about it. I was literally running on fumes. I have no idea how I made it this far,” Henry said.

 You continued to eat and fell into a comfortable silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

 “Was there anything particular you wanted to do today?”

 “Like what?”

 “There’s so much to do. I know a good spa. There’s diving, boat tours of this incredible lagoon, wine tasting, touring, driving along cote d'Azur. You name it, and it can be done,” he listed off.

 “A lot of choices.”

 You brought your legs up and hugged them to your body as you continued to eat while thinking about your options.

 “What do you feel like doing?”

 “I don’t mind either way,” Henry quickly responded.

 That didn’t help you one bit, but you made the decision all the same. “Nothing screams vacation like a bikini, and a beach, so let’s live it up.”

 He smiled as he nodded. “All right. We have a plan then,” he said, clapping his hands.

 The rest of breakfast was comfortable and peaceful. Neither of you seemed to mind that conversation fell to the wayside because you were both lost in the food and scenery before you. After breakfast, you and Henry managed to do the dishes and clean up the kitchen together as you endured his teasing on the multitude of things you’d used to cook. As you cleaned, you caught his eyes on your body a few times, but he kept his physical distance for the most part. After you separated to get yourselves ready for your day in the sun.

 You spent longer than necessary trying to decide on the right bikini. You didn’t know if you should go demure princess or buxom goddess. You were moving and making decisions by reading him. You told yourself the night before that you’d go at his pace and take your cues from him. If he initiated touching, you’d reciprocate. If he kissed you, you’d kiss him back. If he stayed away, you would too. You didn’t want to do the wrong thing or anything, especially since you didn’t know where you stood with him. Letting your self-doubt win, you chose the middle ground on the bikini.

 Thirty minutes later, you stepped outside the villa to find Henry waiting patiently at a white Fiat convertible.  

 “Wow. Is this yours?”

 “Yep.”

 “I don’t know why I’m surprised. We have established that you’re a car man.”

 He smiled as his eyes trailed over you. “Wow. The short shorts come out, huh.”

 You looked over yourself, then back to him. “This is short? Ha, just you wait. I have even shorter.”

 “I bet you do,” Henry chided as he held open the passenger door for you.

 “It’s about a ten-minute drive to the beach, maybe eight if the cliffside isn’t flooded.”

 “Wow, you’re right there, huh.”

 He smiled and nodded as you slipped into the car.

 “All right, let’s go. I have a goal to be kissed plentifully by this French sun, so in two weeks' time, I’m showing every bit of the melanin my ancestors blessed me with,” you joked.

 Henry shut your door and walked around to the driver’s side. Once in, he pressed the start button.

 “Bring it on. I happened to really like yours…it’s sexy,” he slipped in, meeting your eyes for a few moments.

 “Did you just call me sexy, Mr. Cavill?”

 His smile was wide before he slipped on his sunglasses. “Did I? Maybe, maybe not,” he said before he pulled off, beginning the journey.

 As he drove, you relished the breeze and sun on your skin and waved your hands in the air, fully enjoying the carefree vibes you felt. Before long, you’d pulled out your phone and began snapping a multitude of pictures of the scenery, the people, and occasionally even Henry, though he probably had no idea. You didn’t want to miss the chance to see how perfect he looked behind the wheel.

When you got close to the beach, Henry parked along the cliff as plenty other cars had done. According to him, no one made a fuss about small things like that; as long as people could still pass it was all right. The laidback style was already agreeing with you. With him carrying all the bags like the gentleman he was, you allowed him to lead you across the road toward the sands of the beach and then down the shore to find the perfect spot. It took a few minutes, but when you found it, you staked your claim, stomping in the sand, marking it as yours. Henry took the initiative, spreading the oversized beach blanket using the items you’d brought with you as anchors for the corners.

 Once he’d gotten it perfect, you wasted no time pulling off your tank then peeling off the shorts your wore. You tried to keep your eyes away from him, though you really wanted to know if you had his undivided attention. The middle ground bikini you’d chosen was still a look. The cut complimented your curves, while the color complimented your complexion. You wanted to take it at his pace, but you also had to show him you were still hot.

 When you lied back on the blanket, you gawked at the ocean before you and marveled at its sparkle while the sun reflected off of it. Looking beside you to him, you found his eyes on you and his jaw slightly ajar.

 “This is so beautiful.”

 Henry snapped his head away from you and looked at the view you were just staring at. “Very,” he replied, his voice constrained as if his throat were closing. He held your bag out to you, but he didn’t look at you again.

 “Thank you.”

 You dug through it looking for your sunscreen spray. Once you’d found it, you began spraying along your arms and shoulders, rubbing the mist in working your way to your chest.

 “Why France?”

 “Huh? Excuse me?”

 “France. Why France for buying a house?”

 “Well, I have some French blood-ties; the Channel Islands has its history of it, and France is smack in the middle of there and London. I fell in love with it,” he explained.

 “Why Bandol?”

 “Oh, that’s easy. It’s still luxurious enough like St. Tropez but not as high profile. I can be Henry here and not worry someone is taking my picture.”

 You nodded and understood perfectly. It was hard being on all the time. You’d gotten so used to it that you often forgot how to be off.

 “I get it. It’s the same reason why I’ll always choose Australia and Ireland overall,” you explained.

 “I’ve only seen Ireland a few times. I think I need to go back,” Henry added.

 You smiled as fond memories washed over you of your time in Ireland. “You definitely should.”

 You sprayed your shoulder closest to him and began rubbing in the liquid.

 “Ehm, need some help?”

 Your eyes met, and you fought back your smirk. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

 “Yeah, I can help. It’s no problem,” Henry assured.

 You handed him the bottle, then turned your back to him and waited. He didn’t touch you for several moments.

 “How many tattoos do you have?”

 “Um—not sure, seven, eight maybe,” you said while anxiously waiting for him to begin.

 “That’s quite a bit.”

 “Not too much. They’re all strategically placed,” you explained.

 When you felt the sprays on your back, you held your breath and waited for him to touch you. As Soon As he did, you bit your bottom lip, trying to ignore the feeling of completeness that washed over you. You liked the feel of his hands on your skin.

 “Have you—ehm, have you ever thought about tattoos?”

 “I have,” Henry began, his voice deeper than it had been moments before. his hands trailed lower to the small of your back, and you hunched over even more, giving him more access. “I’ve just never gotten around to it,” he finished.

 Turning your head to rest your cheek on the tops of your knees, you smiled. “Too much work?”

 A soft chuckle escaped him, and you felt his thump trail up your spine until he reached the back of your neck. Two sprays hit your skin, and he began rubbing into your shoulders. A weak moan slipped out, but he didn’t pull away. The kneading of his hands became more forceful then. You were quickly losing your nerve and grip on reality. Another moan slipped from your throat, and that was when Henry’s hands stilled and rested at your shoulder blades. You felt his fingertips trace the softest pattern onto your skin before they were gone.

 “All done.”

 By then, your heart was racing, and the butterflies in your gut were fluttering below your waist. Clearing your throat, you turned back to the ocean.

 “Thanks.”

 “No problem,” Henry said before he stood and discarded his shirt.

 The action didn’t help you at all. Your jaw hit the floor as you took in every inch of him you’d spent all night since seeing the sprigs of hair peeking out his shirt. Plenty of dark hair decorated his chest and trailed down his abs until it disappeared behind his pants. A soft gasp drifted out of you, but your eyes refused to stop ogling. So you sat there looking at him and counting each of his eight ab muscles. The man had an eight pack; you thought to yourself as your throat painfully tightened.

“What’s wrong?”

 Jerking your head up to his face, you shook your head, trying to find words.

 “Wrong? Huh, nothing—um—you uh—you’re—you’re--.”

 Henry smiled as he cocked his brow, waiting for you to say something intelligible. You had nothing, though.

 “Cat got your tongue?” The humor in his voice was so obvious, and you felt like an idiot.

 “And my brain cells, it would seem.”

 His smile made you smile while trying to avert your eyes from the rock hard statue that he was.

 “Sorry.”

 Henry scoffed. “It’s okay,” he said.

 “No, it’s not. You’re a person, not a piece of meat,” you clarified, feeling awful. You were doing the same thing to him that you hated men doing to you.

 “Wait, you think I’m a piece of meat?”

 Looking back at him, you spoke, “No, but I’m sure women look at you like you’re a piece of meat and in turn treat you like it.”

 He nodded, “They have in the past.”

 Your eyes again drifted downward, but you caught yourself before they got to his massive pecs. Clearing your throat, you stood.

 “Do you burn easily?”

 “I’m a white British man, of course, I do,” Henry joked, making you snort loudly.

 “Wow, do you want some?”

 He held his hands up as if to shield himself from you. “Are you looking for an excuse to feel me up?”

 “What!?”

 Henry snorted and laughed loudly.

 “You’re kidding,” you surmised.

 “Yes. You should have seen your face.”

 You shook your head while burying your face in your hands. “Wow. That’s not cool.”

 “You were an easy target,” Henry said, turning his back to you. “Oil me up, baby.”

 You had every intention to, but the side of him from the back stopped you in your tracks for a few moments. As you slowly approached him, you accessed the entire meal that was him before you, unsure where to start. You sprayed over his back then slowly began rubbing across his skin. You couldn’t believe that even his back was as toned as an Olympian. Your brain was slowly short-circuiting with every inch of skin you touched. When you brought your hands down his spine to his tailbone, Henry groaned, and you fought the urge to go lower.

 “All—done,” you said slightly above a whisper.

 “Not quite,” Henry said, turning to face you. “My chest burns easily too.”

 Face to face with temptation; you knew you were destined to give in. it was only a matter of time.

 “I thought you could--.”

 “—Nope. You started the job, so you should finish it.”

 Smiling, you bit your bottom lip. “Does that go for my chest too?”

 Henry’s eyes dropped to your breasts and rested there for a few seconds before he looked back into your eyes with a completely cheeky expression on his face. “Well—that is entirely up to you, Ms. Taylor.”

 Like a child, you giggled most uncharacteristically. Slapping your hand across your mouth, Henry laughed at you. “Oh god.”

 You sprayed across his chest and abs but hesitated touching him. Instead, you stood there gawking at the way his chest glistened. It’s not that you didn’t want to feel. You really, really wanted to feel. You just didn’t think you would be able to not come across as a thirsty fiend. Henry waited patiently waited no doubt taking notice of how you were beginning to hyperventilate. After a minute, he took a step back.

 “Here, I’ll finish the job—this time.”

 You dropped to the blanket and laid back, trying to recover. You couldn’t believe this was life right now. You’d never been attracted to anyone like this. You never struggled like this with anyone, and that reality was a little alarming. Peeking up, you watched as Henry finished rubbing the sunscreen into his chest, spreading it along his swollen shoulders and bulging arms. Your mouth ran dry while another part of you was anything but.

 While proving to be a heightened temptation, a day at the beach was just what the vacation doctors ordered. The roaring sun, the breeze with the salt in the air, and the screams and laughs of people enjoying themselves were wonderful. You didn’t think about work not once, or anything beyond the man beside you reading a book and the book you were reading while the soft sounds of jazz drifted between you. It was perfect.

 Every so often, your eyes drifted to Henry and took in different parts of him. Everything you saw you liked, and the fact that you liked it, only helped your brain daydream even more. There were a few times he caught you staring at him just as you caught him staring at you or parts of your body. When you did catch him, it only emboldened you to play up different parts of your body. You were relieved to know he at least still found you attractive.

 When he goaded you into the water, the two of you played in the waves. The first time Henry splashed you and got water in your hair, you made gasped and pretended to make a big deal about it, which prompted him to apologize profusely. You considered it payback until you tackled him in the water, holding him underneath until he lifted you in his arms like he was Goliath. Your eyes locked, and there was a moment you thought he would kiss you, but instead, he tossed you into the water. That one action began a water war that he easily won thanks to his colossal size and overpowering strength. You didn’t mind.

 By the time you’d sat to enjoy the picnic lunch Henry had packed, only a handful of people had recognized the two of you and asked for autographs and pictures. It really was the perfect first day of vacation, and you already didn’t want it to end. After lunch, you and Henry were walking along the shore, enjoying the lull of water crashing onto your ankles like you had no cares in the world.

  ~~~~~~~~

 -Henry-

 You were gorgeous, more gorgeous than you’d ever been. You were drop dead with make-up on, but without you were a knockout. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of you, and he knew you had to know. There was no way that you didn’t. He didn’t start the day with any expectations because he really didn’t know what to expect, but it had turned out to be a great day. He looked across to you and took in your curled and coiled hair that framed your face and gave you an even more youthful glow.

 “So your hair is naturally curly?”

 You smiled and nodded as you turned to look at him.

 “Curly, coiled, kinky, it’s a bunch of stuff.”

 “So you straighten it.”

 “Yeah,” you confirmed.

 He was confused.  “Why?”

 With your brows knitted together, you took him in. “What do you mean why?”

 “Why? I can imagine it takes a lot of time. So, why do you do it?”

 You scoffed but didn’t speak right away. He allowed you the time to think.

 “Well—in the business, it’s easier. As horrible as it is, there are not many people who will cast the black actress with unruly hair or will have the right people who can do it properly. It’s a huge thing for black actresses, and unfortunately, can be the reason why many don’t get a role. So for me—I guess I got used to directors or photographers preferring the sleek look, so I just—maintain it. No one really cares for this,” you said, motioning to your hair.

 He understood what you were saying. Hollywood was fickle; he was living through it right now but couldn’t believe people's ignorance.

 “I like your hair right now. I like how free and beautiful it is. You don’t look—bound. You look free.”

 Your eyes met his, but he couldn’t read the look in them.

 “Oh uh—thank—you.”

 “You’re welcome,” he replied with a smile. “You should just leave it alone from now on.”

 You snorted. “Oh, is this how you want to see me?”

 He could hear the tease in your tone, “Free and beautiful? Absolutely.”

 Again the look in your eyes stumped him. Before he could ask you what you were thinking, you looked away and back out to the water.

 “What if I want to see you like this from now on?”

 He chuckled, “What, shirtless with bad hair?”

 You laughed with him for a few seconds. “Well, nothing wrong with this view at all,” you said, making him blush.

 “Oh, and for the record, your hair is anything but bad. When it’s all slicked to perfection, you look put together, but—I like the more…distressed you. You look free and boundless.”

 The smile on his lips hadn’t slipped since you’d begun your walk, and staring at you, he didn’t think it would slip. You looked away and cleared your throat, something you’d been doing a lot the entire day.

 “I’ll make a deal with you. You keep this look going, and I’ll keep this look going,” you proposed piquing his interest.

 “Do we have a deal?”

 “All right, we have a deal,” he sealed, holding out his hand for you to shake. When you did, you smiled mischievously.

 “Good,” you said before you pushed him into the water and the incoming wave.

 Shock flooded him though he should have known from the glint in your eye he’d picked up.

 “Did you really?”

 With pride and joy, you nodded, “I sure did.”

 As he stood, he wiped his face of the water and chuckled to himself.

 “As a gentleman, I will give you a four-second head start,” he announced.

 “Four seconds?”

 “Three now.”

 You squealed and ran down the beach, trying to put as much distance between you as possible. It was futile. He was fast. Once he’d counted down, he took off after you. When you looked back to see him coming, you screamed louder and tried to pick up the speed, but as he said, he was fast. In a few short seconds, he caught you and immediately began tickling you, making you scream even louder.

 “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” you shouted through bouts of laughter and screams.

 “No, no, too late for that.”

 With you in his arms, he brought you to the water facing you out so you could see the massive wave coming in. You screamed again while kicking your legs, trying to get him to drop you, but it was no use. Seeing there was no way out, you stopped screaming, but when he tossed you into the wave, you screamed until the water engulfed you. He stepped back and waited for you to wash up on the shore. When you did, he proceeded to tickle you some more until you tripped him and rolled onto him to retaliate.

 Though he hadn’t let on that he was ticklish, you figured it out and exploited it mercilessly. The tickling led to both of you playfully throwing wet sand at each other while waves knocked you down. When he grabbed you, he smeared the wet sand across your chest below your collar, making you scream. That was when you coated his chest down to his waist. He pulled you to him rubbing his chest over yours to make sure you were as lathered as he was.

 “Oh my god!”

 A wave crashed over the two of you, nearly drowning you—nearly. When the water receded, you were still there in his arms, practically underneath him. he took in your beauty, and all he wanted to do was kiss you. he almost did before he stopped remembering what had led you to this point. He was tired of proving and showing you he wanted you—wanted to be with you. It was your turn to prove to him that you wanted him just as much as he wanted you. That was when another wave washed over you, dampening the mood. He was thankful for it.

 Once he was standing, he pulled you upright.

 “Ready to go?”

 You nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”

   ~~~~~~~~~

-Y/N-

 After leaving the beach, the two of you walked along the shops that decorated the surrounding area. He pointed out all the places he’d visited over the last few days. He knew some of the shop owners by their names, and it was something you liked for some reason. After the first few shops, you decided to pick up something for dinner and spent the next few minutes trying to decide just what to get.

 “Any special requests?”

 Henry’s surprise only lasted a few minutes before the smile you were getting so used to appeared.

 “You’re cooking?”

 “Yep.”

 His surprise turned to awe as he circled you once. “You can pick whatever you want,” he whispered in your ear before he walked to a stack of cans.

 “Are you sure?”

 He nodded, assuring you that you were good to make the decision.

 “Do you eat a lot?”

 “Do you?”

 “Hell yeah, I do,” you said in an exaggerated tone that had Henry laughing.

 As you walked around the store, you placed various items in the basket that Henry carried. Some peppers, scallions, garlic, onions, mushrooms, and plenty of herbs followed before you walked across the way to a seafood shop. You thought about something simple like salmon but changed your mind when you saw lobsters and said what the hell. You were only going to get two, but Henry piped up and tricked you into four, citing your insatiable appetite. Deep down, you wondered what appetite exactly he was referring to, for food or him. A trip to the local spirits shop had you stocked for more than just one night.

 When you made it back to the villa, Henry was the one to carry the bags to the kitchen, not letting you lift anything but the beach bag you’d left with at the start of your day. You met him in the kitchen in time to see him hoist everything onto the island.

 “All right, you’re all set there.”

 “Thank you, Superman.”

 He smiled and helped you unpack the items in the bags, laying them out on the counters and the island. Once that was finished, you made a move to the door.

 “I’m going to take a shower. I can feel sand everywhere.”

 What was to be a relatively quick shower quickly turned long because you needed to wash your hair and treat it, so you didn’t have any residual salt damage. No one liked breaking hair. That alone usually took almost an hour. Instead of going for the full experience, you cut a few corners in the routine but still managed to complete it. After throwing on a pair of shorts and a tank, you made your way back to the kitchen, ready to cook one of the best meals he’d ever have.

 With soft music playing and a towel wrapped around your hair while your leave-in heat treatment did what it was made to, you began prepping the ingredients. The soft music and time alone gave you more time to process the perfect day you’d just had. There was nothing about it that you’d change, even down to the intense tension that was constantly between you. If another day played out the same way, you still would think it was perfect.

 “All right, I’m clean now. Would you like some help?”

 Henry stood behind you in a tank and sweats with his hair full of curls.

 “Sure, you can actually prove to me that you know what you’re doing in here,” you teased as he approached your side.

 “I’m about to knock your knickers off.”

 You snorted and peeped at him. “Promise.”

 The flustered look on his face said he just realized the land mind he’s just stepped into. Pushing it to the side, you focused on the chives you were chopping.

 “What would you like me to do?”

 Looking around the kitchen, you assessed everything that needed to be done then delegated.

 “Those veggies need to be rough diced and washed.”

 “Consider it done,” Henry replied, stepping away to begin prep. Before he began, though, he walked to one of the bottles of wine you’d just gotten, popped it, and poured two glasses.

 “A little vino for you.”

 Smiling, you took the glass. “Thank you.”

 The two of you worked together chopping, dicing, and slicing the vegetables and herbs and the seafood for dinner. Every few minutes, your eyes met, and you giggled. Once the cooking began, Henry teased you about your towel wrapped hair, saying that was how magazine covers should show you. You watched his form and how he handled his knives and liked how he moved. He handled knives like he’d been doing it his whole life.

 When you saw him perfectly Julianne cut the cucumbers you practically drooled and were ready to push him against that island. You loved a man who could handle himself in the kitchen. Pumping iron and weights and a nice body was great, but cooking dinner for someone because you care, was a supreme turn on.

 When the lobster was steaming and the potatoes boiling, you leaned beside him and watched him kneed the dough he was prepping for what he called his famous sugar rolls.

 “So mentioned you have nieces or nephews? I don’t remember which,” you began.

 “Yes. Three nephews, no nieces.”

 “Cool. What’re their names?”

 Henry smiled as he spoke, “James and Peter and Lucas.”

 “Strong names.”

 “Yeah, Nik and Charlie picked them,” he said.

 “Nik—he’s the older brother, right?”

 “Oldest. I’m surprised you remember.”

 “No girl?”

 “Ha, Charlie really wants a girl. He has a son Lucas but dreams about having a daughter.”

 “Nice. I have two nephews, Niko and Milo, and a niece Aloa, my oldest sister Miesha,” you added.

 The way Henry smiled, you could tell he liked kids. “That’s nice. Do you see them a lot?”

 “I try. It’s hard, though, with my schedule.”

 He nodded, then shifted to the sink to rinse off the cucumbers before beginning with the carrots.

 “I understand.”

 With your curiosity piqued, you decided to dive right in. “So you like kids.”

 “Love kids,” he replied. “You?”

 “Uh—yeah. They’re precious.”

 “I’m guessing you’re close to your brothers.”

 “Oh god, yes, really, really close. We talk several times a day. They’re my first call when something good or bad happens, and it’s the same for them.”

 “That’s good. I’m close to mine too. We don’t talk every day, but I try. I do have a twin, so we don’t need to talk. We just know what’s going on with each other,” you explained.

 “How is that having a twin?”

 You shrugged and put a piece of cucumber into your mouth. “It’s everyday like for me. I don’t know what to say,” you said with a small chuckle.

 “Are all the clichés true?”

 You scoffed and went back to keeping yourself busy. “What clichés exactly?”

 “Oh, you know that you feel each other’s pain and feel what the other feels, oh that you know what they’re thinking.”

 You couldn’t help but laugh a little. “It’s not like I fall down the stairs, and he feels me fall. That’s just impossible.”

 Henry nodded and moved to rinse the carrots.

 “Yeah, it’s more like a constant presence I feel. You—you never really feel alone, sort of like this constant connection or feeling like someone always has your back. We can feel what the other feels a lot of the time, but it’s sort of like a gut feeling more than an actual physical feeling. There are times he’ll feel when I’m sad and crying, and it’s incredibly annoying.”

 “I can imagine,” Henry started.

 Feeling his eyes on you, you turned to face him and waited for him to speak.

 “Does he feel everything—your moments of happiness or—pleasure?”

 Snorting, you laughed loudly, unable to keep it in.

 “Happiness, I think there could be valid proof to that. As for pleasure, no idea. It’s never been brought up but kinda creepy to think about that.”

 You both busted out laughing, realizing just how creepy it would be if there were any validity to that. Cooking together turned out to be really fun. Usually, you hated people in your space, but with Henry, you didn’t mind it at all. You didn’t mind the subtle way his body brushed yours whenever he passed you. You didn’t mind the sly looks across the kitchen when he took a sip of his wine. You didn’t mind the flirtation in the air, and when he watched you make your lemon cake for dessert, you didn’t mind that he was learning one of your secret recipes. It was something you felt you could get used to.

 Two hours later, you were bringing out one of the platters to the dining table in the yard just in time to catch Henry putting a clay vase filled with beautiful lavender and rapeseed flowers. The purple and yellow combo was so bright it looked like it belonged with the décor around you.

“Wow, would you look at that,” you began eyeing the perfectly set table. “You can set a table too.”

 His smile was wide. “I sure can.”

 “With the proper place settings. I’m impressed.”

 He ran his fingers through his hair and slowly licked his lips as he shrugged. “I didn’t go to finishing school or anything but--,” Henry trailed off, making you laugh at the sly reference to you.

 “Oh, okay, Mr. Cavill.”

 You backed away with your hands raised, making your way back to the kitchen with him following close behind. You pointed to him the items to go, and he walked with you back outside.

 “I know you think I eat a lot, but--.”

 “Oh, stop it. I am sure you have to have a high-calorie intake to maintain your Superman shape, so—ta-da,” you said, giving him jazz hands in front of the food-filled table.

 “Oh, so you’re looking out for me, huh.”

 “Of course. What else is your girlfriend supposed to do?”

 Henry’s smile slowly slipped before it reappeared but only for a second. “Girlfriend, huh?”

 Just like that, your stomach fell through the floor, fully realizing what you’d said. Now you felt like an idiot especially seeing his reaction.

 “Um—well--.”

 Not waiting for you to respond, Henry walked to your chair and pulled it out for you.

 “Uh—give me a second,” you said, bending forward to pull the towel off of your head.

 It had been well past the forty-five minutes you usually kept it on for, and you didn’t want to eat with this heavy thing on your head. Using your fingers, you combed through your curls then stood up to face him. This was practically the first time you stood before a man that wasn’t part of your family with your hair natural. You hated that you felt self-conscience about it. The look on his face was a lot different this time. His eyes were wide, and his mouth ajar.

 “Sorry. Thanks,” you said, slipping into the chair.

 Once he’d pushed you in, he sat across from you.

 “So I know you love your beer and steak,” you began with a smile. “So the steak is cooked in Guinness—a lot of Guinness.”

 Henry chuckled and assessed the steak on his plate while nodding.

 “Bon appetite.”

 Once henry put a slice of the steak in his mouth, he moaned and gave you the chef’s kiss. You knew exactly what it meant, the good ol seal of approval.

 “This is really good.”

 “I’m glad you like it.”

 After putting another slice of steak into his mouth, he nodded. “I love it. you’re a great cook.”

 “Thank you. I tried to tell you.”

 Henry chuckled, giving you a slight roll of his eyes before he continued eating. He was right dinner was good. While you ate, you enjoyed the setting sun and conversation about music, good food, and good wine. One bottle of wine quickly finished, then you were cracking open another and another. When dinner was finished, you sat there listening to the stories of his childhood where his mother played referee between five boys. The way he talked about her made her sound like a saint. It was clear to see how much he admired and loved her. That made you like him even more.

 By the time you climbed into bed for the night, your mind was racing a mile a minute, and all your thoughts were of Henry and the probability that he just might be the perfect man. That thought scared you even more than there being something wrong with him. If he were perfect, then it meant he was perfect for you, and perfect for you meant commitment, complications, and vulnerability while opening the stage for possible heartbreak. Even through the fear, one constant remained—you wanted him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***If you want to be tagged/untagged please SEND AN ASK SO IT WILL BE EASIER FOR ME TO KEEP TRACK OF. Thank you for reading!!!***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TagList:

@dangerouslovefanfic​ @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @momobaby227 @naturalthrone22​ @emjayewrites @chaneajoyyy​ @caramara3 @caplover22​@kikimiyazaki @sonjashuterbugjohnson @minton131​ @aar-journey​ @sincerelyglowing @theonewithherheadintheclouds @shar74nett​ @livinglifeformemyselfandi​ @night-of-the-living-shred @munteanhorewrites @kittykatlow @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls @simply-heaven @winchwm @maximumninjavoid​ @offrostandstarlight @angrybirdcr​ @maxcullen​

@sausagefest1996 @tenaciousperfectionunknown​ @bellaamor88​ @alyxkbrl @hello-therree @mery-be @that-chick212 @smuttywriter​ @ljstraightnochaser @jd-now-jq @mrsbarnes-rogers @melanicia @live-laugh-love-ki @deadpixie22 @asiaaisa77 @queenshikongo3​ @queenreignssupreme @liquorlaughslove​​ @queenoftheworldisdead​ @kittykatlow @cltex84​  @pricklypear  

@helenasmirkedno @areubeingserved @petty-bitch-akira​ @rynabarnesrogers-reading​ @themeforanudebeach​ @i-just-like-fanfics​ @october505​ @msblkfire84​ @msbrightsidestuff​ @youremysuperstar​ @storiestoldbyjazz​ @xsweetdellzx @themeforanudebeach​  @live-laugh-love-ki​ @labella420 @maeleeme @coldmuffinbanditshoe @pricklypear @becauseyourenoangeleitherbaby 

[eternal-love-song]

Colorful Cavalcade ep 1

Two childhood friends, a former Gym Leader, a Pokemon Breeder, and a psychic Pokemon trainer begin their journey across the region of Talon.

[Pokemon Journey, Original Trainers, Original Pokemon Region, Pokemon Training, Developing Friendships, Adventure, Childhood Friends, Psychic Abilities]

Wordcount: 11k

Episode 1, Treble in Cantor

It was a clear night. The stars were bright overhead, the moon was a sliver in the sky, and the sea spray misted over her face. The song of the ocean mixed with the roar of the fire, creating a peaceful lullaby for the night. Behind her, Cormac was stoking the fire, adding a little more warmth to the air. It was a beautiful night, the kind of beauty that she had spent her whole life enjoying. She wouldn't say that it ever got old, but lately an idea had been floating in her mind more and more.

"Hey Cor?" She looked over her shoulder where Cormac was still poking at the fire. His Corsola was sitting on his shoulder and the Pokemon looked at her before he did. She smiled. Her own Corsola was wading in the water not too far off.

She waited for his pink eyes, so very similar to her own, to glance her way. His white hair danced in the breeze and a few of the hibiscus blooms she'd placed in his hair were being blown away. She'd have to be more careful next time; it was uncommonly sloppy work for her. "What's up Orchid?"

She looked up at the sky again, stretching her arms out over her head as she weighed her words one last time. "What do you think about leaving here?"

"Leaving?" He sounded more confused than upset, so she chanced a glance at him. He was studying her, as if he'd be able to read her intentions out of the air. They had been friends for nearly all their lives, but he still had no idea what she was thinking when she didn't want him to. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." she hesitated as she walked closer to him, holding out her arm so that Corsola could jump from his shoulder to hers. "Going on a journey. Across the whole region like other trainers do."

"You... want to?" 

The surprise made it hard for her to properly gauge his reaction. She plopped down on the log beside him, facing the opposite way and leaning her head against his shoulder. "Yeah, I think I do. I don't want to go without you, though. It wouldn't be as much fun."

"You just want someone around to cook for you," he grumbled.

She giggled and nuzzled her head against him. She was probably ruffling the flower in her own hair, but she didn't much care about that. "That's not so bad, right? What would Dora do without you? Do you want her to starve?"

He leaned his head on top of hers. "She's not the only one that would be lost without me so I guess I have no choice."

Her smile widened and she couldn't help the burst of excited laughter she let out. "You mean it?"

"Yeah. Kora would be sad if I let you go alone anyway," he told her.

She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed as tight as she could. "You're the best, Cor."

"I kinda am the best, aren't I?" he shot back.

She shoved him and stuck out her tongue at him. "You'd cry if I left you behind anyway. This is for your own good."

"Yeah, alright. Whatever you say, Orchid."

She looked out at the sea where her Corsola, Dora, was making her way out of the water. She scooped the Pokemon up into her arms and spun on her heel in the sand, wisps of her pink hair falling into her face. "We're going on an adventure, Dora! Aren't you excited?"

The Pokemon made excited noises, along with Cormac's Corsola on her shoulder. Cormac watched as the three of them celebrated and she could tell that he was just as excited as she was, even if he was more subdued in showing it.

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

Cantor City was  only a few hours journey from their sleepy beach town. Cormac barely saw any of it when they first arrived, following Orchid to a hotel where they could stay for the night. They spent a long time chatting excitedly from their opposite beds until she fell asleep, leaving him to watch the city from their window.

Honestly, there wasn’t much of a view. It was too late for the city to be too active and their room wasn’t high enough to see above the cityscape, but it was enough. His whole life he’d been able to look out his window to sand and sea, and now for the first time he was seeing something different. 

Cormac thought he should feel something… bigger. He didn’t feel out of place or homesick at all, though. He just felt at peace. He was pretty sure that he could go anywhere as long as he had Orchid and his Corsola by his side. He could have stayed forever in his small town and never wonder what he was missing, and now he could explore forever with them and never think about going back.

With that thought drifting through his mind, he decided to go to bed.  

Cormac was woken abruptly by something shaking his bed. He was startled upright, only to be immediately captured in Orchid's arms. That solved the mystery of what had woken him up before he'd had time to question it. 

"Let's go watch the gym battles!" She squealed, bouncing slightly in her excitement.

"What?" He blinked a few times, trying to wake himself up while Orchid gently shook him. 

"We've never seen one in person! Let's go!" She repeated excitedly. Her expression was bright, pink eyes shining with excitement and her hair already pinned up with a flower. Sometimes it amazed him how quick and early Orchid was able to wake up. Cormac could wake up early when he needed to, but it seemed like Orchid simply never slept.

"This couldn't have waited?" he asked.

"Who would want to?" she asked. "Aren't you excited?"

He wasn't sure if he was more excited than he was tired, but he nodded at her anyway. "Yeah, alright, I'll get up."

"Yay!" she cheered as she tossed the covers off of him and sprung off the bed. She scooped up Kora and Dora where they were sleeping on the table. He let himself fall back onto the bed with a yawn. 

"Time to get up," he said sleepily to himself. 

An hour later, after they were both dressed and fed, Orchid was leading him around the town. Both Kora and Dora were sitting on her shoulders, chatting happily as she led him by the hand and commented on everything. Cormac was torn between watching their excitement and the town around them.

There was a band of people playing music with their Pokemon in the town square and a few onlookers dancing. There were stall shops shouting for attention to their wares, selling souvenirs, food, and merchandise advertising the gym. There were people lounging about near the town well, a sea of calm amid the excited energy everywhere else. He could see a few buildings in the distance; a daycare, a Pokemon center, a pokemart, and their destination; the Pokemon gym.

"Something catch your eye?" Orchid was watching him over her shoulder. Kora and Dora tapping on her shoulder to tell her if she needed to move to one side or the other to avoid something in her path. The sight of three of them so close always made him feel warm inside. He squeezed her hand, reminding himself that he was just as much a part of this bubble of intimacy.

"Only everything," he answered. "How are you able to be so single minded?"

"I was watching everything out the window early, so I took in a lot of the splendor already." Her eyes wandered over her surroundings briefly before returning to him. "Plus, we have plenty of time to look through everything later. Right?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

The gym was wider than it was tall, with statues of electric Pokemon standing on top of each other framing the double doors. There was one person standing at the door that stopped them when they approached. "Challenger or spectator?"

"Spectator," Orchid answered.

He pointed to the side of the building. "Enter where you see the Jolteon statue."

"Thanks." They walked to the side of the building and she dropped his hand to push open the large double doors. "Wow."

The inside looked a bit more like a concert hall than a Pokemon gym. There were rows of elevated seating all around the room and a large stage in the center. The room was reasonably crowded and it took them a bit to find two empty seats in the highest rows. There were Magnemites floating around the room using Light Screen and Barrier to wall off the audience from stray attacks and the other trainers on the side of the stage were fiddling with instruments.

"Do you think the gym leader has their own theme song?" Orchid asked. "How cool would that be?"

"Pretty cool," he answered. Now that he was here, his eyes were glued to the stage. The challenger was already there, dressed in dark clothing and floating his pokeballs in the air. "Really cool."

Then the music hit. Two mohawked girls on drum and guitar started a heavy beat while a guy with spiked hair growled into the mic. The vocals were purposefully low, blending well into the music as the gym leader marched out and onto the stage. She was dressed in bright electric blue, with short dark blue hair cut sharply over her shoulders, and oval shaped sunglasses covering her eyes. There were gloves on her hands and black and blue stocking completely covering her legs. She flipped her hair and sparks shot up from the stage.

"Let's get this battle started already!" she said, tossing a pokeball into the air.

The challenger plucked one of his own balls out of the air. "Let's."

The announcer's voice erupted around them. "This will be a 3 on 3 battle. Whoever knocks out all three of their opponent’s Pokemon wins. Challenger Graham versus Leader Ahu! Begin!"

They threw out their Pokemon at the same time. The gym leader started with a Jolteon, the spiky Pokemon crouching low and letting out a hiss. The challenger sent his Pokeball spinning, sending his Girafarig into battle, the giraffe Pokemon scraping his hoof against the ground.

Beside him, Orchid was flipping open her Pokedex. "I've never seen that tall thing before, have you?"

Cormac shook his head. "I don't think it's very common around here."

Orchid giggled as she turned to him. "Can you imagine seeing that thing on the beach? It's got two heads!" 

He laughed with her, but his eyes were quickly drawn back toward the stage.

“Show him what we’re made of, Jolteon!” The Gym Leader said, striking a pose and pointing at their opponent. 

The Jolteon immediately launched into a Quick Attack, slamming into Girafarig's side and shoving it back. Girafarif’s hooves dragged along the ground, but it stayed on its feet.. Jolteon retreated just as Girafarig used Stomp, its spiky fur standing on end as it hissed at its opponent. Electricity danced along its fur for a moment and then a wave of thunder washed over the battlefield. Girafarig stumbled, a flash of static arced along its skin and brought it down to one knee. 

The Gym Leader laughed, placing both hands on her hips as she smiled at her opponent. “There’s no shame in throwing in the towel, you know.”

“This battle has only begun,” Graham replied.

“Well, can’t say I didn’t try,” Ahu shrugged.

Girafarig glared ahead, but as soon as it tried to move a wave of static flickered through its body. Jolteon rushed at the paralyzed Pokemon, hitting it with Double Kick and knocking Girafarig on its side, back to Jolteon. The Pokemon made a small noise of pain, static still dancing along its spine. 

“Hugo!” Graham called out, fist clenching at his side as he watched his pokemon.

Jolteon rushed forward at the fallen pokemon, only for Girafarig’s tail to jump up and snap at Jolteon, startling the pokemon with Astonish and causing it to flinch. Girafarig took the opportunity to get to its feet, eyes glowing as a rainbow of psychic energy blasted Jolteon. The Psybeam caused Jolteon to stumble, the pokemon trying and failing to shake off its sudden confusion. 

Girafarig took advantage of Jolteon’s confusion to charge across the stage, slamming intoJolteon with a Zen Headbutt. The Pokemon was tossed across the stage, making pained sounds as it struggled to get to its feet. It shook its head desperately, trying to break itself out of confusion and failing. Girafarig galloped toward Jolteon, rearing up and stomping down on it with both hooves. Jolteon gasped, tried once more to get to its feet, and failed.

"Jolteon is unable to continue!" The announcer called.

The person on Cormac's right jumped up from his seat as he cheered. Orchid wrapped her arm around his, leaning closer to be heard over the crowd.

"Aren't you so glad we came?" Orchid asked. "This is so much cooler than on tv."

"Yeah, I can't believe it's this intense already," he answered. Kora jumped from Orchid's shoulder into his lap and he wrapped the Pokemon in his arms.

"Heh, don't think this is over yet," Ahu said coolly. "That was just beginners luck." 

"I'm no beginner," Graham responded.

"Yeah, we'll see about that." She tossed out her next Pokemon. "Show him what we're about, Pachirisu!" The small squirrel let out a cry, its tail flicking behind him.

Girafarig lowered its head for another Zen Headbutt, but the squirrel Pokemon stared up at it cutely. Girafarig slowed down severely, apparently caught up in Pachirisu’s Charm attack, only lightly running into the smaller Pokemon. Pachirisu then rocketed back and forth across the field with Quick Attack as its tail began to glow. 

“Hugo, watch out!” Graham called out, but it was too late. Pachirisu leapt into the air, swinging its tail and firing an Electro Ball, which scored a direct hit to the Girafarig. 

Ahu flicked her hair over her shoulder as Graham recalled his Pokemon.

"Girafarig is unable to fight. The contestants are now tied one to one."

"Get him, Ahu!"

"Show that newby who's boss!"

The crowd was very excited and the music was only serving to hype them all up. Even on stage, the gym leader was tapping her foot to the song being played by the band. Cormac felt a little bad for the challenger. It couldn't be easy to have an entire stage against you.

"Do your best, Graham!" Orchid yelled out from beside him. It seemed they were on the same page again, but as always she was much more up front about it. A few people echoed her calls and she looked over at him with a smile. "I'd hate to see him get discouraged," she said.

"Every crowd should have someone like you in it, Or."

She smiled, sticking out her tongue at him. "Don't tease me, Cor."

Graham sent out an Alolan Raichu. "You can do it, Raichu," he said as he glared at Ahu. 

Raichu charged at the Pachirisu. The squirrel Pokemon dodged and began to roll along the ground cutely, intending to charm it into letting down its guard. Instead, Raichu used Double Team, surrounding Pachirisu with clones of itself. Pachirisu looked around in surprise as Raichu approached, trying to dodge as one of the images surged forward only for the real Raichu to slam its tail into Pachirisu from behind.

Pachirisu glared as it picked itself up from the ground. It jumped to its feet and ran at Raichu for a quick attack, only for Raichu to dodge out of the way. Raichu’s eyes began to glow and Pachirisu was lifted into the air, flailing as it went. Raichu lifted its opponent high into the air before whipping its tail at Pachirisu, slamming it down to the ground.

“Don’t let them win so easily, Pachirisu!” The gym leader yelled.

Pachirisu gingerly picked itself off the ground. It ran in a tight circle before whipping its tail, causing stars to explode from the appendage and rush at Raichu. 

“It used Swift!” Cormac exclaimed. He looked over at Orchid, who turned to smile at his excitement. 

“That’s gonna be bad for Raichu then,” she said. “Think Pachirisu will make a comeback with this?”

“I don’t know. It’s taken a lot of damage,” he told her. The battle seemed really close though. He had to admit, he was rather glad that she’d dragged him out of bed for this. 

Raichu ran quickly around the stage, trying to avoid the white stars tailing it. It dodged one, then two, but the stars simply changed course so that they could all converge on it at once. There was a bright light as the attack made impact and Raichu was knocked off its feet. Raichu rolled over to face Pachirisu, but didn’t get to its feet. Electricity began to dance across its fur before it released a powerful thunderbolt which hit Pachirisu hard. The Pokemon swayed a few times before falling to the side. It didn’t get back up.  

"Pachirisu is unable to fight! Ahu is on her last Pokemon."

"Yeah!" Orchid yelled, clapping her hands at Graham's victory. The crowd seemed to be split now, a few worried murmurs mixed in with the supporting cheers. A lot of people were on their feet, the excitement building the longer the match went on.

The music changed, the vocals and guitar fading out as the drum beat picked up. Ahu grinned widely as she chose her last Pokemon and tossed the ball into the air. "Alright, you've earned the right to see my best Pokemon. Let's kick it up, shall we?"

The vocals became louder as the singer joined in again, followed by a long guitar riff. The music became more intense and faster paced. The crowd began cheering along with the song and it was clear that many of them knew the song well. 

Orchid was watching the stage with the same excited intensity as the rest of the crowd, her head nodding to the new beat as she got used to it. Cormac found himself leaning forward in his seat, too, eagerly awaiting the rest of the battle.

Ahu sent out Luxray, the Pokemon locking eyes with Raichu and strutting back and forth across the stage. Raichu's eyes were glued to the Pokemon until it suddenly became dizzy and started swaying in place.

"Ah!" Orchid gasped softly beside him. "He's confused!"

"It used Swagger," Cormac said softly. The move definitely suited the trainer, so it was no surprise to see her stronger Pokemon start with it.

"No need to play with it, Luxray," Ahu said. "Put him out of his misery."

Luxray pounced forward and used Crunch, taking the Raichu between its fangs and chomping down on it. 

"Raichu is unable to fight. Opponents are two for two."

"Flawless, Luxray," Ahu praised.

Her Pokemon stretched and preened, waiting patiently for its next opponent.

"They really put on a good show," Orchid said. "If I lived here, I'd be out to watch battles all the time."

"Yeah, they really go all out," Cormac agreed. "No wonder this place seemed so lively."

On stage, Graham recalled Raichu and floated another ball into his hand. "It's not over till it's over."

"Trust me, it's over," Ahu told him. 

Graham sent out Reuniclus, the Pokemon floating before him happily. 

"Give him a strut, Luxray," Ahu says, gesturing him forward. Luxray attempted to use Swagger once more, as Reuniclus raised its hands, generating a white orb of light and firing it at Luxray. The orb engulfed Luxray as it mechanically repeated the same motions. 

"Great strategy," Ahu says. "That's really working out for you, I see."

Graham glared at her before turning to his Pokemon. "Come on, Blake! Snap out of it! Use Shadow Ball!"

Finally, Reuniclus shook itself and fired a shadow ball.  Luxray narrowly dodged the blast, but its eyes were glowing and it was forced back into its former strut. 

"Psychic!" Graham orders. 

Reuniclus raised its hands and Luxray was lifted off of its feet and slammed into the ground repeatedly. Luxray struggled to its feet, growling as it glowers at its opponent, small sparks jumping along its fur.

Ahu points at Reuniclus as she yells out, "Discharge, Luxray!"

Luxray howls and lets out a powerful electric charge, hitting Reuniclus full force. It dropped closer to the ground, visibly damaged but still  fit to fight. Then Luxray charges forward and lands a crunch, causing Reuniclus to fall all the way to the ground.

"Done and done," Ahu says. "Good job, Luxray." The Pokemon begins walking back to its trainer side.

"Not yet!" Graham said. "We're almost there, Blake! I know you can do it!"

Slowly, the Reuniclus is able to force itself off the ground enough to aim a focus blast.

"Luxray!" The Pokemon barely has enough time to turn before the force slams into it and tosses it across the stage. It slides to a halt at Ahu's feet. Her mouth opens in shock before she looks down at her Pokemon. Luxray doesn't get to its feet.

"Luxray is unable to continue! The winner of this battle and the Zap Badge goes to the Challenger, Graham!"

The crowd explodes in noise. Cormac is jostled into reality as Orchid throws her arm around him. "He did it! Did you see that? I thought the Gym Leader would win for sure!"

The music had come to a slow end and Ahu reclaimed her Pokemon. He couldn't hear what was said as the Gym Leader crossed the stage to give the challenger his badge. They must have turned their mics off, now that the battle was done.

Cormac slumped in Orchid's embrace. "That was crazy. I felt as tense as if I was the one battling."

"Wasn't it great?" she asked. "We have to watch more gym battles in person!"

"I don't know how Gym Leaders do it," he said. "I'd be exhausted if I had to do that all the time."

"Some people are just made for the stage," Orchid replied.

"Yeah." Cormac was still watching the stage though. The Gym Leader still had her eyes covered, so it was hard to tell what she was feeling, but she didn't leave the stage with the same energy that she had entered it. 

Ahu hated the noise. The crowd became a near endless cacophony as she crossed the stage. She couldn’t tell if they were cheering for her or complaining about her loss, but she held her head up high as she left the room. She felt chased by the noise and tried not to show it.  The heavy door slammed behind her. She ripped the glasses off of her face and tossed them to the ground as she let out a frustrated growl.

"That is unbecoming." Ahu jerked at the voice, turning to see one of the older gym trainers watching her. He had worked under her father and was hard set on upholding the traditions that were in place during his time. She tensed as he approached her, already annoyed at the lecture she knew was coming. He crossed his arms, looking down his nose at her as he began. "You need to learn how to take your losses more gracefully or be strong enough to win more often."

"I don't need this from you," she said as she walked past him. She only got a few steps away before he grabbed her arm. 

"Wherever you think you're going, the gym's Pokemon aren't going with you.”

She shook him off, stomping over to the table and slamming the pokeballs onto it. She reached down to pick up her sunglasses on her way out. "Simsek, you coming with?" 

There was an excited cry as a shinx came running toward her and she caught it in her arms with a smile. It was the only Pokemon in this gym that she could call her own and she never went anywhere without it, if she could help it.

"What about the other battles?" He asked.

"Do them yourself," she said before she hurried off. She looked over her shoulder at him before she walked out the door. "Jerk."

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

The Pokemon center was as lively as the rest of town. There was a Chansey trying to sing to a group of trainers, though it seemed not to be working, and Nurse Joy was bustling busily around the room. Chingling landed on his head and brought his focus back to the screen in front of him as he huddled further into the corner and held up the Zap Badge. 

"I got the badge," Graham said with a small smile, equal parts excited and nervous. "Thanks for lending me Raichu."

The Alolan Raichu waved at him from his sister's shoulder. "Wow! Good job!" She cheered, offering him a few claps. "Are you really sure you want to send him back though?"

Graham scratched the back of head nervously. "He should be home with you guys more."

"That can't be the only reason," His sister frowned. 

"I also..." He looked away from her. "I want to do this on my own."

"What? But you are!"

Graham folded his arms and flipped his dyed purple bangs out of his face. "I didn't raise Raichu, you guys did that. It wouldn't be fair for me to keep going this way." 

She pouted and glared at him.

"Soon, Chingling will be ready for battle and then we'll go all the way to the top. Right?" He looked to where his young Pokemon was floating and it answered him enthusiastically.

She smiled at him then. "Alright. You two take care of each other, you hear? I'll tell mom and dad that you called."

"Alright. Talk to you later, sis."

The screen shut off and he let out a deep sigh. This was going to be a long journey.

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

"Oh! Oh! Cormac, look!" Orchid said excitedly, grabbing him by the shoulders and turning him around. 

"Alright, what am I looking at?" he asked with a smile. His eyes quickly scanned the area around them, but everything was so busy that he couldn’t possibly tell what Orchid was looking at. She had been energetic since the gym battle and it was easy to get swept up in her energy.

"It's the challenger!" She answered, bouncing in her excitement, hands still on his shoulders. "We should congratulate him!"

She began to push him forward and he didn't bother trying to resist. "Oh? Sure you don't just want his autograph?"

"Well if you insist, I can get one for you," she said in a sing song. "But you should really get used to asking for what you want directly."

Cormac couldn't help but laugh.

The man didn't seem to notice their approach, so Cormac was able to get a better look at him. It was hard to make out the finer details when he had been so far away. His hair was black with purple dyed bangs hiding the right side of his face. His clothes, a mix of black and purple with the occasional gold accent, seemed much more formal than Cormac was used to. He'd lived his entire life on a beach though, so he wasn't an expert in fashion. Still, the outfit looked loose and unrestrictive and there were enough details to get lost in.

The man turned toward them just as they got close, his purple eyes widening a bit in surprise.

"Hey!" Orchid greeted over his shoulder. "We saw your gym battle. Congratulations on pulling off the win."

The man stared at them until the Chingling hovering beside him landed on his head, seeming to pull him out of his stupor. "Uh, thank you."

"It was a really good match," Cormac added. "You and Pokemon really did your best out there."

"Uh, yeah..." He looked away and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, they did all the work..." he replied quietly.

Orchid rushed forward, bouncing in place as she looked at the Pokemon on his head. "Aww, you have a Chingling too! It's so cute!"

"Chingling!" The Pokemon floated down to Orchid's height and she immediately pulled the Pokemon into a hug. 

"You have a lot of psychic types. Are they your favorite type?" Cormac asked.

"I, um... feel a kinship with them..." Graham answered.

"Oh, I know what you mean," Orchid said brightly. "I've been around water types my whole life, so I feel really connected to them. I'm Orchid by the way. And this," she nodded to the Corsola on her shoulder, "Is Dora."

"Oh, I'm Graham. It's nice to meet you. And that's Poe."

She turned and gestured to Cormac. "And over here we have Cormac and Kora!"

He waved as Kora gave her own greeting. "I hope we're not interrupting anything."

"No, I wasn't doing anything," Graham told them.

"Oh, did you want to?" Orchid asked. "It's our first day in the city and we haven't done anything but watch the gym battle so far. What about you?"

"I haven't really..."

Orchid held the Chingling up to her face. "What do you say? Would you like to come with us, Poe?"

"Chingling!"

"One vote yes!" She smiled at Graham as she moved closer to him. "Would you like to come with us? You don't have to, but it's more fun to explore together." She looked over her shoulder at Cormac as she asked, "Right?"

"Right," he nodded. "I wouldn't mind getting something to eat."

"There was a Pokemon band," Orchid said, turning to him. "Do you think they're still playing?"

"They might be."

She looped her arm with Graham's and smiled at him. "Do you like music? I think I remember there being Spinda. I would love to dance with a Spinda!"

Cormac couldn't help but laugh as he watched Orchid pulling Graham along. It was always fun to watch others being swept up in his friend's current. "What do you say, Kora? Should we save him or let him be?"

The Corsola joined his laughter, so Cormac stayed a few steps behind them as Orchid guided them toward the band, chatting away excitedly.

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

Elaria was in her kitchen when she heard her door burst open. She jumped, nearly dropping the jar she was holding, fumbling to catch it before turning her gaze to Ralts. The Pokemon smiled at her and she sighed, letting her worry evaporate. If Ralts wasn't worried, there was no reason for her to be.

It was only a moment later, following the slam of her front door again, that she heard her best friend's frustrated voice. "I hate my gym!" Ahu yelled in place of an actual greeting as she stomped through Elaria's home looking for her.

Elaria put down the jar and pushed her work to the side, bottles and jars of gels and herbs moved safely to the back of her counter, replacing them with a teapot as she began to make a pot for her guest. "I'm in the kitchen, Ahu!" She called out, rather than allowing her friend to continue her search.

She could hear her friend practically sprint through the hall to reach the kitchen, slamming her hand against the wall as soon as she entered. "I hate my gym!" she repeated loudly.

"I heard you the first time," Elaria said. She placed a plate of cookies on the table for her. "What happened?"

Ahu let out a frustrated breath as her Shinx jumped up on the table and helped itself to a cookie. She took off her glasses as she sank into the chair beside her Pokemon, letting Elaria see the tired look in her eyes. Ralts climbed into a chair, onto the table, to put her hand on Ahu's head. Ahu let out a sad huff of a laugh and smiled at Ralts. "Elaria, your Ralts is so sweet."

Elaria went about pouring the tea and adding sugar to the tray before taking it to the table. "You look tired."

"I am tired," Ahu answered. "Every single battle is so over the top, I hate it. I have to stand there listening to my audience cheer for my loss while pretending to like the loud music and the stage lights, and then backstage my own coworkers tell me that I should be better and to stop losing. As if I lose every battle I've ever been in!"

Elaria pushed a tea cup toward her and Ahu pulled it close to her before dropping in a bit of honey. "I'm sorry to hear that, Ahu. I can't imagine how exhausting that must be."

"It's so frustrating! I wish I could punch every single one of them in the face!"

"I'm not sure that would help."

"I won't know until I try." She took a long sip from her tea cup, draining half the cup with one sip. "I'm gonna steal one of the guitar's and hit my father's assistant with it."

Elaria hummed and nodded as she sipped her own tea. Ahu always felt better after she got her aggressive energy out. It was usually better to wait her out.

"I'm gonna fist fight the next trainer that tries to challenge me. Pokemon and all."

Elaria reached out to pet Shinx, who practically purred under her attention. Ahu took really good care of her Shinx and it was always so happy whenever she saw it.

Ahu jumped up out of her seat, nearly knocking the chair over. "I'm gonna scream!"

"You already are, Ahu."

There was a pause before Ahu dropped back into her chair and pulled her teacup close. She was blushing as she held the cup up with both hands, hiding her face. "Sorry, I got carried away."

Elaria smiled at her. "I think you need to blow off some steam. Without fighting," she added before her friend could comment. Ahu looked away and lifted her teacup again to hide her face. "After tea, you can come with me to the daycare and play with the baby Pokemon. Sound good?"

Ahu nodded, the teacup still pressed against her lips despite not drinking it.

"Good. I'm going to clean up real quick and you can finish the tea."

"What? All of it?" Ahu asked with wide eyes.

"It's supposed to have a calming effect," Elaria told her as she rose from her seat. "So don't rush."

Ahu dropped her head to the table. Elaria giggled as she returned to the counter.

----

"So what do you like to eat?" Orchid asked. Cormac had watched the space between her and Graham grow quickly but subtly, startling with him hunching his shoulders the longer they walked and ending with Orchid unhooking their arms and walking backwards in front of him. Dora had made herself comfortable on Orchid's head and was chatting with Chingling floating in front of them. Graham had relaxed a little when Orchid let go of him, but Cormac suspected that the only reason he hadn't tried to leave was Chingling's chatting and Cormac walking somewhat behind him.

"I like sweet things," Graham answered quietly.

"You hear that, Cormac? He's one of us!" Orchid said excitedly.

The town was as lively as the first time they walked through and Orchid was a whirlwind. She gestured happily at stalls selling pretty trinkets or hummed along when they passed Pokemon singing. She and Chingling harmonized together a few times, which culminated in her scooping the Pokemon in her arms again and spinning around.

"Is she always this energetic?" Graham asked as they watched her.

"Yeah, pretty much," he answered. "You get used to it though."

"I can't imagine getting used to that," he admitted. 

Cormac laughed. "I felt that way when we first met. There's something nice about having that much positivity around though."

Orchid paused in the midst of her spinning and waved at them, Corsola and Chingling waving along with her. Cormac waved back.

"Don't you ever get tired?" Graham asked.

"Yeah, of course I do." He turned to catch Graham's eye. "She can turn it off, you know."

Graham didn't look like he believed Cormac at all. He wasn't surprised though. When Orchid was in high energy mode, she could be a lot to deal with.

They caught up with her in a few more steps and she released Chingling, which went to rest on its trainer's head. "What are you guys in the mood for?" she asked, turning to point at a few specific stalls. "That stall sells Pecha Pie, those tarts are made from watmel berries, and I think those..." she drew out the sound as she squinted. "Oh! They have fruit kabobs!"

"I wouldn't mind one of those," he said.

"What would you like, Graham?"

"Um... I like the watmel berries," he answered.

"Great!" She reached out for his hand, but pulled back at the last moment. She blushed when she saw Graham watching, ducking her head and sticking out her tongue. "Sorry, I'll go get them myself," she said hurriedly and rushed off.

"What was that about?" Graham asked. The look of confusion on his face was so cute Cormac had to stifle a laugh. 

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked. He started walking in the direction that Orchid headed, slowly so that Graham was encouraged to follow him. "She was gonna take your hand."

"Why?"

"Because she's excited and wanted to spend time with you," Cormac answered. "Haven't you ever held hands before?"

Graham didn't answer that, but the puzzled look remained on his face until Orchid came back to them. She had three fruit kabobs in one hand, one with just Watmel berries, and a Pecha pie in the other hand. She shifted the ones in her hand so that Graham's was in front as she held it out to him. "Here you go."

Graham actually smiled as he accepted it. "Thank you."

"And I got this so that we could share it later," she gestured to the pie.

Cormac took the pie in his hand as he leaned forward to steal a fruit from one of the kabobs. 

"Hey! That could have been mine," she objected.

"If it was, then yours was tasty," he answered.

"Rude!" She blew a raspberry at him then laughed as she held the kabob out further. "I guess if you're going to hold the pie, then I can hold this."

Graham seemed perplexed as he watched them, but he ate his berries with a contented expression on his face.

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

Ahu was only slightly calmer by the time Elaria left her house. The exercise seemed to keep her calm and Ralts held her hand while they walked to keep her from taking off in a sprint. Ahu did that sometimes when she was especially restless, running ahead only to circle back for Elaria. Shinx was walking by her side and Elaria smiled down at the Pokemon for keeping her company.

"Hey, was there something going on at the daycare?" Ahu asked suddenly.

Elaria looked up at her. "No, why?"

Ahu pointed ahead of them and Elaria gasped as she saw a swarm of Beedrill around the building. "What on earth!"

Ahu dropped Ralts's hand and took off in a sprint. "I'll see what's going on there!" She said, Shinx rushing forward to run at his trainer's side.

"Wait! Ahu!" Elaria called. She bent down to scoop Ralts into her arms before running off after her friend, knowing she'd be nowhere near fast enough to catch up to her. "I wish she wouldn't rush ahead without thinking,” Elaria said softly to herself. “She only has Shinx with her right now."

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

"Hey! What's going on here!" Ahu yelled as she approached the daycare. Several Beedrill turned to look at her as Shinx leapt forward in front of her, growling as its fur sparked. She hated bugs and this was a nightmare situation for her, but she’d rarely been afraid of things that she wasn’t willing to fight.

The door to the daycare was ajar and after a moment a girl poked her head out. She had fluffy black hair beneath a bright yellow cap, a hair pin shaped like a button with two flowers attached, and bright red eyes. "Oh? Do you work here?" She took a step outside the doorway, revealing a matching yellow jacket over a white shirt, black shorts, ripped black stocking, and black yellow platforms. 

"Wow, that outfit is cute," Ahu said without thinking.

The girl perked up instantly, standing on one foot and spreading her arms to show off the outfit. "Isn't it, just? I think it's super cute."

"Yeah, it looks really good on you."

"Aww, thanks! That really makes my day." The girl blushed slightly with the compliment.

Ahu's distraction didn't last long though. It was hard to ignore the swarm of Beedrill that was slowly closing in around her. "So hey, what are you doing here?"

"O-oh just..." The girl looked around for a moment, as if an explanation would fall out of the sky before she turned and ran back into the daycare, shutting the door.

"What the hell!" Ahu yelled, rushing to the door and banging on it. She turned the knob a few times, unsurprised to find it locked, before banging on the door again. "Get back out here!"

"Sorry, I can't hear you!" The yell was muffled by the door, but Ahu could still hear it loud and clear.

She began banging twice as hard on the door. "Am I a joke to you!" She screamed.

"Hey!" A male voice called from her left. She turned her head to see a guy dressed similarly to the girl. He was pale and blonde, with yellow eyes and his arms crossed over a black and yellow top. He had a similar hat and button pin to the girl, but his hat was brown and his flowers red. His pants were black with scant yellow accents and similar boots. Though all in all, Ahu thought the girl's outfit was much cuter. "Fury Attack."

At once, all the Beedrill turned toward her. "Oh fuck."

Graham wasn't sure what to do with himself. It was only midday and yet the hours had already been filled to bursting. He'd gotten his third gym badge and been dragged halfway around the town of Cantor by two strangers. Instead of feeling utterly exhausted though, he felt... kinda happy. It was fun and confusing and exciting, and he wasn't really sure why it had happened.

He'd watched Orchid dancing with his Pokemon and she hadn't gotten upset when he refused to dance with her. He'd talked to Cormac and wasn't called out for being too quiet or called boring. They'd bought him food and asked his opinions and it was... not something he was used to.

"Here, Graham." Orchid smiled at him as she held out a napkin with a slice of the pecha pie she'd bought earlier. After she had dragged Cormac into dancing with her and they'd both tired themselves, she'd pointed to a quiet spot near the town well. They'd settled there to rest, the two Corsola and his Chingling laying beside them as they passed out pie.

“Thanks," he said quietly. Neither of them seemed to mind how quiet he was, smiling just as brightly at him as they did at each other. It was nice. It was strange.

He didn't feel left out when they talked to each other instead of him and they always left him opening to join in, or else asked him something to pull him into the conversation. Not that it always worked. He wasn't used to having such energetic people around him and all the attention was still a little draining.

Leaning against the well with a slice of pie was nice though. It was good. He could close his eyes for a few moments and just... breathe. The stress of the battle, which he had anticipated for days prior, finally started to drain out of him. And the pie, when he tasted it, was delicious and sweet.

Halfway through his pie there was a bright flash of light in the sky. 

"Whoa! What was that?" Cormac asked.

"It looked like lightning," Orchid said. "Probably a Pokemon battle."

Graham frowned. "That was a pretty big bolt."

Cormac got to his feet and his Corsola was quick to jump up his arm and to his shoulder. "Do you think someone's in trouble?"

"Hard to say from here," Orchid said. She turned to Graham. "Do you mind if we go check?"

"I don't mind," he said quickly. "If someone's in trouble, we should help."

Orchid smiled at him. She quickly wrapped up the remains of their pie, carrying both it and her Corsola. Cormac took off at a run and she waited to make sure he was following before sprinting off herself. Graham found himself keeping pace with her as he ran, feeling something warm settling over him despite the urgency.

They slowed down as they reached the Pokemon Center, where there was a rush of Chansey pushing stretchers through the door.

There was a girl with cyan hair running along one of the stretchers, tears in her blue eyes as she babbled to the Nurse Joy beside her. Graham stopped in his tracks as he recognized Cantor's gym leader Ahu on the stretcher, bruised and breathing heavily. 

Graham didn't even think about it as he followed the group into the Pokemon Center. After exchanging a few more words, Nurse Joy followed the stretcher with the injured Gym Leader to the back, leaving the distressed girl behind.

"Hey, are you okay?" Cormac asked, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. Graham hadn't even noticed his new companions entering beside him and found himself glancing around until he saw Orchid, too.

The girl looked beautiful and delicate, her hair pinned up with a lacy veil hanging down past her shoulders and delicate blue flower ornaments. She was wearing a white dress, the skirt of which unfolded like a flower, a light blue sash around her waist and darker blue shoes on her feet. There were tears in her blue eyes and Graham felt stunned as he looked at her.

"It's terrible, someone attacked the daycare. My friend she... she was trying to help but..."

"That was the Gym Leader, right?" Graham asked.

The girl nodded. "Yes, my friend Ahu. She'd left the gym Pokemon behind though, so it was just her and her Shinx. They were outnumbered."

"Why would someone attack the daycare?" Orchid asked.

"They stole the Pokemon eggs. They could be doing anything." A Ralts placed it's hand on the girl's leg and she gave it a small smile as she reached out to take the Pokemon's hand. "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Elaria. I work as a breeder at that daycare. I was on my way there when all this was happening."

"I'm Orchid. This is Cormac and Graham. "

"Did you see where the thieves went?" Cormac asked. His expression was hard and serious.

Elaria nodded. Graham was distracted from her following words by Orchid stepping close to him. "Hey, Cormac and I are gonna try to find these missing Pokemon. It was really fun to hang out with you today."

"What?"

"Did you see the look on Cormac's face?" she asked, nodding at her friend. "He's really determined right now. I couldn't possibly let him do that alone. I'm really sorry we didn't get to hang out anymore."

Graham felt like reality was crashing down around him. It was absurd to him that in such a short time he had gotten so used to these two that the thought of them leaving brought him up short. Cormac and Elaria were already at the door as she pointed to something in the distance and Graham felt something not unlike panic well up in him as Orchid turned away.

"Wait!" For a moment, he was surprised that the words came from him. 

"What's wrong?" She looked at him so unassuming, completely opposite to when they'd first met, and he found him hesitating. It struck him that, unlike the first time, she wasn't trying to pull him anywhere and he could just... say nothing, let her leave, and go back to his own journey. He didn't have to get caught up in the whirlwind of these pink strangers.

Maybe that was why he found himself stepping forward and saying, "Let me come. I can help."

Orchid looked surprised but the expression melted quickly into a smile. "You want to help us?"

"Yeah, I do."

"We'd be happy for the help," she told him. "Thank you."

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

 "It's empty," Cormac said as he came out of the daycare. As soon as they had arrived he had decided to go in and look for clues. Elaria had arrived after most of the commotion had gone down, so she could only tell them so much. There had been a retreating swarm of Beedrill, but Orchid couldn't see any sign of them. She and Graham had remained outside, the latter taking a quick walk around the daycare to see if anything would jump out at them.

Cormac was upset. He hated the idea of people and Pokemon being treated poorly. It wasn't surprising to her that he was rushing in this way. She was keeping herself calm in contrast, holding Dora in her arms as something to focus on. As a rule, they weren't allowed to both be upset at the same time.

"There aren't many ways they could have gone to avoid detection," She said. She pointed in the distance at the forested road that led to the next town. "Worth a look, yeah?"

Cormac nodded, taking point as they marched toward the forest. Graham was quiet, which seemed the norm for him, but he had this worried furrow in his brow since they left the Pokemon Center. There wasn't much she could do to cheer him up in a situation like this. 

"Do you hear something?" Graham asked, stopping in his tracks.

She stopped, straining her ears to hear what he was hearing. "Buzzing?"

"Beedrill," Cormac nodded. "We must be close."

"Maybe we can sneak up on them," she suggested. They walked more quietly, adjusting their path to follow the buzzing until they began to see Beedrill through the trees.

"We're running out of silver paint," a female voice said. The three of them ducked further into cover and Orchid snuck her way around a bush until she was able to see a girl in a black and yellow uniform. She was holding a paint brush over a bunch of Pokemon eggs.

"Yeah, I'm starting to run out of blue, too," a male voice added. The male, when she peeked out far enough to see him, was holding an Alolan Meowth. At least, that was what she thought before she noticed the smudge of blue on its coin and realized that it had been painted. "Do you think we took too many?"

"Maybe we can get more paint before the eggs hatch," the girl said. "Pokemon eggs are like, really hard to hatch right? Right?"

"Well, we can paint the eggs anytime," the guy continued. "We should paint the rest of these Eevee, though. They need to look shiny if we're going to make a decent profit, Belle."

"I know, Gil." The girl reached out to pet a half pained Eevee. "They're so cute, though. I wish I could keep one for myself."

He chopped her on her head and she immediately reached up to cover the area, scrunching her face up in pain. A soft chorus of "Ow! Ow! Ow!" being mumbled under her breath.

"No digging into profits, idiot."

"I know that!" she whined. "You didn't have to scold me, stupid Gil."

"I did, too. You get carried away way too easily."

Cormac must have gotten tired of waiting, because a water gun blasted right into the girl's side, knocking her over.

"Who's there?" the guy asked, turning sharply and holding out his paint brush like a weapon.

Orchid crawled over to the girl. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, helping the girl up while she watched the guy search the opposite direction for an attacker.

"Yeah, that really smarted, though," the girl answered.

"Your name is Belle, right?" Orchid asked. "Are you almost finished here?"

"Yeah and that's Gil," the girl sighed. "Wait a minute..." Belle squinted at her. "I haven't seen you at the Team Midas base before, are you new?"

"Hey, let me trade you, real quick." Orchid reached out for the Eevee as Corsola jumped into the girl's arms

"Why do you have a--" she started as Corsola unleashed a water gun right in the girl's face, causing her to sputter and drop the aquatic Pokemon, but the assault didn't stop.

Orchid looked over at the guy in time to see him knocked over by Corsola's tackle. "Beedrill!" he yelled out, gaining the attention of the swarm hovering not far away.

"You can handle that, right Dora?" she asked.

"Cor!" Corsola nodded, before shooting water at the approaching Beedrill. 

The girl was still sputtering and spitting out water from Corsola's earlier attack, so Orchid ignored her as she leaned down to check on the Pokemon. They all seemed pretty young, but aside from some being painted to look like shinies, they didn't seem harmed, just confused. She ran her hand over them in a comforting manner.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Gil flailing wildly as he was held in the air, Graham staring at him with intense concentration. That was pretty handy.

"Cormac, you were really impatient," Orchid yelled at him.

Cormac scratched at the back of his head nervously. "Heh, sorry, I got carried away."

"You should apologize to Graham for making him cover for you," Orchid said. "And now we have a bunch of Beedrill to deal with."

"I know, it was a bad move on my part," Cormac said apologetically. He reached for his belt for a pokeball, calling out his Popplio. "Icy wind, Popplio."

The Pokemon happily complied, taking a deep breath before exhaling an icy chill at the swarm of Beedrill. A slight frost began to coat their wings and a few notably slowed. The rest moved in swiftly.

"Blake, use psychic!" Graham called out. Orchid hadn't noticed him calling out any Pokemon, but she did see when the Reuniclus hovered above him, taking hold of one of the Beedrill and knocking it into several others.

"Oh, I'm so inconsiderate," she said, when she realized he was still holding the Team Midas member. "Let me help with that." She called out her own Pokemon, Dratini uncoiling elegantly between them. "Luna, can you be a dear and keep those two still for me?"

Dratini wrapped elegantly around the two, holding them in place. Graham let out a strained breath as he released his hold. 

"Hey, let us go!" "No fair!" The two yelled.

"Not a chance," Orchid replied. "Officer Jenny would probably like to have a word with you two."

"No way, no way, no way!" Belle said loudly. "Gil, do something!"

"Sweet kiss, Eiry!" Gil yelled out. A Comfey poked its head out from under his hat, kissing Dratini and confusing her. She swayed, her hold loosening and letting the two fall to the ground. Gil grabbed his partner's hand quickly. "We gotta book it, Bells!"

"Stop!" Orchid's breath suddenly caught as she felt a sharp pain in her side. She looked away from Team Midas's retreating form to the Beedrill who’s stinger was being pulled out of her. Her vision swam. 

"Orchid!"

She remembered the Eevee that was still cradled in her arms and turned so that her back would hit the ground when she fell and the Eevee would be protected. 

She stopped being able to focus on the shouting around her. She'd forgotten how much it sucked to be poisoned and the thought made her laugh weakly. "Sorry, I... did it again..."

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

Graham was panicking. He'd failed to catch Orchid when she'd fainted and now he was looking at her like he thought she was there. Cormac might have panicked too, if it was anyone but Orchid that had fallen. Rules were rules though, so he forcefully put a lid on his temper and panic and everything else so that he could be calm. Orchid was better at acting calm when she wasn't than he was, maybe because it was so hard for him to get worked up in the first place.

He went to her side, lifting her head and feeling the back of it to see if there was a bump. "Can you take care of the rest of these Beedrill?" he asked Graham.

The man still looked too wide eyed and like he didn't know what to do with his hands, halfway reaching out but not committed. Cormac was a little annoyed that he was so nearby and let her fall. He pushed the feeling aside as Graham nodded, giving more orders to his Pokemon.

Both his Corsola and Popplio were still attacking, though Dora had come over to stand worriedly by her head. The Eevee in Orchid's arms also seemed to be watching her with worry.

"You always do this to me, Orchid," he mumbled as he reached for her bag. "I swear I'm going to stop letting you rescue Pokemon if you can't stop getting poisoned." He reached for the left over pecha pie, hoping that he could get enough of it in her to counteract the poison.

He propped her up further, sitting behind her to make sure she would fall over and crushing a bit in hand. "Dora, do you mind helping me wake her up?"

A quick splash of water hit Orchid in her face and her eyes fluttered. Cormac shoved the crushed pie into her mouth.

"Eat this or you're grounded," he told her. 

She made a small noise of protest, though he was sure if it was at his words or having pie shoved into her face. He made sure to push her forward every so often so that she didn't get too comfortable and close her eyes. She gasped after swallowing the piece he'd given her and immediately crushed up more. There was another noise of protest, but her eyes opened, if only barely.

The Eevee was making worried sounds to match Orchid's, paws on her stomach as it watched her closely.

"She'll be fine," Cormac said. Then he repeated that in his head a few times for good measure. Orchid would be fine. She was always fine. She survived all the other rescues, so she would survive this one, too.

"They're retreating," Graham said. 

Cormac looked up to see a few Beedrill retreating and a whole lot more on the ground. Dratini seemed to have come to her senses, too, slithering over to their side.

Graham looked awkward standing beside them, not sure what to do. After a few moments of looking around he finally asked, "Is she, um, is she okay?"

"...okay..." Orchid said softly.

Cormac let out a relieved breath and wrapped an arm around her chest as he hugged her, avoiding her injured side. "You have to stop doing that."

She leaned her head back on his shoulder, smiling at him and then Graham. "Sorry." She let one hand rest on Eevee while the other brushed against Corsola and Dratini.

"I can... um..." Graham blushed as they both faced him. He quickly reached for a pokeball and brought out his Girafarig. "H-hugo, can carry her."

"Thanks," she said softly. She pressed her hand against Dratini and the Pokemon moved closer until she pressed a kiss to it's head. "Thanks Luna." It made a cheerful sound as she pressed the Pokemon into its side and it went back into its ball.

Graham held a hand out toward her. Orchid didn't hesitate to take it, breathing out another thank you as Cormac helped push her to her feet. She didn't let go of the Eevee the entire time, nor did it stop watching her with large worried eyes. Graham helped her onto Girafarig's back and she leaned against his long neck in what looked almost like a hug.

"How will... we get these..." She paused to catch her breath, taking a number of deep inhales and exhales before she was able to speak normally, if more quietly than usual. "How will we get so many back?"

"Me and Blake can handle it," Graham told them.

"You're handy to have around," Orchid told him. She reached out for her Corsola and the Pokemon jumped into her arms, resting beside the Eevee.

"Popplio and I can herd the baby Pokemon if you can carry the eggs," he said.

"That sounds fine," Graham agreed.

Cormac pressed the remaining pie into Orchid's hand. "Eat more if you can."

She broke off a piece for herself and then gave a piece to the Eevee. 

"And don't give it all to the Pokemon!" 

She stuck her tongue out as she ducked her head. "Whoops."

Graham and Reuniclus floated the eggs while they led Girafarig forward. Cormac ended up with the other Eevee and Meowth falling all over him, clinging to his head and shoulders when they couldn't fit into his arms. Some of the Pokemon seemed fine walking on their own and he assumed it was the younger ones that were clinging to him.

Orchid spent an equal amount of time eating the pecha pie as she did sharing it, to the point that some of the Pokemon he was carrying squirmed out of his arms to walk alongside her in hopes of getting treats. Which they got. Cormac didn't bother to scold her as long as she kept eating herself and she looked like the poison was, if not out of her system, at least mostly gone.

Orchid and the Pokemon were all looked over at the Pokemon Center and he wasn't surprised to see Elaria still in the waiting room.

"Thank you both so much!" She said. "I don't know what we would have done without you."

"Don't worry about it, I'm just glad that we could do something," Cormac answers.

"How's the Gym Leader?" Graham asked.

Elaria smiled. "She's alright, just really mad that she wasn't able to do more. The couple that run the daycare are alright, too. They weren't poisoned at all, just lost their energy to leech seed, apparently."

"Good," Graham sighed. "That they weren't poisoned, I mean."

Nurse Joy came over to place a hand on Cormac's shoulder. "Your friend seems alright too, but we want to keep her here overnight."

He frowned. "Is she still poisoned?"

She shook her head. "Your idea to give her the pie was a good one. The poison is completely out of her system, but she's still really weak. Also..." she looked over her shoulder. Cormac followed her gaze to see Orchid in the back surrounded by Pokemon. "I think the Pokemon have taken a liking to her. Since they can't go back yet, I think it would be better if we let them stay together, don't you?"

Cormac felt himself finally relax, knowing that she was okay. "Yeah... yeah, you're right."

"Um, would you both mind helping me take the eggs back to the daycare?" Elaria asked. "I want to get the paint off as soon as possible."

"Of course," Graham answered.

"We can probably help with the paint," Cormac said, nodding to his Corsola. It would be nice to have something helpful to do.

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

The next morning Orchid was surprised to see Graham waiting for her in the Pokemon center.

"Hey, are you feeling alright?" he asked.

"Yep, I'm good as new!" She said with a little twirl for emphasis. "Just about to help take the Pokemon back to the daycare. Without me to wake him up, Cormac will probably sleep in so I figured I'd do something useful. "

"Oh, do you need a hand?"

"I wouldn't mind it."

Getting the Pokemon from the Pokemon Center to the daycare was a little chaotic. They were all very energetic, wanting to play more than follow along, and the Eevee she'd personally rescued had taken a liking to her. By the time they got them all to where they needed to be, Elaria had shown up at the Daycare to feed them and they ended up helping with that, too.

Cormac showed up with Ahu when they were done, having a friendly enough chat as they came through the door.

"It's you!" Ahu yelled, pointing at Graham as soon as she saw him.

"Um, hi?" he responded.

"You think you can walk back in here just like that?" Ahu questioned, putting her hands on her hips.

"This is the daycare, not your gym, Ahu," Elaria told her calmly. 

"I heard about what you did," Ahu went on. "You think you can just show me up like that? Twice? I don't think so! I challenge you!"

Elaria placed her hand on Ahu's head. "You just got out of the Pokemon center and you only have one Pokemon."

Ahu blushed. "E-eventually," she added hastily. "I challenge you eventually. I'll get my win back, you'll see."

"Ah, okay?" Graham said slowly.

Orchid stepped around her to hug Cormac. "I hope you weren't worried when I wasn't at the Pokemon Center."

"Nurse Joy told me where you were, and Ahu was interesting company to keep," he answered.

Ahu smiled, tossing her hair over her shoulder and folding her arms. "You bet I am."

"Oh! Graham! I had a question for you." Orchid skipped back over to him, stopping herself before reaching for his hand. "You're traveling to get gym badges, right? Do you wanna come with us to the next town?"

"What?"

"Cormac and I don't really have much of  a direction right now," she admitted. "We're just sort of traveling around, but you seem like good company, so we wondered if you'd want to travel together?"

"It's okay if you don't want to," Cormac added. "We just thought it would be fun."

Graham looked down as he considered it. "It... might be fun."

Orchid bounced on her heels excitedly. "So you'll come?"

"Yeah."

"Yay!" She jumped forward, tossing herself on him in an enthusiastic hug.

Graham looked at her with wide arms, his arms hovering in the air as if he was unsure whether to push her away or hug her back.

"Orchid," Cormac said.

She jumped off of him at the warning. "Ah, sorry! I got excited." She hit herself on the head lightly and stuck out her tongue. "Silly me."

Graham sighed. "What have I gotten myself into?" he asked him.

They parted from the daycare a few minutes later in relatively high spirits.

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

"Oh, did those nice trainers leave?" The daycare lady asked, looking around the room. Only she and Ahu were left, the gym leader pouting over her missed opportunity to battle.

"Yeah, a few minutes ago," Elaria told her.

"We wanted to give you all a reward. This Eevee in particular seemed so attached to that flower girl."

"I could catch up with them," Elaria said. "Ahu, would you help me carry the eggs?"

"Oh, uh, sure?" Ahu answered.

"Make sure the two of you pick one out for yourself, too," The daycare lady insisted.

"What? Are you sure?" Ahu asked.

"Of course. I'm grateful for all of your help and I'm sure Elaria will help you all take good care of them." The old lady came over to give Elaria a hug. "You've been thinking about a journey of your own,. haven't you? I'd hate to see you miss your chance. They seemed like nice people."

"Thank you."

Ahu ended up juggling three eevee eggs while Elaria carried two Eevees. It didn't take too long to catch up with the group and Elaria smiled at them all.

"Hey. We wanted to give you a reward. For all your help," Elaria said. One of the Eevee’s immediately squirmed out of her arms and jumped toward Orchid, who stepped forward to catch it.

"Aw, did you miss me?" Orchid asked. "So cute! I missed you, too."

"So holds the tradition of Orchid getting poisoned to rescue Pokemon and them falling in love with her," Cormac said with a shake of his head.

Orchid didn't seem to be listening as she twirled around with her new Pokemon.

"You're doing gym battles, right?" Elaria asked Graham. At his nod, she held out one of the eggs. "I hope this becomes a strong member of your team."

He hesitated as he stepped forward to accept the Eevee, which seemed happy enough to snuggle into his arms. "Thanks."

Elaria then took another Eevee egg from Ahu's arms and held it out to Cormac. "For you. Thank you so much for deciding to help me. It really meant a lot to me."

Cormac smiled. "I'm glad that I was able to help," he answered as he accepted the egg.

"You guys don't mind having a bit more company, do you?" Elaria asked.

"The more the merrier," Orchid said. Cormac nodded in agreement.

"I hope this doesn't put you out, Graham?" Elaria said. 

"I'm a tag along myself, so I don't have room to complain," He said.

"Companion, not a tag along," Orchid corrected.

Elaria smiled. She took the last egg from Ahu's arms, swapping with the Eevee she was holding. Ahu looked at the ball of fluff that was pressed into her arms and smiled.

"You know what, yeah. Yeah! Me too!" Ahu declared. "I'll come along, too."

"What about your gym?" Graham questioned.

"They can figure that out themselves," she fumed. "It'll teach them to appreciate me more if I ever go back. Besides, I left all the gym's Pokemon behind, so it's just me and Simsek." She nodded to her Shinx. "Plus, I owe you a rematch."

"You don't owe me anything," Graham said.

"I owe you a loss," she said with a foot stomp. "Just you wait. When I have a team of my own, I'll put you in your place. And then I'll find everyone that earned a badge from me and I'll beat them too! And I'll get revenge on those Beedrill while I'm at it!"

Elaria put Ahu's head as her friend got louder and louder. "Forgive her, she's very energetic." 

"Well, at least this journey won't be boring," Cormac said.

"Yeah, no chance of that," Graham sighed.

[thebandcampdiaries]

Fish In a Birdcage introducing a brand new studio release: Waterfall

December 2020 - Fish In a Birdcage is an artist with a focus on creating beautiful and personal indie-folk songs with a broader creative twist. Recently, the act released a brand new studio album named "Waterfall," which feels like a great calling card for the artist and his work.

The sound quality is pristine, and the record has a beautiful production: bright and crisp, highlighting the varied melodic textures of each song. This album has a really cool aesthetic concept, with each song billed as a “Rule,” not necessarily following the number order based on the playlist, but rather creating a continuity with the artist’s previous releases. Rule #1 is featured on the artist’s 2014 debut, beginning a serious that would go on to reach #22, the last song on this album.

 The title track itself combines anthemic drums with melodic vocals and intricate guitar patterns, in the vein of artists like Ben Howard. There is even room for a more old-school feel: the song "Fiddler's Heart" has a cool folk vibe with a playful and witty sound. "Four Aces" is a song with a very theatrical feel to it: I could almost picture Tom Waits coming in and crashing the party with his howling vocals! On the other hand, this track remains melodic, with a beautiful approach to storytelling.

"Movies" is a playful song with a more alternative touch and a really fantastic arrangement. I enjoy the way the vocals lock in with the harmonies, and the guitars create a nice rhythm counterpoint with the drums and bass. Instead of everything being traditionally assembled, it seems like every instrument has its own space, and they overlap beautifully on "common ground."

"Two Sides" has a more old-fashioned feel, with a bluesy flavor and an amazingly relatable arrangement with stunning vocals by Kristina Helene taking the lead.

The track "Lion" is another fantastic example of the artist's incredible creativity and ability to swiftly combine genres and ideas. This song is catchy and immediate, combining elements of alt-pop with folk and a bluesy touch.

"Amigo" is another blues-influenced country, with a bit of a funk influence. The vocals really make me think of Anthony Kiedis during the golden age of Red Hot Chili Peppers (especially One Hot Minute / Mother Milk era). "Blessed by a Curse" is perhaps one of the most melancholic sounds on this release, and I really enjoy how the song starts small and understated, letting some of the ethereal background sounds creep in and become more prominent as the arrangement goes along.

"Momento Mori" is a beautiful song with a very creative feel and a really unexpected twist. The intro is mellow and slow-paced, but the track turns into a syncopated jam, with so much groove and rhythm. The vocal performance is incredibly distinctive, providing a completely different vibe and giving the album a kaleidoscopic twist since every track has something new to offer.

The final song is an intimate ballad titled "If Trees Could Talk." This is one of the most heart-wrenching songs on the album, and it really makes me think of artists like Damien Rice, as well as earlier stuff from Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. This song is a winning example of how "less is more" when you do it with your heart first. The song's arrangement is mostly built on guitar and vocals, although some additional colors, such as a nice string section, chime in, later on, adding more depth to this particular release.

Overall. This album is a very beautiful artistic achievement, and it is incredibly well-produced. The sound of the instruments is very natural and engaging, as Fish in a Birdcage managed to create a warmer sound that's far from the overproduced indie-folk releases that you see around these days. Instead of obvious pitch corrections and digital samples on everything, we're faced with a more organic sound, which makes it so much easier to experience a positive one-on-one connection with this music. As a listener, I always find myself gravitating towards the songs that are a bit more spontaneous and heartfelt in this genre, rather than the ones that hide the artist's humanity behind a thick veil of studio production trickery. While the mixing, recording, and mastering are extremely professional on this album, there is also a lot of room for those "beautiful accident," those natural sounds like the hands moving on the guitar strings or a singer breathing in before a line, that you can only capture if you stay true to the sound of the music being performed, instead of trying to bury it.

The album features ten songs. This fact in itself is quite an amazing achievement. If you stop for a moment and take a look at what most artists are doing, you'll find that singles and short EPs are everywhere. The industry is pushing a trend of releasing smaller bursts of music at a more frequent rate in order to continually provide content for the audience. While this might be a good way to keep your presence on platforms with fresh music more frequently, it might not be ideal if you want to give your audience something more. I personally love a more immersive listening experience, so I am always thankful to see artists like Fish In A Birdcage still working on full-length albums.

This release comes highly recommended, especially if you are a fan of artists such as Elliott Smith, as well as Damien Rice, Jack Johnson, Bright Eyes, Beirut, or Death Cab For Cutie, only to mention a few.

Find out more about Fish In a Birdcage and listen to "Waterfall," which is currently available on your favorite digital streaming platforms.

http://www.fishinabirdcage.com/

https://open.spotify.com/album/4RX7OLRicCMQ4ORUJTQVTm?si=-o44rIMZTyCtz0cC6RMPFg

We also featured one of the songs on our Indie Gems playlist, along other amazing international artists to discover!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vCtmkPDbpE9pj5DfJnycU?si=sBxnZjkgTuGpL90BUVUiZw

We also had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions: keep reading for more!

I love how you manage to render your tracks so personal and organic. Does the melody come first, or do you focus on the beat the most?

Answer: It really depends on if I'm writing lyrics or if i'm creating an instrumental melody. If I'm making lyrics I will create the Cello/Mandocello riff/rhythm first, something that I find really captivating, and then try to find the emotion within that riff to draw the lyrics from. If its instrumental most of the time I'll sing melodies into the air without chords and then find the chords that accompany the melody later on 🙂. The beat comes later when I have a producer on my side. I try to just focus on the cello/mandocello mixed with vocals, then find musicians of the instruments I want to hear within that track, then give them complete freedom to create whatever they want. Most of the time it turns out better than I could have ever imagined. 

Do you perform live? If so, do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio?

Answer: Oh definitely more comfortable on a stage, or even more comfortable in a house concert type setting. It's definitely a lot more stripped down live because most of the time it's just me, my cello, my loop pedal and vocals. Getting used to playing to a click track without singing when I first got into a studio was the hardest part of recording, to get that solid chord structure with rhythms laid out so we could build the song around that.

If you could only pick one song to make a “first impression” on a new listener, which song would you pick and why?

Answer: This is a really tough question, because over the years I've loved asking people "what track is your favorite" and the range of answers is great. So many people have different favorites and that tells me I'm onto something. A lot of the older generation has told me they really like "Rule #7 - Angel Tango, and Rule #12 - Through the Tides" when the younger generation really digs the quirky vibes of some of the newer tracks like "Rule #15 - Four Aces"

My favorite changes over time. But I think the one that holds the most meaning for me is "Rule #3 - Paperwork", although it's an older song, it really goes back to my roots of when I really fell in love with songwriting and music.

What does it take to be “innovative” in music? 

Answer: I think it comes down to pushing your own limits constantly. I'm constantly trying to improve my cello playing in as many different genres as I can possibly dive into. I think you are a combination of every person you've sat in a room with and had a conversation with, and that includes speaking through instruments. I wouldn't be creating the music that I do without playing with all of the bands that I've played with over the years. I've heard so many incredible musicians blow my mind and those influences have rubbed off on me. 

Any upcoming release or tour your way?

Answer: I have album number 4 in the works, it will most likely be an instrumental album, just cello with multiple layers. That's what I'm working on these days. And the discography of fish in a birdcage is basically chapters of my life as I make my way through this musical journey. It won't be recorded for a while although. Because recording is not cheap. 

And because of COVID-19, it's just hitting the practice shed and busking until things become somewhat normal again. 

Anywhere online where curious fans can listen to your music and find out more about you?

Answer: fishinabirdcage.com is probably the best place to find that, and I'm pretty active on Instagram @fishinabirdcage so any updates will tend to pop up on there. 🙂 Thanks for the interview! This was a lot of fun!

[taste-in-music]

My Other Favorite Songs of 2019

This is a list for all of my favorite songs of the year that aren’t on my album of EP of the year list. (Read my top albums and EPs of the year lists if you want some context.) However, songs from albums that were on my rapid-fire review list are fare game. That’s enough preamble, this list is in no particular order (except, of course, for the final song.) 

Listen along to the complete mix of all these songs HERE. Let’s talk about some great music!

affection by BETWEEN FRIENDS: This was my favorite song off of BETWEEN FRIENDS’s debut EP from this year, we just need some time together. This is the perfect swoony, dreamy pop song that was my relaxing Summer jam. I love the way the melody on the hook is ushered in with a churning bass in the pre-chorus and washes over me with each listen. 

trevi fountain by Leo Kalyan: Leo Kalyan is one of my favorite, (and most underrated) dream pop artists, always able to capture a sense of otherwordly bliss in his music. If there was one word I had to use to describe this song, it would be romantic. This song feels purely, dizzyingly, head-over-heels in love, and it was on repeat for me all throughout Valentine’s Day. 

Numb by Baker Grace: One of the most instantly catchy songs of the year. Chopped-up vocals don’t always work for me, but here they combine with the punchy production in such a way that they contribute to the “over-it” attitude of the song. God, what a bop. 

Clumsy Love by Thelma Plum: This melancholy love song traipsed its way right into my heart as soon as I heard it. The light tambourines, bubbly guitar, and upbeat melody give this song a sunny feel that contrasts nicely with Thelma Plum’s heartbroken lyrics and delivery. 

Love You For A Long Time by Maggie Rogers: If more people used that reverb-layered-vocal-chorus-of-angels effect in their music, then I would like that very much, because so far Miss Maggie Rogers has used it twice, (on this and “Retrograde”) and it has made those songs some of my favorites from her. This sweet, upbeat track was a surprising single after the album, and I swear I listened to it on a loop for a week straight. I’m going to love this song for a long time. 

Karma by MARINA: This is probably my favorite song off of Love + Fear, or at least it was the song that I returned to the most as the year went on. The icy backing vocals and Spanish guitars give the track a cool and refreshing feel. MARINA’s performance is, as always, gorgeous, her rich vocals skating over the frosty soundscape with grace and a hint of sarcasm. 

Gone by Charli XCX ft. Christine and the Queens: One word: BOP. I seriously considered ending the write-up there, but I’ll also mention that Charli and Chris have amazing vocal chemistry, the lyrics about being socially awkward are seriously relatable, and the bass is sick. Also, Chris’s lines in French? Iconic. Even the instrumental breakdown at the end has grown on me. 

Death By A Thousand Cuts by Taylor Swift: This ended up being my favorite song off Lover, (with “Cruel Summer” taking a close second.) I am obsessed with the sparkly production, (my boy Jack Antanoff, once again, went antanOFF,) especially those flitting, echo-y vocal samples that start the track out and the glittering keys that dance under the verses. Along with that, Swift’s writing is sharp, recounting a breakup in a specific yet relatable way.  

make up by Ariana Grande: This was the first non-single off of thank u, next that I really loved. I think it’s due to the fun, cheeky energy. The beat perfectly balances tense plucked bass, chimes, and vintage-leaning, pitch-shifted backing vocals, I especially love those “hey-hey-hey”s that pepper the chorus. This is a great song to get ready for a party to.

Don’t Say by Robinson: I didn’t realize how much I missed Robinson until she came back with this immaculate synthpop banger of a breakup song. The upbeat production on this make it fun and danceable, but Robinson’s delivery makes it a fireball of emotion as well. She’s supposedly dropping a new EP soon, and I can’t wait. 

Live Forever by Nasty Cherry: Nasty Cherry were one of the most fascinating bands to emerge this year, backed by Charli XCX and a Netflix docuseries. Now I don’t care about all that so long as the music was good, and you know what? They’ve got some damn good songs, and I’m a sucker for all-women bands. This song edged out the band’s debut single “Win” for the list. The harmonies on the chorus, bright guitars, and all-around nostalgic feel of this song made this an instant pop-rock jam in my book. 

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd: I’ve always found The Weeknd’s music to be most engaging when it sounds like he’s having fun, like in “Can’t Feel My Face.” This song is an absolute jam, with an instrumental that sounds like it was ripped right from the 80′s, (but it literally was though, it samples “Take on Me” by a-ha,”) and one of the most instantly likable choruses I’ve heard in a while. 

Playing Games by Anna Of The North: This is just a total jam that I couldn’t stop playing at the end of the Summer. I love the light guitars on the verses and the smooth, relaxed-yet-upbeat feel. It’s probably my favorite song off of Dream Girl. 

Sanctuary by Joji: Joji’s music has always been hit or miss for me, but this song is definitely a hit. The dreamy, spacey atmosphere built up by the spacious synths and Joji’s laid-back delivery instantly puts me at ease. 

Soaked by BENEE: The song that introduced me to BENEE also ended up being my favorite from her. The jaunty, casual feel of this song make it the ultimate laid-back indie pop tune. Both of BENEE’s EPs from this year, FIRE ON MARZZ and STELLA & STEVE are quirky listens that are worth your time. 

The King by Conan Gray: 2019 saw Conan Gray taking his lyricism into a more heartbroken and sarcastic direction, which was an interested evolution to witness. Out of all the singles that Conan Gray dropped throughout the course of the year, this one is my favorite. I love the way the chorus rushes through me with every new listen, Conan’s delivery is so dang breezy. 

Twist by Dizzy: I swear Dizzy have nostalgic melancholy perfected into a science. This song has one of my favorite choruses of the year, featuring lyrics that are heart-twisting (ha, but no really,) and a gentle yet earnest delivery from frontwoman Katie Munshaw. Whenever I hear this I feel sad in a reflective, smiling-with-a-single-tear-rolling-down-my-cheek kind of way.

Joyride by SONIA: I came across this on a Spotify New Music Friday one week and clicked on it just for kicks and it has been one of my favorite finds of the year. SONIA has one of those smoky, sensual voices that I can’t help but love, and her performance paired with the yearning lyrics make for a song that is sorrowful yet romantic at the same time. 

You Sexy Thing by Zella Day: And the award for comeback of the year goes to Zella Day, whose music I fell in love with back in 2016 and have been patiently awaiting for new content from since. She hinted at dropping new music last December, and boy was this worth the wait. This cover of the 1975 release by Hot Chocolate is retro, playful, and, what else? Sexy. I hope to hear more from Ms. Day in the near future, but until then, I will have this, Kicker, and the Man On The Moon/Hunnie Pie single on a continuous loop. 

Red by Lucy Daydream: I found this song in my Spotify Discovery Weekly back in April, and what a fun find it was. This song is a relaxing indie pop bop with inexplicable replay value. I loved this so much that I even checked out Lucy Daydream’s album from this year, Awake & Dreaming, and while the rest of the album didn’t quite match this song in my opinion, I still thought it was a nice listen. I’m definitely keeping Lucy Daydream on my radar going into the future.  

What About Love by BANKS: As I mentioned on my Rapid-Fire Reviews list, I wasn’t all that into III. However, there were some songs on it that I really latched onto, and this was one of them. This song conveys so much raw emotion, with one of BANKS’s most impassioned performances on the whole album. I love the use of autotune, quivering strings, sparse keys, and fluttering vocal samples to create an isolated yet overwhelming soundscape, (it’s amazing with headphones on.) Also, every lyric in this hits like a gut punch. 

Harmony Hall by Vampire Weekend: I thought that I liked this song, but I guess I love this song, because it ended up being my fifth most listened to song of 2019? There’s definitely a reason for that, this song is so instantly likable, with a memorable guitar line, bright pianos, and one of the most anthemic choruses of the year. 

Alligator by Of Monsters and Men: What a smash debut single this was, I was hooked from the very first chord. The energy in this song is unmatched, it has a sense of propulsive power that always hypes me up. The thin layers of distortion and reverb over the guitars and Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir’s voice give this song a sense of otherworldly eeriness that I really enjoy. 

Blown to Bits by Charly Bliss: This song sounds like the jittery feeling I get after drinking caffeine in the best kind of way, if that makes any kind of sense. The buzzy guitars, vocal layering, and overall electric energy present on this track made it an instant favorite off of Charly Bliss’s album from this year Young Enough. Also the lyrics are weirdly relatable as they recount feelings of uncertainty and nostalgia, and Eva Hendricks delivers them with firepower. 

House Of Glass by Cage The Elephant: This is just a banger through and through, and the fact that the opening riff is reminiscent of “Come A Little Closer” doesn’t hurt either. The verses maintain a nice sense of tension, with Matt Schultz delivering the lyrics in a near whisper. But once that chorus kicks in, it’s official, I have no choice but to become a swaggering badass. 

still feel by half•alive: This was my first favorite song of the year, (and I know it was technically a single from last year, but the album dropped this year, so I’m counting it,) I remember playing this on a loop all throughout January. And you know what? It hasn’t faded on me in the slightest, this is still a banger through and through. The bass groove, the snaps, that little chime that comes at the end of the prechorus, it makes for one hell of a buildup. And once that chorus hits I have no choice but to groove off into the galaxy.

In the Afternoon by MGMT: Another comeback that made this year amazing! Not only are MGMT back with a new single, but they’re also independent now, which inspired my best pun of the year. This song slams, it’s filled with creepy atmosphere but by the end you’ll be dancing and singing along. Needless to say, I’m hyped to see what they bring into the new year.

My Favorite Fish by Gus Dapperton: The melody on this chorus is so catchy, once you hear it it will not leave your head. I also love the vibe of this song, it’s very relaxed and nonchalant in its delivery. I reckon it’d be a nice song to take a long, sunset walk on the beach to. 

Little Trouble by Better Oblivion Community Center: Better Oblivion Community Center, the collaboration project of Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst, put out a lot of great music this year. I was torn between this and “Dylan Thomas” to make the list, but ultimately picked this one because its energy, built up by squealing electric guitars and shuffling drums, is so upbeat, and over the course of the year it never failed to put a smile on my face.

Can’t Buy Happiness by Tash Sultana: Tash Sultana has always been a musician I’ve tended to admire for their talent from afar, never returning to their music all that often. This song, however, broke that pattern with its hypnotically beautiful simplicity. The gentle guitars that open this track blossom into a lush soundscape during each chorus, studded with grandiose synths, light cymbals, and Tash Sultana’s larger-than-life performance. 

Fucking Money Man by ROSALÍA: I’m including both songs on this single release because they’re equally brilliant. “Milionària” is a lively, upbeat track that relishes in opulence, peppered with the playful refrain of “fucking money man” and snappy drums. The tone switches right after with the haunting ballad “Dio$ No$ Libre Del Dinero,” which warns of the dangers of greed. 

Everybody Loves You by SOAK: The way the narrative on this song unfold as the track progresses is just beautiful. I don’t want to go too in depth, because I feel like it’s someone a person should experience without knowing anything prior. Let’s just say that this was a song I came back to whenever I was feeling emo, and the way it blossoms into brightness always has a way of making me feel better whenever I’m down. 

Rylan by The National: So The National have been around for literal decades but I just discovered them this year, loving the song “I’ll Still Destroy You” off of Sleep Well Beast especially. However, I also really enjoyed this song, with its breezy rock sound and melancholy lyrical narrative. The ghostly backing vocals that inhabit the mix send shivers down my spine. Also, the bridge. Just, everything about the bridge. 

Summer Girl by HAIM: This breezy, chill tune was perfect for those long, relaxed days in August where the afternoons drag on until 9:00pm. It reminds me of “Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed, but a bit jazzier, with the saxophone and the playful “doo doo doo” refrain. I aspire to the levels of cool that HAIM have achieved. I know I’ll never reach it, but I still aspire to it.

cellophane by FKA Twigs: If there was any one quality that I would point to in order to describe why this song is so good, it would be its build in dynamics. This song starts out as sounding so fragile it could shatter at any second, which Twigs’s vocals barely rising above a whisper and backed in gentle murmurs and light pianos. However, as the sharper synths slither in and her voice gets more powerful, the sound builds to a gorgeous and jaw-dropping finale that never loses any of its emotion for a second. 

Barefoot In The Park by James Blake ft. ROSALÍA: This song sounds like running through a forest while alien lights flash overhead. The ambiance is romantic and slightly chilling, made up of light marimbas, siren-like vocal samples, and whispering synths. I initially listened to this song because of ROSALÍA, but I ended up loving it so much that I checked out James Blake’s album from this year, Assume Form, too. 

Bags by Clairo: Clairo’s debut album Immunity was a beautiful display of emotion and subtlety, and this was my favorite song off of that project. The production here is sweet and sorrowful, with flitting guitars and light drums, and Clairo’s lyrics and performance match perfectly. Everything about this communicates reserved, tender pining, (are y’all sensing a theme on this list?) It makes me go absolutely bananas every time I hear it.

Get Well by Donna Missal: Y’all know I’ll take any chance to talk about my queen Donna Missal. She released two singles this year, this and the excellent R&B slow-burner “You Burned Me,” but I had to pick this one for the list. Not only did this drop on Valentine’s Day, but I love how restrained and delicate this song is, both in its simple production and in Donna’s bordering-on-fragile delivery. 

Falling by Harry Styles: This turned out to be my favorite song off of Fine Line. (My rapid-fire review for that album: pretty good, but a bit bland, and I missed the rock edge of Harry’s debut.) Still, this is a stunner if there ever was one. I’m just a sucker for a regretful love song with a bare yet effective instrumental and emotive vocals. 

I Lost a Friend by FINNEAS: I’ve spoken multiple times about how I love the way this song builds throughout its runtime. This song starts out with a simple guitar line and slowly adds elements like distortion, flutes, and bass to communicate the emotional intensity in the lyrics. FINNEAS is a fascinating performer and producer, both in his work and with others, and I can’t wait to see what he does in the future. 

Seventeen by Sharon Van Etten: This year I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, and one of the ways I would sate my anxieties about uncertainties to come would be through music, (I don’t know if that was apparent from many of my picks on this list.) No song better described the whirlwind of emotions ripping through me than this one. Sharon Van Etten’s take on giving advice to her younger self served as a comforting voice of reason to me throughout the year. Her performance here is assuring yet slightly concerned, nostalgic and yet tinged with regret. This almost sounds like a lost Stevie Nicks song, with a propulsive build of guitars, unrestrained synths dancing throughout the mix, and a chorus that I want to scream out the window of a car speeding down a highway. I absolutely adore it. 

I Dare You by The Regrettes: If you aren’t surprised, then I’m not surprised. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned before that this is my song of the year, hands down. If “Seventeen” was the song that articulated all of my anxieties throughout the year, then “I Dare You” was the song that provided a reprieve from them. This song feels timeless, like it could’ve come out during a slew of decades, and yet it sounds modern as well. Every detail of the instrumental seems perfectly designed to form the most catchy and likable song ever created, from the light snares, to the “oohs” in the prechorus, to the colorful guitars. Also, can we talk about how adorable the lyrics are? They perfectly describe the flurry of feeling that come with a crush, from “you’re the one that brings the sun” to “there's a look that you give me, a switch / and my filter melts, and the words just slip.” Not only was this my most-listened to song this year, but I can’t think of a piece of music this year that made me happier every time I returned to it. Also, the music video was just as cute as the song was. 

And that’s the list! What were your favorite songs of 2019? Any artists, albums, singles, etc. I should know about? Leave your thoughts and recommendations down below.

[justacasualbtsblog]

Ok so

Map of the soul: 7 dropped today and I am so so late on reporting about it I’m sorry. I haven’t read lyrics or analyzed music videos yet, these are just my views on the album from a musical standpoint. But let’s get into it.

Persona

Like my url says, I am such a casual ARMY I don’t even know if I can call myself that. So I haven’t watched the mv. But I’ve listened to it, oh I’ve listened to it. It starts with an intro I’m nostalgic for even if I’ve never heard it. Then, He begins. Now. I speak one and a half languages and none of them are Korean but I can hear the vibe of the song with no translation error at all. An excellent song and a good way to kick off the best album of 2020. (Update: just read the lyrics and can I just emphasize the last sentence again, The ONLY was to kick off the best album of 2020)

Boy with love

This was released prior to this album but I just get so pumped every time I hear it. I’m not gonna write a super long section for this song, but this song is the most energetic, pure song of this album. Just absolute happiness. 10/10 would bop to again

Make it right

Probably my favorite song of the mini album. Nice vocals and a beat that is soft but there. It didn’t get lost in the rest of the song and for that, I applaud the producer. And Sugas rap verse, backed up with the perfect volume of vocals. Just an all around win

Jamais Vu

I’ll be honest, I never really listened to this song in its entirety. Biiig mistake on my part. This is so soft and calming. Fusing the vocal verse with the rap verse was smooth and so so fitting. The hook is memorable and the song isn’t over produced. *italian chef kiss*

Dionysus

Full 180 off jamais, Dionysus runs in with a base to be remembered, lyrics that mean so much and the bridge is sosososo good, I’ve tried to sing it in broken Korean more times than I can count. Then the rap verse came out of nowhere and wrecked me HOLY DAMN. He sure went awf and I am not complaining.

Interlude : shadow

I am suga biased and that has not changed. I have no words. I have watched the music video and that’s a whole other thing. The way he didn’t start this song by saying suga. He’s speaking as himself and it’s just enough to top this song off with a heaping load of holy fuck this is amazing. I’ll stop while I’m ahead and move on before I write an essay on this song (coming up next)

Black swan

I listened to this song on repeat for an hour when I first heard it. The melody has gotta be my favorite part. Whatever instrument that is, I want to learn it. I swear I’m gonna end up writing a screenwriter for a musical about this song. It’s so... workable. I can imagine this is any setting and that’s always a win in my book

Filter

The guitar. The vocals. The eventual clap-beat. Something that I don’t need to understand to enjoy. That low-key Latin vibe. I’m sorry this review is short but there are almost no words to discribe what I’m feeling right now. Listen to it is the greatest advice I can give

My Time

My friends favorite song out of this album. JK, you did amazing, keep going. I cannot imagine this song playing out any other way. It is exactly as I expected and it surprised me at the same time. The background vocals add a depth that I didn’t know I needed but wanted either way. The ending has gotta be my favorite bit, just the cool down of no words, it feels right.

Louder than bombs

My favorite song on this album. It has a neon lights, city at night, smoke ribbons and heavy based songs vibe that I adoringly refer to as a “murder vibe”. And this song represents that to the fullest. My new yard stick to all the other “murder vibe” songs I encounter. It’s rare that I find a song where I like the vocals more than a rap verse but this song contradicts and violates that rule to the fullest

ON

I don’t know how this song starts, the closest this I relate it to is, throat singing? But whatever it is, it slapps. The bridge is definitely a thing I will remember for awhile. And the beat, Lordy, the marching band-esk feel. And it keeps all through the song without drowning anything else out at any point or getting lost. Probably my favorite bit.

UGH!

On the level of a cypher or ddaeng. The only rap song I needed. It has a hard hitting drum and base pared with a minimalistic melody that is everything it needs to be. The different ways each of the rappers decide to play with their voices, dragging out some vowels, pitch changes, and speed is some of the best vocal play I’ve heard in awhile. Will probably be listening to this for awhile.

00:00 (Zero O’Clock)

I have my phone set to 24 hour time and there has always been something aesthetic about hitting this time. This song has a ballad like vibe with only the finest beat and EDM backup. With the vocals on point, changing tones and emotions to fit the melody and (I assume) the words, This song sounds like the affirmation of a good day.

Inner Child

This song belongs in my “songs for riding around the galaxy” playlist. It plays like a supernova, starting quiet but leading up to something that I will be listening to for awhile. The song doesn’t give me whiplash between the verses and it all blends together into something that is missing if you don’t have it. Quiet, calm, and collected, all the things I like in a song like this one.

Friends

May I be the first to say, Yes! This is the perfect song to go with spending time with your friends and family. It has an up beat vibe, drum and base that mixes well with what I assume is the message of the song. The “you are my soulmate” caught me off guard and hit me with only the best of feels. Peppy and perfect is my final call.

Moon

The first thing I thought of when I heard this song was, adventure. This sounds like something I’d listen to while exploring or going on a road trip. It sounds like a journey. On the topic of melody, drum and base, this did not disappoint, the melody fits well with the vocals and the drum doesn’t reach my soul, but more encircles my heart. Wakes up the part of me that wants to travel more that anything.

Respect

Probably not the first time this has been said but I have major respect for this song. The beginning has an old hiphop record scratch that fits really well with the modern EDM and that’s surprising. If this song is about what I think it’s about (and lets be honest, it never is) respecting the people that have inspired and helped them grow than this is exactly the song for the occasion.

We are bulletproof : the eternal

A real change from the other two WABPs, and a welcomed one too. This has a finale vibe too it, kinda like it was made to be at the end of the album. The orchestra in the bridge is so fitting. The base-turned-melody in the chorus is again, fitting. Over all, this song was made to perfection, nothing is out of place and nothing is missing.

Outro : ego

This song is something to work out to. It shares a vibe with Hope World and it balance out the album, finishing with an upbeat song was and always will be the way to go. I’ve listened to this song so many times and I don’t really have a favorite part, it’s all really good. But I liked the beginning vocals (ready, set, and begin) and the backup vocals at the end.

This album was balanced, very perfected and personable. There’s not much I can say that I haven’t said already but overall, 10/10. I will be raving about this for a couple weeks and never really get over it. On behalf of all ARMYs, Good job boys, we love you.

[dustedmagazine]

Disq — Desperately Imagining Someplace Quiet (Saddle Creek)

Photo by Jacob Boll

Wisconsin band Disq makes a virtue of eclectic musical and lyrical influences to produce a winning combination of youthful cynicism and exuberant idealism. Guitarists Isaac DeBroux-Slone, Logan Severson and Shannon Connor, bassist Raina Bock and Stu Manley on drums share vocal and writing duties and throw plenty of synths, samples and programming into the mix. Imagine a 1990s alternative festival — power pop, alt-country, riot grrrl, emo and maybe some rediscovered veterans from worlds of krautrock and dance punk — and you’re pretty much there. Disq’s take on all this sounds less like a compilation tape than the organic result of five friends with disparate but overlapping tastes coming together to create a communal sound.

The sophomore album Desperately Imagining Somewhere Quiet is full of “what the?” moments and unexpected turns. On “Cujo Kiddies” a metronomic rhythm is warmly layered with keys, guitars and samples and manages to combine cool detachment and playful fun like a child of The Flying Lizards and Soul Coughing. It’s followed by “This Time,” a transatlantic Frankenstein of Teenage Fanclub and Dinosaur Jr, all big driving chords and fuzzy melodic solo, one of those songs that feels like it’s always been there though you’re hearing it the for the first time. Disq captures that uncanny feeling again and again. When “Prize Contest Life” erupts out of the gate, resolves into a pretty acoustic ballad and then explodes again into a squalling ball of dopamine generating noise it is frankly irresistible. ”If Only” channels the bruised poetry of Paul Westerberg and The Replacements at their most controlled, as DeBroux-Slone laments his romantic failings with the combination of contrition and accusation so common among sensitive young men: “I would rewind and fix it all, but if I had the chance to/I’d probably still hurt you, and you me.” Bock on the other hand has a more wary take as she muses “with as much as I love being with you/ I wanna love my time alone/But I just don’t know.” over a collage of dinky keyboards, sprechgesang and proggy guitars.  

On Desperately Imaging Someplace Quiet Disq explores insecurities and hopes with self-assured musicianship. Even if their influences are as prominently displayed on their sleeves as their hearts, you can’t help but be carried along on their joyfully noisy quest for peace.  

Andrew Forell

[projectalbum]

Radio songs. 189. “Green,” 190. “Out of Time,” 191. “Automatic for the People,” 192. “Monster,” 193. “New Adventures in Hi-Fi" by R.E.M.

For R.E.M., signing to Warner Bros Records meant reaching more people, in the U.S. and abroad. It meant a bigger promotional push behind their albums.

It meant an exponential increase in their touring schedule, to the point where all four were pretty burned out by the idea after being on the road for most of ’88-’89. But for me, it was a move that meant my favorite music in existence was allowed to sprout from the fertile loam of commercialism.

If you’ll remember from my previous post, it was a compilation of songs from the WB era that first made me a fan. And it was the first few albums under that banner that made R.E.M. superstars, i.e. a band established enough that I would be aware of them growing up. It’s hard for me to grasp the amount of R.E.M. saturation that existed from roughly ’88 - ’94. By the time I was humming “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?” and “Orange Crush” in high school, it was 2005 and the band’s incandescence had faded to the soft, respectable glow of “Dad Rock.” They were hipper than the Billy Joel & Electric Light Orchestra discs that they had replaced in my repertoire, but as far as my peers were concerned, barely. 

The first Christmas after I had announced myself as a fan brought, in shiny happy gift wrapping, Green (#189) and Out Of Time (#190). A veritable Mandolin-apalooza: in the campfire folk trance of “You Are The Everything,” mournful character study “The Wrong Child,” and midnight hippie spiritual “Hairshirt” that are scattered through the mix of Green, and powering the über-hit that secured their legacy, “Losing My Religion,” on Out Of Time. My relationship to those tracks has dipped and risen through the years— I was much less open to strange acoustic explorations back then (or in the case of “LMR,” its overfamiliarity), so I tended to skip them. I grooved on the electric menace of “Turn You Inside-Out” and the poptimism of “Untitled.”

“World Leader Pretend,” in which all the band’s instruments, including Stipe’s voice, seemed tuned to a lower register than ever before (now THAT’S some counter-programming to the bubblegum of “Stand”), has become a God-level composition in my mind. It’s gained some resurgence recently, seen as a pointed critique of the venal and power-hungry who are obsessed with controlling geopolitical barriers. "I raised the wall / And I will be the one to knock it down,” the protagonist intones, and yeah, “the Wall” has a connotation for current events in 2018, as it did 30 years ago (roughly a year after the album’s release, Berlin’s concrete schism was demolished). But I hear the divided self in “World Leader Pretend”: the man erecting the walls of his own isolation chamber, shoring up his fragile ego against outer pain, denying the possibility for connection. "I decree a stalemate, I divine my deeper motives / I recognize the weapons / I've practiced them well, I fitted them myself.” In other words, I hear myself.

Fortunately, he concludes that it’s within his power to level these barriers he's constructed, and I feel I can learn the same lesson. There’s a triumphant slide guitar in the bridge, an iconically Country-Western flavor that the band returns to on one of the most indelible tracks on Out of Time— the descriptively-titled “Country Feedback.” Heartache on an epic scale, deliberate, hypnotic tempo but bubbling like a volcano, the words a stream-of-consciousness chant over Peter Buck’s searching electric guitar and Mike Mills funereal organ. “It’s crazy what you could have had,” Stipe laments, his voice rising, and then, “I need this. I need this.” Is it the confession that he needs, or the connection slipping away from his grasping fingers? He’s called it his favorite song in the band’s canon; they’ve performed it with Neil Young providing the wailing guitar counterpart, like a Dead Man end credits song that never happened, and there’s a clever mashup on the Unplugged set that bowled me over (I’ll mention it when I get there).

The acoustic arrangements and sonic experimentation continued on Automatic for the People (#191), with a purge of the bubblegum (“The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite” is a notable exception, but for a goof, it’s gorgeous.) Much has been made of the album’s apparent preoccupation with mortality and loss. For sure, there's the straight-forward teen suicide deterrent “Everybody Hurts,” predating It Gets Better by a couple decades; “Sweetness Follows,” about the steady, plodding journey through mourning, and the peaceful plateau you can reach; “Monty Got A Raw Deal,” a steely Western ballad inspired in part by the tortured, bisexual film actor Montgomery Clift. But it’s a hopeful album, not a dour slog.

To me, the common thread is The Past: that personal history that’s less about the agreed-upon facts and more about the feelings tied to events, coloring your reminiscence. “Drive,” the darkly insinuating opening track, takes inspiration for its rhythmic Beat poetry vocal from David Essex's “Rock On,” a song that Stipe might have heard as a teenager, one that itself looks back a further 20 years to the birth of rock n’roll. Add the string arrangement by rock royalty, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, and it’s nostalgia brined in nostalgia.

We’re looking at the reflection of the old photograph as caught by the passing streetlights: several layers of removal from the events. But in looking back, our feelings strike us clearer than whatever life we’ve built for ourselves in the interim; we’re still dwelling on whatever innocence we think we’ve lost. "I have seen things that you will never see / Leave it to memory me,” are the parting words of a person at the end of their life in “Try Not To Breathe” (often in the running for my favorite R.E.M. recording). "I will try not to burden you,” they promise, holding in secrets of a time gone by in hopes that the listener will forge a new path.

“Find The River,” which draws the book to a close with accordion and harmonizing voices, is another in a line of R.E.M. songs drawing on the river as a symbol of lost harmony. In youthful exuberance, there was “Nightswimming,” but "The ocean is the river's goal / A need to leave the water knows,” and time moves inexorably forward. The past feeds into the unfathomable depths of the future. Automatic for the People draws its title from the slogan at a soul food joint in the band’s hometown. It’s that sense of their own history, 8 records in and on top of the world, that merges with their innate creative restlessness, compelling them to shoot off in a new direction.  “I have got to leave to find my way."

This fuels their mission statement with each album since the WB era began: “Let’s write songs that don’t sound like ‘R.E.M. songs.’” If Automatic is self-reflective, Monster (#192) is about adopted personas. The sound of a middle-aged Art Rock band pretending to be a 20-something Glam Rock band, adding more neon and guitar distortion and posturing than you can shake a Mott The Hoople at. “What can I make myself be? (Faker!)” 

The video for “Crush With Eyeliner” furthers that sense of playful irony: the band members pushed off to the corner of the bar as a new generation, from a different cultural background, expresses the song for them. The entire radioactive orange LP kind of encapsulates every messy teenage feeling I've had since high school. I'm still a "faker," pretending to sing this song. And looking good doing it. (Though, full disclosure, the first time I did karaoke I went with “Bang and Blame.” I don’t mind telling you I nailed it.)

Monster is marked by the most prevalent sexual overtones in R.E.M. canon, as if they were embracing that self-aware Rock Star trope. It’s hard to get more on the nose than the title “Star 69,” but “I Don’t Sleep, I Dream” wins the prize with “Are you coming to ease my headache? / Do you give good head? / Am I good in bed?” As the public debated Michael Stipe’s sexuality, he parried the question in the press and played with his image in the lyrics. The topic of his “Crush” is gendered “she,” giving hetereos like myself plenty to appropriate for our own impossible Cool Girl daydreams— never mind that it’s an ode to his friend Courtney Love. “King of Comedy” addresses a legion of Rupert Pupkins getting their big shot by whatever means necessary, but it also contains the lyric "I'm straight, I'm queer, I'm bi,” a few years before he revealed publicly where the needle pointed on that dial for him. “Tongue” is a lilting, falsetto performance: piano-driven cabaret written for a female protagonist lamenting her inconsiderate lovers. More masks for a closely-scrutinized celebrity to find freedom behind.

New Adventures in Hi-Fi (#193) felt as appropriate a title as any for my first year at a university— trading my hometown for a cinderblock dorm-room, starting down my career path with all the film courses they’d allow me to sign up for. The road-grit guitars, open road expansive sound, Stipe’s tour-shredded front man vocals: the album is alternately weary and electrified. Choruses and riffs fit to fill a stadium (as many basic tracks were recorded at live soundcheck) beside intimate 3AM tour bus confessionals. I scored this huge chapter of my young life with the strutting, T. Rex glam of “The Wake-Up Bomb,” arena-ready choruses of “Bittersweet Me” and “So Fast, So Numb,” felt inspired by the dreamlike inscrutability of “How The West Was Won and Where It Got Us” and darkly-reflective poetry of “E-Bow The Letter.”

I’m not overly surprised to hear that this LP didn’t hit with the same impact as the previous ones— it’s always felt like an acquired taste that I couldn’t impart to anyone else. “You haven’t heard 'Leave?’ Ah man, it’s over 7 minutes long, and there’s a constant siren loop in the background! But trust me, when you hear the acoustic riff from the opening interlude reprised by double-tracked electric guitar, the goose pimples will be visible from space.”

Where Monster boasted the straight-arrow torch song “Strange Currencies,” the hushed, surrealistic “Be Mine” seemed as if it emanated from my own bruised heart. "I'll be the sky above the Ganges / I'll be the vast and stormy sea / I'll be the lights that guide you inward / I'll be the visions you will see”— it’s a cross-spiritual devotional that funnels the tenets of world religions into a promise for total intimacy. I would pay top dollar for the raw footage of Thom Yorke’s guest interpretation. 

Despite the public’s anemic response, the band’s estimation of Hi-Fi’s strengths is justifiably high. It’s an accomplished, energetic record that shows every member playing at his peak. It’s now frozen in history as the last document of the band as a foursome. In the next entry, I’ll delve into the CDs released after drummer Bill Berry retired and R.E.M. dramatically changed gears, rocketing into the 21st century.

[sinceseptemberband]

Colne's In The Mix

Patrick Ralphson, a 21-year-old lad from Trawden, will perform to over half a million people in O2 arenas next year. In 2020, Patrick took place in the BBC One music competition: Little Mix: The Search where he was shaped into the four-man indie band, Since September. The aim of the music competition was to form a band, Patrick’s ensemble was the instrumental and vocal group, and they took the crown in November 2020. Patrick, Jacob, Harry, and Matthew competed against five other bands for the winning title and will join Little Mix in their Confetti Tour in 2022. Patrick gives the band their rockstar credentials, and gives us a sneaky peek into where it all began…

The night Patrick won he turned his phone off for 24 hours. I could only imagine the endless sound of notifications that must have been popping up on screen. “I’m just a lad from Colne,” giggles Patrick, “it was ridiculous! After a quick 10 minute zoom session with my family, I turned my phone off. So much happened, but I remember everything from that night. After the gold streamers came down and the cameras were of, it was just us (the band) and the producers on the stage, and for some reason we all just started singing ‘Shine’ by Take That!” ‘Let it shine…’ Patrick sings at me down the phone. Who needs to pay for tickets when I have had my own free show!

“For as long as I can remember my dad played guitar and every day when he got in from work, and I’d beg him to play Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Freebird’. He taught me how to play and he’s the reason why I play, I just wanted to impress him and still do.”

Patrick recalls one of his first memories on stage in his first year of school, a blessing in disguise. “I was going to sing ‘Johnny B Goode’ by Chuck Berry with a girl from the year above. I didn’t have many mates at school, it was quite sad. I think the girl realised that being stood on stage with me would have been social suicide, so she sacked it off on the day. I knew nobody else would do it with me, so I just did it myself. I fell in love with singing from there, it was the first time I’d ever sang in front of hundreds of people so it was quite scary for an 11-year-old. That night I came home, picked up my dad’s guitar, learned how to sing, playing all the classic acoustic tunes.

“When I was 14, I discovered Catfish and the Bottlemen, I just wanted to be Van McCann. At the time I’d just joined a band called Critical Reaction, we went to Bands on the Square, a local live music event in Barnoldswick. I thought, I really want be on that stage too.”

Two years later, he was up rocking on the stage.

I asked him if he would still perform again for his home town after his new found fame

“Maybe… maybe.” Patrick chuckled. “I’ll rock up after I’ve played the O2. It’d always be nice to come back and keep in touch with my roots.

“I went to the pub with my mate the other day and people were saying, “You’re the guy from TV!”. I’m not used to it at all. Me and two of my bandmates, Harry and Matty are living together in North London. I’m flying the nest finally but it’s going to be fun. We will just be grafting, writing and recording, when we’re together it’s electric,” he grins.

“I’ll still miss the north. I’ll miss the fresh air and being able to walk a few minutes before I’m in the countryside.

Yesterday, a woodpecker with crazy colours landed in my garden, stuff like that won’t happen in London. I’ll just see pedigree dogs and bin foxes!”

Patrick studied Politics and German at University in Manchester, but gambled his future to devote all his efforts to music. “I’d rather full-arse one thing than half-arse two things. The degree was a joint honours, and it would have just absolutely annihilated me. I stepped back and looked at my situation and thought do I want to be in my room watching lectures or writing music. I just want a guitar in my hand every day. It is worth taking a punt for, if the risk pays off then the reward is unprecedent.”

For Patrick, nothing is as cool as writing songs with their manager Roy Stride, frontman of pop-rock band ‘Scouting for Girls’. “The competition was commissioned through a company called Modest Company. They’ve managed Little Mix, One Direction, JLS and Olly Murs. We originally met him when he was a song writer and he was looking to go into management, so we just went from there. He is a genius so it’s amazing to get into the science of song writing. He is a master of it.”

What can we expect from Since September?

“The first single is coming out. The second and third single are on their way too, huge stadium style songs. We’re playing some festivals this year and the Little Mix tour next year… I’m buzzing. I’ll be playing to over half a million people in 30 days, it’s ridiculous, it doesn’t compute in my head how many people that actually is. I won’t understand the gravity of what it is until we step out in Belfast on the first night to 16,000 people.

“The reason I got to where I’ve got, I just didn’t put any pressure on myself because it was the world of pop, it was alien to me, it’s all alien to me. The only people I’ve ever had around are people who have had a cigarette as a vocal warm up.” Patrick laughs.

- Patrick for Northern Life Magazine talking about everything from starting in Trawden, Colne, UK to the winning Little Mix’s ‘The Search’ competition & everything in between. (13 July 2021)

[sometimesalwaysmusic]

PARAGON CAUSE

Paragon Cause is a songwriting, production and musical duo based in Ottawa. Members Marnie (originally from Southern Ontario) and Kirwan (hailing from Cape Breton) bring their love of Hip-hop, jazz piano, 80's synthesizers and 50's guitars to create music that is mysterious yet familiar. We caught up and discussed influences, the differences between Ottawa and their hometowns, and some of their favourite live shows.

VITALS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParagonCause/

Web: https://www.paragoncause.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParagonCause

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paragoncauseadvanced/

Latest Release:   Escape (Album, May 2018)

Upcoming shows: Sat, August 4 - Paragon Cause, Lethargicon. The Seahorse, Halifax NS Sat, August 11 - Paragon Cause and more TBD, Pressed, Ottawa ON Sat, August 18 -  Paragon Cause, O'Connels Pub, Ottawa ON  

SA: How did Paragon Cause come together? Kirwan: Well, I wish we had some story about meeting after a performance in a dark lounge after Marnie was singing jazz, but that would be a lie. I stopped playing music for a while after playing with some bands back in Halifax. I decided to start recording and writing again and spent a year or two making weird techno and house music, but I found it a bit unsatisfying. Marnie completed a music degree was trying to decide how to start playing live again. So, both of us put profiles up on a website called Bandmix, basically the on-line dating version of finding band members.

 Both of us met with other people, played with others but it never worked. I know for me, my music was always a bit too esoteric for most people. I would sometimes show up for a practice and just sit there and not play, the music was too…normal. Finally, I reached out to Marnie after seeing a video of her singing and playing piano. There was something in her voice that struck me. Although, we are lucky we ended up playing together. It’s a bit odd for some random online person asking you to come over to a stranger’s house to play tunes in their basement! She came over, we jammed on the Beatles Norwegian Wood. I knew within 1 minute, this was it. It was insane how we connected. The last time I was even close to that was playing with Rose Cousins and Steve Gates back in Halifax, but this was on another level. Right then and there, we started writing and learning songs. It was special.

SA: What bands or musicians would you cite as the biggest influences on your sound? Marnie: For me, it would be classical music, Mamma’s and the Papa’s and definitely the Beatles. Where I grew up, music like that was hard to find. Remind me in our next interview, and I’ll tell you more (laughs).  Kirwan: It’s a bit complicated I suppose, I basically want to be as cool as Tribe Called Quest or the Digible Planets, but I know that’s impossible. So, I draw from a lot of my favorite bands and musicians I think are special. The Cure, The Raveonettes, Janes Addition, The Suuns, Peter Green’s Fleewood Mac, Howling Wolf and of course Portishead. I think deep down, I want to do what Portishead did, create something different, unique. But in the end, we really just try to do what we love. We know ‘our’ music and sound when we play it.

SA: Thus far in your career, what has been your biggest success? Kirwan: To be honest, completing an album. When we first met, we said, “let’s make an album and print it on vinyl and give it to our friends and family.” That’s what we are doing. As for Marnie, I think one of her’s would be winning 1st in the Quebec School Choir as the choir director. Although, when we released the song Sunny, it was played during the traffic report at 4pm on CBC Ottawa All in a Day. I’m not sure you can get much bigger than that.

SA: On the other hand, what is the biggest challenge you have faced, and how have you dealt with it? PC: Hands down,  a tie between navigating the new method of music distribution in an online and social media ruled age as well as learning to let go of a song and move on. With respect to navigating the system, trying to get your music heard is hard. No one ever writes you back when you write them. However, we are lucky, we both come from a place in which we can invest the time, learn and figure out how to distribute music without the help of a label. We both have formal music training and thus writing music comes pretty easy, but that leads us to the next issue, we are SUPER picky about things. We probably write about 10 songs a week, but maybe pick 1 or 2 a month we like. For example, the song Next Time and Fear took over a year to finish. I was never happy with them, we have about 20 versions for each song, some with completely different arrangements, live drums, synths, etc, etc.  So in the end, navigating the system and letting go and moving on are tied.

SA: How do you guys approach the song-writing process? Kirwan: With some good craft beer, guitar pedals and plans to order pizza with pineapple. I think we have three ways. Marnie usually will write a song on piano, a complete arrangement from start to finish. She has all the melody, harmony everything done and usually recorded with a running commentary recorded on her phone.

For me, I start with a riff or a beat and a rhythm. Then, we usually take it to the other person. For me, when she shows up with her song, I say, ‘ok let’s record it, regardless what you think of it.” She always thinks her music is not good enough, but I’m usually blown away by it. Then, we usually record the piano or synth and vocals in one take together.

Both Fear and Next Time were recorded in one take, vocals and piano. Then, I usually spend some time thinking about it, the feel, the emotion and the melody. She and I spend about 30 hours with the song, playing along, writing guitar parts and drum beats. I’ll often alter it a bit by changing the mode of the song, which is akin to changing key, but different. Next Time was a very happy sounding song at first, but by adding the bassline, it gave it a very dark feel. To us, that is what is amazing about music, the key didn’t change but the method and way you play the chords did and that completely changed the song.

When I bring a song to her, I play it and she kind of goes into a trance. She will sing melodies and then quickly write words. Often, I can’t even snap her out of it! She just goes into another world and writes the entire melody…Consequence and Away from Me were like that. Away from Me was originally called “Acoustic Song” as I wrote it all on an acoustic Guitar, start to finish and she wrote the lyrics and melody and made it something special.

After that, I usually spend weeks producing, mixing and editing. We like to write, record, then play live. It gives us an idea what works and what doesn’t. I then take the final version to her for it to get constructively criticized. In the end, we work extremely well together. Did I mention we also enjoy craft beer during our sessions? We also have a great desk to work at.

Finally, we jam. We can play songs and improvise for hours. There have been times, were we start playing and stop an hour later and just look at each other, speechless. We are off in another world. Although once, we recorded a 20 minute song that was our best ever. It was recorded on webcam, but I forgot to turn the microphone on, so we only have a video, no sound and we can’t remember the song.

SA: Both of you are transplants to the National Capital region. What are your thoughts on the Ottawa music scene? Kirwan: Well, for me it’s very different than Halifax. I think I can speak for both of us when I say, we are still getting used to it. The people we met from bands like The Pale Light, Sol the Violinist and superstar guitarist Lee Jessom have been extremely helpful and friendly. I think in Ottawa however, it’s harder to get involved. Back in Halifax, everyone talked, everyone knew each other all the bands would be out supporting other bands. We are still trying to find that here.

We still play at open mics around the city. We love doing that. We are both strong believers in supporting song writers, musicians and performers regardless of their skill level. We have no shame in showing up at Irene’s or O’Connels Open Mic and play some Fleetwood Mac, Nancy Sinatra, Amy Winehouse and some Raveonettes. We even play some Portishead. The open mic scene is super friendly in Ottawa. But, the music scene so far has been challenging. We should have played more metal, the metal and punk scene seems to be amazing here. Halifax was very folk oriented and alt/indie style so it was a bit easier to get involved. But who knows, perhaps we just need to write better songs.

SA: If you guys could choose a 'dream tour' with currently active artists, who would you be sharing the stage with night after night? Kirwan: The Raveonettes, The Suuns and Geoff Barrow’s new band Beak>. Although, Portishead and The Cure would be dreams come true. Marnie: Tough question, but the answer would be to sing in Les Miserables.

SA: If you could narrow it down to one album that has been influential on your life, or even your musical path, which would it be and why? Kirwan: Super hard, so many, but I have to say, The Low End Theory by Tribe Called Quest. When that album was released, It made me appreciate writing, jazz, hip-hop, rhythm and why the feel of music is something that sets good music apart from bad music. That album with songs like Vibes and Stuff just puts you in a place, from the first noises you hear. It changed my life as a kid and made me obsessed with hip-hop. Number 2 is a tie between Pornography by the Cure and Ritual de lo Habitual by Jane’s Addiction. Marnie: Les Miserables.

SA: Have you been to any concerts recently, in Ottawa or elsewhere, that have been particular inspiring? Kirwan: For sure, a few years ago I saw The Cure life in a small theatre in New York. It was called Reflections Tour. They played their first three Albums, start to finish then 2 more sets up rare and old tunes with the original line up, including Lol Tolhurst. It was mind blowing. Robert Smith is a God, people need to realize how good he is. I also saw Guru (of Gangstarr fame) and I saw one of James Browns last concerts. Polica and The Suuns are great live as well. Oh, I saw Portishead and The Breeders, during their last tours, amazing and beyond inspiring. Marnie: Seeing LCD Soundsystem last year at Bluesfest was insane. My god they are good. 

SA: What can we expect from Paragon Cause moving forwards in 2018? Our best wishes for your continued success! Kirwan: Well, you will see some surprises I hope. We are writing and recording our next album. We also want to do more soundtracks for podcasts and film. We currently do some of the music for a big Canadian Podcast called The Night Time Podcast. We love just playing ambient stuff and making sounds. We also want a cello player and perhaps some sort of percussionist. Also, a French Horn would be nice on our next album.

[kpopgerapitico]

Song of the Week

I have a queue built, and two posts in a day?!?!?! I haven’t been this on top of my blogging life in 6 months.

Anyways, here’s some music

Honorable Mentions:

There is a lot to be said about a good bass line in any song. And while I did my time as a high school musician, I am by no means qualified to talk about it. But in terms of an example, this week has a great one, that takes the forgettable ballad Forgotten by Ji Woo Jin, and elevates it to something way better. I love the sample/live instrumentation they used, and the bass line is stunning throughout.

If you are in the mood for rock, AboutU probably has you covered with one of 3 different songs whose MVs finally became accessible this week. First is Sse Han De, which has some fun retro vibes mixed with clean vocals, and a fairly strong electric guitar sound. Yesterlove is their addition to the massive genre of acoustic ballad. And Wonderful is what happens when punk meets a classic rock bass, and ballad vocals. I like it but don’t love it.

I could have been really behind I.C.E’s Shameless, but it is just a little bit too much of a dance track, so I couldn’t get into it the way I want, even with the really cool riff at the end of the chorus.

If you miss San E and can’t quite wait for him to comeback, J.yung may be able to help tide you over, with a cute video and some really nice production on Can I. He sounds good for the most part, and shows a decent range, even if the vocal has some auto tune in it.

Or maybe you are looking for the San E that tends towards pastel colors, fun beats, and songs that are almost annoyingly addicting. Then Gray has produced another song for you this week with Sleepy. iD is a song that is not deep at all, but it is fun, and sometimes that is what you want for your music.

Do I understand what is happening in the MV of djfriz’ Dive? No. Do I need to understand it to see how nicely animated it is? Also no. It is easily the most interesting MV I’ve seen so far this year. Also, the song has pop flute, so like, that’s cool.

It can’t just be me that hears the beat from Fancy in the start of Baby Don’t Stop from NCT U. I love all of the parts with singing, and most of the musical choices throughout, even the Stranger Things -esque electronic sample. It is the combination of all of it together that I’m not super sure. I think it will take a few more listens for me to decide if this is a Boss moment, or a Cherry Bomb moment for me.

I’m sure you probably saw all over tumblr about J Hope’s Daydream. It is good. I don’t love it, but that doesn’t surprise me, with how much BTS as a whole can be hit or miss for me.

All the fun harmonies are not enough for me to forgive JB for his almost mullet. I am over that style having a comeback. I am not over Hyolyn working with GOT7 on One and Only You.

I really like the distorted vocal in the back of Roydo’s CRZY. It was enough to make me pay attention, but not quite enough to get over the much more cookie cutter verse. It’s still worth a mention for a relative unknown.

There are some 90s vibes or something in Cheetah’s I’ll Be There, because I am getting hit by lots of nostalgia throughout listening. And her rapping is on point, so it is a win win.

When you finally get to the chorus of True Love, you finally get the kind of solo sound you are used to hearing from Kim Sung Gyu. And it is a solo sound that I have always loved, so I’m happy as can be waiting through verses that are simple just for the stunning chorus. It hits all the notes of the expected, and in this case, that doesn’t bother me.

Despite a lot of songs that I liked this week, not one has stuck with me at all. So no winner. 

Instead, someone needs to explain to me what Planetarium Records is. Or who. Or how it is that everybody is sleeping on great vocals and great raps and on point production. Genie Music has a bunch of live performances from them that are AMAZING. I’m making a list of them to listen to when I want to remember what they were like when they first started, because there is no way they are not going places.

[airadam]

Episode 136 : Protection

"I'm a walking heart attack, looking for somebody to happen..."

- Boogieman

Still shut up in the house for the most part, which at least gives me a chance to really dig through my crates, vinyl and otherwise! This month's selection has some great recent records, some older underground favourites, and a mix segment I've been wanting to do for ages - figured this episode was as good a time as any!

Twitter : @airadam13

Twitch : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

Mac Ayres : Shadows

If nothing else, this enforced time spent in the house has yielded some great musical discoveries. I heard this cut on a DJ Jazzy Jeff Twitch session, and bought it immediately as soon as I found out what it was! Mac Ayers is a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist from Long Island, and if he's already turning out material like this in his early 20s, I can only imagine what it'll be with more experience. This is a highlight on last year's "Juicebox" album, and one that those who enjoy the modern soul sound will almost certainly enjoy!

[DJ Premier] Prhyme : My Calling (Instrumental)

This beat from "Prhyme 2" is so, so good. DJ Premier continues to turn out fresh creations over thirty years since his debut, with more different styles than he's often given credit for. The pianos sound like falling rain, the low end is the solid ground, and everything else fits perfectly around them.

Ski Beatz & Stalley : Gentlemen's Quarterly

Smooth from the lyrics to Ski Beatz' sophisticated production, this is a cut I'd managed to forget about until I rediscovered it in my collection recently. Find it on the "Ski Beatz 24 Hour Karate School Presents Twilight" (snappy!) LP, if you can find a reasonably-priced copy!

LL Cool J ft. Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe, and Foxy Brown : I Shot Ya (Remix)

A classic from the mid-90s. LL brought in some of the hottest MCs of the time alongside a young Foxy Brown making her on-record debut for a Trackmasters-produced street banger. The "Mr. Smith" album is the source for this often-sampled gem.

O.C. & Organized Konfusion : You Won't Go Far

Unapologetic boom-bap from this all-NYC combination, taken from the second volume of the "New Jersey Drive" soundtrack. Of all the tracks on that release, it's the one that hews closest to the plot of the film itself, which itself makes it a standout in the world of 90s Hip-Hop/R&B soundtracks! OK self-produced this one, and rather than give each MC a verse each, they split each verse between the three of them for more of a tag-team feel.

Rise : Make Sure That We Win

Note: I got this wrong on the voiceover - this is a Beatminerz beat, not DJ Spinna. Spinna produced the excellent "Part of the Game" on the same EP.

Rise is an MC out of Brooklyn and the Demigodz crew, who has a knack for punchlines and quotables within a laid back style - he just seems puzzled by wack MCs most of the time! The Beatminerz provide the beat with the fuzzbox guitars moving all over the soundscape and the classic boom-bap drum style and some sub bass to give it the heft. DJ Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz rounds things out with his cuts for the hook. Grab this and a couple of other great tracks on the 2003 "The Intro..." EP.

Pete Rock : Air Smoove

"Petestrumentals 2" may not become the low-key icon that the first instalment did, but don't sleep on it - it's still Pete Rock on the beats, after all.  I keep going back to it and finding myself enjoying tracks more and more, with this being a prime example.

Above The Law ft. 2Pac and Money B : Call It What U Want

I once nearly got into a fight (the other guy was heated) when I off-handedly mentioned that I remembered when 2Pac had been a dancer for Digital Underground - but it was true, and there was never any shame in it! Anyway, it was also with that crew that he made initial strides onto the mic, and after going solo himself, this was one of his first features, alongside Money B from DU. Above The Law's "Black Mafia Life", from which this is taken, is one of the most overlooked albums that could claim the accolade of "classic" when you listen to how it sounded and how early it was made - I strongly recommend that every listener seeks it out for an end-to-end hearing. It's striking to realise that of the four MCs on this cut, only two are still with us today - RIP 2Pac and KMG.

DJ Quik ft. Pharoahe Monch & K.K. : Murda 1 Case

An absolute stomper from Compton's finest, leading with the piano, keeping the drums hard but simple (kicks on 1 and 3 only, snares on 2 and 4), and three MCs going at it. On this clear standout on 2002's "Under Tha Influence", the underrated Quik holds his own against one of the best to pick up a mic, and shows the confidence and intelligence as a producer to know that this was the man to bring in for the closing verse.

De La Soul : Verbal Clap

Many years after their debut, De La remind you that they can get busy on a state-of-the-art thumping beat with no problem - in this case, a masterful creation by J Dilla, one of two on 2004's "The Grind Date". Dave's rhyme style here is extra raw and he dominates by sheer brute force, standing out even on an album where De La sound highly-motivated overall. If you don't yet know it, it's well worth your while to search it out and have a proper listen.

Mr. Scruff ft. Broke 'n' English : Listen Up

Manchester all the way on this track, with the DJ and producer Mr Scruff getting the drumline mad active with a nice bassline, and Strategy and DRS of Broke 'n' English bringing all the local flavour on the mic. This great cut is on the flip of the also-excellent "Nice Up The Function" 12", which is now available digitally - so no difficulty in finding a copy!

[The Neptunes] Busta Rhymes : Pass The Courvoisier, Part II (Instrumental)

A great party beat, one to get people moving even without Busta and Pharrell's vocals!

AZ : Take Care Of Me

From his very first LP, AZ was flowing over soul/R&B samples, so it wasn't a reach for him to make a track like this for "Aziatic", his fourth. Precision soundtracks it with a "no samples" approach which for the non-Bad Boy producers tended to be the move for the club/radio tracks, and it's aged fairly well. AZ's lyrics are definitely reflective of the time - cellphones are so unremarkable in 2020!

Krumb Snatcha ft. Boogieman : Oxygen

Krumb Snatcha is pretty much as rugged as it gets, but here he shows that while he can give you an underground street classic like "Closer To God", there's still time to have fun! This track from his second LP "Respect All, Fear None" isn't what you might expect from KS but I think he did a solid job here. Nottz' beat bumps and burbles with a solid low end, and the guest MC Boogieman, who's already collaborated with him previously, steals the show with a casually disrespectful closing verse - not a particularly technical one, but entertaining!

Mic Geronimo : Nothin' Move But The Money

This record was hated when it came out, of all the tracks in this section, it was the most blatant pander to the pop audience - after all, Puffy (now Diddy) was the producer! This was amplified by the fact that Queens' own Mic Geronimo was a darling of the underground scene after his excellent debut LP "The Natural", and this is a million miles away stylistically. "Vendetta" was a big change, and arguably a bit of a career killer because of it. Have a look at the video - every so often, Mic actually looks pretty uncomfortable! 

Goodie Mob ft. Big Boi and Backbone : Get Rich To This

This was the next most derided track when it was released - if someone else had recorded it, it may have been received for what it was, but again, this was a serious sonic whiplash for anyone who had heard "Soul Food" or "Still Standing". It was still Organized Noize on production, still the same MCs (plus guests), but definitely not what people were expecting, by and large. I can't front though - I kind of liked it even then! The "World Party" LP is the source for this one.

[Kenny Dope] L Swift : Ride This (Instrumental)

Crispy clean drums and a nice guitar line are the highlights of this beat from a 2000 12" by one of the MCs from the incredible Natural Elements (now reformed, with L Swift as Swigga). The vocal version features A Butta from NE and the B-side is produced by Spinna, so well worth picking up if you see it!

Toots & The Maytals : Funky Kingston

We close the episode with the title track of the 1973 album by the reggae legend "Toots" Hibbert, who passed away this month at the age of 77, and his band. The throatiness of his delivery on this classic cut does bring to mind the American funk godfather James Brown, but the message and the groove is pure yard. It may be almost fifty years old now, but still moves a dancefloor with ease!

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!

[rqs902]

.

im honestly really happy for 銀河 bc they really went out of their box and tried something new and the arrangement was turned out really cool, good for fsc

but theres just something about their performance that feels off... besides the voice crack, it felt like xu yang was rushing? which is big issue for percussionists esp if he and fsc are supposed to be keeping the beat together... maybe im just not used to what electric cello should sound like but pengpeng’s tone sounded scratchy to me again and i feel like he doesnt pay enough attention to the way he ends his strokes? and am i just hallucinating or is their mixing off again bc i just feel like i hardly hear zjy... again. but id love to listen to a studio version of this song bc i think itd solve those issues and the song itself is nice. 

lol why do they keep showing jym when xy is talking??? 

oh i wasnt the only one who thought xu yang was rushing but yea he looked really into the perf and really excited and thats great to see hes really happy on stage but he also has to keep himself calm enough to keep the beat 

oookayyy theres also something off with the tempo in 午睡’s performance and maybe im just being too picky but it really threw me off when they transitioned from bjg to ljt in that first chorus. i think it was the guitar entering too early? i cant tell if i should be more picky towards jym’s drumming bc when there’s rushing i usually go straight to the person whos holding the beat, and he should be the one keeping them together, but if someone else is rushing im glad he was able to keep up to at least rush as one group...lol. but i am glad that they were able to incorporate muji’s sound pretty well in this type of song, i was a little worried about that at first. tbh i dont think ljt and bjg’s voices match really well LOL awkward. and also awkward that they didnt let ljt play guitar too? like hes just jamming out on air while bjg is singing. idk maybe its an optics preference but i just find it awkward. 

i appreciate that ljt has really found a home in his group that can make him feel comforted. the way bjg was saying that ljt felt insecure on his own at the front but then comforted when he turned around and saw his group members behind him. that just makes me think of how lonely he must have been these last few years on his own. 

i appreciate that they have dada making sure to call out each member so they have time to talk during this live broadcast 

i feel like dada could’ve called attention to the fact that he was a witness to ljt and zzn on mrzz1 more tactfully but okay that was kinda awkward 

yoooo im down for a ljt x nana collab, their voices would be so nice oo 

lol i have no background on hyt and jmq, ill need to look into how they know each other

why am i not surprised hyt just like leaves them all in the dust of his go kart lollll im glad xiao xiong is gonna learn something new bc itll be good for him to have more than one thing to do, esp if theres so many other vocals in their group LOL 

but lol awkward ma zhe’s singing is questionable. voice cracking aside, hes very pitchy today... hm i feel like he probably overworked his vocals during practice :\ but also i dont think they fit zhao ke’s rap into this song well. his mic also isnt turned up loud enough, so the mixing feels unbalanced. wow hyt’s outfit tho, this boy’s not playing around LOL also is it just me or does jmq feel unnecessary LOL 

poor ma zhe is feeling real guilty. i respect him for keeping it together as much as he is, you can tell hes really disappointed in himself. 

isnt it kinda sad that 氣運 literally had to mess up so obviously for them to get a worse score than 銀河... also i feel like tencent is prob using this opportunity to put 氣運 third so they can boost 午睡 and fruit planet bc everyone knows 氣運 doesnt need any more help LOL 

yo muji and xiao wu being bros yess

AWWW seeing xiao zhi complimenting qiang ge’s suo na playing and then qiang ge being all modest like “i can accept this” AW i love them and i love how supportive xiao zhi is and how qiang ge can be proud of himself. 

i just love how fun fruit planet it. im just so happy to see that xiao wu really helped pull yrz and qiang ge out of their shells! actually all of them really looked like they were having such fun and i think xiao wu has a part in this. i really like how fruit planet has a running theme of happiness but also simplicity. their music’s sound has a simplicity to it that makes it sound easy-going and fun. not that the music itself is simple, but its just not overbearing and has enough pause and clarity that there are breaks in the song where you can see through the layers of sound and i appreciate that. 

wow i dont remember yrz ever singing this strongly before. i think yrz and xiao wu’s singing both fit well, both have different edges of fun and freedom. and im grateful they used the suo na as a highlight bc it adds an important touch but wasnt overwhelming. 

xiao wu calling out xiao zhi with respect for his leadership i loveee 

yrz talking about how xiao wu gave him strength and qiang ge saying xiao wu gave him courage aw and i can totally see xiao wu bringing sunshine to wsh

lol wait..... they totally skipped you zi.... is this on purpose bc dada has literally called out every other contestant to speak prior to this.

ohh i totally forgot xiao wu did feature on mrzz1 with zzn lol what a coincidence. i always just think of the two of them being on cyzj together but yes i do hope that fruit planet can be #winners like zzn and xiao wu in the future too then hahahaha

IF THIS ISNT THE CUTEST THING 

impromptu group hug!!! as gem’s complimenting how much xiao wu helped them and xiao wu’s just like hey hey listen to what the teacher has to say, kids!!

can we also talk about how ps literally used the same score sheet for all 3 previous perfs until this one he was like f it i need to give them a higher score LOL 

i love how nana is so proud of being a fruit planet member hahahaha can we pls talk about what fruit xiao wu is??? or will tencent not give zy the screentime 

i never thought id need to see xiao zhi comforting ma zhe like this until now

man we all knew 銀河 was gonna lose but at the same time they lost by kinda a lot :\ but also man how will they ever explain anyone other than 氣運 winning at this point LOL the difference is so real

man zhao ke including 熱帶低壓 in his lyrics last time and this time fsc mentioning 熱帶低壓 along with 202... oof xiao li’s the only one left. this shot is so painful 熱帶低壓 really left a big impression on zhao ke

man so many tears but i wonder if wjjw is gonna sign all of these kids lol

im excited for maomao to be on the last ep! i love his friendship with ljt!! but also kinda sad / surprised that next week is gonna be the last ep. this has been a heck of a trip but i cant believe itll be over soon. im wishing no matter what happens, fruit planet can keep making music 

also completely unrelated i just saw a video of yyg talking to lry and tyler about childhood tv and him imitating “one more thing” from jackie chan adventures im LOL 

[thebandcampdiaries]

Required for Entry - Just the Tip

November 2020 - Required for Entry is a band with a focus on combining classic pop-punk influences with deeper soundscapes, adding a more in-depth atmosphere to the staple sonics of the genre. The group’s most recent studio EP is titled “Just the Tip.” It features 6 studio songs, including the fitting opener “About You.” This song sets the mood for the rest of the release, highlighting the band’s penchant for great hooks and catchy melodies. The second song, “Cure,” is a truly fantastic addition, combining amazing vocals with a steady groove.

The next track, “City Lights and Summer Nights” is another highlight, and definitely one of the hardest-hitting songs on this EP. The guitars are roaring and powerful, adding different dynamics to the mix.

Last but not least, “Goodbye and Farewell” is a great curtain closer, sending us off with. The following song “That One Night” actually makes me think of melodic hardcore bands like NOFX, going for a more direct and forward-thinking sound that still remains true to the style of 90s punk music. The song “Smile” is a really good example of a song that takes the sonics to the next level. The guitar has a cool flanging effect that reminds of of some great 80s sounds, but with a more modern twist. The instrumental track is perfectly balanced, allowing the vocals to really stand out and pop to the forefront of the mix. There are many contributing factors that make the sound truly excellent: partly, it is due to the expertly crafted mix, and partly due to the clever arrangements and spontaneous performance. This release is a combination of passion, focus and vision, and it combines instinctive artistry with true technical expertise, bridging the gaps between the best of both worlds.

This release is highly recommend if you enjoy the sound of bands such as Blink-182, as well as Dead Rituals, Neck Deep or Angels & Airwaves, only to mention but a few. “Just The Tip” is now available on streaming platforms, and all of the band’s streaming revenue are donated to organizations such as the NAACP legal defense fund, and Color Of Change.

https://www.instagram.com/requiredforentry/

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/requiredforentry/just-the-tip

We also had the chance to have a chat with Required For Entry: keep reading for more!

I love how you manage to render your tracks so personal and organic. Does the melody come first, or do you focus on the beat the most?

Answer: rarely do we sit down and say "let's make a new song". Almost always our songs come from jam sessions eliminating the pressure that comes with writing a good song. I think this method allows us to play around with different elements of sound. thats how you get songs like "Cure" and "About you" to be on the same project, even if they sound like songs from two different bands. Melodies are the main focus. We love pop-punk because the song structures can be simple and easy but what makes the song catchy is the melody.

Do you perform live? If so, do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio?

Answer:  Definitely prefer to be on stage. we can't seem to capture the energy of our sound in a studio. I think that's the catch about playing this type of music. You get on stage, turn the amps to 10, and let the music do the talking. A studio is to formal and sometimes feels limiting to what we can actually do.

If you could only pick one song to make a “first impression” on a new listener, which song would you pick and why?

Answer: Smile is definitely the track that can win anyone over. We listen to it and are still suprised that we wrote that song. The beautiful intro, the heavy guitars, the transitions between chorus and versus, just makes you want to dance. Its a love song rollercoaster ride and is one of our favorite songs to play live.

What does it take to be “innovative” in music?

Answer: We started our band as a means to hang out and have fun. It was never about being the greatest band that has ever existed, it was about having a good time. We think if we were to chase the goal of being different we might have to sacrifice a piece of our identity. We have so much fun making these songs and in return we just want people to enjoy them too.

Any upcoming release or tour your way?

Answer: Tour? I wish. Covid stopped so many bands from being able to go out and play but the second we can get on stage we will take advantage of it. We just released our first professionally recorded EP "Just the Tip". We have been making music for many years but this project has way more people involved and seemed to capture our sound the way we like it. We have been so excited about the feedback it has been receiving that we are already recording a second project with a tentative early 2021 release.

Anywhere online where curious fans can listen to your music and find out more about you?

Answer: We just recently created an Instagram page where anyone can find out what's going on with the band. We have been posting updates of any new music and so far all of the accomplishments our EP has been able to do. We are on all major streaming platforms so whatever is your favorite, we are on it!