#when does jay release a rock album

[elllisaaa]

FEELING GOOD - ENHA HYUNG LINE

KINKTOBER DAY 22 - APHRODISIACS + GROUP SEX

SUMMARY : to celebrate the release of the new album of your friends, you decided to make them some cocktails. exept that they don't taste like they usually do, and when the fifth of you start to feel hot and bothered, you definitely understand that someone put something in your drinks.

-> pairing : heeseung x jay x jake x sunghoon x fem!reader

-> words count : 1k

-> genre : smut

-> warnings : use of aphrodisiacs (obviously), group sex (5 people), some mxm shit (don't like it, don't read it), alcohol consumption, mention of drugs, making out, foreplay, ridding, dirty talk, fingering, dry humping, hair pulling, handjob

+ the way i'm depicting heeseung, jay, jake and sunghoon does not represent them, it's only a work of fiction

-> 18+ content bellow, minors DNI

-> reblogs and feedbacks are appreciated ! sorry for any mistakes, english is not my first language.

-> masterlist | enha masterlist | kinktober 2024

Your special talent - if you could call it like that - was that you were extremely good at making drinks. You could probably have been a bartender if you hadn’t chosen to be a photographer. So you always ended up making drinks for your friends when there was something to celebrate or when you were at parties. And tonight wasn’t an exception as you had prepared a whole set of different cocktails to congratulate your friends for the release of their new album. It had become a tradition to spend the night together drinking, and sometimes smoking, so you were all pretty used to the quantity of alcohol you put in those drinks. Nothing could go wrong, right ?

Right ?

Except that only three cocktails in, you all felt like you were reaching the state you were in at the end of the night. And you knew it was bad when Sunghoon - who was always the most level-headed and the one with the highest alcohol tolerance - started to laugh about nothing and everything. And as time went on, you started to feel dizzy and most of all hot. Really hot. 

“- God, it’s so fucking hot in here…”

The fours guys laying on the couch with you grunted in approval, and Jay even stood up to go open one of the windows, hoping that the cold air of the night would cool you down. But it did nothing to help. The more cocktails you downed, the hotter you felt. And slowly, you realized that it wasn’t that the room was hot, it was that you were. Hot as in wet as hell. Hot as in Heeseung’s lips did not look that bad to kiss and make out right now. 

It all happened in blink of an eye, none of you really thinking too much about it or being conscious enough to process it, but the next thing you knew was that you were sitting on Jay’s lap, his tongue down your throat and Sunghoon’s chest pressed against your back, roaming his hands all over your body. As you detached yourself from him, you took in the scene taking place just by your side on that same couch : Jake literally licking into Heeseung’s mouth. 

“- Fuck…”

The three of you stayed there, as if hypnotized by the scenario unfolding in front of your eyes. You knew this was something that wouldn’t have happened if any of you were in your right state of mind, that there must have been something wrong with the mixing of your drinks, that you might’ve made them a little bit too strong, but you were already far too gone to care. The way Jake was whining in Heeseung’s mouth, and the way Heeseung was tugging on Jake’s hair was too arousing to stop looking. As they finally parted their lips, they looked out of it - pupils blown out with desire, heavily panting, and rock hard in their pants from what you could see. 

You were brought back to reality by the way Sunghoon landed his hands around your waist, letting one of his hands dip into your shorts and rub your clit over your panties. The friction sent a shockwave through your body, making you gasp and take a hold of Jay’s hair (who was currently devouring your neck). You felt very sensitive, more than usual, and the thrill coursing through your veins seemed different too - more intense, as if all your sensations had been multiplied. But it felt so good, and you weren’t conscious enough to want to inquire what was happening, simply letting Sunghoon push two of his fingers inside of you, moaning loudly right in Jay’s ears. The way you were barely moving on top of him to meet his friend’s hand offered him a little amount of friction that still felt incredibly good, his hands grabbing your ass roughly to make you rock your hips faster, forcing Sunghoon’s fingers deeper into you. And the way Jay made you move allowed Sunghoon’s bulge to rub against your ass too, his own grunts mixing with yours and Jay’s sounds. 

This whole concerto was what brought Jake and Heesung out of their frenzy, drool spilling from the corners of Jake’s mouth as they both took in the sinful view of what was happening on the other side of the couch. Sinful but so fucking hot that Jake couldn’t help but whine and buck up his hips in the air, desperate to feel more. He didn’t need more than to hear your high-pitched whimpers, to steal you away from his friends, pushing Heeseung away so you could sit on his lap instead. And with how embarrassingly wet you were, it was easy for him to slide right in, making the two of you moan in harmony at how good it felt to finally have something real. 

“- Fuck… You feel so good…”

You only whined in response, your whole mind absolutely blinded by the heat that had taken over your body. You didn’t waste time to start bouncing on top of Jake, his hands holding your ass and supporting your movements as the both of you uncontrollably moaned. You felt so hot, so responsive, it was like you could cum right this second, without too much effort. And Jake didn’t look like he would be able to last much longer either, if his high-pitched moans and his eyes rolling to the back of his head every time you dropped back down on his cock were any hints. 

And as Jake buried his face in between your breasts, you turned your head to the side to take a look at the three others guys, staring at the both of you with greedy, lustful looks on their faces. But what was even more appealing was the way they were all jerking each other off, without even realizing it. They looked so gone, and so fucking attractive like that. Heeseung cracked an eye open, panting loudly because of the fast rhythm of Sunghoon’s fists around his cock and he looked right at you. 

“- You’re next Hee…”

A smirk spread on his lips at your words, and as you came around Jake with a loud moan, you didn’t regret one bit putting aphrodisiacs in the drinks.

-> i don't allow any copies, reposts or translations of my works.

enha taglist (fill in this to be added) :

@lala-----------lala @bbgnyx @rikiives @puppy-minnie @binniesbabygirl @lichyuu @foxinnie8 @hyunstxns @seomisaho @adirajackson @han-to-my-minho @dylanobr1ens @straytiny127

kinktober taglist (dm or comment to be added) :

@d-dilemma @bath1lda @leeknowinggg @anxiousskylar @mikaelless

[acewizardinspace]

@hyper-dorphin I am so sorry, but tumblr ate your ask. When I hit ‘save draft’ it vanished into the void.

I didn’t take a screenshot of the exact wording, but the ask basically said he liked my posts about Jay from Star Wars Visions V1 ep2, headcanoned Luke as a fan of the Star Wavers, and thought of the idea of Jay writing an album about jedi culture that he released after the fall of the empire.  

I am just happy to find another Jay fan! I honestly thought I was the only one to care about this minor character. He sparks so much joy in me, I am glad my posts were enjoyable to you too!

I am obsessed with the idea of Jay writing an album based on jedi culture. This is literally a galaxy brain idea. I can see it starting as a coping mechanism, a way of mourning and moving forward. He writes about everything that was lost, never really thinking he would be able to share it with anyone but his bandmates. But then the empire does fall, and all of a sudden he doesn’t need to hide his heritage anymore and he has the freedom to share his culture with the world, so he does. He puts it all out there so that the jedi can never be forgotten again.

I hadn’t even thought about Luke being a Star Waver fan, but you are so right. They are both from Tatooine so it totally makes sense. Imagine Luke saving up his allowance to buy their albums and merch, or sneaking out to go to concerts. What if Luke just felt so connected to this band in a way he can’t fully describe? And everyone is just like, ‘yeah, we get it you are a hyper fan,’ but no, their music really makes him feel something. He doesn’t figure out quite what till years later, but he knows they are connected somehow.

So, I made a post about how Jay could kind of end up helping the rebellion here.

This just makes me think though, imagine Luke, chilling, listing to his favorite band and Leia casually says, “Oh, I know them.” Luke thinks she meet the band at an event or something because she was a princess but no, she says she knew them through the rebellion. Imagine finding out your favorite band does undercover work to help overthrow the empire. That would be like discovering, say, Harry Styles, is a spy. Luke will never be the same after that revelation.

Ohhh and imagine Jay showing up at Luke’s new jedi temple. Weather he decides to become a jedi again or not (I like both versions) he would totally want to visit at least. From Luke’s POV though this would be like the Beyoncé meme. He is just trying to restart a school when a famous rock star shows up and compliments his work. Luke is like:

You can find my Jay tag here.

[andkisses]

♡ them as speak now (tv) | enha ♡

ot7!enha headcanon: inspired by songs off of speak now (taylor's version)

♡ ot7 x gn!reader | wc. 1.6k ♡ genres/tropes: fluff! some make outs i dont make the rules 🤷🏻‍♀️ ♡ mentions of/warnings: none lmk if i missed anything ♡ a/n: little something for every member <3 jungwon’s first and the rest below the cut ^^ the header is so pretty purple on top fr i meant to do this when the album released by it never happened lol enjoy !! also lowercase intended <;33 ♡ masterlist ♡

✧･ﾟ: * jungwon - long live

it’s loud when you grab his hand, the whole room cheering. for what, jungwon has forgotten the moment he felt your fingers against his. he can barely hear you as he reads your lips: “remember this moment.” and suddenly there’s a crown on his head and on yours and then–that force he can’t ever ignore, not with you. the red string of fate tied between the two of you that pulls you together, his hand to your cheek and your lips against his. there’s no more cheering, just the sound of jungwon’s heartbeat and his thoughts. he wonders if you feel the same, if your heart feels so full it might just pop with petals and confetti everywhere, just like his. and when he opens his eyes, jungwon wipes away your happy tears as you laugh into his arms. homecoming royalty–who would have thought? he remembers when he was too shy to talk to you, now he’s ready to stand by your side for as long as possible. jungwon leans in to kiss you again, his mind clear and happy as the camera flash pops and he feels your smile against his lips, and he knows. “promise me,” he whispers against your skin. “always remember?” your arms wrap around his torso, and jungwon wraps his around your shoulders. your always, he decides, is his new favorite sound.

✧･ﾟ: * heeseung - i can see you

messy, he knows, but not sloppy. you two shouldn’t see each other, or so they say. campus rivals gunning for the same position in clubs, the same achievements and awards and accolades. they should hate each other, is what you hear. but heeseung knows he could never, ever hate you. not even if he tried. he can’t even hate how the two of you have to act like spies, covert and not getting caught, because he likes keeping you secret. it’s selfish, really, but he can’t help it. your touch makes him dizzy, even the slightest brush of your hand against his passing in the hall sends his mind into overdrive. the things he sees in his head, what he imagines when he sees you waiting down the hall for him, drives him as he kisses you against the wall with fever. his hands at your waist, yours in his hair. heeseung knows this can’t last forever, so he’s counting the days until you can be his all the time, not just in small stolen moments. when the competition won’t matter, when what’s done is done and he can hold your hand walking to class and give you kisses goodbye. when you can slip into his dorm or he into yours, and neither of you have to worry about being seen. when there’s no more notes, because you’re finally in sync with one another. that’s what heeseung is waiting for, working for.

✧･ﾟ: * jay - ours

it’s how, no matter how busy, the two of you always find time for each other. jay isn’t sure when you slipped the note into his lunch, but he’s happy you did. seeing your handwriting and a little smiley face and heart lifts his spirits. especially when people around him are always asking questions and throwing metaphorical rocks: “aren’t you a little too young to know what love is?” but jay does know. it’s how your hand always finds his if you’re standing beside each other. how you’ll talk to each other, debriefing each other about your days, tucked beneath the covers, nose to nose. how, when you can’t sleep, he knows to rub your back in soothing patterns. he shares riddles with you, his notes in your lunch, and patiently waits for you to text him guesses. it’s how, after a long day, you find yourselves draped over each other in a corner of the couch, savoring each other’s breathing and relishing the okay silence. he doesn’t have to talk to you, or you to him. holding each other at the end of the day, you’ve both discovered, is more than enough to recharge. with you in his lap, your head tucked against his chest and beneath his chin, jay can’t imagine anything better. this love, he decides, shines, and it's yours forever.

✧･ﾟ: * jake - enchanted

you came to him like a light, jake remembers. some dumb college party feeling lonely because he knew no one, and everyone only talked to him in passing. then–you. a light at the far end of the room, something he was drawn to. when your eyes met, the spark of recognition filled jake–but he wasn’t sure if he’d ever met you before. then, jostled together by the crowd, he caught you before you fell, hands careful around your arms before letting go. and he remembers wondering if you felt the feeling as well. and no one warned jake about how you would be all he thought about–how his eyes would search for you everywhere, all over campus and elsewhere, because why wouldn’t he? left so wonderstruck he’s surprised he can get anything done. but then–that chance encounter in the stairwell, seeing you again, and jake swore to himself he wouldn’t let you go so easily this time. his first page, his chapter one, begins with will you go out with me? it’s followed by a coy smile and an i will. and now here, months later, as the sunlight streams in through the curtains on this early lazy morning. jake is careful not to move, you’re still asleep. the sunlight, he decides, reminds him of you. a light, full of wonderstruck. he plants a gentle kiss to the crown of your head, and smiles when the hand on his chest holds on that much tighter.

✧･ﾟ: * sunghoon - sparks fly

pouring rain as silence falls over the two of you, and sunghoon waits with bated breath trying to determine what you’ll do next. he didn’t mean to confess like this, soaking wet and just out of arm’s reach at the end of an argument. he had been acting “weird” because he didn’t want to ruin this friendship you had–one that had gone on for so long, but then he said it. i’m so in love with you, and i have been. it feels like slow motion as he watches the raindrops hit your cheeks and you step close to him. sunghoon can’t help it, he laughs, one short hah with a smile on his face because, somehow, you’re still here. he shivers when your hands come up to comb his hair out of the way, and his hands come up to rest securely at your hips. lightning strikes somewhere else, a rumble of thunder coming your way. the harsh yellow street light illuminates your spot in the dark. your hands go around his neck, and now there’s barely a space between you.  “you’re captivating,” you whisper, before closing the gap and pressing your lips to his. you’re sweet and everything sunghoon wished for, pulling apart with a gasp to laugh again, his joy uncontained, he pulls you close, and revels in how you nuzzle into his chest. he’ll miss your touch when you aren’t with him, but he knows you’ll feel the same. and that’s captivating.

✧･ﾟ: * sunoo - when emma falls in love

there have been other’s before you, of course. some came and went, and some stayed longer than others. now: you. the guards he built up at first would never have allowed it, letting you in like this after everyone else. but even when sunoo was unusually cold, you stayed. bit by bit, sunoo felt it. love, the ooey gooey kind that sticks to everything and changes how you see things, even color. because it isn’t just a color anymore. it’s your favorite. or the one you look best in. or the one that matches your eyes. sunoo falls, and he knows others can see it, like how stars shine in the night. and before he confesses, and after a few dates, sunoo locks himself in, paces imaginary ruts into the floor. he tries to talk himself out of it, but his heart talks him back in. he used to always look for the rain, but with you? he finds out his heart fits in the palm of your hand, and as sunoo stares up at you, his head in your lap and your fingers combing through his hair, sunoo is okay to let you keep it. something tells sunoo, this is it. his shelter, his love. and he’s oh so okay with it. he pours out his love, words after words, actions after action, kisses after kisses. yes, there have been ones before you, but sunoo will be damned before letting anyone else come after.

✧･ﾟ: * niki - mine

people tell him all the time he should “keep his options open.” but niki knew the moment you walked into the diner he worked at, you were the one. how could you not be? now, here you were, your first official date–one that didn’t include you coming around to see him at the diner. there’s too many feelings running through his body–fear and excitement and nervousness and–god, you’re just right there. inches from him. what should he do? the lakewater laps against the shore down far in front of you two. then it happens. niki turns to ask you something, and he’s forgotten now because you’ve done the same thing and somehow between you leaning and him ducking down–a kiss. your first kiss with each other. you stare at each other, lips askew and kissing each other’s corners. but then, like magic, you close your eyes and break apart just enough to kiss again, for real this time, and now niki’s emotions feel like they’re times ten. after who knows how long–not niki, he could stay here forever–you pull away again. his eyes flutter open, and he savors the redness of your cheeks, knowing his must be just the same. he reaches out to lace his fingers between yours. “be mine?” he asks, and you laugh, a joyous sound niki promises to keep around. you kiss him again. “of course, if you’ll be mine?”

[hdsheadphones]

first discover weekly of 2025

it's the first monday of 2025! for most people, this sentence is not deserving of an exclamation point. for most people, today means back to work. back to school. away from home. but today is a very important day for avid discover weekly listeners like myself. one of my new years resolutions is one i make every year: to listen to every single discover weekly of the year and try to add at least 100 new songs to my library a week. i was nervous for this one. i had been neglecting my discover weekly for the last month amid all of the holiday craziness and my desire to listen to justin bieber's under the mistletoe album on repeat in order to feel any ounce of christmas spirit. but this first discover weekly of the year has been one of the best in a while. in order to keep myself accountable, i am going to make weekly posts about the songs in my discover weekly and talk about the ones i enjoyed, the albums and artists i will be checking out thanks to it. ok. the rest of these will hopefully not be as long as this one. let me just start talking about the music.

Drream by JGrrey ft. Zombie Juice

JGrrey has appeared on my discover weekly a few times before. i actually found my favorite song by her, Half Full, from my discover weekly back in 2019. when i saw this song and saw that Zombie Juice from Flatbush Zombies was featured, i got excited. his feature feels straight out of the 90s. the chill piano in the back and the saxophone hits the right spot in my brain. i also really love when songs have pauses throughout the song like this one does. her voice saying "do me a favor, pause it" just scratches an itch for me. this song is from her 2023 album If Not Now? and i already had another song from this project in my liked songs. i think i will definitely be sitting down with this album after this. i also learned that she opened for billie eilish on her european tour!

PULL UP by Internet Girl

i had never heard of Internet Girl before, but after reading that their spotify bio says "for fans of Jean Dawson + Paris Texas + Teezo Touchdown + EKKSTACY" it all made sense. ever since Teezo Touchdown coined the term "rock and boom" to describe his style of music as "rnb with the intensity of rock and the penmanship of hiphop" i have been obsessed. that is actually what led me to get more into some of these other listed artists like Jean Dawson and Paris Texas. i really enjoyed this song from Internet Girl for the same reasons i like these other artists. i have been really enjoying this kind of hardcore punk rap with crazy guitars and drums and synth. they are also a trio hailing from South Africa which is always cool to see. my only qualm is that this song is so short! but all the more reason to go listen to the rest of their discography.

SON OF THE MORNING by Jøjo

ok i literally thought this was Tyler, the Creator when it came on. even down to some of the lines and cadences he uses ("with my chest out, y'all chest in" a la MANIFESTO from CMIYGL). obviously, it sounds good. it does just feel like. a Tyler song. the Chase The Devil sample is awesome. or it might technically be sampling the sample of the sample from Jay-Z's Lucifer produced by Kanye West. this song is from Jøjo's debut album released last year called ROMANCE DAWN. the obvious influence from other artists makes me curious to see what the rest of the album is like. everyone has to get their inspiration from somewhere, and that is made evident in this song. and it's probably why it has 200,000+ more streams than any of his other songs. i will be listening to this album just to see what else Jøjo has to offer.

update, i played this song for my partner and they started investigating. even people on reddit don't really know what's going on with this guy.

Enjoy Yourself by berryblue

this song sits in that sweet spot between pop and hyperpop. excitable pop. it doesn't have the sped-up high-pitched vocals, but it still has the other fun sounds going on. i didn't really care too much about this song. it was fun and cute. when i saw that berryblue was featured on "The Sound of H&M" playlist, it made sense. that's what this kind of stuff was made for. it did help for a moment to fill the PinkPantheress sized hole in my heart.

Praying for You by Neema Nekesa

speaking of the PinkPantheress sized hole in my heart. this song by ethiopian artist Neema Nekesa comes in at one minute and 47 seconds. and when it comes on it takes over my whole brain. the constant drum beat in the background plus her deep, smooth voice. this song came out in may of last year, and she dropped a second single alongside it just last month. she does not have an album out right now, but it looks like she's gearing up for one. i did already listen to the second single Believe Me, also short, at one minute and 30 seconds, and it was just as good! i'm looking forward to keeping tabs on her.

Akira by MICHELLE

i liked this one! i have listened to MICHELLE a bit before and always enjoyed them. it sounds like a bunch of their other stuff that i like. i have never sat and listened through one of their projects. this song is from their 2024 album Songs About You Specifically, which the title alone is enough to intrigue me. this song also gave me a kinda Still Woozy vibe in the beginning that drew me in with the funky sounds!

SOFALOVE by Javi Vera

this one was funnnnn. i had never heard of Javi Vera, and when i went to his page to see what recommended artists i might know, the only one that showed up was Hotel Ugly. it's kind of electronic with some cool bass riffs in the back. the lyrics about thinking someone was the love of your life and wondering why now you're sleeping on the couch. i was really into this. this song was from his 2024 album Junior Varsity. my only qualm is that this song is so short! but it's fun enough to where i don't mind playing it on repeat.

In The City, Outta Town by Yeek

i was really excited to see yeek on my discover weekly. i was obsessed with his 2021 album Valencia, and his song I'm Trying featuring Dominic Fike was one of my favorite discover weekly discoveries from 2023. the slow tempo and his smooth voice. im into it. this is from his album he dropped last year that i didnt know about.

take time by Isaiah kaleo

this was one i didn't add to my library. at first. upon relistening to write about it, i had remembered liking the saxophone in the beginning. about halfway through it picks up this fun percussion beat and picks the tempo up a bit. i liked this, it was nice! i think i just didn't care much for the vocals at first, but the music saved it.

TOOYUNG by colin!

i really love the resurgence of the 90s style rap among young artists. colin! mixes rap and jazz so well. it was so fun and funky and loud. i liked this.

Whatever by Cadillac Dale

getting samples from popular songs is one of my favorite parts of discover weekly. this song was sampled in Jack Harlow's 2023 hit Lovin' On Me, a song i was embarrassingly obsessed with. it was cool to hear the original, and i will be adding it to my playlist of samples!

ice (feat. BAMBII) by Ragz Originale ft. BAMBII

why so many songs under 2 mins it's killing me! this song was good! i really love the choppy sound mixed with the synth. neo-rnb is one of my favorite genres. their voices make it so smooth but it's still so engaging! i just wish i could have been engaged for longer than 2 minutes!

Maybe It's You by Pump Action

this might be my favorite song from this discover weekly! fun little indie moment. i really love the part where they say "i'd say green ain't your color, it looks better on me". their spotify artist bio says "your new favorite band", and i'm excited to test that.

The Suburbs by Bickle

this was one of the only ones i didn't save to my library. i just didn't care much for the vocals or the lyrics, which is usually the main thing for me when listening to new music. i don't have much to say about this. there were some cool sounds in the back that i thought were fun, and towards the end of the song they had a cool Daft Punk-esque vocal filter on which is always good to hear. this is one of those songs that i do think i would like if i heard it when i was in a different mood.

Follow (Frank Ocean) by koda

okayyy yeah. it's a leak. unreleased music. whatever you want to call it to make yourself feel better about listening to this. listen, i am just like any other frank ocean fan: starving. and this song obviously sounded incredible. but i can't help but feel dirty when leaked songs are uploaded by random spotify profiles that are probably just doing so to promote their own music. this song specifically is from the fan made "Lonny Breaux Collection" which was just a bunch of unreleased demos thrown together and leaked online as an "album". i don't have much more to say about this one. other than i hope frank is doing okay.

Middle Name by ThaMonster

another song i didn't save. it was cool to hear, ThaMonster is a rapper from France, and this song is just him recounting his life story. it was cool to hear, and the smooth piano track in the back was sweet. just not for me!

Lejos de Ti by The Marias

obviously this song is beautiful. i just got over No One Noticed and now with this song on my discover weekly, i fear i cannot avoid listening to their new album any longer. i have heard so many good things about Submarine. to a point where i have almost been scared to listen to it.

Running Back Boy by WonderBag

i really liked this one!! an alternative indie joint with some fun guitar riffs. i liked the lyrics from this one a lot. "i said i like you when you leave me alone. don't take it wrong i'd rather be on my own."

Hit Me Where It Hurts by Caroline Polachek

this one stuck with me all day after hearing it on my drive to work. i have been meaning to have a sit down with this album ever since So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings took over my brain after hearing it for the first time back in 2022. i am now seeing that any song i hear from her has that effect on me. i also recall riley from HIVEMIND praising her 2023 album Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, so she's been on my radar for a while. i'm excited to dive into her music some more.

Let's Go Back by Jungle

like most people, i had an intense Jungle phase last summer. with Back On 74 taking over the internet, i got reallyyy into their 2023 album Volcano. this song though. it just sounded exactly like Back On 74!! still sounded awesome, of course. that song rocked. it just felt like a scrapped song from their last album.

Good Guys by chlothegod

chlothegod i love you. everything i have heard from her, i have loved. her COLORS Studio performance of UGOMDN lives in my brain. i have listened to a few songs from this project, Nearly Straight. i think she is such a cool girl. she's not afraid to be loud and cool and funny. the first line being "not to be vicious but good guys are bitches" is enough to make me lock in and hear every single thing she has to say.

Zodiac Killer by Khalil?

i'm a sucker for any song that talks about zodiac signs honestly. i think it's so cheeky and silly. plus naming it zodiac killer is good. i liked this. the slowdown at the end wraps it up nicely. this one was fun.

Self by Cleo Sol

cleo sol is one of those artists that i think are really talented, but their music just. isn't for me. i did really enjoy a few songs from her 2020 album Rose in the Dark. i do love a "save me from myself" theme which is made evident in this song. it's just a little too slow for me and my brain.

Hooptie by Romeo + Juliet

oh my god i loved this album. i did listen to this album when it came out in 2022, but this song must have been one that slipped through the cracks and i never added to my library. all of Romeo + Juliet's music reminds me of the feeling of warm, humid summer nights with your lover. arguably one of the best feelings in the world. his voice is insane. i really love the speaking parts in the song, and other songs on the album, also. the crazy synth bells in the background. that's just their sound. and i eat it up. the other songs on this album are some of my favorites from the New Jersey artist including Gem and 500 Days of Summer. this song is awesome and it has definitely reignited my love for Romeo + Juliet. it also reminded me of their 2024 release Superbad that i had been telling myself to sit down and listen to. a lot on my to-do list.

Ash (feat. Deb Never) by Matt Champion ft. Deb Never

i love you matt champion. i loved his 2024 album Mika's Laundry. and this song reminded me of it. this song is a sad one, which i try to avoid, but Matt and Deb are just so good at making these painfully sad songs that aren't a wallowing around crying kind of sad, but a sudden realization after reflection kind of sad. the "why don't you ask me out anymore" is enough to make my heart sink into my asshole. this song perfectly encapsulates how it feels to watch someone fall out of love with you but wanting to keep it going strong. a feeling i am far too familiar with. this song will be going on my sad playlist.

giving by GIOVANNA ft. Austin Marc

this song has that fun "bubbly" sound effect that i loveee in songs. this song, like a bunch of the songs on this playlist, has that electronic/rnb fusion sound. it's also under two minutes, but it's okay because it's mostly her just repeating "giving you my love" which is fun in it's own way.

French Tips (feat. Coco Jones) by A$AP Ferg ft. Coco Jones

ok i think that A$AP Ferg just isn't for me! spotify wants me to listen to him sooo bad. the only song from him i have liked is Shabba ft. A$AP Rocky. this song was alright, and Coco Jones always delivers on her features. i really liked the cover art for this song though.

Sunset For The Dead by Tommy Newport

i didn't add this one to my library. again, didn't care much for the vocals on this one. that's not to say i don't like his voice. i really love his 2023 song Tangerine. this one just didn't do it for me.

SALAD by Oblé Reed ft. ARDN

i was surprised to realize i had multiple liked songs from both of these artists. i knew the names looked familiar. this song was good, i love a good collab where both artists just flow so good together. they go back and forth between singing and rapping in a perfect way. i wish they had the lyrics up on spotify, because some of these lines were making me giggle and i would love to read the rest of them. this is another prime example of that alternative rnb sound. there are even parts of this song that sound straight out of J. Cole's discography.

Sometimes by Cammo17th ft. Twelve'len

this was a nice song to close out my first discover weekly of the year. even the lyrics, telling me to sit back and get comfortable. made me excited for all of the other music i'm going to get to consume this year. i have liked songs from both Cammo17th and Twelve'len and was excited to hear them together. like i said about SALAD. i love a good collab. the way they sound together reminds me of the melodic chemistry that Saba and Smino have. this song is from Cammo17th's 2024 album Melodic Sounds from the Mound, which features Sick and Tired ft. WESTSIDE BOOGIE, a song that came out in 2022 that i loved. i will probably go listen to the whole album considering how much i liked both of these songs.

OKAY WOW! i can't believe i actually did it. hoping i can keep this motivation rolling and continue writing about the music i'm listening to. i promise i'll get better at this.

[uniquejellyfishqueen]

Jason Derulo “It Girl” 8/9/2011

I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks

->”I dream of cracking locks” Guilty as sin

Just tryna find ya

I've been like a maniac, insomniac

->”Este’s been losing sleep”

Five steps behind ya

->”It’s like I’m taking 5 steps forward and 10 steps back”

Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit, check please

'Cause I finally found the girl of my dreams

->”I’m the girl of his American Dreams” Fresh Out the Slammer

Much more than a Grammy Award

->Eminem has 15 Grammy Awards, Taylor has 14 Grammys, and Beyoncé has the most Grammy awards in history with a total of 32. It’s crazy that she has more than her husband Jay Z who has 24 but has not yet been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why are we memorializing music when the artists careers are so close to being over? Why not celebrate them when they are in their prime, they would draw a better crowd and a younger demographic as well. Not to mention the rules of induction are stupid, the rules are in place so not everyone has a chance to succeed and that is just mean.

-> Eminem has recently teased the word Grandma in one of his tweets. The 2025 Grammy nominations just rolled out

-> Fall track 10 on his 10th studio album (this single was also released on9/4/2018, 4 days after the album released.)

“Revenge is the best medicine

Increase the dose, from least to most

Then tell the Grammys to go and fuck themselves”

****Better Than Revenge 10/25/2010 3rd album 10th track. ->played 1x on the Eras Tour show #60 N3/3 Buenos Aires 11/12/2023.

**310 area code is for Los Angeles County, California. Including Carson, Compton, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Los Angeles, South Bay, and Santa Catalina Island. The 310 area code was created in 1992 when it was split from the 213 area code. In 1997, Eastern Los Angeles County and Long Beach were split from the 310 area code to form the 562 area code

That's how much you mean to me

You can be my it girl, baby, you the shit, girl

Loving you could be a crime

Crazy how we fit, girl, this is it, girl

Give me 25 to life

->”25 to life” Eminem track 12 on his 7th studio album.

I just wanna rock all night long

And put you in the middle of my spotlight

You could be my it girl, you're my biggest hit, girl

Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like

Can't seem to stop you from running, running

->The Bolter

Through my, through my mind, mind

Just keep it coming, coming

'Til I make you mine, mine

->”you are the best thing that has ever been mine”

You've got that something, something I wanna be with, girl (wanna be with, girl)

You're my greatest hit, girl (you're my greatest hit, girl)

->Eminems Greatest Hits album was Curtain Call: The Hits which was released on 12/6/2005, When I’m Gone was released as a single this day as well.

->Is Taylor about to drop a greatest hits album? I feel like with how she talked about All Too Well with how the lyrics kept pouring out was the start of what we know of Woodvale. But we are all waiting and being teased for Rep TV, what if it’s actually a combination between Taylor Swift and her Reputation, which is actually her Redemption. With all of her mashups and lyric changes throughout the duration of the Eras Tour she has enough “new” music to put out a couple albums of just her greatest hits mashed up and all rolled into one.

Another word for Redemption is Recovery. Eminems 7th studio album, while her 7th album was Lover. Track 12 on Lover was “Soon You’ll Get Better” ft the Chicks. She is essentially saying her lover will get better soon, but she is the one taking a miracle move on drug in Fortnight. I still stand by my opinion that thanK you aIMee is about America. Eminem’s 12th studio album was TDOSS, which is not the death of him. It the death of who you wanted him to be. He might be ready to be himself, but you don’t get a say in that, only he does.

*12/6 mirrored makes 621 which is the area code expected to be active starting January 23, 2025 (1..2..3) in Houston, Texas. The 621 area code will cover the same geographic area as the existing 281, 346, 713, and 832 area codes. This includes Houston and surrounding communities like Baytown, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands. The 621 area code was created to temporarily accommodate the growing population in the Houston area. The PUCT estimates that the existing area codes will run out of phone numbers by the end of 2025

Just say this is it, girl

Hey, baby

Don't you know you're mine, girl? (It girl)

->Clara Bow was also an It Girl.. Clara Bow # in the alphabet makes that 3..2.. and thats where exile ends right? And if above is the connection to TX.. well Arlington is 4 hr and 23 minutes to Houston via I-35E S and 1-45 S making it 269.9 miles.

*4/23/2023 was show #13 in Houston, TX. The SS were Begin Again (Red 4th album 16th track) and Cold As You (Taylor Swift 1st album 5th track) the first letter to the first word of each album title is BC which is 23 which is 32 backwards which is what the exile sea shell pocket watch said.. we never got the 1. Also the album titles first letters are RT. (1920 corresponding # to letter)

“But we were something, don't you think so?

Roaring 20s, tossing pennies in the pool

And if my wishes came true

It would've been you

In my defense, I have none

For never leaving well enough alone

But it would've been fun

If you would've been the one”

^ lyrics from “The 1”

*Killeen, TX is 3hr and 10 minutes to Houston (188.8 miles) vis St Highway 36 (9) N and US-290 (11) E There were 3 versions of her “10th” album.

***Killeen Lodge #1125 Bell County, District #48 (that is 12, hunger games reference? District 3 had the main industry as technology and people manufactured televisions, computers, and other electronics.. just like our world today. ) with meetings on 3rd Thurs, this year the 3rd Thursday is 11/21

*I was today years old when I found out that the Panem districts have “present day locations…” every part of this world is scripted, so the New Romantics are writing the B-Sides, the deep cuts that no one listens to, and writing the books that get banned for being “too out of the box” because it is dangerous to think that way. The goal isn’t to wake everyone up, it’s to wake enough up people that they can start the revolution.

[omegaremix]

Sunday Records shopping list, 2018.

Sunday is the best day to go to a record store. Why have we opened this record store? For you. To see your smile when you look at the records. And, hear your story about how a song or album changed your life. The people who come into the store are happy to be here. We see glowing faces. We see people who are taking a moment out of their busy day to relive a memory that was special to them or discover a new song they never heard before. A very cool thing to witness and be a part of. See you on Sunday. Come in and flip through.

That’s what Sunday Records says on its page. No exclamation marks. No explosive excitement. It spoke to us in a kind pleasant way. They made a point that after a crazy work-week, there should be one day for everyone to enjoy themselves and spend the time relaxing. I’ll co-sign on that statement.

I learned of its existence from my former co-worker and friend Kryssy who made a video of it for journalism. Opened since November of last year, it’s named after the only day of the week it’s open. It seems odd because all businesses nationwide are open at least five days a week to stay alive and for its owners to maintain a living back home. Not Sunday Records who’s open for business for only a few hours per week. I wondered how? Brian is a city lawyer whose second passion was opening this store. He wins either way. It was the longest drive so far for music. Close to 28 miles driving out east to Riverhead, to be exact. Long stretches of road on the Long Island Expressway makes you have Brown Bunny moments where you’re in a zen-like state driving only 55 m.p.h., conjuring up all these mundane events during these trips like the weather, certain people, and anything else that comes to mind. There were plenty of police on the highways, one in an SUV parked on the side of the road with his lights flashing, mercilessly firing a speed-gun in our direction. The 7th precinct is right off the highway in Yaphank so that explains it.

Riverhead is a plain normal leisurely town with plain normal leisurely people. It does nothing to anyone. It’s right at the split of the east end of Long Island buried in trees and near the water. Sunday Records was almost straight-forward to get to with a round-a-bout to switch county roads. I walk in and there were no more than 10 people of all ages 17 and up. Some by themselves, some with boyfriends. There was a listening room behind its’ storefront window for visitors to sit and enjoy the music. All stores have genres, new releases behind the counter, staff picks, dollar-bins, and maybe four-for-a-quarter in all formats. Sunday Records has none of it. There are no bargain bins but titles are priced starting at $3.00 each for singles and $4.00 to $20.00 for most LPs. No CDs or cassettes, only vinyl. It’s the one store on the island to truly pull it off. No behind-the-counter new releases, no registers. Brian, the owner, was sitting behind the dee-jay booth playing tried-and-true classics.

“How are you? Have you ever been here before?” he asked in which I kindly answered “no”. “As you see, all of these records here are categorized by radio station. Over there: there’s WEHM for all the newer stuff, WBAB for classic rock, WLIR for the Eighties, new-wave, and pop hits. Other stuff we have, we have jazz and rockabilly at that back wall, and other music we have listed as ambient.”

That’s right. All albums are categorized by Long Island radio stations, not by genres. Either he worked in broadcast or just like thousands of Long Islanders and I, he loves his classic radio. I should know. I never seen any record store who organized themselves by call letters over genres. Then I realized, I’m now organizing my favorite jazz / fusion songs by channels I watched as a kid in Brooklyn, and my Omega projects are organized by seasons. Then we go back to Brian, whose own system was a first. Commercial radio has formats, so does Sunday Records. That’s the thing. WLIR’s credo was they “dared to be different” and it worked. It’s why there’s a newly-released documentary about it. Adult-alternative station WEHM operates in Manorville with both Billy Joel and ex-wife Christine Brinkley having minor stakes in it. WBAB is Long Island’s long-standing rock station which pioneered the album-oriented format (AOR). All three I never listened to as WEHM’s signal is too far east for me to reach (but there’s streaming, right?), and as an Eighties kid I always listened to Z100 and other stations forward. They’re still in alphabetical order and by artists, not all hope is lost. In fact, it’s in perfect alphabetical order. There’s almost no room for error where people pull things out and place them in the wrong bin. Brian has it down to a tee. All records sold are in plastic sleeves and labeled at the very top right-hand corner. It was easy for my eyes and fingers to scan through the 100 or so wooden 12” bins and 30 7” shelves. I zipped through the entire store in less than three hours. Sunday Records’ majority of stock were chart hits. Classic rock like The Who, Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, Lynyrn Skynyrd, and so forth were classified under WBAB. They also carried a lot of No Age (which I picked up), Hot Chip, The XX, Sleater-Kinney, Arcade Fire, and other Pitchfork-approved artists mostly under the WEHM umbrella.

But if you’re a fan of new-wave, synthpop, and early industrial, then Sunday Records welcomes you with open arms. As it falls directly into Sunday’s format (WLIR), artists like General Public, Simple Minds, Yaz, Heaven 17, Lene Lovich, Art Of Noise, and Culture Club are featured. Tom Tom Club, Re-Flex, Modern English, Roxy Music, Spandau Ballet, Dead Or Alive, Freur, APB, Kissing The Pink, and so much more. They had plenty of Depeche Mode, Joy Division, and New Order, too. I was even surprised in seeing 12” singles from With Sympathy-era Ministry and Front 242. Less than half of these artists I just listed I never even thought received radio airplay and I totally missed it. It was the Eighties and synth-based dance music was huge, though it wasn’t the only genre they played. Whatever few records not classified under Sunday’s radio system is labeled as ambient, as I did find a few copies from Baby Ford, Aphex Twin, Groove Armada, and other electronic acts. But like radio, Sunday Records abides by format. If it doesn’t fit that format, then it’s not there. That meant no hardcore, underground punk, hip-hop or noise to be found. Not to say that’s bad thing, because if there’s a system, then it’s done right.

I was pleased to find what I did. Three Cabaret Voltaire records which made up giving them up earlier. There was Images In Vogue’s self-titled release whom cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy used to drum for. Nitzer Ebb’s As Is was all for the taking. Hello again, Strawberry Switchblade. My stay there shined with the purchase of many singles that I listened to during my Eighties gamer youth, singles from Dead Or Alive, Tony Basil, Suzanne Vega, J. Geils Band, and Utah Saints. More synth-pop goodness from Fad Gadget and Gary Numan, the first of each artist in my library. How about singles from Malcomb McLaren and Public Image Ltd.? Stray Cats and Madness were two from the turn-of-the-decade rockabilly and post-punk. Finally, there’s Todd Rundgren’s “Hello, It’s Me” and Siouxsie Sioux’s “Hong Kong Garden”, two singles that hit the spot during a essential springtime at Stony Brook.

Let’s not forget the full-size records. I was very relieved to find Steve Jones as everything he does is gold. Steely Dan’s Pretzel Logic was one of the few I was missing of theirs. Why not Patti Smith’s Easter just because? And if there’s only one Doors’ album to have, it’s their greatest hits containing all their songs from a friend’s mixtape given to me in junior year. The only jazz record I picked up was Ramsey Lewis’ Tequila Mockingbird which had “Skippin’”, once used for WABC’s late-night movie intro which has yet to surface.

Of all the visits during this run, here’s where I passed up the most records. There were two Aphex Twin records I gave up as I knew I had them already on disc. Kraftwerk’s glow-in-the-dark “Neon Lights” single caught my eye and yours, too, if you found it. At $40.00, I couldn’t even touch it. That was the second most expensive title Brian had. That honor went to a real metal tin copy of Public Image’s Ltd.’s Metal Box priced at a hefty $125.00. There was Johnny Lydon hiding behind it, looking at me with his sad face when I seen its’ First Issue. It was sadder to put it back on the shelf because $20.00 was too much for a release I may find for less later. The same went for a newly-pressed Velvet Underground non-peel version for $22.00. I also gave up two Parliament records, Mothership Connection and Motor Booty Affair on picture disc, both for at least $25.00. Parliament is one artist I can never seem to find at a low price.

Halfway through some intense searching, some weird dude came in all dressed up in a patterned polo, jeans, and a twee handlebar mustache. I’m not kidding. He was half a cowboy minus the ten-gallon hat. He’s minding his own business thumbing through the crates as I learned it was Caboose, former staffer of the Stony Brook Press. I gave him 20 minutes for him to turn around and notice me. That’s when I spotted him. Time’s up, Caboose. He sees me in “holy shit!” ecstasy. We haven’t seen each other since our time at Stony Brook. Knowing I been going across the island, he had to catch me at one of these ten stores. He had his ninth chance and found me here. Congratulations. It wasn’t until recently that he took up record collecting, which he didn’t have in him back then. He was still heavily into anime and had a few visits in the city lined up for the rare Japanese metal band coming to the states.

“Do you buy records because you really like them or just for the art?” Caboose came across as inconsiderate and snide, but this was a legitimate question as I myself made purchases based on record cover or artwork alone. Make no mistake I was familiar with all the artists I bought today. Not that it mattered. He then asked how many records I have. Let’s just say he almost died right in the store. We kept on catching up with each other. Both of us haven’t seen our fellow Press staffers in our paths since but one of our own, The People’s Republic Of James, was in the hospital for diabetic shock. As we’re talking, Frank Zappa’s “Catholic Girls” came on from Brian’s dee-jay booth and it was the most cringe-worthy thing I ever heard. It’s well-known that Zappa pushed the envelope for creative freedom and our right to enjoy blue comedy. I’m all for it, but it’s way below me now. There were perverse people in my life who still get a kick out of it, insignificants with drop-out mentalities who still operate on cheap one-track minds I want no part of. But a few minutes later, Brian offered us to play Public Image Ltd.’s Album, so all was back to normal. Caboose mentioned to Brian that I was from WUSB and a conversation struck up. Brian asked about my show and my experience at Sunday. I thought it was great that his store was set up for a specific nostalgia factor that truly hit home and personal. Towards the end of my search, more people entered saying positive things about Sunday Records. I couldn’t agree more. With a few more sacrifices, it’s time to pay up.

There was one more thing he wanted to show me as he added up my records. Some of them had stickers designating some copies as “screamer & screecher of the week” as per number and week, referring to WLIR’s special feature where its’ dee-jays nominated their favorites and listeners chose the winner by call-in vote. A feature that ran for 17 years of the station’s history, that, if someone were to see each entry (and Discogs has it posted, don’t worry), would see WLIR’s evolution over the years. Many people think Brian’s an eccentric only being open on Sundays and classifying records by radio station. I agree. But guess what? It’s a good eccentric. Here’s a guy who cares about the history of radio so much that he’s made a store of it. I swiped my card, signed off my purchase, shook his hand and said thank you.

Nine down, one to go. The experience at Sunday Records had me thinking of how different people classify things in their lives and how they make it work. It also had me thinking what was really out there decades ago and what else I could’ve picked up living as an Eighties kid. The only record store left to visit is now Innersleeve in Amangansett all the way inside Long Island’s south fork and right before Montauk (The End). I’m not going at it by myself. I’d like to enlist a few of my friends to chip in, and come with me to put the finish on a great record-store run.

Cabaret Voltaire  The Arm Of The Lord

Nitzer Ebb As Is

Strawberry Switchblade  Who Knows What Love Is?

Steve Jones  Mercy

Patti Smith  Easter

Ramsey Lewis  Tequila Mockingbird

Doors, The  Greatest Hits

Cabaret Voltaire  Drinking Gasoline

Utah Saints “Something Good”

Image In Vogue self-titled EP

Steely Dan  Pretzel Logic

No Age  Losing Feeling

Dead Or Alive “Brand New Lover”

Cabaret Voltaire  The Drain Train

Public Image Ltd. “Home”

Gary Numan “Cars” / “Metal”

Malcomb McLaren “Soweto” b/w “Zulu’s On A Time Bomb”

J. Geils Band “Centerfold” b/w “Rage In The Cage”

Fad Gadget “One Man’s Meat” b/w “Sleep”

Tony Basil “Mickey” b/w “Hangin’ Around”

Stray Cats “(She’s) Sexy + 17” b/w “Lookin’ Better Every Beer”

Madness “Our House” b/w “Cardiac Arrest”

Todd Rundgren “Hello It’s Me” b/w “Cold Morning Light”

No Age  Eraser 7”

Suzanne Vega “Luca” b/w “Night Vision”

Siouxsie Sioux & The Banshees “Hong Kong Garden” b/w “Night Vision”

[mannytoodope]

Darryl “D.M.C.” Matthews McDaniels (born May 31, 1964) is one of the founding members of the first commercial rap group RUN-D.M.C. For over 40 years, he’s been rapping with his friend and bandmate Joseph “Run” Simmons.”   He taught himself how to D.J. in his parent’s basement after his older brother gave him a turntable. He and Simmons hooked up Jam Master Jay and Run, and the three have been Run-D.M.C.  since then. After a series of name changes, McDaniels stuck with D.M.C., which are his initials, and it suited him the three rocked parties with McDaniels and Simmons on the mics and Jam Master Jay on the turntables, which is the setup we’re all familiar with today. They released their first self-titled album in 1984, and Run-D.M.C. continued to be successful throughout the ’80s. They continued to perform throughout the ’90s and early 2000s. In 2006 they were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They took time off after the death of Jam Masters Jay. McDaniels and Simmons have never parted ways; they would perform at special hip events.McDaniels has been a big fan of comic books since he was a child, so when he is not working on music, he works on his comic book series.McDaniels mentors youth and does speaking events. In 2006, he worked with VH1 in a moving documentary in search of his birth mother after learning he was adopted. He recently wrote a book about his career and struggles with depression. He will still perform some of the group’s classics at events. If you’re lucky, you might catch him at a comic book convention promoting his comic book. He has a diverse taste in music yet keeps hip-hop roots. He wants rappers today to watch social issues and still have fun.McDaniels is a down-to-earth guy and never has had any “beef” or fallout with Simmons. True hip-hop fans love and appreciate the group.

[rodrigoliviafan]

Olivia Rodrigo's generational influence

Jay Caspian Kang writes an article for The New Yorker titled ‘Why Gen X Dads Can Appreciate Olivia Rodrigo’. He initially introduces the connection he has with his daughter, as they both are able to enjoy the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) movie in a way that is relevant to both of their individual childhoods, despite their childhoods having taken place decades apart, due to what he would describe as ‘era-hopping’. By ‘era-hopping’ he’s referring to when media bounces between time periods, the TMNT franchise has continuously produced media since the release of the original 1987 series, therefore, remaining relevant to the younger generations of the past and present. Olivia Rodrigo achieves this same ‘era-hopping’, however, in a little bit of a different way, which I will outline throughout this text.

Kang makes this same link to Olivia Rodrigo’s music as her Sophomore Album ‘Guts’ has just released this past Friday (8th September 2023). He describes listening to the album as “the feeling of being sprayed with a nostalgia hose”, for those born between 1972 and 1985. Due to the album’s likeness to artists such as Wheezer, Bikini Kill, No Doubt, Green Day, and Blondie. Kang also addresses that fact that while other modern artists also draw inspiration from the past of music, Rodrigo does it in a way that makes you wonder if it was her intention or not. He also suggests, many artists are compared to a single other musician or band such a Greta Van Fleet who are constantly compared to Led Zeppelin. Whereas Rodrigo seems to draw inspiration from a plethora of artists, both across the entire album and within individual songs.

While Rodrigo has a talent for creating music that draws upon artists and music of the past, this is a double-edged sword for her career and credibility. Following the release of Rodrigo’s debut album Sour she later added additional writing credits onto the songs ‘Déjà vu’, ‘1 step forward, 3 steps back’, and ‘Good 4 u’. Taylor Swift and her co-writers (Jack Antonoff and St. Vincent) claimed that ‘Déjà vu’ shared similarities to Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ and the same for ‘1 step forward, 3 steps back’ and Swift’s ‘New Year’s Day’, which they were awarded writing credit for. Hayley William’s Paramore did the same for the song ‘Good 4 u’ claiming its similarity to ‘Misery Business’, which she too was awarded credits for (and Paramore ex-guitarist Josh Farro).

Contrastingly, upon accusations that Rodrigo included a guitar riff in her song ‘Brutal’ from Elvis Costello’s ‘Pump It Up’, Costello chose not to pursue claims. He stated on Twitter “This is fine by me” and “It’s how rock & roll works. You take the broken pieces of another thrill and make a brand-new toy”. Which is an opinion that many agreed with, particularly as people found the accusations made about Rodrigo’s music to be unfairly preying on the success of a young and upcoming artist. While credit should be given where it is due, I think there is a lot to debate about where the line should be drawn.

While Rodrigo’s music does not remind me of the music that was popularly on the radio throughout my childhood, it does remind me of the music my parents played as I was growing up. So, while I was not alive during the time periods that Rodrigo’s music references (nor was she), I am able to recognise the nostalgia that Kang references in his article. The article itself also pulls on my heart strings a little, as Kang discusses his experience listening as a father to a young girl, something that is bittersweet for me as I lost my father at a young age. Kang has allowed me to imagine that my dad and I would have been able to listen to the album Guts together, through the commonality we could find in her music’s sound and lyricism.

[theonetruebangtan]

Its been 1 year of Jack in the Box and I am not okay

Cannot believe its been a whole year since J-Hope released his official debut album Jack in the Box. I remember leading up to the release of the More mv I was telling my friend that I thought we were going to go through a Rocktan renaissance. And then Hobi gave us an album that just spoke grunge and old school hip hop. When I tell you those teaser images came out and I was like oh okay, this this is speaking to my angsty childhood. 

I sadly didn’t get to appreciate this album as much as I wanted to because on July 11th we had to put down my cat of 15 yrs. But I tried to be tuned in for streaming and votes, and I was more with it by Hobipalooza.

So today we revisit J-Hope, sorry Jay’s, debut album 😂

First order of business, I’m glad that the promotion and release cycle went the way Hobi wanted it to. But I will forever be wanting a cd cover with that KAWS artwork, its just so good! 

BTS Episode: Album Cover Shoot Sketch

Standout tracks from this album for me were:

More, = (Equal Sign), What If… and Safety Zone

The Singles

The first introduction we had to Jack in the Box was through the release of the More mv on July 1, 2022. And the concept was definitely expressed. Hobi talked a lot throughout the promos about wanting to remove himself from the box of J-Hope, and see if he could still make music that would draw in people (paraphrasing), and for me he definitely succeeded. 

BTS Episode: More MV Sketch

The Arson mv released on July 15, 2022, along with the album. It was a good title track to choose because it really speaks to the old - school hip hop with the kick snare beat. 

Both of the mvs for this album really invoked to me at least, mvs of the late 90s early 00s.  Lots of muted dark colour palettes, close shots and enclosed spaces. For More specifically he’s always surrounded by stuff and contained within 4 walls, illustrating the claustrophobia of being contained. In More he’s still trapped in the box looking for more; whereas in Arson Jack has escaped and has burnt it all. 

The choices for the two singles could not have been picked better. They bookend the album thematically and literally. Opening with More showcases the rock elements Hobi will be using, and ending with Arson calls back to his hip hop roots.

Just recently for festa we were treated to an Arson rock version, and oh boy does it slap. It’s less kick snare, more drum fills and guitar riffs. So if you’re not super into hip hop but love rock definitely check it out!

Bangtan Bomb: JITB Listening Party

lol does anyone remember when we started seeing all the celeb stories about this party? what a time 😂

Hobipalooza

“You can call me Jay”

J-Hope headlined Chicago’s Lollapalooza on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He made history as the first Korean artist to headline a major U.S. festival. He drew a crowd of 100k to his 70 minute set at Bud Light Seltzer stage. He was A M A Z I N G!

I tuned in on weverse to watch his set and from the moment he popped out of the box he owned that stage. I’ve rewatched it a couple times since and every time its just as good. Highly highly recommend.

BTS Episode: j-hope @ Lollapalooza

J - Hope in the Box

(Can be found on Disney+ for streaming or can be purchased on Weverse.)

I’ve always loved documentaries and behind the scenes looks at creation of art. Watching the inception of JITB and the triumphant conclusion with Lollaplooza, showcased how dedicated J - Hope is to his craft. The contrast between the quiet montage of Hobi staring at his computer in the studio to the boisterous prep meetings and rehearsals demonstrates how his art is not made in a vacuum. It may begin as introspection but it eventually has to be shared and he can not control the reception of others. I really loved the ending where there’s a final ITM of J - Hope in a park on a sunny day in Chicago, having finished his set the night before. He speaks on his thoughts about how JITB rollout went and how it felt to finally perform as a solo act. If you haven’t already seen it you should, BH has always been good at delivering behind the scenes content and the editing on this doc was some of their best. 

For the first official solo debut of a BTS I couldn’t have asked for anything better. J - Hope gave us an album that demonstrated a new side to him as an artist. For those who already loved his music, you received more amazing music. And for those who were new to him, you were introduced to a musician who loves to try new things and push the boundaries of his talent when he is already at the top.

Here’s to 1 year of Jack in the Box, and here’s to J - Hope! 

If you’re interested in behind the scenes production looks etc. I’ve also linked the relevant Bangtan Bombs/Episodes.

[mywifeleftme]

97: Rob // Rob

Rob Rob 1977, Essiebons (Bandcamp) My favourite Ivorian Robot Operating Buddy from Ghana, Rob’s first LP is what Jay-Z once called “Black superhero music.” Few of the songs develop a ton—what you’re hearing in the first 30 seconds is more or less what you’ll be hearing seven minutes later, but it must be said that there is not a moment of this record that does not feel like an appropriate soundtrack to history’s slickest motherfucker doing his thing. Rob is probably one of the better-known afro-funk reissues of recent years, an assessment I’ve made purely on the basis of knowing one guy who will understand what I’m referring to when I yell “FUNKY ROB WAY” at him. (Though another sign might be that two different reissue labels, Mr. Bongo and Analog Africa, appear to have re-released the album within a month of one another in 2019. The Analog Africa version seems to be a much more elaborate production, but my Mr. Bongo version sounds great and you don’t necessarily need to know Rob’s star sign or shoe size to enjoy the LP.)

As a frontman, Rob is mostly just kinda there, muttering or yelling something every few bars while his band produces Pacific Northwest quantities of smoke. (Or as of 2023, Montreal quantities of smoke.) They really have an incredible sound, the funk equivalent to one of those collector-bait underground psych rock bands that turned some uncle money into a spectacular amateur studio and recorded one melted opus before selling their instruments and beginning a Christian ministry in Vanuatu. Though plenty of Ghanaian bands of the era could make people move, Rob’s band are just as impressive on the spacier numbers, like the warbling synth-spined “Forgive Us All” and “Your Kiss Stole Me Away,” which are basically FM radio for Black UFOs. The ensemble began life as a military band called Mag-2 under the stewardship of fanfic-ass-named guitarist Amponsha Rockson (would be like my parents naming me Hieronymus Suckdickson—how could they have known?). I gather that at the time joining the military wasn’t a bad deal for a musician, as the army would provide kickass western gear in exchange for entertaining their fellow troops. The Analog Africa liner notes (kindly provided on their Bandcamp) say the Mag-2 guys were still living in their barracks during the recording of this album, which suggests the Ghanaian Army must’ve been a pretty chill org. (Please send your links to the Ghanaian Army’s Wikipedia page subsection on ‘Atrocities’ to my email.) Can you imagine the US Army Herald Trumpets playing something as cool as the horn hits on “More”? (Please send your links to the US Army Herald Trumpets’ Wikipedia page subsection on ‘John Zorn Collaborations’ to my other email.)

In conclusion, a hearty “FUNKY ROB WAY” to you and yours, goodnight.

97/365

[cdcore]

THE GRAMMY PROBLEM: MISREPRESENTATION

Any fan of hip-hop or rap who saw the most recent Grammy’s was likely pretty disappointed by the lineup of nominated albums. While commercially successful, Jack Harlow and DJ Khaled’s projects were critically lambasted for their vapid, generic sound, mostly lacking anything in terms of creative nuance or artistic purpose.

Despite this, these two albums took up two of the five total nominations, in place of a variety of (arguably) more interesting, creatively fulfilling projects from artists like Freddie Gibbs, Denzel Curry, JID, Black Thought and others.

People less familiar with the Grammy’s history may also wonder why incredibly popular artists like Drake and The Weeknd, actively decided to not submit their albums for consideration.

For many POC artists and those in the rap community, there has existed a sentiment of misrepresentation for decades now. Even after becoming the country’s most popular genre since a particular rise in 2016, only two rap albums have ever won album of the year --- Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”, and OutKast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”. The most recent of those two albums released in 2004.

Many rappers, including Eminem, have directly stated that regardless of quality it feels the award show continues to snub the genre as a whole from winning larger accolades.

“For whatever reason, they’re always pitching this hint that you might win album of the year, which used to be a big deal. I don’t think it’s a big deal now.” Eminem said in an interview with Sway Calloway.

Even within the category of rap, there has been continued misrepresentation. Cardi B in 2017 was the first solo female artist to win an award for Best Rap Album, despite artists like Nicki Minaj and others having critically and commercially successful albums in the past.

The institution has also been repeatedly criticized for misplacing non-rap music by POC artists in the rap category, placing Drake’s “Hotline Bling” as a Rap single, despite him essentially singing the entire time and the song feeling more pop-r&b if anything.

Tyler, The Creator, won Best Rap Album for Igor --- largely an R&B, alt-rock album that Tyler himself said was not rap.

Others received no nominations. The Weeknd received no nominations after an incredibly successful release of “After Hours” and the single “Blinding Lights”, which later ended up being performed at the Super Bowl.

Even one of the most grammy-celebrated artists, Jay-Z, has previously boycotted the award ceremony for not providing adequate representation.

The list extends decades from Will Smith in 1989 to Drake and the Weeknd last year. Almost every major hip-hop artist has boycotted the Grammy’s at one time, with a handful of examples being:

Rhianna, Frank Ocean, Rick Ross, Nas, Eminem, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg --- just about every major name in the industry has expressed disdain or outright boycotted the awards at one instance.

This cyclically hurts the Grammy’s as well: as more artists feel underrepresented, more of them withdraw their albums for consideration (Drake and The Weeknd currently, Frank Ocean in 2017, etc.), causing the award ceremony to have to look elsewhere among the Billboard 100.

When it does that, Jack Harlow and DJ Khaled are pitted against some of the best of the year, like Kendrick’s “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers.” Artists that have denounced the institution are still desperately awarded by the Grammy’s through features they provided on those out-there albums.

Drake won a Grammy this year despite not submitting any music. The same is true of The Weeknd’s feature on “Hurricane” by Kanye West last year.

To be able to award artists directly, and to regain trust with minority communities in general, something will have to be done about the Grammy’s selection and revision process.

While more information has been shed about the award ceremony’s selection process in recent years, for a long time it was largely secretive. Additionally, industry members like a former Recording Academy CEO have publicly alleged the award show pushes artists it has good relations with as an opportunity to have their nominated songs performed at the ceremony.

I think at this point in time it’s uncertain how much cultural relevance these traditional media award ceremonies will have in the coming years. While this year was technically an increase, the past three years have found the series in some of its lower viewership numbers ever, and anecdotally award ceremonies are beginning to feel more of a “parents’ watch” than my peers. Regardless of the status of the award industry at large, one thing is clear: the Grammy’s needs to seriously re-evaluate its selection process if it ever wants to go from laughing stock to lauded again.

[musicarenagh]

Super Saiyan Jay's New Single: What's Behind "Can I"? Today we had the chance of having a chat with Super Saiyan Jay, he is one artist who speaks apart from others; his songs are like poems with the smooth flows and inspiring lyrics. Super Saiyan Jay is a new artist and his newest single "Can I", shows us the space where he plays music and talks about his feelings. "Can I" isn't only a rap tune; it actually an artist's way of breaking free from the bounds of genres. The fast syllable-based style of Super Saiyan Jay with which he rhymes like the old legends brings vigor into the track and captivates listeners from the beginning to the end. Not only does the rap mode make “Can I” stand out, but also the fact that every minute detail of the song is taken care of. From the stunning beat of those synth and bell pads to the enchanting tune that you just simply cannot ignore, no element of this song is left ignored. The music journey by Super Saiyan Jay is like an evolving process of self discovery. He has been on a search for his sound and message since the times when he released the "Staying In" songs to now when he has come out with a new album. "Can I" marks a mellow, laid-back beat with a dash of self-confidence that is absolutely refreshing. This helps the listeners move towards self-empowerment. So, what's the verdict on "Can I"? Well, it's a banger, plain and simple. Super Saiyan Jay has crafted a track that's equal parts chill and hype, with a vibe that's all his own. So, if you're looking for something fresh to add to your playlist, give "Can I" a spin. You won't be disappointed! Listen to Can I https://open.spotify.com/album/5e5CUn6z5aeWdlWJCSAVly Follow Super Saiyan Jay on Facebook Twitter Spotify Soundcloud Bandcamp Youtube Instagram What is your stage name My stage name is Super Saiyan Jay. Is there a story behind your name There's no specific story behind my rap name, but It's what I'm known for and what I'm rocking with. Where do you find inspiration I find inspiration from all forms within music. From the artist and the way they create, all the way down to the breakdown and structure of a beat. The science behind music gets really deep once you get into it. Are you from a musical or artistic family Music was instilled in me from my parents, to my grandparents at an early age. I can't think of a time when I wasn't involved with music. Absolutely. Everyone in my family has inspired me in many ways with their own musical influences. Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry I don't have a specific inspiration for who inspired me to be in the music industry. But the music I'm making feels right and it makes sense when I create. How did you learn to song/write/to play I just had a natural feel for writing my own music. As time goes by in life, you experience different things so that can spark plug the ideas that follow when it comes to writing music. What was the first concert you went to and who did you see perform The concert that I atleast remember going to first was a Snoop and Wiz concert back in 2016. The energy from those two legends was contagious and captivating. How would you describe your music My music is a variety of things. I'm inspired by the old school rap era. But I can fit into many different pockets of rap. If you like laid back and chill music, I can provide that. But if you want the bang your head and turn up to have a good time music, I for sure have that. Describe your creative process My process comes in many ways, I look for the beat and once my mind starts going I gotta write to it. I can write music for days. But I'm a firm believer of not forcing your pen. Let the music come naturally. What is your main inspiration My parents are my biggest inspiration, hard work doesn't come easy for no one. [caption id="attachment_54717" align="alignnone" width="2000"] My parents are my biggest inspiration,[/caption] What musician do you admire most and why I have too many inspirations from musicians. There are too many dope artists to choose just one.

Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career My style has grown a lot since the beginning. I've learned to not rush to release music when it gets finished. Focus and have a plan. Use preparation to the best of my ability to catapult my brand and music as a whole. Who do you see as your main competitor I'm my biggest competitor. I'm a huge perfectionist so if it's not to my liking, then I have to keep working on it until it's right. What are your interests outside of music I love to create cover art, make videos and edit. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be I'd be behind the camera directing and producing. What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? The biggest problem is finding a good reach to expand but that's all a part of the growth and the journey. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be I'd change the way people got paid for making their music. The streaming doesn't make sense to the revenue that comes in return. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ojdxqwTW9p8eNUCAyOsGy?si=RJP7fpL-TY2v_Wyh68EfhQ&dl_branch=1 Why did you choose this as the title of this project I choose the title because it makes the most sense. What are your plans for the coming months I have a lot of music coming out. I'm currently working on three projects at the moment. Do you have any artistic collaboration plans Most definitely, I got some music coming out with some real dope artists. What message would you like to give to your fans To my fans, thank you for rocking with me up until this point. I have a long way to go, so stay on this journey with me. I got a lot in store for y'all.

[paulisded]

The Ledge #600: Hudson's Best Of 2023

Choosing my favorite records of the year is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's great fun for a music nerd like me to revisit the hundreds of releases I've checked out the last twelve months. But it's also frustrating trying to thin down those picks into a list that truly represents the past year. Many records that initially seemed a lock are suddenly eclipsed by new records that I simply can't ignore. Other albums that I had prematurely set aside have revealed themselves to be chock full of fabulous tunes that I can't imagine living without. 

Overall, this is another great year for music. I'll never understand the mindset of people, especially those around my age, that complain how there's no great bands or records these days. Sure, the pop charts are primarily filled with garbage, and one does have to spend more time than ever finding new artists. But the search has always been a great part of the fun of being a collector, and my main reason I've now put together 600 episodes of this show is to share my findings with others. I'm always thrilled when I hear that someone has bought a record due to my recommendation. So please let me know your thoughts on this countdown of my picks for the 40 best records of the year!

39. Hotline TNT, Cartwheel/Dion Lunadon, Systems Edge. (tie) It’s only fitting that the list ends with the two most recent discoveries. Hotline TNT is the latest project of Weed leader Will Anderson, and it’s a prime example of the modern era’s version of what was described as shoegaze years ago. Dion Lunadon is a veteran rocker who got his start in The D4, which put out two albums on Flying Nun Records, and also spent time in A Place To Bury Strangers. His third solo album of glam-influenced rock and roll probably would have charted higher in this year’s list if I had heard it a few weeks earlier.

38. The Blips, Again. A few years ago, the leaders of four bands convened in an Atlanta studio and put together a great rootsy rock and roll album. These four songwriters have reconvened and their second album is as strong as their debut.

37. Dwarves, Concept Album. A happy Dwarves album? Is that possible? Well, sort of. The snark is still there from He Who Shall Not Be Named and the rest of these masked marvels.

36. Jagger Holly, Rivoltella. Forced with a second lockdown in his Austria home, Jagger Holly’s Jay Dee sat down and started writing…and writing more. As he states on his bandcamp, “If 1 record is nice....2 records has to be better right?” The result is indeed two records of what pop-punk should sound like instead of the whiny vocal styles that plague the records that generally are described as such.

35. Local Drags, Mess Of Everything. Let’s take a little bit of The Shoes, mix it with early Tom Petty along with Wilco at their poppiest, and you have this rock and roll gem.

34. The Smashing Times, This Sporting Life. We all need a little jangle in our lives, and we have The Smashing Times to give us this year’s shimmering guitars.

33. JJ & The Real Jerks, Rat Beach. Our friends at Rum Bar Records released a ton of great music this year, but the highlight is quite possibly by these grizzled rockers. Take a little bit of Ramones, more than a couple of pinches of Dead Boys, and quite a bit of any other “loud fast rules” bands, and you have these wonderful jerks.

32. The Men, New York City. After a few albums that saw this veteran band attempt to expand their sound, this record is a true back to basics that, to quote Pitchfork, “wears its analogue heart on flannel-clad sleeves”.

31. Country Westerns, Forgive the City. Great band, terrible name. But with great garage rock such as this I’ll forgive the sin.

30. Kevin Morby, More Photographs (A Continuum). Technically, this record is a set of leftovers from last year’s This Is a Photograph album, but these aren’t second rate rejects. Instead, these are songs that lyrically or sonically just didn’t fit that album but deserved to be released.

29. Waco Brothers, The Men That God Forgot. A personal note here. I created a yearlong theme for my podcast, The Ledge, where I’ve been playing a cover of The Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks” on each and every one of my shows this year. I was obviously thrilled when I first saw a tracklist of the latest by these veteran “Clash meets Cash’ rockers and “Teenage Kicks” was the lone cover on their first set of original songs since 2016.

28. Bory, Who’s a Good Boy. Bory is the project by Portland newcomer Brenden Ramirez, and is produced by power pop maestro Mo Troper. This was a late addition, and I can’t wait to fully immerse myself into multiple plays of this catchy record.

27. Iggy Pop, Every Loser. It certainly seems like 2023 was a year for legends to return to the spotlight. Pop set the tone with this album that came out the first Friday of this year. Like the Stones album, Pop was reenergized by young producer Andrew Watt, which resulted in quite possibly the most varied Iggy album in decades.

26. Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Future Is Your Past. Thirty years after their very first release, Anton Newcombe’s latest collection of songs is his 20th album to date. The latest is an extension of last year’s Fire Doesn’t Grow On Tree, where Anton set a goal to record one new song a day for 70 days. I guess we’ll have a few more records from these sessions in the next few years.

25. Guided By Voices, Nowhere To Go But Up. Another year, another three albums by Robert Pollard and friends. So which one do I pick for this list? Honestly, I’m going to go with recency bias and choose the most recent record. But all three feature the typical three minute blasts of pop/rock bliss that Pollard has completely perfected since he stabilized his most recent lineup a decade or so ago.

24. Night Beats, Rajan. It may not sound correct, but I can’t help but think this wild mix of psych and Western genres would make it the perfect soundtrack for a remake of a 60’s spaghetti western.

23. Yo La Tengo, This Stupid World. Shortly before COVID hit, Yo La Tengo began recording jam sessions in their practice space. They reconvened a few months later, and started experimenting with these tapes they had previously recorded. The result is one of the veteran band’s more interesting albums they have put out in their almost 40 year career.

22. Graham Parker & The Goldtops, Last Chance To Learn The Twist. It’s always a great year when we see a new Graham Parker album, and this year is no exception. His first in five years, Parker’s latest combines his usual snark with a wry sense of humor, along with his love of classic soul and barroom rock.

20. Lucinda Williams, Stories From a Rock N Roll Heart/Pretenders, Relentless. (tie) Two legendary rock and roll women who have nothing to prove return with some of their best music ever, and they do it on their own terms. Chrissie Hynde’s latest Pretenders album rocks as hard as her band’s greatest moments, but it’s not a retread of her first two albums. Williams, who recently recovered from a stroke, combines barroom rockers with her patented grizzled folky ballads.

19. Cut Worms, S/T. Max Clarke’s third album as Cut Worms is a weird fever dream where Brian Wilson in his 1966 prime suddenly records an Americana album that would fit right in with 1999-era Jayhawks, Wilco, or Whiskeytown. Does that make sense? 

18. Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Data Doom. Let’s just let the bandcamp page describe this album, as it’s better than anything I could possibly write - “on…Data Doom the band hurtles the listener head first into the wood-chipper of technological dystopia, systemic rot, creeping fascism, the military-industrial profit mill, and a near-constant erosion of humanity that peels away the soul bit by bit. With a fuse lit by these modern-day monstrosities the band seeks to find salvation through a thousand watt wake-up of rock n’ roll exfoliation.” Are you as exhausted as me?

17. Osees, Intercepted Message. It’s insane to think that this is the 28th studio album by John Dwyer and Company, under quite possibly the tenth or so variation of their band name. What’s even more insane is that, with few exceptions, none of these albums sound the same. This record could be described as their “party record”, with synths leading the way. But that’s not saying this is an OMD album, as the garage-punk aggression is still present.

16. King Tuff, Smalltown Stardust. Kyle Thomas, aka King Tuff, has always mixed a wide range of influences into his records. On this record, Thomas adds quite a bit of 70’s singer/songwriter, along with a bit of early Wings, merged with the fuzzier sounds of Dinosaur Jr., Ty Segall, and many others.

15. The Rolling Stones, Hackney Diamonds. There’s absolutely no reason why a 2023 album by The Rolling Stones could be anything better than middling. A tour souvenir, maybe. Or something only for the devoted fan. Yet, this record works. The band sounds like they mean it, man. It may be prototypical Mick and Kieth, but there’s also a modern edge to it thanks to producer Andrew Watt.

14. Lydia Loveless, Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way. Lydia’s lyrics have always seemed like a direct path to her soul, and that’s never been more true than on this record. Yes, she’s been through a lot of heartbreak, but there’s also a feeling that she knows she’s going to make it and won’t let anybody get in her way.

13. The Exbats, Song Machine. Everyone’s favorite father/daughter band has now fleshed out their sound with the addition of two additional band members, and their new record is sort of a love note to the history of pop music. There’s some songs reminiscent of Phil Spector’s great girl groups of the 60’s. Other tunes seem to come straight from the Brill Building or whatever production team created the Partridge Family records of the 70s. Yet these syrupy tunes mix with the darker influences of bands like the Velvet Underground and the Ramones.

12. Sparklehorse, Bird Machine. As a rule, posthumous records don’t make my lists. But I can’t help but include this final Sparklehorse record. One year before he took his life, Mark Linkous spent a few weeks in the studio with producer Steve Albini, bashing out a bunch of simpler than usual tunes for a project that was never finished. Over a decade later, Linkous’ brother and his wife fleshed out these recordings, resulting in a fitting final chapter for a brilliant career that should have been bigger than it was.

11. Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys In the Campfire, Wronger. The former Replacements bassist has long promised this side project with buddy Chip Roberts, and it’s a wonderful departure from the great Bash and Pop album of a few years ago. This record is chock full of laid back Americana, and certainly showcases Stinson’s love of the likes of Johnny Cash, Dave Alvin, and John Doe (who makes a guest appearance).

10. Bar Italia, The Twits. This wonderful London trio released two records this year, but this second one was arguably the better of the pair. Their sound is chock full of many classic and contemporary bands - a bit of Sonic Youth, a midge of Dry Cleaning, among many others. What’s most interesting is that on most songs the three members each trade off on vocal lines, which journalist Skye Butchard says “(takes) songs in new directions, reveling in the tension where their individual ideas intersect"

9. Wreckless Eric, Leisureland. How does one describe a modern day Wreckless Eric album? It’s not easy. The melodic pop skills of his early days are still present, but he surrounds these tunes with landscapes of various sounds. This particular record flows best as one long piece of music. Well, two pieces, actually, if you’re listening via vinyl, as god intended.

8. Purling Hiss, Drag On Girard. Purling Hiss began as a one-man project of Philadelphia guitarist Mike Polizze. Now a full-fledged band, this is the record for fans of fuzzed up garage rock.

7. Wilco, Cousin. After last year’s somewhat overrated country-ish Cruel Country, it’s nice to see the band back to experimentation. For the first time ever, they even reached out to an outside producer, Cate Le Bon. The results are one of those “creeper” albums that takes a few spins to unveil its charms.

5. Brad Marino, Grin & Bear It/Geoff Palmer, An Otherwise Negative Situation. (tie) it may not be fair to either Marino or Palmer, but it’s hard for me to think of one without the other. They’re friends that regularly play on each other’s albums, and they both tend to put out records around the same time. They’re pretty much the power pop/punk/rock version of Rockpile’s Dave Edmonds and Nick Lowe.

4. Paint Fumes, Real Romancer. The veteran garage/punk rockers’ fourth album is quite possibly their best. Their bandcamp site states it’s for fans of the Nerves, Ramones, and Gun Club, and I can’t think of a better description.

3. Civic, Taken By Force. Asked to describe their second album, the Melbourne-based five piece responded with “1984 meets Endless Summer”. A head scratcher, to be sure, but yet it weirdly is apt. Noisy, explosive proto-punk guitars meets singalong choruses, aptly produced by Radio Birdman’s Rob Younger.

2. The Whiffs, Scratch ‘N’ Sniff. What I just wrote about Uni Boys also fits with this fabulous Kansas City band, which made their short tour together this year a dream lineup.

1. Uni Boys, Buy This Now! Power pop was back in a big way in 2023, but it’s an evolved form of the genre. “Power” is the key word. Yes, the pop melodies are full of the giant hooks we expect from these sorts of bands, but they’re intermixed with louder guitars and faster tempos. These bands are forging their own visions instead of simply following the past. This L.A. foursome grew up at Burger Records shows, and you can tell.

Tonight's show also sees the conclusion of a yearlong project that has been great fun - the "52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks" series. I had originally planned on just playing a demo version of The Undertones' original track, but I received a surprising email just a couple of days ago. "Hey it's Krusty, longtime caller first time listener", it read. "Procrastinated my way through almost the whole year on this one (its pretty easy when you suck at drums!). Usually I am playing with my band Fashionkill, but this is my first effort at playing everything involved! Like the metallica blecccchh album, this is definitely more studio tricks than actual musicianship! Drums on Thursday, Everything else on Monday. Mixed on Tuesday. Sent today. Keep up the good stuff!" Thank you, Krusty, and thanks to all of the others who participated in this series!

Here are the tracks I aired to represent all 40 selections (aired in reverse, "countdown" order, of course):

1. Uni Boys, Down To The City.

2. The Whiffs, It’s Not Over.

3. Civic, Blood Rushes.

4. Paint Fumes, Starting Over.

5. Brad Marino, Lucy.

6. Geoff Palmer, Surfin’ Nebraska.

7. Wilco, Cousin.

8. Purling Hiss, Something In My Basement.

9. Wreckless Eric, Standing Water.

10. Bar Italia, World’s Greatest Emoter.

11. Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys In the Campfire, Mr. Wrong.

12. Sparklehorse, I Fucked It Up.

13. The Exbats, Himbo.

14. Lydia Loveless, Poor Boy.

15. The Rolling Stones, Whole Wide World.

16. King Tuff, Smalltown Stardust.

17. Osees, Intercepted Message. 1

18. Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Syster System.

19. Cut Worms, Take It and Smile.

20. Lucinda Williams, Rock N Roll Heart. 

21. Pretenders, Losing My Sense Of Taste.

22. Graham Parker & The Goldtops, The Music Of the Devil.

23. Yo La Tengo, Sinatra Drive Breakdown.

24. Night Beats, Motion Picture.

25. Guided By Voices, Puncher’s Parade.

26. The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Do Rainbows Have Ends.

27. Iggy Pop, Strung Out Johnny.

28. Bory, Feel the Burn.

29. The Waco brothers, Teenage Kicks.

30. Kevin Morby, This Is a Photograph II.

31. Country Westerns, Grapefruit.

32. The Men, God Bless the USA.

33. JJ & The Real Jerks, Girl I Want My Money Back.

34. The Smashing Times, Lets’ Be Nice With Johnny.

35. Local Drags, Heard About It.

36. Jagger Holly, Don’t Bore Us (Get to the Chorus).

37. The Dwarves, Feeling Great.

38. The Blips,, Who Took My Baby Away.

39. Hotline TNT, History Channel.

40. Dion Lunadon, Diamond Sea.

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[straycatboogie]

2023/06/23 English

BGM: 佐野元春 - VISITORS

I worked late today. For enjoying this morning's reading, I started reading the rest of Karen Cheung's "The Impossible City". Indeed, I have not read it completely so can't say exact reviews about that. But I have been impressed by that book because it seems a really ambitious one. Through talking about the controversial place Hong Kong, She also tries to talk about her complicated life so sensitively. A great work... And I thought if I could write something like her (this is one of my bad habits. I tend to think about writing like this if I read something thrilling/interesting). Write like her. In short, writing MY memoir. For example, about this Shiso city, the Japanese subculture (Shibuya-Kei city pop, and the beginning of the magazine "Quick Japan"), the Aum scandalous incident, the campus life in Waseda university I had spent my youthful days... These pieces of ideas burst almost infinitely/randomly and flooded from my brain.. But of course, I can't say if I could write it actually as a great cluster of memoir.

Following that "The Impossible City"... Suddenly, I thought about Lloyd Cole's tunes I was enjoying at that time. About this music I remember this. When Kenji Ozawa released his first solo album "犬は吠えるがキャラバンは進む(The Dogs Bark, But The Caravan Goes On)", a writer wrote as "Ozawa will become like a great musician like Lloyd Cole". By reading that article, I decided to try to listen to... And also I can remember this. Once I had tried to be a journalist/freelance writer in a field of rock music critic. I had bought magazines like "Rockin' On" and "ele-king". I guess that talking about that kind of subculture would mean trying to talk about the "Portrait of a romantic" (this is the title of a long novel by Stephen Millhauser). Of course, this is just a readymade thought by me. It has no shape now. I might not be able to write it actually. But I believe it has a worth to write it step by step... I want to do that. Because I am getting becoming 48 years old. I am never young eternally. Soon 50s and 60s comes to me.

I remember the Beatles' song... "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup". Suddenly, I thought that I wanted to write that memoir of mine by using a subject "YOU". I can remember Jay McInerney's "Bright Lights, Big City" and Paul Auster's "Winter Journal". But for me, it is never from any certain tactics. It is from my instant idea, but I want to write that on tomorrow, next Saturday after today's work. I remember... I also want to write the encountering with Haruki Murakami's books, and the teenage glorious days I enjoyed Flipper's Guitar and Cornelius. Like... "You are thinking about how long your life will last from now. About the time when will that end... And you are also thinking what you have achieved in your life until now. What would you achieve from now, too. By that idea, you tend to think that it would be sweet to die as Pet Shop Boys' tune 'West End Girls'". How does this sound?

I started my work. Today was the day my job coach and I did a meeting at my workplace. So we talked about the content of my work. How has it been going on? And suddenly, I cried a little in front of that job coach because I remembered a lot in my life... If I didn't meet my job coach, then I couldn't live this pleasant/funny days. And also I couldn't learn how to enjoy this whole autistic life. Yes, it is a dreamlike life. Of course, it can't be "a perfect life". I am now suffering from the problem of money management. At workplace, sometimes I feel that I have been treated roughly. But anyway, everything is "tasty". 10 years ago, I could never imagine THIS state. It is really like a manga... After today's work, I went back to my group home. I slept soon so couldn't write MY memoir. I want to write it in my free time. Slowly, slowly. It would end as a waste of time and effort... But so what?

[freyja-333]

DJ 웨건, 박재범 - 심해 DRIP (Feat. 펀치넬로&WOOGIE) DJ Wegun, Jay Park - Deep Sea DRIP [아지트 라이브 Azit Live #72]

[aaliyahunleashed]

Hey dude I know in the Red Album, there were some rock elements. Do you think she'd explore it more if she got to do another album after it?

Definitely! Aaliyah mentioned many times (before she died) that she was a huge fan of NIN (Nine Inch Nails).

It’s said that Aaliyah’s songs, “What If” and “I Can Be” (off her RED album) were her 'auditioning samples' showing that she can pull off such a (rock) genre when the QOTD soundtrack was being constructed.

When asked about a NIN collaboration, Aaliyah said:

“Well, we met for the first time at the MTV Video [Music] Awards and we talked for a while, and we've talked on the phone a few times. He's a really nice person and extremely talented, so maybe we'll be able to collaborate. I think our sounds would really mesh well, so I'll bring a little something to the table, he'll bring something, and we'll see how it works.”

It's rumored, within the Nine Inch Nails fanbase, that the song “And All That Could Have Been” was a tribute to Aaliyah after she died August 2001. The song itself (according to Wikipedia) was recorded in 2000 and released January 2002. Though this does not discourage the NIN fans that some (last minute) elements written into this song are in dedication to Aaliyah and what “could have been”. NIN has not made any statements to debunk or confirm the rumor (that I could find, yet). I listened to the song and couldn’t find the connection (to Aaliyah) or her impact left on him. 

Do you think Aaliyah and a Nine Inch Nails collabo would have meshed right?

Rap artists have worked with rockers in the past, such as Run DMX with Aerosmith “Walk This Way”, Puff Daddy with Jimmy Page “Come With Me”, and even Jay Z and Linkin Park with a while Collision Course EP collabo. - Aaliyah and NIN would have been hot and the visuals for the music video (and costume/clothing designs) may have been epic.