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afeelgoodblog · 10 months

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The Best News of Last Week

1. Arizona governor Ok's over the counter birth control

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) has expanded access to over-the-counter birth control that will “soon be available to Arizonans,” according to a press release.

Arizonans 18 and older will soon be able to go to their local pharmacy and purchase oral contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription.

2. ‘Great news’: EU hails discovery of massive phosphate rock deposit in Norway

A massive underground deposit of high-grade phosphate rock in Norway, pitched as the world’s largest, is big enough to satisfy world demand for fertilisers, solar panels and electric car batteries over the next 50 years, according to the company exploiting the resource. About 90% of the world’s mined phosphate rock is used in agriculture for the production of phosphorous for the fertiliser industry, for which there is currently no substitute.

3. U.S. Is Destroying the Last of Its Once-Vast Chemical Weapons Arsenal

Decades behind its initial schedule, the dangerous job of eliminating the world’s only remaining declared stockpile of lethal chemical munitions will be completed as soon as Friday.

4. Chinese scientists create edible food packaging to replace plastic

By incorporating certain soy proteins into the structure, Chinese University of Hong Kong scientists successfully created edible food packaging.

5. World's 1st 'tooth regrowth' medicine moves toward clinical trials in Japan

A Japanese research team is making progress on the development of a groundbreaking medication that may allow people to grow new teeth, with clinical trials set to begin in July 2024. The tooth regrowth medicine is intended for people who lack a full set of adult teeth due to congenital factors.

6. No Longer Endangered: The Bald Eagle is an Icon of the ESA

When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted in 1973, bald eagle population numbers across the country showed that the species was close to disappearing. Before the ESA, in the 1950s and ‘60s, eagles were shot routinely despite the protection. The ESA listing helped bring public attention to the issue.

Through the early 1970s and into the early ‘80s, numbers increased gradually. Then, as you got into the ‘90s, there was still gradual growth. From the late ‘90s into the 2000s, the population really exploded. There was a doubling rate of every several years or so for a while.

7. Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon drops 34% in first half 2023

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell 34% in the first half of 2023, preliminary government data showed on Thursday, hitting its lowest level in four years as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva institutes tougher environmental policies.

Data produced by Brazil's national space research agency Inpe indicated that 2,649 square km (1,023 square miles) of rainforest were cleared in the region in the half year, the lowest for the period since 2019.

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That's it for this week :)

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#best news of last week

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slexenskee · 10 months

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Running List of No Scrubs Albums

Because even I can't keep up with them anymore lol. I'll update it as I go. Also yes there are 6 official albums with 6 songs each... because Gojo is lame lol. And yes the acoustic albums are 5 songs... because he's extra lame

Spotify Playlist

update as of 09/18/23 bc I'm a f** scrub with commitment issues clearly

1. Thanks, I Hate it Here:

The 2nd album by release order, but first in chronological order of when they played them live. Yes, Gojo was feeling himself in his classic FOB phase real hard on this one lol. I find the evolution of FOB's discography IRL to be really fascinating, so I wanted to emulate it in the fic. This album is almost entirely FOB because Gojo realized flopping around bands and genres was difficult for the rest of his band, so he decided to first focus on one kind of ‘sound’ until they got used to playing together.

Critics will later call it a bit unpolished and juvenile in comparison to the refined sound, themes, and quality production of later albums, with it's younger and simpler narratives. Thematically it tends to resonate more with a younger crowd, which people accredit to Ru-kun's assumed age of writing at the time (late teens). In other words, it becomes the quintessential 'middle school glory days' playlist for an entire generation of No Scrubs fans.

A Loaded God Complex - (Sugar We're Going Down) FOB

Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over - FOB

In Too Deep - Sum 41

Homesick at Space Camp - FOB

A Little Less Sixteen Candles - FOB

Dance, Dance - FOB

2. Good News For People Who Love Bad News

This was No Scrubs' first album ever released on a streaming platform, but it compromises songs more from their 2nd live setlist chronologically. A cult favorite amongst the fans, this album is fun and bratty with a combination of punchy pop punk lyrics, theatrical narratives, and catchy hooks that become unanimous with the band's dramatic flair. No Scrubs always had a rep as an underground alternative band with petty delinquent vibes, but this album definitely solidified them as the patron saint of all the edgy and misunderstood goth punks.

At this point the band had been together for a few years and Gojo definitely felt satisfied with the way the band was coming together and wanted to throw in some more famous mid 2000s pop punk bands into the mix.

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner - FOB

I'm Not Okay (I promise) - MCR

In One Ear - Cage the Elephant

But It's Better if You Do - Panic!

I Write Sins not Tragedies - Panic!

Jesus of Suburbia - Green Day

3. Death Before Decaf

After playing up the 'pop' quite a bit in the last album, No Scrubs digs deep into some gritty grunge roots with their third album, full of noisy amped up rock anthems. Thematically it was considered their strongest album at the time of release, with intense vocals and lyrics covering dark and personal topics beneath the guise of their distinctive and iconic instrumental riffs. The juxtaposition between the catchy sing-along hooks and the depressing deeper meaning to the words made this album an instant classic. It remains a fan favorite of music critics for Ru-kun's scorchingly honest handling of raw and deeply personal themes like suicide, depression, and substance abuses. After the identities of the band members became public, it became a hotly debated album amongst No Scrubs fans, who consider it a cathartic outlet for a lot of the trauma that turned Ru-kun into a villain, but also a worrying one full of suicidal ideation, alcoholism, drugs, and child abuse.

On his part, Gojo was feeling nostalgic for his youth and felt it an affront that the likes of Nirvana and Weezer had never been experienced in the MHA universe. He gets asked about these songs a lot, specifically about Today, Semi-Charmed Life, and Say it Ain't So, which all seem to allude to a dark history. He often tells people Semi-Charmed Life is one of his favorite songs ever, which doesn't help matters, and also alarms several psychologists, who worry he's romanticizing what was clearly a very unhealthy time in his life.

My Own Worst Enemy - Lit

Today is the Greatest - (Today) Smashing Pumpkins

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Come As You Are - Nirvana

Say It Ain't So - Weezer

Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind

4. Glass Onion Heart

Aka the "Baby boy who hurt you???" album inspiring sexuality crises across the world

Glass Onion Heart feels like a wild card of metamorphosis from No Scrubs' prior albums, with the addition of more electronic, pop, and synth instrumental mixing. Combined with the explosive and flashy tour that accompanied the album's release, it felt like a radical departure from the band's classic garage-band sound, into a more streamlined, pop format.

The album was met with divisiveness from fans, not helped by the news of the band's breakup following the album release and subsequent tour. While many adored the new direction, long-time fans mourned the loss of the quintessential indie and underground 'No Scrubs' aesthetic, especially when faced with the thought of their final album. Nonetheless, it was the band's most popular album at time of release by a wide margin. It certainly helped the album's popularity that Ru-kun did the entire tour in drag.

At this point fans the world over became intrigued by No Scrubs and their burgeoning fame, prompting Gojo to name the album 'Glass Onion' after the Beatles song of the same name, because there is no deeper meaning to any of his songs, he's literally ripping them off from bands that don't exist. Fans spend way too long trying to figure out who this album was inspired by - who could have possibly broken their precious Ru-kun's heart?? - and as we enlightened No Scrubs fans know, it was no one. Literally no one. Gojo just really liked this femme fatale vibe, and decided to cross dress the entire tour because of it.

Tokyo - The Wombats

Dance Floor Anthem - Good Charlotte

Thanks for the Memories - Fall Out Boy

I'm the Leading Man - (This Ain't a Scene) Fall Out Boy

Moving to New York - The Wombats

Misery Business - Paramore

5. Infinity on High

Hailed as a return to the unfettered, unabashed, anti-establishment garage-band jam-session appeal that had people flocking to No Scrubs in their heyday, this album made an intense splash as No Scrubs' Comeback Album. Despite the return to their signature gritty rock sound, this album was in fact the most produced of any of No Scrubs' albums. This album marks both the return of No Scrubs as well as their launch into global superstardom.

Ironically, Gojo named this after his favorite FOB album (I mean it IS called Infinity lol) despite not including a single FOB track. Fans widely consider "Island in the Sun" to be specifically about Hawks, which Gojo never confirms or denies (although he definitely did think the similarities to their island mission were amusing). In reality, the song that reminds him of Hawks - and himself - the most is Mayonnaise, which might be why it's one of his favorites.

Holiday - Green Day

Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins

Cool Enough - (Mayonnaise) Smashing Pumpkins

1979 - Smashing Pumpkins

Island in the Sun - Weezer

Wake Me Up - (Wake Me Up When September Ends) Green Day

Bonus: Don't You Know Who (I Think) I AM? Acoustic Album

The first of Ru-kun's unexpected - and according to Makoto, utterly unplanned - acoustic albums, this bonus LP was met with delight and excitement from fans after Ru-kun had teased its release on Twitter. The intimate and personal nature of the simplistic mixing gave this album a cult following, and brought in a new segment of music fans that No Scrubs' music normally didn't appeal to.

Nobody Puts Baby In the Corner - Fall Out Boy

Grand Theft Autumn - Fall Out Boy

My Heart is the Worst Kind of Weapon - Fall Out Boy

Notion - Rare Occasions

No Such Thing - John Mayer

Bonus: Take (Me) With a Grain of Salt

Despite the critical acclaim this acoustic album (and the full band versions eventually released afterwards) it was met with a lot of incendiary response at the time of its release. No Scrubs had finally achieved global stardom and was regularly topping hit charts across the world with the release of their album Infinity on High - and while music critics unanimously praised the EP as a worthy contender for Album of the Year, it was generally acknowledged truth that the album's popularity was owed in no small part to lead singer Ru-kun's sudden infamy that coincided at the same time.

The unfathomable depths of Ru-kun's new celebrity status in parallel to the band's brand of off-label, anti-establishment themes created friction within the fanbase. Many accused them of taking advantage of the current media coverage to promote sales, which bassist and band leader Makoto clapped back as 'just doing smart business'. In general, consensus was positive towards the sentiment; capitalizing on Ru-kun's fame and releasing an album in parallel to his identity reveal was just genius marketing.

However the timing of the release of Ru-kun's second acoustic album kicked up the discourse once again, with fans decrying the release as 'a fake sellout' aimed to exploit current gossip trends. However the album's drop was sudden and unexpected - with little to no pre-release marketing - lending credence to the narrative that Ru-kun wrote this album under the emotional duress of his personal life at the time.

Due to the staggering popularity of the acoustic album, the band eventually recorded and released a B-Side with full band versions.

Disenchanted - MCR

Stay Together For the Kids - Blink-182

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls

How's It Going To Be - Third Eye Blind

All These Things That I've Done - The Killers

#fic may death never stop you #music recs #mdnsy art

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lovelylittlelosers · 1 year

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🚨 TOP TEN ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN (Hellenic) POTTERY SHAPES (and their best in show) 🚨

A lot of these are going to be from Athens. This isn’t because Athens is the best polis at pottery, but because most of the surviving material culture from Greek antiquity was found in Athens. This is just the facts of classics, deal with it.

10. The Oinochoe ⭐️⭐️

This is just a pitcher. A boring boring pitcher used to pour wine. It could have been so much more. where’s the flare? I have nothing left to say.

Best in show: Wtf is he doin with that hog? Wheelbarrow racing? Just kidding, this is actually Herakles defeating that boar and bringing it to Athena. which is cool but its still just a fucking pitcher. (~510 BCE Athens)

9. The Alabastron ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a little vial/jug that holds oils and perfumes. BORING. Do more, be better. Alabastra are the type of vase that wouldn’t stand a chance in a fist fight. I need a bad bitch piece of pottery and this shit isn't cutting it.

Best in show: This Etruscan alabastron. She’s cute! I too like to paint little cats. (620-590 BCE, Corinth)

8. The Amphora ⭐️⭐️⭐️

She’s tried and true. She’s a classic. She’s basic as hell. Amphorai have many uses but mainly they’re just glorified modern kitchen Pyrex. They just contain shit. Grains? ✔️ Oil? ✔️ Human Ashes? ✔️ Multipurpose icon, but it’s also the only pottery type with its own emoji 🏺 so she’s too mainstream for my taste. All my homies appreciate the amphora, but it’s never gonna be top 5.

Best in show: Exekias’ pot of mythic warriors Achilles and Ajax playing a lil game. How fun! I love a game night. (~540 BCE Athens)

7. The Stamnos ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The amphora’s cooler cousin. stamnoi are bad bitches all around. They’re stouter and are made to hold liquids like water and wine (and sometimes as diluting vessels.) They have the same powerful vibe as amphorai but they’re more underground, you’ve probably never heard of them before.

Best in show: Listen. Is she a little flawed? Yes. Is she serving cunt? Kinda. This stamnos depicts Dionysus and his maenads and satyrs! Rad as hell. (370–360 BCE Etruscan)

6. The Volute Krater ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Kraters are wine mixing pots where water is added to super concentrated wines to make them actually drinkable. Kraters have many different styles but the best of them is the Volute Krater - just like a normal krater, but with fancier handles. They’ve got a very classic look I think, I’d want to hang out with one they seem like they have really expensive and classy tastes. The sugar mommy of ancient pottery.

Best in show: What a pretty mother fucker. (~320 BCE Etruscan).

5. The Lebes Gamikos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So... This one is really weird looking and also really pretty. Has maybe the least practical lid I’ve ever seen but who can even blame it when it looks that pretty? A lebes would have been used as a cooking pot. A COOKING POT. CAN YOU IMAGINE WHIPPING THIS BITCH OUT TO MAKE MAC AND CHEESE????

Best in show: TO COOK WITH??????????? It’s got Eros on it and a smaller decorative lebes as the handle. So extra and for what? (350 - 325 BCE Apulia.)

4. The Loutrophorus ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

These guys are tall and skinny and potters liked to go ham on the handles. They were ceremonial vases that held water. They’re just really impressive. I mean just look at it. Potters and Painters got to go crazy on these things because they were only really used for big and important rituals and events so they could be as fancy and special as they wanted.

Best in show: I mean,,,, come on folks. This piece has the head of a woman on the lid and each side is decorated with tons of gods and goddesses. It is ornate, it was expensive, it is a fucking queen. (330 BCE)

3. The Kylix ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Perhaps a little over rated but definitely not as overhyped as the amphora, the kylix is a wide shallow pot used for sippin’ on drinks in super style. They have painted eyes and when you drink from them the eyes become part of your face and the handles look like ears. This is life changing information. These bitches are big and dramatic, much like me. They were really popular in Mycenean Greece (before the dark ages that birthed the classical Hellenic period we all know and love -- the ancient Greece of ancient Greece) which just screams Scorpio energy; how mysterious and cool of them. These baddies have art not just on the outside, but the inside too!

Best in show: Reminds me of that crazy look anime characters get when they’re about to go off the rails (~510 BCE Athens.) a second less cool kylix is also pictured to show you what they would look like when you drank from them. Hilarious.

2. The Pyxis ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pyxides are the unsung hero of ancient pottery. Most pottery charts will not feature them. But Pyxides are a girl’s best friend.

The pyxis serves as a little jewelry box, a little box for all your trinkets, a little makeup kit. This is the fun type of versatility (👀🏺 get good amphora) These little guys sit on your ancient vanity and open up from the top with a fun shaped handle. Because they were made for women we get a lot of cool insights on women’s lives (and a lot of wedding stuff) in antiquity from these little guys!

Best in show: THIS pyxis depicting a bride preparing for her wedding. Outside she takes a little bath with Eros (winged god of love who later becomes our modern Cupid) and inside he sits on her lap. Talk about a wing man! (~410 BCE Athens.)

1. The Kantharos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you don’t think a kantharos could steal your girl you’re wrong. These bitches have everything you could ever look for. They’re smaller drinking cups that were most likely used for rituals due to how crazy ornate most of them are. Some of them are even molded to look like heads, that is simultaneously really badass and also very unserious!!

Best(s) in show: A classic ornate kantharos with silver plating depicting the death of Orpheus and the kidnapping of Helen. Look at how fucking GORGEOUS it is (~415 BC.) And a head kantharos (also called a janiform kantharos as they have two faces!) of a satyr and a woman. Imagine drinking from this I would feel so powerful (420 B.C. Athens.)

#guess my special interest #ancient greece #archaeology #classics #etruscan #athens #corinth

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girl4music · 7 months

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“But without a doubt the most iconic on-screen lesbian representation to come from the 90’s and perhaps of all-time is unquestionably Xena and Gabrielle from ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’. A series which started airing in 1995 and spanned 6 seasons following the character of Xena, an infamous warrior on a quest to seek redemption for her past sins alongside the small town bard Gabrielle. It’s no secret that the writers for Xena purposefully implemented romantic subtext between the characters of Xena and Gabrielle from the very beginning. This subtext eventually bled into main text in the later seasons. Xena and Gabrielle were declared soulmates, they kissed on the lips more than once, and they even got married. It’s also been confirmed my the creator of Xena, Rob Tapert, in numerous interviews that the romantic relationship between the two was deliberate and carefully planted in the show. He and the writers had to contend with the censors - meaning that they were limited with what they could portray on-screen. Tapert has also said that they had written an episode where they actually outed Xena and Gabrielle but Universal told them that they couldn’t use it so they ended up having to do a rewrite. The show, at its core, is a piece of lesbian media but it’s a piece that is distorted by performative heterosexual elements for the sake of keeping the studio happy and to keep it marketable to as big an audience as possible. It’s been well documented that the writers faced a lot of barriers with the network desperately trying to censor any overt romantic implications between Xena and Gabrielle. However, the writers creative efforts to get around the censorship alongside the lightening in a bottle chemistry that Lucy and Renee had undoubtably created one of the most iconic lesbian couples of all-time. ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ is an example of lesbian representation that managed to thrive against censorship and it was a lifeline for a lot of lesbians and bisexual women in the 90’s who struggled to see that type of relationship and love between two women anywhere else. It really is a special show and alongside Ellen is absolutely one of the most defining pieces of lesbian media from the 90’s” - @sapphicunderground

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Please check out this wonderful creator’s breakdown of the negative and positive lesbian representation of the 90’s. It is thoroughly educational and insightful and it affectionately gushes about my favourite TV show and WLW relationship of all-time. I still don’t know if can call Xena and Gabrielle a lesbian couple or relationship given I headcanon Xena as bisexual but I can say that it is absolutely the greatest lesbian representation that I have ever seen in my life. And I implore people who want to see proper positive lesbian or WLW representation to watch this show. Sapphic Underground also has a 1 hour long lesbian review of ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ on her YouTube that I would also recommend people to please check out.

When we talk of positive representation for LGBTQ media here on Tumblr or on any social media platform… I hate that Xena and Gabrielle are almost always ignored or even removed entirely from the conversation just because it was not explicitly textually confirmed as canon when it is easily one of the most authentic representations of WLW there is. Like,… in principle. Not just in TV but in any platform of art/entertainment that has ever been created. The creators for Xena went above and beyond expectations to provide something that was sorely missing in the landscape of art/entertainment media. Like if you watched it, you would understand what I mean with this. It’s revolutionary what they did with it.

youtube

#xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle #xena #lucy lawless #gabrielle #renee o'connor #lesbian representation #wlw representation #the lesbian boom of the 90’s #sapphic underground #Youtube

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fabuloustrash05 · 6 months

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Every single TMNT 2012 AU I have (so far):

Turtles In The Roaring 20s - In 1923, Splinter is the proud owner of the most popular underground jazz club in New York, with his four sons being the stars. However there’s family drama going on backstage.

Mission Failed - The Turtles and friends failed their 6 month mission to save the Earth from the Triceratons. 10 years later, the team as split up going their separate ways but are all still haunted by their biggest failure.

Mistress Millennium - I don’t really know if this counts as an AU, it’s just a “what if Renet became a villain?” story.

Salamandrian April AU - April gets captured by the Kraang as a child but it rescued by Sal Commander. To hide her from the Kraang, April grows up on Salamandria along side Mona Lisa where they train together and become like sisters.

Future AU - The Turtles and their friends are now all grown up. Some are married, some have kids of their own and others have successful careers/lives. The story follows their adulthood while also preparing the next generation of the Hamato Clan.

Princess Bride AU - When Kintaro is stuck in bed sick his friend Usagil decides to visit and read him a story about adventure, action, miracles, and true love between a turtle and a lizard.

Actor AU - It’s all a TV show in their world and everyone are just actors. Fun stuff happens behind the scenes when filming TMNT.

Medieval AU - Splinter is the King of the Hamato Kingdom. The Turtles and Miwa are the prince/princess of the kingdom. After Splinter mysteriously dies and Miwa missing, Leo must find a wife and prepare to become king within a year.

Mazes & Mutants - The roleplaying game is now real! A world of fantasy and adventure as the Turtles and friends travel the land, exploring and fighting evil beasts.

Teenage Mutant Monster Turtles - Everyone is a monster (Leo a mummy, Raph a vampire, Mikey a werewolf, Donnie Frankenstein’s Monster etc), hijinx ensue.

Robin Hood AU - Raphael and Slash are the iconic duo of Robin Hood and Little John, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, rebelling against the wick Sharif, Tiger Claw, and the greedy Prince Newtrailzer.

Human/High School AU - The title is self explanatory. Leo is class president and Mr Popular, Raph is a troublemaking jock, Donnie is a straight A student and tutors his classmates, and Mikey is a class clown.

Childhood AU - The Turtles and all their friends are kids having a big playdate together.

Greek Gods AU - Everyone is their own take on the Greek Gods, but with their own twists. (Ex: Splinter is Zeus but he is NOT a chatting scumbag)

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denimbex1986 · 10 months

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'Since his breakthrough performance in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later over two decades ago, Cillian Murphy has become one of the biggest names in acting. Later, Murphy honed his skills with an iconic performance as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders and a series of collaborations with beloved director Christopher Nolan. After appearing in The Dark Knight, Inception, and Dunkirk, he now takes on the starring role of the eponymous Oppenheimer in one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Alongside the Irish actor’s love for cinema, he also harbours a passion for music. In his youth, Murphy sang and played guitar in bands, even meeting his wife at one of his gigs in the mid-1990s. His most promising band was The Sons of Mr Green Genes, named after the Frank Zappa song, which featured Murphy and his brother Páidi. Acid Jazz Records even contacted the duo to offer them a deal, but they declined.

Though Murphy’s gigging days are behind him, music remains a huge part of the actor’s life. During an interview with the Sunday Independent Life Magazine, he stated: “The only extravagant thing about my lifestyle is my stereo system, buying music and going to gigs.” He still plays and writes alone and with friends and was even featured on a recent single by The Coral.

Expectedly, for someone so well-versed in music, Murphy’s taste is varied. Though he presents on the alternative station BBC Radio 6, his taste stretches beyond dad rock. From the early synth-pop of Christine and the Queens to fellow Irish performer Van Morrison, Murphy has littered his interviews and radio shows with wide-spanning music recommendations. We’ve collated a number of tracks he’s shared his love for throughout the years.

Murphy once awarded the title of his favourite band to Radiohead, naming ‘No Surprises’ as the song he wishes he’d written in an interview with NME. He states: “I think they’re the biggest band, who became the biggest band in the world without wanting to be the biggest band in the world. They’re probably my favourite band.”

Murphy also once noted his love for the contemporary Irish band Fontaines D.C. On one of his shows for the BBC, he stated, “I’ve been playing a lot of Irish music, but I am Irish, and there is a great explosion of new Irish music!” He names ‘Liberty Belle’ as one of his favourite tracks from their 2019 debut album Dogrel, but adds, “Every single tune, they’re relentlessly themselves.”

Murphy also shared his love for rapper Kendrick Lamar, noting that DAMN was the first album his 11-year-old son ever purchased. Murphy’s own was The Final Countdown by Europe: “I’m not ashamed of it; it’s a great riff. But Kendrick Lamar… Look, I think he tips it.”

Ranging from Beatles classics to contemporary rap and 2000s indie, check out our collated list of Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy’s favourite songs below.

Cillian Murphy’s favourite songs:

Christine and the Queens – ‘Tilted’ Elbow – ‘Fly Boy Blue / Lunette’ Europe – ‘The Final Countdown’ Fleetwood Mac – ‘Man of the World’ Fontaines D.C. – ‘Liberty Belle’ Jackson C. Frank – ‘Blues Run the Game’ John Lennon – ‘God’ Kendrick Lamar – ‘YAH’ Low – ‘Always Trying to Work It Out’ Marvin Pontiac – ‘Small Car’ Massive Attack – ‘Hymn of the Big Wheel’ Paul McCartney – ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ Radiohead – ‘Daydreaming’ Radiohead – ‘No Surprises’ Stevie Wonder – ‘Sugar’ The Band – ‘The Weight’ The Beatles – ‘Love Me Do’ The Kinks – ‘You Really Got Me’ The Strokes – ‘Someday’ The Velvet Underground – ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ Van Morrison – ‘Sweet Thing’'

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therealtruthalways · 4 months

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🚨#BREAKING: Riot Unfolds as NYPD Responds to Discovery of Underground Tunnel in Brooklyn Temple

📌#CrownHeights | #Brooklyn

Currently, numerous law enforcementare at the scene of a riot at the Chabad headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where individuals tore wooden panels to prevent a cement truck from sealing off the recently discovered tunnels. Police intervened by ripping wooden panels to thwart the cement truck's actions. The underground tunnels, secretly built by a group, including members of the Jewish community, about 6 months ago in an attempt to expand the iconic synagogue, were the focal point. Despite police intervention, numerous people refused to vacate the tunnels, leading to the arrest of at least ten individuals after a scuffle with the NYPD inside 770.

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thegamecollection · 6 months

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HALT YOUR HYPE FOR VAULT 33...

Until next April anyway!

In case you missed it, yesterday's fresh announcement on Amazon Prime's Fallout TV show confirmed that it will be coming to the streaming platform on 12th April 2024! I'll be the first to admit that I fell for the 4th December launch until I realised it was the American (wrong) way of display! Ha.

It's been on our radars for what feels like forever (2020 if our memories serve) and so another 6 months or so will come and go! Even closer now that it's NOT December! Silver linings, right.

If you're unfamiliar, the series will take place in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles where inhabitants are forced to live underground in bunkers to protect themselves from the radiation, mutated crazies and bandits that await in the *once* real world...

After the success of The Last of Us via HBO, video-game-to-TV adaptations are only increasing in popularity and we are absolutely HERE for it.

With the namesake of one of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time and a pretty cool cast to boot (Shout-out Kyle MacLachlan of Twin Peaks fame), all signs point to another big hit in the making!

If you need something to watch in the meantime, may this social media guy suggest you give some love to 'Silo' on Apple TV! Thank me later.

We look forward to seeing a trailer for Amazon Prime's Fallout ASAP!

"It's the end of the world, all over again."

-Jack

#tgc #thegamecollection #fallout #amazon prime #bethesda softworks #fallout new vegas #fallout 3 #fallout 4 #kyle maclachlan #gaming news

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hiphopncountrychick · 8 months

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🎤🎶 Exploring the Golden Era of Hip-Hop: Classic Albums That Still Draw Us In 🎶🎤

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some iconic hip-hop albums from the golden era that continue to captivate us to this day.

1. "Illmatic" by Nas (1994):

Nas' lyrical prowess and storytelling on this album are nothing short of legendary. Every track feels like a timeless masterpiece. Hands down one of the greatest albums ever made in the history of hip hop and still inspiring new rappers to this date.

2. "The Chronic" by Dr. Dre (1992):

This album laid the foundation for West Coast hip-hop. Dre's production and Snoop Dogg's smooth flow make it a must-listen.

3. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994):

Biggie's debut is a raw and introspective journey through his life, showcasing his storytelling genius. This album also hailed Biggie as the "King Of New York"

4. "36 Chambers" by Wu-Tang Clan (1993):

The Wu-Tang Clan's unique style and gritty lyricism still resonate with fans worldwide. A true hip-hop classic.

5. "A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory" (1991):

Known for its jazzy beats and socially conscious lyrics, this album remains a blueprint for conscious hip-hop.

6. "Me Against the World" by 2Pac (1995):

2Pac's introspection and vulnerability shine on this record, making it one of his most powerful works.

7. "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A (1988):

This album was a game-changer, revolutionary introducing the world to the raw power of West Coast gangsta rap. Hailed themselves as "The most dangerous Group"

8. "The Infamous" by Mobb Deep (1995):

This gritty and dark masterpiece delves into street life and hardship, making it an essential listen.

9. "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim (1987):

Often hailed as one of the most influential hip-hop albums ever, Rakim's lyrical mastery shines brightly here.

10. "93 'til Infinity" by Souls of Mischief (1993):

A true gem and timeless masterpiece of the West Coast underground, this album is celebrated for its laid-back vibes and intelligent lyricism. Can you believe these guys made an album when they were in highschool and it went straight up in classic. I guess they didn't know at that time that they were not just recording an album but making a history. The title song of this Album "93 till infinity" is still crowned as one of the greatest beats ever produced.

These albums not only defined an era but continue to inspire new generations of hip-hop artists. So, whether you're a seasoned hip-hop head or just discovering these classics, dive in and let the beats and rhymes transport you to a time when hip-hop was pure magic. 🎤🌟

So go ahead and give it a listen to these hip hop gems. Drop your favourite album or favourite songs from these albums. You can also drop your favourite classic hip hop albums in comments.

You can also tell me in comments if you want full album reviews and breakdown for particular each and every album, I can do that for you too.

I'll see you in the next post folks until then, keep jamming guys

#hiphop #desi tumblr #desiblr #hip hop #music #rap #spotify #country music #tupac shakur #illmatic #biggie #dr dre

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disneyparksattractionstournament · 6 months

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Favorite Disney Parks Attraction Showdown: Round 6/Semifinals

Videos and propaganda under the cut!

Tower of Terror: WDW Hollywood Studios, Paris Walt Disney Studios Park, California Adventure (2004-2017), Tokyo DisneySea

Propaganda:

"you forget how scary it is until you watch the preshow. and then you forget how fun it is until you ride the ride. 10/10 would recommend went on it with my friends twice last time we went."

"WE LOVE HORROR MEDIA REPRESENTATION!!! ONLY PUSSIES TAKE THE STAIRS"

"This ride made me absolutely terrified of elevators for a bit. xD Anyway, the bellhop cast members are hilarious. The hotel that is covered in cobwebs and was clearly abandoned in a rush after a terrible event is so cool. The Rod Sterling Twilight Zone intro is iconic. The basement is an interesting setting for the final part of the queue. The generators, lights, and floor indicator malfunctioning helps build your anticipation. The friggin elevator moving into the hallway and into a new shaft when the electrical ghosts make their appearance and you enter the Twilight Zone is so impressive. The dropping and rising of the elevator is such fun and I love the randomized events they added. I have to say, though, that ventriloquist dummy in the unloading room still makes me uncomfortable."

"Who doesn't love a creepy dark drop narrated by the man, the myth, the legend Rod Serling himself?"

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Disneyland, WDW Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris

Propaganda:

Disneyland version: "It has such an effective use of underground sections, especially when they're completely dark and give you the illusion of going even faster. The first one can catch you off guard, which makes it all the more effective! The canyon theming is gorgeous as always, and while there's a shorter town section, it's still fun to look at. The cave for the lift hill after the first dark section is also great and I love the use of water features in the ride"

Disney World version: Ok so this is a bit of a story. There was a doctor who noticed that lots of his patients had passed kidney stones after riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. So he and a collaborator rode on the ride a bunch of times while holding a backpack with a 3D printed kidney filled with urine and kidney stones. Amazingly, around 60% of the time when sitting in the back of the coaster, the stone would pass! The study also notes that other roller coasters in the park like the rock n roller coaster or space mountain did not have the same effect. You can read more about it here: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/09/for-kidney-health-roller-coaster-therapy/501278/

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#disney parks #disney parks attractions tournament #disney #poll #disney world #tournament poll #disneyland #wdw #magic kingdom #big thunder mountain railroad #tower of terror #twilight zone #rod sterling #round 6 #semifinals

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theundergroundstories · 1 year

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Greetings master. I'm a 20year dude who wants to learn how to ride a motorcycle so be a biker and more adventurous. I was hoping the underground could help me

The Underground can very much help you but we can’t just rush into things. If you want to be manly, more adventurous you should at least be respectful.

Oh don’t give me the “Oh but sir, I was respectful I called you master” shit. I’m not talking about being respectful to me, although you should. I’m talking about respecting the bikers, the motorcycles and the leather jackets. Being a biker is more than a lifestyle it’s a culture in itself. There’s a history to how the biker we envision today came to be. I won’t explain the complete history but at least take the time to appreciate and learn the history of the iconic leather biker jacket.

The leather jacket itself has become a fashion icon that has very masculine quality to them that exudes power and coolness but did you know the original company behind the iconic biker design started manufacturing these awesome jackets in 1913. Or the fact that leather jackets were used very heavily by the military during World War 2. Not to mention we owe a thanks to great legends like Marlon Brando and that old Brit David Beckham for populating the leather jacket fashion. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be the timeless badass fashion trend they are today.

Now that you learned some history you ready for your own? You ready to respect the leather and biker lifestyle? You are? Just be warned, if you don’t I’ll make you regret your disrespect and trap you as this leather jacket.

I say as I hold a huge leather jacket for you to wear. You nod and slip your hands in the sleeves. The jacket hangs loosely on you as you feel the heavy heft of the jacket and feel the rich smooth leather material. Your body starting to swell larger. Your hair lightens and your chin starts to feel itchy as you grow a nice bushy beard and your moustache fills out some more. Your nose broadens as you feel your dick grow two inches longer to be a larger than average six inch stick. You stand up more straight as you notice you know stand at a respectable 6′2. The jacket now fits perfectly on your body and I hand you some shades to go with your new look

Keep in mind what we talked about today alright? The moment you loose sight of what it means to be a biker and a man, you’ll be absorbed into the jacket for another man to use. Now with that enjoy your new adventures.

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dangerousblizzarki · 9 months

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Some synopses I made for my WT-inspired season with the Reboot Cast.

Like the original WT, the members get to name their teams.

Ripper explains that a team full of powerful men and MK deserves an intimidating and threatening name, and as an alfalfa man, what better name than the term he always uses to describe himself? Team Alfalfa it is.

Axel takes charge of her team and names them Team Survival because she wants what's best for them, even willing to go to great lengths to prove it,

Priya being the hardcore total drama fan that she is, took it upon herself to name their team "Team Venus" as a homage to the Original's Team Amazon, for coincidentally being comprised of four girls and one boy and hopes the team follows in their footsteps concerning challenges.

Episode #1

Synopsis:

Sixteen teenagers are invited back to the new season as they compete in brutal and mind-grueling challenges worldwide to win $1,000,000. The new rules, along with their recent living quarters and mode of transportation, are made familiar to the contestants before dropping them off in the middle of the sea where their first challenge awaits. Established bonds have been separated while three teams and new alliances emerge.

Episode #2:

Synopsis:

The three teams, now fully geared up, must traverse their way inside the Puerto Princesa Underground River with their various rewards and penalties intact. Once out of the underground cave, teams must go to the island’s local airport with anything they can use. One member of a particular team wants to take the lead due to the familiarity with the place, but will they succeed, or will the other teams beat them to it?

Episode #3

Synopsis:

Next destination? Seoul, South Korea!! Teams must partake in a three-part challenge wherein they have to indulge in some of South Korea’s most influential pop culture media trends, including an all-out eating challenge, a simultaneous sing-and-dance performance, and a reenactment of one of the country’s most iconic romcoms. The winning team is rewarded with an all-expense paid trip around the city, while something unexpected might happen to the losing team.

Episode #4

Synopsis:

The three teams are now headed for the Himalayan mountain ranges and are tasked with enduring the rough weather conditions together. Certain members from different teams begin to express their frustration and dismay as they try to overcome the anxiety of not knowing how the other teams are doing. In contrast, the other members tell them to snap out of it and focus on the challenge. Push comes to shove as someone is forced to decide when they find out their friend’s health from the other team is at risk.

Episode #5

Synopsis:

The three teams head northwest for the Land of Fire and Ice. Teams are tasked with finding treasure hidden within the country’s contrasting active volcanoes and glacier landscapes. However, to make things even, a few must sit out on the challenge in isolation from their teams’ current affairs. Several contestants begin to show concern for their places in the game as alliances begin to solidify with the hope of taking out a common enemy.

Episode #6

Synopsis:

The first aftermath of the season has premiered with old and familiar faces returning as hosts. Several previous contestants, now grown up, are invited back to comment on the newbies as the peanut gallery. The hosts review the relationship details of the first few eliminated contestants. They express their answers in their particular way, earning the respect and disappointment of the different hosts and peanut gallery members.

Episode #7

Synopsis:

The remaining contestants are taken to their next challenge in the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. One contestant becomes skeptical after observing their teammate’s interest in another player in the competition. At the same time, another one grows weary of their teammates’ performances in the challenges, forcing them to enact an operation to boot out who they think is the weakest link.

Episode #8

Synopsis:

A forty-eight-hour-long challenge awaits the three teams in Switzerland. Teams must bobsled their way down a mountain as they gather materials for the second half of the hospitality challenge. One team ends up in deep trouble as the natives don’t take kindly to a teammate’s refusal to cooperate, while another swiftly courses through the challenge due to a member’s special training. Meanwhile, problems and new friendships arise for one team as they discover secrets and motives amongst themselves.

Episode #9

Synopsis:

The teams arrive in Milan, Italy. As the teams ramble to search for materials spread across the city for their blindfolded models to use on the runway of traps set up by the host, one contestant is having difficulty keeping up with their team as they begin to show regret for past actions. Another one is torn as they face the struggles of having to choose sides. On the other hand, someone tries their hardest to show their worth in hopes of redemption and a place to stay in the game even further.

Episode #10

Synopsis:

The contestants are taken to Barcelona, Spain, for their next challenge. One contestant desperately starts making moves to establish connections with certain people to turn into potential allies, which results in a deal with the intent to take down a common threat as they play a twisted game of the country’s national sport set in one of the cities glistering beaches along the coastlines.

Episode #11

Synopsis:

Off to Arizona and into the Grand Canyon!! The host tells the teams to hike their way to their designated landmarks. An argument emerges about the current and future state of the team and wants to change how the team is being led. Meanwhile, two people express intense emotions over the problems they face in the competition. After an incident, both have time to properly overcome their current predicaments and make amends before the elimination ceremony.

Episode #12

Synopsis

The second installment of the season’s Aftermath show returns with new guests after their time on the show has been cut short. One person compiles some of the guests’ most controversial and humiliating moments on the show to boost ratings. Someone manages to reflect upon the behavior they showed. At the same time, another person expresses much disdain and vengeance upon a particular contestant left in the running, much to the agreement of their fellow former competitors.

Episode #13

Synopsis:

The host takes the remaining contestants to California, USA, where their challenge is split into five parts with varying amounts of players eligible to participate per section. However, due to unfavorable circumstances, one lucky contestant must only do one challenge to win it all for their team. Meanwhile, one person manages to get a hold of something important that may affect certain contestants in the long run.

Episode #14

Chris, Chef, and the teens travel to Kruger Park, one of South Africa's National parks, where teams must find an animal and plant with their team logo before taking the blue train to Chris for a place in the following episode. But please be sure to search carefully. One contestant's crucial information managed to cause tension between three people after a seemingly unlikely friendship began to flourish. At the elimination ceremony, two contestants are on the verge of elimination. However, can one's planning cause the votes to shift in their favor?

Episode #15

Synopsis:

Feeling betrayed by a so-called friend, a vengeful contestant will stop at nothing to achieve their sole goal of erasing another's status in the game. The contestants dropped on one of the most radioactive places on the planet, Chornobyl. The teams must find their way out of the area; does that sounds simple enough? Not when you're on a timer while being chased down. Two contestants got to have a moment to themselves, coming to terms with what must be done to improve their stay in the game. Meanwhile, someone also comes to terms with how they view a fellow competitor as a result of their desire to win back their attention and trust, and thus, does something completely out of the blue.

Episode #16

Synopsis:

The teams travel to Cluj, Romania. Each team must gather clues hidden within the forest to solve a mystery around the show's history. With the numbers dwindling even more by the end of this elimination round, one person thinks ahead and devises a strategy to weaken their enemies while ensuring a place in the impending merging of the teams. Still, they must seek assistance first for this plan to bear fruit. On the other hand, another person is having difficulty managing the series of events they just witnessed beforehand.

Episode #17

Synopsis:

All emotions are in the air, and most aren't pretty. The remaining players land in Auckland, New Zealand, for a two-part challenge. First, they must go up the Sky Tower on foot while dining on the country's fine cuisine. Once they reach the top, every team member must sky jump off the Sky Tower one at a time while ensuring the stuff they ate going up doesn't go out. One expresses great exhilaration and confidence after doing so well. and another expresses a mix of resentment and respect directed at an opposing player. Lastly, someone didn't take the most recent elimination too kindly, which didn't go unnoticed by another contestant who knew what or who caused it.

Episode #18

Synopsis:

New, unhappy guests join the peanut gallery, and what do they all have in common other than getting outplayed? Nothing. Five lucky losers get the opportunity to rejoin the competition. One unexpected player wins, now driven by the thirst for vengeance.

Episode #19

Synopsis:

The teams arrive in Singapore for their next challenge. It is revealed that one person winning a second chance challenge on the Aftermath is debuting onto the show with the teams finally merging, much to everyone's excitement except for one previously hopeful contender. The host tells people to work in pairs, adding tension and unlikely mileage for some and a joyous experience for others. Considering one's connections in the game into consideration, three people coordinate a plan to ensure a better placement further down the line.

Episode #20

Synopsis:

On to Uganda to visit the country's mountains for their next challenge. Tension arises between certain contestants after the previous episode's events make one of them seem untrustworthy. One contestant manages to win immunity as a way of redemption for their past performances, while another, unfortunately, left the show in more ways than they could have foreseen.

Episode #21

Synopsis:

Arriving in Antarctica for their next challenge, the teens must conduct research as they go to Chris and actual researchers by kayaking over frozen seas and snowshoeing across polar landscapes. Someone’s drive for vengeance against another goes out of hand while the relationship between two others is continuously placed under mixed signals. Ultimately, the winner’s victory earned them respect and a massive target on their back moving forward.

Episode #22

Synopsis:

The remaining contestants are going to the Caribbean islands to compete in a water-themed challenge. Two contestants attempt to rope in another person to join their alliance for a closer place to the finale. In contrast, one contestant helps another gain immunity to protect them. In the end, tension occurs as unwanted information is spread loose, and two contestants are forced to go up against each other due to one’s dishonesty.

Episode #23

Synopsis:

The last few contestants head to Vancouver, Canada, to participate in a challenge revolving around the Arts & Culture of the City. One contestant berates themselves over losing track of the game for selfish reasons. Meanwhile, a different contestant desperately attempts to fix whatever is left of their relationship with another due to someone’s plan to attain their preferred set of opponents. However, one underestimation over another led to a change in plans.

Episode #24:

Synopsis:

The Aftermath Show reveals the location of the finale, back to where it all started. The batch of the most recently eliminated contestants is brought out. The eliminated contestants are split into teams showing support for the person they choose who’s still running for the million-dollar prize. A representative of each team has to compete in a challenge to give an advantage to the person they are supporting. Certain contestants express their reasons as to who among those left in the game deserves to win, earning a variety of reactions.

Episode #25

Synopsis:

The final four are left alone as they engage in a full-out race to Ontario, utilizing anything they can use on the way there. One contestant takes another under their wing, hoping for an easier time in the finale. Meanwhile, two rivals finally confront each other about each other’s actions up to this point in the game. Ultimately, while two contestants successfully guarantee their spots in the final 3, the last spot is fought by two harsh competitors, each with a strong ambition that led them to this moment.

Episode #26

Synopsis:

The season has reached its final episode, where one of the final three will win the one million dollar prize. The host announces that the last challenge of the season involves three parts which will test the finalists’ brightness, boldness, and bravery, coupled with assistance from the previously eliminated contestants. Ultimately, only one contestant will emerge as the world’s latest millionaire. But does the other one go as empty-handed as they thought?

#total drama #total drama 2023 #total drama reboot #total drama world tour #fanfic

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that-irrelevant-ricecakeaddict · 6 months

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My Review/Analysis of Stray Kids' new album

💫ROCK STAR💫

Part (2/6)

Track 2: LALALALA

Okay, first of all.

When I first found Stray Kids' music (late November 2022), one of my very first thoughts were "Wow I would like to see them make a phonk song".

THIS. THIS SONG. IT HAS SATISFIED THAT VERY THOUGHT THAT I HAD AS A BABY STAY.

What is phonk?

By dictionary definition, it is an underground style of hip-hop/trap music directly inspired by 90s Memphis Rap, mostly present on SoundCloud as trill style beats with old funk and nostalgic samples, often accompanied by vocals from old Memphis Rap tapes.

(A phonk song I would recommend is Wither by Japanese artist takayan. Some of the beats in this track actually sounds similar to it)

Moving on!!

The opening high-pitched but bouncy beat is an amazing intro choice. Like it creates a buildup to the members' vocals and rap, but it also makes you curious as to what's gonna follow it. Combined with electronic beats and effects gradually joining it, it makes a GREAT INTRO.

OMG CHANGBIN OPENING LINES??? EVERYONE WAKE TF UP 🗣🗣🗣His scratchy rap tone is sensational for opening lines!! 👏 it DEFINITELY kept me wanting more!! Followed by felix and hyunjin's (?) rap lines carrying it on!

And do I hear leeknow rapping?? 🧐🧐 I LOVE how his voice sounds when rapping, especially since he usually sings!

Followed by seungmin and jeongin's verse bringing the song to the beat drop before the chorus. Omg. Vocalracha ATE THAT UP.

Now, I know some people think that using auto-tune on lines in a song (besides the purpose of fine-tuning the singers' tone) is a "questionable" approach. But lightly auto-tuning Han's "LALALALA, LA-LALALALA"? JAW-DROPPED. His high voice actually fits quite well with light auto-tune!! Combined with the song's base background phonk beats, it sounds 🔥

LEE KNOW AND CHANGBIN'S COMBINED CHORUS ‼️ I don't think I've heard them have lines together before, so this combo was surprising but nonetheless a great choice in lime distribution!!

Wrapping the chorus up with Felix's "LALALALA, LA-LALALALA" was like OMG. It contrasted well with Han's same line at the start of the chorus and 'closed' off the whole chorus really well.

Moving on, we have one of Hyunjin's ICONIC 'low-key' raps. In my opinion, it gave me a "break" after the heavy chorus, while still keeping it interesting. Love it. 10/10. Easily one of my favourite parts.

The part after hyunjin's rap where the members (it sounds like more than one member to me, I'm not sure) go "we go ROCK, ROCK" and "STOP, STOP" with the beats on "ROCK, ROCK" and "STOP,STOP" with pauses in between to emphasise them??? IN LOVE RN. It also builds up really well to Changbin and Han's fast-paced, combined rap!!

Followed by Bangchan and Jeongin's pre-chorus verse!! The blend of their singing tones is just *chef's kiss*

Then SURPRISE!! The chorus doesn't come after that!! Instead, Felix and hyunjin's low voices drastically change the vibe to that of a hero and a villain having a final showdown on a dust-ridden, corpse-strewn battlefield. Combined with the wind orchestra in the background? Literally. What. The. Fuck. AMAZING BUILDUP. JAW-DROPPING. I LOVE IT WHENEVER THEY USE WIND OCHESTRA IN THEIR SONGS (another eg of this: chorus for TOP)

THEN Han's voice literally BREAKING the 'silence' followed by Felix's low "Lalalala, la-lalalala"?? Sensational. Then Hyunjin REPEATING Felix's line using his AGRRESSIVE TONE?? EVEN. BETTER. TOTAL EAR ORGASM DJZBXJSJBXJDJDJD (can u tell this segment is my favourite part of the song 😭)

Ahem ahem anyways...

Han and Felix combined chorus!!! I love how they were the ones to do the chorus the second time round. Especially Han's! The way it literally blends and contrasts at the same time with hyunjin's aggressive "lalalala" adlibs is SO SATISFYING.

Followed by Seungmin and Chan's higher-pitched English lines for the outro chorus!! Underrated vocal duo OMFGGG.

Finally, Leeknow's amazing vocals (HIS ENGLISH IMPROVED SM BTW IM SO PROUD OF HIM) closing off the whole song before the background phonk eventually fades out.

The phonk beats combined with a striking metal guitar chord playing one last time before the song ends is so 🔥🔥🔥 LIKE- 😭 where are my words. Taken away. Like my breath after listening to this track.

Overall, I LOVE LALALALA. It might be one of my fave title tracks from SKZ rn. I manifested hard enough for SKZ to do a phonk song, and it happened!!! Legit so happy, you've no idea how big of a smile I had when I recognised the phonk beats in the very beginning on my first listen of this track. 😭😭 I really hope SKZ continues experimenting with all these split genres!

Honorable mention: LALALALA rock version. I'm in love. Pls.

Thank you for reading my review!! Stay tuned for my reviews on the 4 other tracks in their new album. Stream 💫ROCK STAR 💫!!

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utilitycaster · 3 months

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I'm Reading the Drizzt Novels and You Can't Stop Me: Homeland (and some anticipated questions)

Welcome to yet another ongoing series from me, a person who should be doing other things and may abandon it but also frankly will do this for her own entertainment regardless of whether anyone else cares. Let's back up first; if you're not in this car with me, get out of the rearview mirror.

Until now I have pretty much only read the Drizzt novels in situations where I was unwell, tired, or without another easy means of entertainment. Specifically, I read the first few while quarantining with a mild but still unpleasant case of COVID in late 2022, and then some others while dealing with catching up at work/post-illness fatigue/the general vibes of December in the northeast and Midatlantic states of the US. This caught me up to book 6, which represent the scene-setting; more on this later.

I then read Book 7 on a long train ride with nothing else to do, while very tired and probably a little hungover, in January 2023. I enjoyed it, in part because Wulfgar, who I do not care for, dies. (spoilers I guess? I'm not explicitly avoiding spoilers because these books are 30+ years old, but I'm not seeking them out, and I believe he comes back to life eventually).

I then proceeded to read Real Books (TM) for the remainder of 2023, some of which I can recommend highly and some of which were dumber than Wulfgar. Flash forward to getting my car serviced in the tail end of December 2023. I intended to bring my laptop. I did not. I also intended to bring headphones. I did not. And so, with a phone with so-so battery and little interest in watching HGTV, I read book 8. And I thought "what if I started doing this, because I can knock out one of these motherfuckers in a day if I try hard enough." I then thought "what if I slam books 1-7 again and do a book a week in 2024?"

Clearly I did not do this, because again, I have other books to read and things to do. However, I have finally, after another long-ass train ride, finished a reread of book 1. And so, with an unclear but hopefully from now on twice a month at least (?) update schedule, I bring you: Homeland. The rest of these posts will probably be way shorter.

For anyone who is not familiar with Drizzt or Forgotten Realms or whatever: this is a weird choice you've made. Anyway. Forgotten Realms is THE iconic D&D setting; it's where both the Baldur's Gate series is set as well as the D&D movie plus all kinds of adventures. What's it like? Well, it's basically The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, for all my Diana Wynne Jones fans out there. Do none of these references work for you? You'll just have to pick it up as we go along.

The Legend of the Legend of Drizzt is basically, as far as I know (and I don't know much) R.A. Salvatore was hired to write some cool adventures in a D&D setting in the early 90s. The plan, per the suits, was to follow Wulfgar, who was big and blond and very Conan The Barbarian which is, I should note, way more the vibe of D&D than LOTR much as we (D&D players) are loathe to admit it. However, Wulfgar had brains made out of one of the boring adult cereals: dull, and only slightly more fibrous than the fun cereals like Honey Bunches of Oats. Meanwhile, Drizzt, his drow buddy, fucking ruled. And so, after writing three very sword-and-sorcery (or more accurately, scimitar-and-wizardry) books, Salvatore returned to fill in Drizzt's backstory. And thus we begin in Homeland.

Drizzt Do'Urden is a drow, or dark elf, which in this setting are almost universally evil because they worship Lolth the spider queen. Is this Not Great? Yes. I also am reading The Wheel of Time, which is Even Worse About Biology As Destiny. The main purpose of this book is to cover Drizzt's childhood from when he leaves the underground drow city of Menzoberranzan.

Drizzt's mother is called Malice, unironically. The naming of drow makes no fucking sense, while we're at it; Malice, Zaknafein, SiNaFay, and Alton DeVir are all supposed to be from the same language? I'm not buying it. ANYWAY. Drow society is matriarchal bc spiders and because, as this post says, Salvatore REALLY wanted to be stepped on. Drizzt was born the third son, and was going to be sacrificed to Lolth because third sons are useless. His birth was ALSO being used by Malice to fuel an attack on House DeVir, because if you slaughter a whole-ass house in Menzoberranzan it's admirable of you, bc ontologically evil; and Lolth powers are increased by childbirth or some jazz.

Several important things happen here, pretty much all simultaneously, heralding Our Chosen One (Drizzt):

The attack on House DeVir goes super well for House Do'Urden

The second oldest brother, Dinin, kills his wizard elder brother (known as the elderboy by the creative geniuses of Menzoberranzan) which means Drizzt can survive because they need a replacement wizard boy.

We learn that Drizzt's father (one of Malice's several consorts) is Zaknafein, who fucking hates his life and how shitty drow society is but also is really good at murder and so he kind of hangs out doing that for House Do'Urden

A wizard who melted his face off fails to kill Alton DeVir, the last of the house of DeVir, which means technically House Do'Urden's attack was illegitimate. However, Masoj Hun'ett, of another powerful house, kills the faceless wizard and Alton takes the wizard's place, but desires VENGEANCE.

Drizzt has lavender eyes but is not blind. His eye color will come up approximately a zillion times. I considered counting, but trust me it's SO many.

The rest of the book covers the following, roughly in order:

Drizzt is super good at everything from a young age; he is placed in the care of his only full sibling, Vierna. Zak manages to successfully argue that Drizzt's dexterity is SO good that he HAS to be a fighter and not a wizard, which permits him to train Drizzt, who is, as discussed, good at everything. He almost mercy-kills him before school because he'd rather his son die innocent than become a drow, but also he hates the idea of killing a child, and also Drizzt is a really good fighter, and so it doesn't happen. They depart on bad terms though.

Drizzt then goes to fighter school (instead of wizard school) and is an excellent fighter but not naturally deceptive and backstabbing because he is Pure of Heart; he is constantly skirting trouble by asking such questions as "why do we all want to murder each other all the time though" and "why is our graduation ceremony a drug fueled spider goddess orgy"

Masoj and Alton scheme; Alton eventually learns in a hoisted by his own petard way that the faceless wizard was also of house Hun,ett, and that house is willing to help him strike back at house Do'Urden

Masoj has a magic panther named Guenhwyvar who likes Drizzt more than him.

Drizzt goes on a surface raid and fucking loves the surface, and feels bad about murdering the surface elves, so he fakes the brutal slaughter of an elven girl. Lolth sees this and doesn't like it one bit and blames the whole house.

Drizzt proves himself on other patrols, and realizes Masoj Hun'ett keeps trying to fucking kill him, notably on a patrol where they run into deep gnomes (svirfneblin). Drizzt spares one of them as well. Dinin is growing suspicious.

Malice realizes that Lolth is mad and assumes it's Zaknafein, known problem, but Lolth tells her someone already knows

Drizzt tells her about Masoj, under questioning

Drizzt and Zak reunite and realize they are kindred spirits who are like "wait our society is MAD fucked up and miserable" and excitedly decide to run away and stop being miserable, BUT Malice is Scrying on them the whole time.

Drizzt goes out to clear his mind and gets cornered by Masoj and Alton. They try to kill him. Joke's on them! Drizzt kills Masoj, Alton's own wand blows up and kills him, and Drizzt gets the panther.

HOWEVER joke is also on Drizzt because Malice approaches Zak and tells him she's going to murder Drizzt, to which Zak tells her to kill him instead. She does so.

Drizzt learns of this and runs away.

The entire book is threaded through with Drizzt's first person reflections, which are actually quite touching at times but also definitely kind of overwrought so I do keep reading them as if they are Sex and the City/Scrubs/Winona Ryder in the 80s (Beetlejuice, Heathers) diary entries

And so our stage is set. If I recall correctly book two is "you have your father's morals; and his tendency towards clinical depression" so we're going to have a rollicking good time (genuine).

#m reads lod #this time with plot summaries #i'm reading the drizzt novels and you can't stop me

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