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#and there was so much to explore w tyler too
thefiresofpompeii · 2 months
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i know this is like. minus fourth world problems + autism, and maybe other fandoms have similar issues — i’ve never gone too deep into fandom spaces before and regret doing so — but. why are doctor who fans such incurable haters. i started watching in november after the specials aired and although i’ve been severely critical of certain unfortunate writing choices (as is my right. episodes that suck are… bad) i couldn’t fathom hating an entire series, an entire doctor’s/companion’s run let alone an entire showrunner’s tenure. you mean you can’t stand any of it??
it almost feels like… whenever i come across a person that loves to talk about nine and ten and donna and how much they loved wild blue yonder or w/e, they end up being a shallow moffat hater harping on about misogyny and one-dimensional women as if later series didn’t exist. whenever i find a fellow twelveclara understander who posts about missy and defends hell bent etc. suddenly i come across a post about how they hate rose? what could possibly compel you to dislike the character of rose tyler? i say this as somebody that isn’t a huge fan of tentoo. for more batshit examples saw a post along the lines of “don’t say you think tenmartha is interesting and then post about timepetals” like these are Characters bro. they’re not going to get sad. they are vehicles for the story they’re not people. tenrose was the carrier of the narrative in s2 and tenmartha in s3 and saying i enjoy the complexity of both of these relationships as they progress isn’t contradictory because that’s… the direction that the story takes????????
i don’t even hate chibnall era. even s11 has some redeemable bangers. what i mean is i fell in love with the show as a WHOLE . which means EVERY part of it is important to me and i don’t discount it. every next development builds on the previous. the timeless child ruined a lot of things but opened up many new avenues for exploration! i like the flux i like thasmin i like dhawan master i like the fugitive doctor i love dan and karvanista
you are all allergic to fun. sorry for getting mad about people getting mad it will (not) happen again. im going to go touch grass now
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At this point I think as a fandom, we've lost some of the crackship charm we once had. I can look up Ashara Dayne and Ser Davos and find results, But Nettles and Helaena have nothing. It's time to rectify that for my favourite girl and try to inspire some fanfics. Feel free to add more.
1. Daeron and Nettles
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Think Enemies to Lovers, Captive of War drama like Jaime and Brienne or just some good old Gwen and Arthur-inspired love. Ivy by Taylor Swift coded, a She's all that inspired affair. I genuinely think that he's just trying to be there for her with this one. It happens and neither of them realise until You're in Love starts playing.
2. Baela and Nettles.
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They would give the pot calling the kettle black in every argument. The Princess Bride-esque dynamic between them. Very Graham and Megan from but I'm a Cheerleader. Sapphic Pinning and Resentment should be its own genre. Sir Chloe's Michelle is my vision. We can even make a throuple with them and Jace or Alyn. Truly, I think they but heads until they kiss, building on resentment. I also think they would be the coolest couple.
3. Addam and Nettles
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Kaz and Inej core.
But in all seriousness, I think Addam being loyal and Duty bound and Nettles challenging that idea is delicious. Solider of Duty x Solider for the People. A modern-day Persuasion story but gender-flipped if we put our minds to it. See you Again Kali Uchis and Tyler the Creator, that's all.
4. Nettles and Helaena
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They just deserve better. That's all. Give me cottagecore sapphic romance with my best girls involves. Like the young lesbians from Barbie and the Diamond Castle. Lesbians raising kids together. Sheepstealer and Dreamfyre hatching eggs for the nieces and nephews. I just-
It would be so cool, I will by Mitski sentiment is already attached.
5. Alyn and Nettles
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Now that we are here obviously she apologized for Sheepstealer, she doesn't need to but she did, He tries not to like her but can't help it. She wins him over and they hatch him an egg or something idk. Think The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement, Mia and Nicholas, Flipped the movie if you will. Jealously plots would slay. For the song choice think Shameless Camila Cabello. Please remember that Alyn is younger than Netty by 3/4 years though.
6. Rhaena and Nettles
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See now this is classic Friends to Lovers, Emma and Harriet if gay, perhaps, Bend it Like Beckham core definitely. Sofia by Clario inspired. Nettles doesn't leave Rhaena out because she's without a dragon and the same happens inverse. Sapphic confusion however, like Rhaena doesn't understand at first why she feels that way.
7. Nettles and Jace.
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Now for the Mr Knightley and Emma Woodhouse of our time, the Kate and Anthony of Westeros. The potential for her just not listening to him when he tries to tell her how to ride a dragon. Or when she talks to him about the people he'll rule over eventually, Ygritte and Jon style. She's also the only bastard who doesn't look Targaryen, he can relate to that a bit. I think she's Fierce and he's Stubborn. Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle for them.
8. Nettles and Alys.
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The Fire Witches of Westeros. I think they will be perfect as a ship. American Horror Story-esque characters. The two Witches in the story are obviously my favourites. It would be Jennifer's Body meets, the craft meets, and Suspiria. Willow by Taylor Swift becomes them.
This one was also a bonus more or less.
Anyways I just need to start to get a baseline story for my girl by the time the show gives her to us. So we have a general sense of direction, I'm tired of the mischaracterization of my baby. She's smart, resourceful, Cunning, Fearless, and not entirely loyal. She also curses, enough for it to be a character trait. Please remember this for her, I'm tired. I also know that Daemon loved her but she's too much fun as a character to limit her to him romantically in all her fanfictions, it is an interesting narrative to explore while we don't have exact answers but he gets romantic ships with anyone. She deserves more.
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missjanjie · 2 years
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Let's hear the tdi lgbtq+ hcs then 👀
oh work i didn’t think i had followers that would be interested in this but leggo
ezekiel — a blank canvas if you think about it. if he comes out of goblin mode, he could be anything, and with his previous super old fashioned upbringing, he’ll probably end up deconstructing a lot and that isn’t a terribly uncommon queer backstory
eva — if i have to explain why eva is a lesbian you’re too far gone lol
noah — same as eva but gay
justin — delays coming out bcs he loves the attention he gets from girls, but he knows deep down he’s not capable of reciprocating that affection and ends up a club-hopping party gay
katie/sadie — bi, have or will explore each other’s bodies under the pretense of practicing for boys
tyler — pan but doesn’t know the word. he’s happy if they’re nice and pretty
izzy — pan and is very aware of it, helps owen come out as bi. also i refuse to believe she’s cis. that’s a she/they enby right there
cody — disaster bisexual
beth — just… so much comphet. maybe im projecting but she gives me the vibes of someone that is trying to appear boy crazy while secretly crushing on her bestie
courtney — starts off experimenting with girls in college fueled by the same urge for rebellion that drew her to duncan, but clings onto ‘heteroflexible’ for a few years longer than she needs to before eventually settling on ‘sapphic’. it sounds better to her
harold — already indifferent to gender roles but also pretty indifferent to gender. agender, mainly uses he/him bcs he knows that’s how he’s always gonna be addressed anyway
trent — big ‘hearts not parts’ energy. kinda cringey but harmless
bridgette — i cannot tell you how many bisexual girls ive met that are just like her. geoff has bi wife energy by proxy
lindsay — she thought ‘everyone likes boys and girls’ until she brought home her first gf in college and nearly gave her parents a heart attack (they’re supportive, just shocked)
dj — a ‘loves people for their souls’ type, like trent but not cringe. lowkey he/they vibes too
geoff — just likes to have a good time, not into labels. def in an open relationship w bridgette
leshawna — bi but only dates studs/mascs when it comes to girls
duncan — you can’t be punk and cishet. sorry i don’t make the rules. he thought he was kissing dudes to be edgy but quickly realized he liked it
heather — knew she was gay since she was like eleven but thought it’d hinder her ability to climb the social ladder so she got herself deep into comphet that takes a good therapist to pull her out of
gwen — bisexual she/they goth. i will not accept criticism
owen — was already pretty bad at hiding his attraction to guys, but being with izzy gave him the tools to understand his identity
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littlekingbergara · 2 years
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Hii!
Top five www episodes?<3
YES amazing omg. the hardest part of this was deciding which one to put at 5 bc that feels like so LOW of a ranking and this show is absolutely flawless.
5. go karts!! like i said this feels way too low but god i love this episode. the head socks looked so funny and the way TYLER like enhanced shane and ryan's dynamic. the way shane absolutely freezes in the face of any competition is so real and his shit sandwich breakdown is so relatable bc i too talk to myself that way when the chips are down as they (big time rush) say.
4. soda pop shop! this ep is delightfulll fr. the bright colors!! ryan standing there like 🧍 while shane is mixing his soda. the promise not to be nasty that immediately goes out the window when ryan starts taunting (also just love when shane says ryan is "being nasty" in general it's such a fun phrase and not very many people use it anymore). ryan's reading of "lil mr b's impatience soda." also love the like pure GLEE when they're learning about and exploring all the different sodas and ryan talking about his root beer bottle collection. it's just such a fun ep!!
3. roller derby. BULLET BERGARA AND ROLLER SQUATCH. the mouth guards in their unsolved colors 🥺 i love all the little nods (same w their baskets in the soda pop shop ep). and WOES! what a great and encouraging teacher!! the way she plays into their antics just enough to be fun but not enough to let them get out of hand. their little dances and ryan helping shane when he can't figure out one of the stops it's all so sweet and they're having so much fun despite messing up and falling so much. they're so cute i just love this ep it's so fun and sweet and cute.
2. shakespeare theater! i love shane ribbing ryan for never having gone to shakespeare in the park despite living in the area for his whole life. i LOVE their scene from hamlet. the ICONIC "look all i'm sayin' is, y'know, hey, uh, love everybody!" them learning the dance from the show and shane's Perfect charleston that impressed everyone <33 "the wardrobe for this is thigh highs" "i could do it" (prove it, bergara). AND THE ASS SMACKS. this ep is sooo good i love the whimsy and seeing those screen boys get on a stage and also shane gushing about something he loves <3 and the two hosts' backstory wtff. former private detectives?? the coolest. they were also so kind and welcoming and encouraging.
1. solvang!! it's such a DELIGHTFUL episode all around!! they got to meet a mayor! a mayor named ryan even! shane talking about his trip to copenhagen, ryan not knowing hans christian andersen didn't write the disney channel musical version of the little mermaid, ryan posing in front of the littler mermaid statue. the EXCITEMENT when they saw the windmills and the MOKES. and the ostriches. the guy at the bakery tricking them into trying to eat a whole aebleskiver in one bite. it was like a mini vacation in an episode! felt like Tourist Trapped Lite except neither of them have been there before so they weren't dueling they were just enjoying a new place together <3 and them singing the www theme song on the moke is EVERYTHING. TO ME.
ask me my top 5/10 anything!
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How *I’d* write a Stelena, Bamon, Forwood endgame
Honestly the potential is endless! Like there are literally so many different versions I have in my head but I’ll choose this one to post
Stelena- So in this version, I still explore dullena *ugh* but mostly as an attraction and nothing more. But anyways, the writing for them the first 3 seasons was pretty great so I’d keep it that way, it’s just season 4 that it changes. So for starters, Elena would not be sired or forced to turn off her humanity by Damon, and she’d actually have agency instead, but this is a Stelena endgame post, not an Elena vampire arc post. But anyways Stefan and Caroline will help her adjust to vampirism, teach her how to hunt, and feed. There will still be struggles because new things can be hard to adapt, but she wouldn’t be suicidal and hating herself. Also the cure wouldn’t exist until mid to late s5. Stefan and Elena would mostly just be in love and happy this season and it would be similar to season 2 stelena, except more mature. Then in s5, they will be searching for the cure together, and will take it in season 6. They’ll end up getting married by the end of the show and live happily ever after. Stefan and Elena will also have kids like in the stelena au episode.
Bamon- For starters, I wouldn't limit their scenes because they have "too much chemistry" and focus on the boring love triangle. I'd show a lot more scenes of them together post s2. I'd have them form a friendship in season 3 and actually give damon legit character growth along with bonnie being treated as a human being instead of the help. I'd have it be a dair-esque thing where both of them are kind of in denial of the friendship but deep down they have grown to care about each other a lot. Also Damon would be slowly getting over Elena in season 3. I might have one kiss between him and Elena but that's the most I'd explore between them. But anyways, he'd start realizing that he isn't as into Elena in the end off season 3, when he hears Elena's confession, Damon wouldn't be as upset as he thought because he's developed some feelings for Bonnie. And in season 4, they'd be spending a lot of time together, whether at the bar together, working on plans, watching shows and movies. Then maybe, one time at the bar, they'd kiss and things will be awkward for a bit but eventually things get a lot easier and maybe kiss a few more times while solving problems. Everyone around them notices the vibes between the two of them, and can tell that there's something going on between Bonnie and Damon. But they're still in denial about it until one night when they're trying to execute a plan, Damon admits that he's grown to like her and has feelings for her and vice versa and they finally get together. For the rest of the time, they'll just be adorable, domestic, and constantly bickering. And they will live happily ever after.
Forwood- For starters, if there HAS to be klaroline, I'd have it be treated as creepy and weird. I'd even go as far as to go the klebekah angle, which is the only way kc makes sense (imo). I wouldn't have vilified, sidelined, and abused tyler for the sake of kc/sc. I wouldn't have had Tyler's rightful hatred of klaus being treated as petty and just some grudge he can't get over. I'd give Tyler a lot more screen time and have him interacted w most of the charcters as well. I wouldn't have that whole sad phone call promo because that just makes him look like a villain and that's just unfair to his character, so I'd just have her visit him while he's helping his pack. I'd still have them break up in season 5 (as heartbreaking as it was, the break up was actually realistic. The aftermath...not so much), but I wouldn't have treated Ty like the villain for it, and I sure as hell wouldn't have Caroline fuck Klaus. Then when he comes back things will be a little awkward at first but then they'll click right back into their routine. Caroline would then admit that she understood why he left, even though she was hurt, but she also worried for his safety. And then they eventually pick up where they left off (or I'd just have klaus stay dead post s3 and let forwood be happy). For the rest of the show, they'd be like the Mondler of tvd and eventually they'll get married, have twin babies like in the books, and live happily ever after.
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corner-stories · 2 years
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L, P, T, W and X 😎
L - Say something genuinely nice about a character who isn’t one of your faves. (Characters you’re neutral about are fair game, as are characters you merely dislike. Characters that you absolutely loathe with the fire of ten thousand suns are exempt, as there is no point in giving yourself an aneurysm over a character that you hate.)
Despite Alan Scott being the GL I've read the most stories about (usually JSA stuff) I actually haven't gone deep into his lore and backstory and such. Heck, in terms of the GA, Flash, and Wildcat trio Jay and Ted have literally been my blorbos since childhood while I never really cared for Alan that much.
That being said, I really think the choice to have him come out as gay opens a whole slew of interesting storytelling possibilities. Like, I'd really really really love a story that explored his life as a closeted gay man living in the 40s and as well as his perspective of the progress made during the post-war era.
Also that scene where Alan comes out to his kids just made my heart so warm :)
P - Invent a random AU for any fandom (we always need more ideas).
*rubs hands together*
Ever since I watched the Stargirl show my gremlin brain began thinking of ways Jesse Chambers could be reimagined as a teenage hero and what I got is an AU where Jesse is a teenage runaway roaming America with only super strength and a lil superspeed to protect her.
Like... for the first few years of her life she lives happily under the care of her parents. Johnny and Libby being golden age heroes themselves, they make sure to give Jesse a mostly normal life, even when she begins showing signs of her mother's strength.
But one night when Jesse is eight, the Chambers-Lawrence household is attacked by Baron Blitzkrieg, an enemy Johnny and Libby had made in their superhero days. The couple ultimately meet their end protecting their daughter and the Baron manages to get away with it all.
Jesse grows up in a foster home while not getting the therapy she very much needs after such a traumatizing event. When she's a teenager she stumbles upon a notebook that her foster father hid from her written in Johnny Chambers' handwriting, of which details the mystery behind Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle's powers, as well as old notes about the enemies the duo had made over the years.
The discovery of the notebook is enough to motivate Jesse to run away and begin a one-woman quest to track down the Baron and enact her revenge.
On the way she meets some old friends of her parents like Jay Garrick, the Tyler family, and Ted Grant, and maybe she even puts on the Liberty Belle suit bc its impossible to write a JSA story without some acknowledgement of legacy.
@DC if you guys don't write this i will.
T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending? 
Not to be a BartRose shipper on main but I always like to believe that they have had feelings for one another throughout their time on the Titans. Whether or not either parties would ever act on said feelings is up for debate.
Just... just let me have the idea that Bart and Rose are just two people who've known each other since they started doing superhero stuff and have a unique kind of relationship because of it.
W - A trope which you are virtually certain to hate in any fandom.
I feel like some aspects of fandom was a lil too obsessed with 'top' and 'bottom' hcs like it's the only thing one should think about when discussing character dynamics and sometimes that annoys me.
X - A trope which you are almost certain to love in any fandom.
I tend to enjoy it when people talk about the little quirks they headcanon for characters, like what someone's fave food or fave genre of music is. Sometimes I just like knowing what a character snacks on when they're working or thinking.
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readingforsanity · 1 year
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The Girls in the Garden | Lisa Jewell | Published 2016 | *SPOILERS*
ert
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Imagine that you live on a picturesque communal garden square, an oasis in urban London where your children run free, in and out of other people’s houses. You’ve known your neighbors for years and you trust them. Implicity. 
You think your children are safe. But are they really? 
On a midsummer night, as a festive neighborhood party is taking place, preteen Pip discovers her 13-year-old sister Grace lying unconscious and bloody in a hidden corner of a lush rose garden. 
What really happened to her? And who is responsible? 
Dark secrets, a devastating mystery, and the games both children and adults play all swirl together in this gripping novel, packed with utterly believable characters and page-turning suspense. Fans of Liana Moriarty and Jojo moyes will be captivate by the Girls in the Garden. 
We are introduced to Clare, a 32-year-old mother to 12 (soon to be 13) year old Grace and 11 (soon to be 12) year old Pip. They have come to live in a communal living compound after a terrible tragedy hits their family. The two girls are close, due to their age, and don’t take to the other kids within the area until one day, they’re invited over to a neighbors home. This is where we meet the Howes’ - Leo and Adele, the mother and father, and their 3 daughters. 
While exploring the park, Pip comes across a bench within the Rose Garden, displaying the name Phoebe Rednough. She comes to learn from an 89-year-old tenant within the compound that this young girl was found dead within the Rose Garden many years ago, and was actually involved with Leo and his brothers as they had grown up there as well. She was found overdosed on drugs, though nobody was ever brought forth to police as being the culprit, so the answers to her death were never found. 
One evening, a summer party is held for all living within the community. Clare attends with Pip, and while there, sees Grace. Grace has since grown up...as much as a 13 year old can grow up. She has a boyfriend, and has been spending every waking minute with him and the other children of the park. Clare spends much of her time drinking, unsure of where Grace’s whereabouts are, and Pip spends a lot of time playing with Adele, who is wonderful with children as she has chosen to homeschool her girls. 
After Clare has too much to drink, and is reeling from the knowledge that her husband who has suffered a schizophrenic break 6 months earlier and set their home ablaze (hence the move) has been released from the mental institution where he had been imprisoned, goes home with Pip and spends much of the night sick until she passes out from the alcohol. Pip, unsure of where Grace is, goes out in search for her only to come across her unconscious form: her shirt and bra pulled up exposing her breasts, her pants and underwear pulled down to her thighs, and her face bloodied. 
Pip runs to get help, and Grace is hospitalized, in a coma. A rape kit is performed, only to find that there was no evidence of rape at all, but they did find drugs and alcohol in her system. 
It is later revealed that she had become sexually active with her boyfriend, performing oral sex on him while in an elevator lift, had drank champagne he had given her for her birthday and then was attacked by persons unknown while in the Rose Garden. 
We later find this to be a girl her age, Tyler, whose aunt was Phoebe Rednough. She had attacked Grace out of jealousy for stealing her best friend, Dylan, who was much more preoccupied with Grace and had little time left for her. 
When Grace comes out of the coma, her sister and parents all move to a new flat. 
Discussion Questions 
1. Who did you first suspect of attacking Grace? Did your suspiciouns change over the course of the book? Were there clues that pointed you toward the perpetrator? What were some of the red herrings that misdirected your attention? At first, I thought it was her boyfriend. Despite popular belief, it is common for young teens to get upset at their boyfriends or girlfriends for not wanting to do anything sexually. Dylan comes off as a nice boy, but it is difficult to say as his character is only mentioned a few times. We don’t really get to know him. However, as time goes on, its apparent that Tyler is the perpetrator. Her change in her appearance lead her on a darker path that nobody noticed until Grace’s body was found in the Garden. 
2. Adele has a very lenient, alternative parenting style: home-schooling and preferring to let her children make their own choices, whatever they are. She repeatedly suggests that she feels judged by others for her lifestyle. How did you feel about how she is raising her children? Were there points in the book you felt supportive or critical of her maternal choices? In some ways, I agree with her. We are all meant to make mistakes now and again, and that’s how we learn from them. However, I do not have the patience or intelligence to homeschool my own children, therefore her and I are different in that regard. But, I do follow a similar approach to parenting - discipline is absoltuely needed, but I let my children make their own choices to a certain extent while guiding them in the right direction should I feel the need to intervene. 
3. The police suggest that Grace is mature for her age. Do you agree that Grace is, or is acting, more mature than her age? If so, how? How do Grace’s or Pips experiences compare with your own experience of being twelve and thirteen? I don’t think she’s mature for her age, only acting as such. It’s normal to get into makeup as you get older, and I even know some girls younger than her that are exploring makeup and the like. However, at 13, she is doing things much more adult than she should be, though I can’t say for sure I wasn’t as mischievious as she was at that age. 
4. A major issue in this book is that of growing up. What growth do you see in Pip from the beginning to the end of the novel? Compare and contrast Pipe’s development with the ways in which Grace matures. Pip very much wants her father back, and isn’t sure why he isn’t with them. She understands that he is ill, but doesn’t understand why it’s taking him so long to come home to be with them. After a while, you begin to understand that she is privy to what the real issue is, and that she is weary of his return, but is nonetheless excited. 
5. Do you think Clare made the right decision in keeping PIp and Grace’s father’s release from the hospital a secret? Why or why not? I think so. She was terrified of him because she herself didn’t understand what had happened, or why it happened. She was trying to not only protect herself, but her children as well. 
6. Adele asserts that with parents there’s a long game and a short game. The aim of the short game is to make your children bearable to live with. easy to transport. Well behaved in public places...But the aim of the long game is to produce a good human being. Do you agree with her belief that you can skip the short game? Is there a middle ground between her viewpoint and Gordon’s discipline-focused approach? No. Because kids can absolutely be unbearable at times. All mothers think this, and if you don’t, you’re lying. The short game is to help them as well, become easy to be around, not just make them into polite humans. 
7. What draws Clare to Leo? Is her attraction to him based on her own circumstances or something about him? Leo is essentially charming in every way. Clare is lacking male attention, something she was used to as she had married young and had children young. Leo was giving her the attention that she needed. 
8. Why do you think Lisa Jewell wrote primarily from Pip, Clare and Adele’s perspectives? What do these narrators have in common? What is unique about their difference standpoints, and how does this affect the story? They’re all essentially the same - caring and understanding. She wanted us to see the different viewpoints of various parents, as well as that of one of the children within the gang. 
9. Did you relate to any of the girls or parents more than the others? In what ways? I think I related more to the older woman Rhea. Content to be with herself and her pets. None of the others resonated with me like she did when she appeared in a chapter. 
10. Do you think you would enjoy living in a home with a communal garden like the one described? What are some of the benefits and drawbacks? Absolutely not. They live in flats, which is short for apartments. I hated apartment living. There was never enough space, and is always noisy. I like to have my own private area to be who I am, without disturbing the neighbors too much or too often. 
11. What drives Catkin and Fern to follow Tyler’s lead? What do you think were their motivations for taking the actions they took? She was a leader, and Catkin and Fern were followers. 
12. Why does Adele ultimately look after Tyler? Are her motives purely selfless? Yes, I think so. She’s a mother who sees a child being neglected by the one person who should love her unconditionally. Given Tyler’s mom’s past history, it’s normal for her to be the way she is because that was her upbringing, and she couldn’t break the cycle. 
13. Do you think Adele does the right thing by keeping quiet after she discovers what happened to Grace? What would you have done in her position? I don’t think so. To others, yes. But if she didn’t come clean to the police who were investigating, she was protecting the people for the wrong reasons. If my child did something to hurt another child, and on purpose, then I would rat them out in a second. 
14. All of the girls go through both traumatic and formative experiences during the course of the book. What do you think the various girls will be like when they are grown up? I think that Grace is going to be skeptical of others, as will Pip because of her sister. Tyler needs stability, and will look for that continuously throughout her life, especially since she lacked that father figure person with the exception of Leo. Catkin, Fern and Willow will become strange adults, as they’re all very strange children. 
4/5 stars of GoodReads. The ending was absoltuely anti-climatic, which angered me more than anything. Yes, you find out who harms Grace, but there is no satisfying ending. 
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28shoes · 3 years
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thinking about skam austin again 😔
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greatbigbellies · 3 years
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The @wesoftupinhere oneshot... that turned into a fourshot... but hey it’s content right? Features wholesome preg content, light stuffing, rapid pregnancy, and heavy multiples. Hope you enjoy it!
Kyle lounged in his gamer chair, his full term pregnant belly resting in his lap. He Took a hand off of the mouse to rub small circles in the side of his distended tummy, soothing his little boy inside. Both Kyle and his baby had been restless lately, anxious to meet each other, and Kyle was particularly ready to be done with pregnancy. It wasn’t a bad gig, mind you, lots of food and attention. However, being so heavy and achy all the time was draining. He’d been going for 38 weeks now, and his 5’5” frame was growing weary of growing a baby. Almost there, he thought to himself. He returned his hand to his mouse to keep streaming. He was playing minecraft, half cause he enjoyed it, and half because it got donations. With the baby coming soon, he needed all the money he could get.
He shifted idly in his chair, struggling to get comfortable. “How far along are you?” asked one of his stream viewers. He got this question almost every day. “38 weeks, 3 days! Almost done!” he chirped. “Congrats!” said the viewer over chat. Kyle smiled. “You look so fatherly!” another chimed in. Kyle blushed a little, not sure how to take compliments. “Aww, thanks guys!” he replied.
“Can we see the tummy?” asked one particularly brave viewer. “Ooooh, I dunno guys, it’s kind of hard to move at this size,” he replied. A minute or so passed, Kyle idly harvesting his crops, when a donation rolled in. “Oh! Thanks for the twenty bucks! Wow! Let’s see…” he waited for the bit donation message to scroll by. “If I give you $20 will you show us the baby bump?” it asked. Kyle rolled his eyes and smiled. “You guys drive a hard bargain, but ooookay,” he grunted as he got to his feet, his hefty body trying to weigh him down. He turned to the side and rolled up his shirt to show his smooth, large belly to the facecam. His baby visibly kicked from the inside, much do the delight of the twitch chat.
“Pog!” “Pog baby!” “Pogchamp!” “Pogchamp!” “Pog baby!!” “He’s our little pogchamp!”... his chat exploded. Kyle laughed at the reaction, causing his tummy to bounce slightly. “Hahaha! Yeah, I guess he is our little pogchamp huh?” he said, half genuinely, half ironically. Twitch slang felt weird sometimes, but Kyle had to admit, it got results. He held his belly from below and gave it a little bounce as about $55 in donations rolled in, all saying variations of “pog baby”. Kyle smiled to himself as he heard Tyler come home. “Oop! My lunch is here! BRB!” he said as he paused the stream and put up his “returning soon” screen. He yanked his shirt down over his huge belly and waddled into the kitchen where Tyler sat, groaning and cradling his massive gut.
“Are you okay?” asked Kyle, thinking Tyler just overate again. “Oooohhh… too many burgers…” Tyler moaned. “Why didn’t you wait until you got home to eat?” asked Kyle. “I was gonna… but they smelled so good… and pregnancy cravings won out…” he explained between breaths. “Dude, feel my belly...! It’s so full!” Kyle shrugged. He’d felt Tyler’s tummy a million times over his pregnancy, he didn’t expect this to be any different. He was wrong. “Whoa… dude, how much did you eat?” he asked, prodding his best friend’s massively overstuffed belly. It felt insanely firm, especially on the lower hemisphere. Tyler’s belly was already huge, what with triplets crammed in there, and he had a habit of gorging himself now and again. “For the babies” he’d always say. This felt different though. It was like he was… more pregnant than before…
“Uuuh, just like… two burgers, fries, a side of onion rings, and a large shake… a normal lunch!” said Tyler. Kyle would have rolled his eyes if he wasn’t concerned. He compared the firmness of hIs own belly with his friend’s. Both were very full, sure, and had little give, but Tyler’s… his felt downright overfilled. Kyle rolled up his friend’s shirt to inspect the belly. It all looked fine as far as he could tell. More tightly stretched, sure, but no harsh blemishes or warning signs. “Soooo much pressure!...” complained Tyler. “Do you need to go to a doctor?” Tyler shook his head at Kyles question. “Nah dude, I’ll be fine… I just need some tummy rubs and time to digest…” he paused… “Wow, I must have overdone it more than I thought. I swear the burger just kicked…”
Kyle gave his friend a skeptical look. “Where did you get these? Burger King?” he asked. Tyler shook his head, placing both hands on his distended bare belly. “Nah bro… some new place that popped up next door. Nice portions…. I didn’t get the name though…” Kyle smiled at his friend. It’s just like him to order and eat from a place without knowing what it’s called. He glanced at the plain, brown paper bag the food came in, and grabbed his burger to examine the wrapping. “McPreggo? What kind of name is McPreggo?” he asked Tyler, who was zoned out rubbing his belly. “I dunno man… but the babies sure liked it and I did too… maybe too much, ough,” he let out a dainty little belch.
Kyle shrugged. It did smell amazing. He unwrapped his burger, and took a bite. “Oh my god…” he trailed off with a mouth full. “W-what?” asked Tyler. “This… is the tastiest thing I’ve ever eaten!” Kyle beamed. This was like eating his favorite food, while sating a craving for a different favorite food, while discovering a NEW favorite food all at once. The patty was grilled to perfection, the bun was fluffy, the veggies were moist and crisp, and whatever that reddish sauce was was simply astonishing.
“I can see why you would overdo it on this food Tyler, THIS… IS… AMAZING!” Tyler smirked at his friend. “And you doubted by tastes…” he said jokingly, patting his overfilled belly. Kyle continued to demolish the burger at a frightening pace. “Dude… I once saw you dip sweet potato fries in cake icing… your tastes are bizarre,” pointed out Kyle between bites. “Eeny, and Meeny wanted the fries and Miney wanted the icing!” Tyler defended himself, referring to his triplets by their nicknames.
Kyle felt the weight of his pregnant tummy tug downward, his sore back reminding him that standing for too long wasn’t a good idea in his state. He waddled over and took a seat between Tyler and the table of food. “Speaking of fries… you didn’t eat them all, did you?” he asked. Tyler shook his head, “Nah man, I specifically left yours alone. They’re in the bag, you gotta try them. They put some garlic salt or something on ‘em,” Uncannily, Kyle found himself craving garlic at the mere mention of it. He took the last bite of his burger, and stuck his arm down the bag to fish out his prize.
Tyler rubbed large circles on the distended sides of his massive belly, soothing both his overfilled stomach and his aching womb. He felt Eeny, Meeny, and Miney all snuggled in his gut… and he could SWEAR he felt three other bodies in there too, but that was impossible. He was just overfed, surely. He turned to watch Kyle basically drink the fries out of the carton. He hadn’t seen his friend put away food like this since his second trimester… dude must’ve been starving. He thought to himself.
Tyler furrowed his brow at the sight of Kyle’s tummy slowly pushing outward, his shirt visibly riding up as he ate. Kyle seemed too enamored with the food to notice. “And you got me onion rings?! God I love you Ty, you know how to treat a guy,” Kyle laughed as he found the second side hidden in the bag. “Y-yeah, no problem…” Tyler trailed off, still focusing on his friend’s tummy. “How are you feeling?” he asked. Kyle crunched on a perfectly seasoned onion ring, “Like I’m in heaven!” he replied, an adorable grin on his face.
Tyler felt his own tummy again, really taking the time to feel it. He felt for where most of the pressure in his belly was coming from. His stomach? Check. His womb? Also check… He felt around, outlining the tiny bodies in his head. 1… 2… 3… his eyes widened. He reached over and felt Kyles belly, a sizable crescent of bare skin showing as his shirt continued to ride up. Kyle was too busy enjoying onion rings to care. They felt each other’s babies all the time, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary.
Tyler concentrated on the movement under Kyle’s skin, feeling where the kicks and rolls where coming from. Kyle’s baby was really active in there… almost too active… “Hey Kyle…?” “Mhmmm?” Kyle finished off the last two onion rings in one bite. Tyler looked at him, and with the most uncharacteristically serious tone he could muster, said “Show me where your little pogchamp is,” Kyle snorted out a giggle. “You were just feeling him! He’s right there!” Kyle guided Tyler’s hand to his lower belly, right below his now exposed navel, where a tiny foot was pressed against his palm.
Tyler nodded. He felt movement stir in his own belly, and squinted in concentration. As if on cue, a stong kick pushed its way up into the top shelf of Kyle’s tummy, distending it. That made Kyle jump a little, “Wow okay… guess he’s up there…” Kyle paused. “Wait that’s not right…” he rolled up his shirt, now much tighter than it was this morning, and placed his hands on the top and bottom of his belly, Tyler’s hands taking up the front. They made eye contact as they both came to the realization that this felt familiar… on Tyler.
“Am I… carrying TRIPLETS?!?!” Kyle yelled in surprise. “I...I think so?” replied Tyler. “And I think I’ve got six… I think… the food…” he stared at the empty brown paper bag in the table. “Nononono… wait that’s not right…” Kyle explored his own expanded belly. His midriff was now undoubtedly larger than before and he felt three distinct bodies inside… “How does that work?” asked Tyler, drumming the top of his own sextuplet belly in thought. Kyle shook his head in bewilderment. “It’ll be okay… we’ll get Sarah, Bree, and Brook on the phone. They do this stuff for a living, they’ll be able to help us!” said Kyle, half to himself in an effort to stay calm. “Yeah! If anyone will understand spontaneous babies, it’ll be them!” said Tyler with a cautiously optimistic smile. “Problem solved!”
Kyle tried to stand up, but found himself stuck to his seat due to the new weight. He tried again, making little progress. “Uh… problem not quite solved,” he looked sheepishly at Tyler. “Will you… help me up?” he asked. Tyler jokingly leaned back, causing his truly massive tummy to stick out just that little bit father. “I dunno bro… I’m like… SUPER pregnant right now,” he grinned, his sextuplets visibly moving in his overburdened belly. Kyle crossed his arms and pouted. “Well I’M super pregnant and super SHORT so I need help,” he replied. Tyler laughed, “Well, you got me there dude, gimme a sec,”
Tyler scooted forward and spread his knees apart to make room for his pendulous belly, then he leaned forward, taking the weight off of his butt and onto his feet, before slowly straightening his legs. He pressed his hands into his lower back to help guide his torso into a vertical position, his mammoth belly sticking out far in front of him. The sudden change of position did not sit well with his cargo, and they roiled around in his overstretched gut. “Oof, guys, come on…” he pleaded with his babies, but they didn’t relent. He took his steps slowly, movement difficult at that size, and approached Kyle. “Alright dude, gimme your hands,” Tyler reached out, his belly reaching almost as far as his arms.
Kyle took his hands and, with a heave and some backwards motion from Tyler, got up to a standing position. “Whooo, okay,” said Kyle breathlessly. “God… how do you do this all the time?” he asked, cradling his triplet heavy belly. Tyler smiled, holding his own tummy in his hands, “Lots of food, lots of sleep, and lots of belly rubs,” Kyle smirked at the wholesomeness that was Tyler, and waddled over to his phone. “Alright… lets hope the girls aren’t busy…”
About an hour later, there was a firm knock at the door, no doubt from Brook. “Door’s unlocked!” called Kyle, resting on the couch, laying lengthwise to take up all three cushions. Tyler sat in the recliner, the footrest put up to support his legs, and his huge belly, which rested between them. The door swung open to reveal Sarah and Brook, Sarah herself sporting a solidly second trimester belly. “Sorry we were so slow, had to meet with a client,” apologized Sarah, patting her tummy for emphasis. “So what’s this about a ‘baby emergency’? If you’re in labor just to go the hospital!” said Brook, reading something on her phone. The two stepped inside, closing the door behind them, and Sarah was the first to see the thoroughly expanded boys.
“Uh, Brook, I think they have the opposite problem,” said Sarah. Brook glanced up from her phone to take in the sight of Tyler carrying six babies. “Oh my god did you go to a buffet?” she asked. Tyler shook his head, “Nope, just McPreggo!” he grinned, showing the cute gap between his teeth. “McWhat-now?” Sarah asked. “Some new restaurant Ty found, we think the food spontaneously fills your womb!” explained Kyle. “In fairness, the food IS amazing and almost worth it,” Tyler interjected. Sarah grimaced a little. She knew Tyler was a foodie, but was it really worth all THIS?
“Where’s Bree?” asked Kyle. “She’s, uh, getting us lunch. We were going to cook, but when we got the call from you we rushed over,” Sarah explained. Kyle nodded, “thanks for that, by the way,” he smiled. Sarah grinned sympathetically back, “so, uh, how many do you guys have now?” she asked. “Kyle’s got three now, and I’ve got six!” Tyler drummed the top shelf of his belly, stirring the occupants inside. “Yikes,” said Brook monotonously to no one in particular, back to looking at her phone. 
Sarah looked at the table, covered in McPreggo wrappers and pursed her lips in thought. Maybe the packaging had a clue? She walked over to the dining area and looked over the fry cartons and burger wrappers. She wished Brook would help, but she seemed too busy on her phone. Sarah examined the label on the wrapper and saw tiny font that read “Quantum Noms LLC” in the corner. As she puzzled over what it could mean, Brook put her phone in her pocket and sighed. “Sarah, I love you, but you’re doing it the hard way. I already figured it out,”
Everyone looked at Brook in surprise. “You did?” asked Kyle. “Yeah, dude, I googled ‘McPreggo’ and read like… half a news article. Did you guys forget you could look things up on the internet?” she asked sarcastically. “Yeah, kinda,” shrugged Tyler from his seat. Brook rolled her eyes. “It’s a marketing thing. McPreggo food is designed to taste amazing to pregnant people, so they make food that uses some quantum physics BS to get their customers pregnant with, like, I dunno… copies of babies from the multiverse or some shit. Then they come back, eat more food, get more pregnant, and McPreggo rolls in the profits. It’s all harmless and temporary, you’ll be fine…” Brook trailed off. “...In 24 hours,” Tyler sighed happily and leaned back, causing his torpedo belly to agle up slightly.
“Oh good, so Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Pogchamp are all safe, and we don't have to birth and care for extra babies,” said Tyler. “Problem solved… and now I can eat there again guilt free!” he grinned. “No!” everyone shouted. Tyler pouted, “but… it was so yummy…” Kyle sighed. “Okay… ONE burger every 24 hours… and you don’t get to complain about being too pregnant to do things!” he offered. Tyler laughed, causing his belly to bounce a tad. “Yeah, I’m already there BEFORE the food! Ha!” his mouth curled into a shit eating grin. Then, there was a shuffling at the door.
“Guys…? I need some help!” called Bree. Brook rolled her eyes and went over to the door, Sarah joining the boys in the living area. Brook opened the door and her jaw dropped. Bree stood there, her arms full of fast food bags, and her belly jutting out farther than Tyler’s, bare and sporting a popped belly button. “Thanks! I couldn’t reach the door past my tummy!” Bree slowly waddled past Brook and into the kitchen, garnering stares from everyone else. “I found this new restaurant! It’s really really good! I wasn’t sure what you guys wanted so I bought one of everything, though I might’ve eaten a bunch of it on the way here!” she said, a smile in her voice. “It’s soooo good though, I couldn’t help myself! I went after picking up Mrs. Buck’s twins, and I ate so much, now the twins have a bunch of friends! Isn’t it great!? It’s like a party in my belly!”
Tyler smiled a huge, toothy grin, “one of everything you say?” Sarah shook her head, but caught a whiff of the food and immediately understood why Tyler wanted more. Kyle eyed the pile of food on the table and felt his mouth water. He looked down at his triplet heavy belly… surely one more wouldn’t hurt? Brook, the only non-pregnant person there, grasped the bridge of her nose as she felt a headache building. This was about to get messy.
Bree sat down in the wooden chair next to the table full of food, causing it to creak under her septuplet pregnancy weight. Her tummy stuck out past her knees, and forced her legs apart from its sheer size. She grabbed a double bacon burger and offered it out to Brook. “Come on Brook! I know you’re hungry!” she smiled, genuinely not seeing the problem with her offer. Brook shook her head. “No way. I’m going to have to take on enough brats from all of you, I don’t need to start brewing my own!” she said. Bree shrugged. “More for meeee!” as she was about unwrap the sandwich, Brook stepped forward and snatched it out of her hands. “Are you kidding me? Look at you?! You’ll pop if you eat this!”
Sarah eyed the table of amazing smelling fast food and considered her options… she considered how much Bree must have spent on all of this… considered how awful it would be for this delectable feast to go to waste. “Um… Brook, it’d be a shame if we threw all of this away…” she said meekly. Brook gave an electric glare and threw her hands up in exasperation. “FINE! You all stuff yourselves and get huge with a bunch of quantum babies! I’m not taking any off of your hands when you’re all to big to move!” “Too late,” Tyler chipped in. “Aw, c’mon Tyler! I’m bigger than you! Surely you can still walk?” Bree bubbled. “Well yeah, but I don’t want to…” Tyler eyed the burger in Brook’s hand. “Hey Brook, you eatin’ that or what?”
Brook rolled her eyes and tossed him the burger, eliciting a tongue click and a finger gun from Tyler. Kyle shifted on the couch and slowly stood up, his relatively small frame struggling with just three. He pushed his hands into his lower back, and his shirt rode up all the way, leaving every square inch of pregnant belly on display. He waddled over to the table to see what was left. Sarah quickly joined him, her singleton belly feeling somewhat empty. Brook sat on the now empty couch and gave everyone a scornful look in turn. She knew she was going to have to clean this up.
Kyle tentatively grabbed a mild chicken sandwich while Sarah scooped up the 4 sliders and a side of onions rings. Bree grabbed the spicy chicken sandwich and the last remaining food item, the double jalapeno burger. Kyle and Sarah each sitting on the floor in front of the couch, not wanting to get TOO close to the grumpy Brook, Tyler on his recliner and Bree in her kitchen chair, the crew got to work decimating the McPreggo.
Tyler unwrapped the double bacon burger and started in on it, taking large, heaping bites that required him to chew for a somewhat extended period of time. The lettuce, tomato, bacon, cheese, and patty all tasted so good together, the flavors melded perfectly into the exact thing he was craving in that moment. As far as Tyler was concerned, McPreggo had earned his business. It was hard to argue with food that tasted this good. One hand held the sandwich, and the other rested on the shelf of his belly. As he devoured the sandwich, he felt the skin of his tummy shift under his fingers. Was that kicking? No, he was very familiar with that feeling. This... was growth.
Kyle sat cross legged on the floor, his triplet heavy belly resting on his folded ankles, and began eating the chicken sandwich. The cheese was an unexpected but welcomed touch, and the sauce, whatever it was, went perfect with the breading on the chicken. He polished off the sandwich in record pace, and placed his hands on the sides of his pregnant tummy, feeling it swell up between them. He was about to be pregnant with quadruplets, and wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
Next to him, Sarah was in a frenzy. The usually demure and subtle woman was downing sliders in two bites, and eating multiple onion rings in one chomp. This was amazing tasting food, and was totally worth whatever pregnant discomfort awaited her. At least, that’s what she thought before she felt her pants tighten up, and the button pop open on is own. She looked down at herself to see her 24 week singleton belly slowly expand outward in all directions, filling her lap with addition after addition to her womb.
Bree had somehow already completely consumed the spicy chicken sandwich, and was most of the way through the jalapeno burger. She was a strong girl, and big muscles needed a lot of fuel. Big bellies, as it turned out, also needed a lot of fuel, as two more quantum babies filled her womb. With nine babies now roiling around in her belly, even Bree was having a hard time feeling comfortable, and slowly rose to her feet to pace, hoping to stretch her legs. Each footfall was heavy as her gargantuan nonuplet belly swayed in front of her.
Bree waddled over to Tyler, who was back to groaning and rubbing big circles around his tummy. “Whyyyy did I do this? This bellyache and pressure isn’t worth the taste of delicious fooood…” he groaned. His 7 babies rumbled in his belly, resting on the recliner’s footrest. Bree tentatively placed a hand on her friend’s tanker of a tummy, and nodded slowly. “Yeah, you’re really pregnant all right,” she said. “T-thanks Bree. I wasn’t sure there for a sec,” groaned Tyler, all in good humor, of course. 
Kyle struggled to unfold his legs under the weight of his tum. He swore he’d never complain about carrying his singleton son after this experience. He ran his hands around the equators of his belly, and leaned back against the couch, considering just staying there and sleeping this off.
Next to him was Sarah, who was in the process of seeing if she could still reach her bellybutton past her quadruplet belly. She could, barely. What she couldn’t do was fit in this shirt and pants anymore. She needed to get home and changed soon, having a big pregnant belly like this just hanging out felt so unprofessional. She moved to get up, but found she was too heavy to get off the floor with any real speed. Was it worth it for those sliders? It was, she decided, but only barely. “We should… urp… get home and… and digest,” said Sarah. “You buys gonna be okay?” she asked. “Mhmmm…” moaned Kyle sleepily. Tyler leaned back into the cushions of the recliner and grinned. “This… yeah, I can vibe with this…”
Bree took her hand off of Tyler’s belly, and waddled over to Sarah, one burning question on her mind. She looked expectantly at her friend as she struggled to get her feet under her. Sensing what was about to be asked, Brooks eyes lit up with exasperation. “On the way home… could we stop… for a snack?” 
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smutty-ki113r · 3 years
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FUCK HOW DO I UNSEND SMT IM SO SORRY I MISSED OUT ON SO MUCH PLS IGNORE THE OTHER ASK 😭😭
im so sorry im gonna do this again but anyway
hello! im a leo (leo sun, aries moon and cancer rising), 18, bisexual with a preference for men, she/her, im an isfp and i love getting hidden tattoos
i can switch from being super hyper to being a lazy bitch, depends on the day ig. i love to hangout with my friends as much as i like to rot in my bed 😩
im rlly affectionate with ppl im close too and i tease/flirt w/ all of my friends who are comfy w/ it!
i like basketball, volleyball, anime, drawing/sculpting, music (frank ocean, sza, tyler the creator), astrology.
i prefer cold temperatures, dark rooms even tho im scared of the dark, and dressing up just to relax in my room for no reason
i like to cuddle/hug/hold hands and show a lot of affection to my friends, i sleep with a stuffed animal even tho im young adult, i love taking naps, and yknow how you get bruises right? i sometimes like to just press on my bruises bc somehow my brain thinks that pressing on them will make them go away faster?
my ideal date is either going on a picnic and exploring abandoned/nature-ish places, or staying inside and holding each other while either watching a movie or just napping together.
i love clingy ppl but shy/awkward ppl who are stiff when it comes to physical touch/pda have a special place reserved in my heart ❤️
im rlly forgetful, im clumsy asf (my dumbass finds a way to trip on air every single mf day), my humor is so fucked i will laugh at literally everything man 😕, and i love going on roadtrips just to listen to music and look at cows that pass by 😫👊
tysm for dealing w/ me lmfao 😭 take ur time bae, and i think thats all!
I match you with…..💖JEFF💖
And don’t worry about it, I deleted the other request and I’m doing this one now.
I feel like you and Jeff would be good partners, let me explain why.
Jeff is ideal for your dates and I feel like his personality would go great with his. He says that you teasing him is annoying but he secretly loves it, will not swat you away and instead give this annoyed grunt, but won’t pry you off. I have a feeling that Jeff really likes tattoos so he likes tracing over yours. If you like broken humor he is definitely your man.
He will accompany you to your abandoned places but you will lose him, call out “JEFF WHERE ARE YOU” and he’ll come from behind and scare you. Probably hug you and lift you up as you scream for dear life. He will kiss your neck through, after you calm down.
For sure he loves to watch you dress up, it won’t be for nothing with him around. Gives a smirk and insists on giving him a fashion show and shaking your ass for him. When he goes to hold your hand he gets really nervous and sweaty, in such a rough grip and looks away furious ly blushing.
He gets annoyed with the bruise thing, makes you stop and then kisses them aggressively. Tells you not to hurt yourself any longer, probably threatens to kill you, (he won’t actually do it obviously) but he just hates you doing that. He might be aggressive in his efforts to make you fall in love with him, but that’s just insecurity. Give him a lot of love, he needs it.
It’s no problem! I hope you liked it love!
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livlepretre · 3 years
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I was just catching up with your blog, and I saw your klonnie post. It just got me thinking about how literally anyone in the narrative would have been more logical to pair Klaus up with than Caroline. I’ve read all your posts regarding why Klaroline does not make sense. 100% agree. I feel like Caroline is just who they went with because committing to a real Klaus love story would have taken way more time than the show had, and Caroline was the one who had the least commitments elsewhere in the narrative. I mean, there are plenty of plot heavy episodes where Caroline just disappears for no reason, and it’s obvious that the writers just didn’t have anywhere to logically put her. I honestly believed during my first watch through that Klaroline was just Klaus trying to put Tyler in his place. He never interacted with her before the episode where Tyler challenges his authority and refuses to bite Caroline, and then after that episode, he was being ooc and fake charming with her. I just thought Klaus was trying to get her to sleep with him so he could show Tyler that he was the one in charge and could take anything he had. Color me surprised when that was never the case.
Anyway, this all got me thinking about what individual arcs Caroline got, and I can’t really think of one after her becoming a vampire and getting tortured by her dad. After that, the show kind of played “pass the Caroline.” She would get passed around during episodes where she was either tagging along with Stefan, Tyler, or Klaus. Obviously it’s okay for your characters to be in scenes with each other, but the problem is you could take Caroline out of the season 4 sire-bound breaking storyline or the delena ft. sad Stefan storyline and nothing would really change. She is really on par with Jeremy and Matt in which she could just leave for a while and make a reappearance later like nothing happened; however, unlike Jeremy and Matt, she isn’t treated this way in the narrative. Caroline is made out to be more important than she is. I didn’t realize how long this ask would be, but if you could change the story structure of TVD to fix this, how would you do it? Would you have written Caroline to have more individual storylines or would you have decreased her role? Maybe it’s just me and you would keep her the same. Idk. Either way, I’m very interested in your opinion. Especially because Caroline is the more utilized and loved character throughout this fandom and fanfiction, and I don’t know why.
first of all “catching up with your blog” what kajfklajdfklajdf
sorry it’s taken me a few days to reply, I’ve been mulling this over and it’s been kind of a long week so I’ve had to gather the bandwidth to answer 
I agree with your analysis about why the show chose Caroline as Klaus’s love interest... I’ve always said that it was just so painfully obvious that they wanted to give Klaus a love interest from amongst the heroines (which: rude, he already had a love interest, it was Stefan) because he was interesting and hot. And I always assumed they picked Caroline because 1) Elena already had too many love interests even though she and Klaus had history and wicked chemistry so this still to me remains the obvious choice 2) Bonnie would have actually had moral problems with Klaus (but would still have been a great choice because then we could explore those morality issues with Klaus) and 3) they wanted to do another “bad boy” romance without actually digging into the fact that Klaus had crossed lines for us as an audience that were SUPER hard to come back from, namely: MURDERING MAIN CAST MEMBER JENNA. (I would argue that this is different for us as an audience than Vicki’s death because Vicki died at the beginning of the show; our emotional investment in Jenna was significantly higher after 2 full seasons with her.) So, Caroline becomes the path of least resistance because Klaus has no serious, personal history with her, and she’s not as prone toward actually making moral judgment calls as Bonnie is-- for example, she’s shown to be significantly more flexible about murder and mayhem than Bonnie is.
I’ve never thought about the fact that it was partially just that the writers didn’t have any great ideas for Caroline’s personal storyline though, and that really brings up 2 huge questions: 1) DID they assign her the Klaus romance because they didn’t know what else to do with her? and 2) did that romance storyline actually deprive her of other (better) storylines?
This got me thinking about Caroline’s storylines in a broader sense, and her place within the narrative structure. I think of TVD as having 3 types of main characters:
A-level characters-- Elena, Stefan, and Damon are the only A-levels, as they appear in every single episode and the plot falls apart without them
B-level characters-- Bonnie, Caroline, and then later Klaus would all fit in here-- characters that are in most episodes, and have their own independent side plots that are ongoing, sometimes for long periods of time -- we know they’re B-level and not A-level because sometimes they disappear for a few episodes-- in other words, they’re not essential every episode like the A-levels
C-level characters-- the rest of the main cast-- Tyler, Matt, Jeremy, Jenna, Katherine, Rebekah, etc-- these characters sometimes have ongoing plotlines (the werewolf plot, the Hunter plot, the serial killer plot, etc) but they’re literally dispensable to the overall plot-- the writers feel comfortable having them come and go as necessary, and we often experience them through the perceptions of the higher-leveled characters--they tend to actually be the object of higher level plots as well-- Damon kills Jeremy to move his plot along with Elena; Matt scheming against Caroline’s vampirism is actually part of Caro’s plot; Katherine is mostly a  narrative tool to use with the main 3; Jenna’s death isn’t even about her at the end of the day from a narrative perspective but about Elena, etc.
So when thinking of the basic structure in this sense, that issue you brought up where Caroline doesn’t have enough of her own storylines really comes to light. Part of that I think is that functionally, she has less to offer-- Bonnie is a great counter point, because she often has her own storylines, and she serves a super strong narrative purpose of 1) witch and 2) the moral center on the show-- like, usually the only one who doesn’t forget what’s right and what’s wrong from a basic human perspective. Klaus also has his function as villain, though he gets derailed by the show not killing him off when it was time. 
Caroline meanwhile... the show probably took her as far as they could with her being human, and turning her into a vampire in season 2 was incredibly strong and compelling storytelling. It brought Caroline into the main fold of schemers, it gave her agency, and it put all of her problems with her family and friends and self-esteem under a microscope lens. Season 2 is Caroline’s strongest season because it offers her the most development and gives her both a functional role as baby vampire-- working for Katherine, working with the gang, trying to keep the big secret from her mother-- as well as a satisfying emotional arc. The issue is that she just doesn’t have a ton of places to go as a character once the issues with her parents are resolved midway through season 3 and a lot of her self-esteem issues had actually been tackled... The only other storyline I can think of that was HERS was her mother’s death, but I never finished that arc and never got to no humanity!Caroline anyway, so I don’t have much to say on that topic. I will say that the show REALLY drove Caroline’s storyline into the dirt when they turned Elena into a vampire-- having two baby vamps on the show was WAY too many. We’d already gone through this with Care, but also, Elena is an A-level character-- anything she goes through necessarily usurps the power from any similar story the writers could have told about Caroline. 
So. The Klauroline romance. (Apparently I’ve been mispelling this ship for a decade but honestly you can’t expect me to stop now.) I think they gave Caroline to Klaus (rather than giving Klaus to Caroline) as a love interest for the reasons stated above, but it really did limit her character; I’ve gone over my problems with it ad nauseam here on this blog. The whole thing just spun Caroline around in circles forever-- I remember dreading that this ship would be canon but the show just kept spinning the Klaus/Caroline/Tyler wheels for two seasons without ever really progressing anything or changing anything, just always always always spinning in place, with Tyler disappearing to make room for the other ship but the writers also not actually committing to anything... It really does get in the way of Caroline’s character development. 
So, how to fix? 
Well, first off, I think Caroline (and Bonnie, and Klaus, and everyone else) should stay in their lanes as B or C level characters-- the show didn’t have enough stories to give every single one of them main character status, and that’s okay. 
But if Caroline is a B-level character, she still needs her own stories and subplots interwoven throughout the show. 
The obvious thing that comes to mind is something I’ve said many times--  Fix Klauroline so that it actually makes sense and doesn’t break character-- give them a subplot where they have to work together and learn to rely on each other or see each other differently than how they expect-- literally TVD is amazing with tight, action packed episodes-- it would have taken ONE episode to establish this, and then have the relationship progress as a subplot-- not as Caroline’s main plot-- give her other things to work on with the team and let the Klaus thing develop alongside it. 
Other things: the issues with her parents probably could have been extended to be season 3, honestly, with her facing her vampirism more in season 2-- or she could have gone off the deep end earlier, or she could have wound up in trouble with the council, or she could have taken a more active role in trying to kill Klaus other than just “bait” which would have been great because then she would have had to face her feelings about it directly, or she could have been the one to investigate the vampire lab at Whitmore and maybe end up briefly imprisoned or whatever-- I personally think Elena should have only been a vampire for one season, which would have made Elena actually face her moral crisis, but also opened up the space in the show for Caroline to get the young vampire storylines the way that Bonnie gets the witch storylines. 
The show gets into this weird habit at some point of forgetting that it’s really about the main three and not supposed to be a HUGE equal ensemble show-- if you look back at the promotional materials, it was originally always the three of the main triangle, but by seasons 5 & 6 there’re these photos with like all dozen cast members... equalizing things didn’t actually help Caroline’s or Bonnie’s or anyone else’s storylines because it stripped down the time we spent with the main story and it meant adding a lot of frustrating swimming in circles for the others (how many times was Bonnie dead? I can’t keep track anymore) 
Sorry this is so rambly, I hope it made sense! I have a lot of feelings about Caroline-- I really loved her and the handling of her storylines from season 3 on has never sat well with me.
(As for why Caroline is the fan favorite, I do have a theory: she actually tells us what she’s thinking and feeling, so it’s easier to connect with her. Elena meanwhile rarely ever explicitly states her emotions, instead tending to brood and force us to work through what her silences mean, and Bonnie tends to bottle until she explodes--which is still easier to empathize with than Elena, because at least Bonnie eventually tells us. Meanwhile, Caroline gets upset, or she gets drunk, or she has long conversations where she spills her heart out to Stefan or Elena or Bonnie or anyone... so it’s easy to jump on board with her. That’s my theory at least.) 
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buzzdixonwriter · 3 years
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Another Pointless Top Ten List (But You’ll Keep Reading, Anyway)
My brother Rikk recently mailed me another top ten list of his, in this instance being his top ten favorite TV comedy shows (which he defines as 30 minutes or less, no movies).
The Three Stooges
M*A*S*H
The Andry Griffith Show 
The Beverly Hillbillies
Hogan’s Heroes
I Love Lucy 
The Honeymooners 
All In The Family
Get Smart 
Gilligan’s Island
His honorable mentions include F Troop, The Patty Duke Show, My Three Sons, Gomer Pyle USMC, Batman, Petticoat Junction, Mr. Ed. Bewitched, and I Dream Of Jeanie.
Again, one of those personal favorite lists that you really can’t argue with because it reflects personal tastes and / or fond nostalgia (though I am calling shenanigans on The Three Stooges; they were theatrical shorts shown in movie theaters, not a TV show, and besides, Laurel & Hardy are soooooo much better…).
But of course we’re going to play the game, so I’ll respond, first throwing in a caveat:  No skit comedy shows such as Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Marty Feldman Show, Benny Hill, Second City TV, The Kids In The Hall, or Love, American Style.
I’m also omitting programs like The Gong Show and Jackass because while hilarious and under 30 minutes, they weren’t scripted or story driven.
So here’s my list:
The Dick Van Dyke Show -- the sitcom art form at peak perfection.  Carl Reiner’s insight into what writing for a mercurial TV star is like (in his case, Sid Caesar on Your Show Of Shows, for Van Dyke’s Rob Petrie it was Carl Reiner as Alan Brady).  If you’ve never seen the show, start off with their two best episodes, “Coast To Coast Big Mouth” and “October Eve” (though they’re all good).�� “October Eve” is the one where Sally (Rose Marie) finds a nude painting of Laura (Mary Tyler Moore playing Dick Van Dyke’s wife) in an art gallery.  SALLY:  “There’s a painting here you should know about.”  LAURA: “If it’s what I think it is, I can explain.”  SALLY:  “If you need to explain, it’s what you think it is.”
The Mary Tyler Moore Show – this is the first American novel for television.  It’s a novel of character, not plot, and it traces the growth of Mary Richards, a 30 year old woman-child who realizes she needs to grow up, as she blossoms into a mature, self-reliant adult.  You can select two episodes at random and by comparing her character growth determine not only which season they were filmed but when in that season.
I Love Lucy -- eking out a bronze medal for its longevity and pioneering of the art form.  The first sitcom shot on film, it led the way in the rerun market.  Not just a historical icon but consistently funny.
WKRP In Cincinnati -- as crazy as a sitcom could get and still be within the realm of plausibility.  Never loved by its network, they bounced it around for four seasons until it faded away (it made a syndicated comeback a decade later, of which we shall not speak).  Great supporting staff, dynamite writing.  While they never steered away from serious subject matters (such as an actual rock concert tragedy in Cincinnati where several fans were crushed when rushing the stage), they will be forever and justly remembered for the beloved “Turkey Drop” episode.
Fawlty Towers – only two seasons and a mere 12 episodes and yet more comedic bang for the buck than anything else on this list.  John Cleese as a frustrated, short-tempered, conniving hotelier practically writes itself.  SYBIL FAWLTY:  “You know what I’ll do if I find you’ve been gambling again, don’t you, Basil?”  BASIL:  “You’ll have to sew them back on first, m’dear.”
That Girl -- looking back it can sometimes be hard to judge just how groundbreaking certain shows were.  Marlo Thomas as a struggling young actress finding romance and success in Manhattan seems positively wholesome today, but in the mid-1960s it was considered quite daring and progressive.  The Mary Tyler Moore Show took their opening credits inspiration from Marlo Thomas’ character exploring Manhattan in the opening credits of That Girl.
He & She -- a one season wonder from 1967.  Another daring and progressive show for its era.  Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss played a young married couple, he being a cartoonist who drew a superhero strip (the actor playing the superhero on TV in the series was Jack Cassidy at his manic best).  Another show with a dynamite supporting cast…and just too hip for the room at the time (honorable mention to Love On A Rooftop, a similar show from the previous season that also proved too advanced for audiences at that time).  
Green Acres -- started out silly but quickly took a turn into the surreal, breaking the fourth wall, commenting on the opening credits as they ran by, all sorts of oddball stuff.  Dismissed as a hayseed comedy, the truth is the supporting cast possessed dynamite comedic chops and their sense of timing is a joy to behold.  Forms a loose trilogy with The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction since all three referenced the same small towns of Hooterville and Pixley  as well as occasional crossovers (honorable mention to the first season of Petticoat Junction which is as pure an example of Americana as one could hope to find and could easily be distilled into a feature film remake).
The Young Ones -- another two season / twelve episode wonder from the UK.  Four stereotypical English college students go through increasing levels of insanity as the series progressed.  Unlike most shows of the era where there was no continuity episode to episode, damage done in an early episode would still be seen for the rest of the series.  (They also would simply end a show when they ran out of time, not resolving that episode’s plot.)  Their random / non sequitur style proved a tremendous influence on shows like Family Guy.
Fernwood 2 Nite / America 2-Nite -- a spin off from the faux soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, this presented itself as a cable access variety show for Mary Hartman’s hometown of Fernwood.  With Martin Mull as the obnoxious host, Fred Willard as his incurably dense second banana, and TV theme song composer Frank De Vol as the band leader.  Because it’s so rooted in 1970s pop culture it doesn’t age as well as some other shows on the list, but many of the gags still land solidly today.  For the second season the show-within-a-show went nationwide and became America 2-Nite. Very funny, very well written, and all the more remarkable because these guys were doing five episodes a week!
Okay, so what can this list tell us?
Buzz is old.  Like really, really, really old.
Buzz stopped watching sitcoms in the mid-1980s.
There’s a reason for that.  By that time I was writing for TV and trying to get my own work done.  I didn’t have time to sit and watch TV on a regular basis (still don’t), and too often I could see the gears turning and guess where the episode was heading by the end of the first scene (still do).
I’ve veered away from “must watch” TV, especially shows that require the audience to keep track of what’s gone on before.
Tell me I have to see the first six seasons of a show to appreciate what happens in the seventh and you’ve just lost me as a potential viewer.  I’m strictly a one & done kinda guy now (though I will binge watch if a mini-series has a manageable number of episodes, say six).
My list represents a time capsule for what caught my interest and attention during a very formative period of my life, i.e., from the early 1960s as I became more and more aware that writing was where my future lay, to the mid-1980s when I hit a good peak stretch.
I don’t doubt there are great and wonderful hilarious comedies out there that I haven’t seen, I’m just listing what I have seen that did make an impression on me.
Your mileage may vary.*
    © Buzz Dixon
  *  It should vary!  Be your own person!
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luvneedsnosyt · 3 years
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My Favorite Albums of 2020
Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2020
You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2020 here
My Previous monthly lists from 2020: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
My list last year for my top albums of 2019 can be found here.
Honorable Mention:
Aluna - Renaissance Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
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Lead singer from AlunaGeorge steps out on her own with this fast paced romp. She brings along many well known producers like Diplo (who she’s signed with as a solo artist), KAYTRANADA, SG Lewis and more.
Proof: Warrior (Feat. SG Lewis) / Body Pump
Big Gigantic - Free Your Mind Genre: Electronic / Dance
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The Colorado duo Big Gigantic’s big breakout was their sixth album in 2016’s Brighter Future that really expanded the reach of their high octane music. Four years later we have their follow up in this joyous affair. With their use of horns (one of them is a trained saxophonist) they always have a big band feel that meets the club in their sound that's so infectious.
Proof: Burning Love (Feat. Kidepo) / You’re The One (Feat. Nevve)
Cam - The Otherside Genre: Country / Pop
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I’m not typically a big country fan but this country with a little infusion of pop is something I can ride for. Really digging the ways Cam expanded on a typical country vernacular while still staying true to it as well.
Proof: The Otherside / Classic
CloZee - Neon Jungle Genre: Electronic / World Bass
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CloZee’s musical landscapes are living breathing entities. Her music is lush and vibrant that seem to flow to and frow with a breeze. Not what most people would attribute to the genre which is why it stands out.
Proof: Winter Is Coming / Heya
dvsn - A Muse In Her Feelings Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul
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The third album by Toronto R&B duo dvsn and this is by far their best. A seductive and savory exploration through love, sexuality and heartbreak.
Proof: Dangerous City (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Buju Banton) / A Muse
Duke Dumont - Duality // Duality Remixed Genre: Electronic / Dance
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This is sort of a greatest hits with some new songs masked as a debut. The fact most of these songs we have heard before and some way back to 2015, knocks this album back a bit on my list. That being said Duke Dumont is one of the best at funk infused dance music and this album bangs!
Proof: Ocean Drive / Together (w/ How To Dress Well) // Ocean Drive (Purple Disco Machine Remix) / Together (Luttrell Remix) w/ How To Dress Well
Empress Of - I’m Your Empress Of Genre: R&B / Pop
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Empress Of’s sophomore album Us was quite an upward trajectory from her already good debut album. On her third record here that momentum is kept going with a little flair. This is her most danceable record yet with some nostalgic synths added to her musical attire that’s an accessory worth attention but not too distracting.
Proof: Bit of Rain / Love Is A Drug
Fakear - Everything Will Grow Again Genre: Electronic / Dance / Tropical House
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French DJ Fakear’s eclectic sophomore album is lush and expansive in it’s sound. You feel enveloped in an exotic and kinetic world that you can’t help but get lost in while listening. 
Proof: Sekoia / Rituals (Feat. Luiza Fernandes)
Georgia - Seeking Thrills Genre: Synth Pop
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This sophomore album by the english singer is a riot full of pulsating beats and neon lit synth patterns. The singing has Santigold/M.I.A. vibes without being an emulation.
Proof: Never Let You Go / Ray Guns
Halsey - MANIC Genre: Pop / R&B
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It’s been a pretty dramatic rise for the singer. She was already a sensation by the time her debut album Badlands came out in 2015. Now she’s one of the sought after features and a pretty big act in music. This third album MANIC is her most consistent, powerful and best. She has perfected how to utilize her raspy voice and how to connect with the listener and evoke strong emotions. 
Proof: you should be sad / Without Me
Illenium - ASCEND (Remixes) Genre: Electronic / Dance
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Illenium’s ASCEND was my 3rd favorite record of 2019. As quite a nice gift Illenium dropped off this super sized remix album with at least one remix of each song off the glorious album. 
Proof: Good Things Fall Apart (3LAU Remix) Feat. Jon Bellion / In Your Arms (Alan Walker Remix) Feat. X Ambassadors
Kingdom - Neurofire Genre: Electronic / Neo-Soul / Dance
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Even if you don’t know Kingdom off the top of your head you’ve probably heard a Kingdom produced song without knowing. He’s been a behind the scenes go-to producer and runs a label that has such artists as Kalela and Dawn Richards on it. Neurofire is a smooth soulful electronic album that has such an contagious bob to it you can’t help yourself but start dancing.
Proof: High Enough (Feat. Tiara Thomas) / His n Hers (Feat. Semma)
Lady Gaga - Chromatica Genre: Pop / Dance
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Despite her immense success, Lady Gaga is not a complacent woman. After readjusting her sound to something more stripped down on 2016’s Joann, Gaga did another about face this time leaning into the EDM world and making an ecstatic dance record. Linking with many big hitter DJs for production work in Tchami, BloodPop, Madeon, Skrillex, Axwelll and others, who create a great vivacious platform for Gaga to strut all over.
Proof: Stupid Love / Replay
Låpsley - Through Water Genre: Indie Pop / Electronic
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It’s been four years since British singer Låpsley’s debut album. But it seems that time was well utilized as this is a great leap for the artist. I enjoyed her understated debut but here she was able to incorporate a little more kinetic energy in her recording while keeping the sentimentalism of them really effectively.
Proof: Ligne 3 / Womxn
Lastlings - First Contact Genre: Electronic / Future Bass / Dance
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I haven’t heard the early EPs from Australian dou Lastlings so first listening to this album was quite a pleasant surprise. There’s some definite influences from fellow Australian act RÜFÜS DU SOL here. And influences that they utilize nicely.
Proof: Deja Vu / No Time
The Strokes - The New Abnormal Genre: Alternative / Rock
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It’s not often an extremely successful rock group after an extended hiatus returns and makes one of their best albums. Working with Rick Ruban the legendary New York group returns after seven years with an album that exerts a high level of confidence and maturity. It doesn’t scream out at you as an album yet the music is incredibly in depth and rewarding.
Proof: Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus / Not The Same Anymore
Sylvan Esso - Free Love Genre: Synth Pop
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For their third album the North Carolina based duo took a slightly scaled back sound as the tone is a bit more somber and muted then their past albums. The indie pop is much more dominant over the Electronic aspects of their music. It still however is their enjoyable meshing of the two and there’s still plenty of danceable moments, they are just more interspersed in a more internal faced record. 
Proof: Ferris Wheel / Frequency
Tchami - Year Zero Genre: Electronic / Dance
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The French DJ Techami finally drops a debut album and what a blast this is. Year Zero is a joy ride form start to finish with no real filler tracks of straight enjoyable dance records. 
Proof: Ain’t That Kind Of Friend (Feat. Modesty) / Ghosts (Feat. Hana)
Tyler Swift - evermore Genre: Indie Pop / Folk
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The second of Taylor’s 2020 albums; made with the National’s Aaron Dessor. This one you can tell is a bit of tracks that didn’t fit the construct of folklore. This has a bit of a “thrown together” feel, which sounds more harsh then how I mean it. With that being said these are still more of probably my favorite iteration we’ve seen of Taylor so I enjoy it immensely. More on folklore below.
Proof: ‘tis the damn season / ivy
We Are The City - RIP Genre: Rock / Alternative
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This is the fifth by the Concadian Rock group but the first I have heard by them so I can’t offer insight on how this fits in their past work. But when I heard the guitars and crashing drums come in on the thunderous opener “Killer B-Side Music” I was instantly hooked. This is a fun and emotionally gripping journey through this groups organized chaos. 
Proof: Killer B-Side Music / Saint Peter
The List:
Last One Out: The Naked And Famous - Recover Genre: Synth Pop
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New Zealand band The Naked and Famous return with their fourth album full of their patented form of catchy synth pop meant to excite and evoke. The songs are take their shoes off and make themselves at home in your head demanding a sing along.
Proof: Sunseeker / Bury Us / Come As You Are / Coming Back To Me
35. Grimes - Miss Anthropocane Genre: Synth Pop / Electronic
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It’s been an odd couple years for the singer/producer Grimes as her high profile relationship has pushed her further into the celebrity life then she has been in the past. Despite the chios she still is an extremely talented musician and this stellar album shows that off nicely. I feel Grimes was a bit too harsh on her previous album, 2015 Art Angels, which had a more general pop sensibility. I genuinely loved Art Angels. With her own frustration Grimes went back closer to her early sound with this follow up. Her ability to bend song structures to her will creates an ever changing and unpredictable landscape for the lister to get lost in.
Proof: So Heavy I Fell Through The Earth / Violence (w/ i_o) / Idoru / We Appreciate Power (Feat. HANA)
34. Taylor Swift - folklore Genre: Indie Pop / folk
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Taylor had a busy quarantine using this time to link up with Aaron Dessner of the National and Jack Antonoff to make not one but two albums. The first one here a surprise drop in July hit everyone in all the feels. The stripped down sound felt right at home with the isolation a lot of us were feeling during this pandemic. Taylor’s writing is as piercing as ever over these mellow and somber tracks.
Proof: cardigan / my tears ricochet / seven / august
33. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia // Club Future Nostalgia Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
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English singer Dua Lipa confidently busts out the sequence for this dazzling sophomore album. As the title suggests this is a futuristic blast from the past with influences from the 70’s disco and 80’s synth pop in a modern ensemble. The songs are all catchy af and danceable as hell but you still never lose sight of the true centerpiece and that is Dua’s authoritative voice. She has the perfect vocal conflexion for electronic songs as it's commending enough to not get lost in the kinetic ensembles but also light and malleable enough to ride the harmonies with grace. As can be seen by her getting all the GRAMMY nominations the world is taking note of this pop force.
Proof: Don’t Start Now / Cool / Physical / Break My Heart // Hallucinate (Paul Woolford Remix) / Don’t Start Now (KAYTRANADA Remix) / Physical (Mark Ronson Remix) Feat. Gwen Stefani / Cool (Jayda G Remix)
32. KAYTRANADA - BUBBA Genre: Electronic / R&B / Dance
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Montreal based producer KAYTRANADA picks up right where his 2016 debut left off with this smooth and sensual vibe fest of an album. The album doesn’t ever go for anything too high or too low. The tempo is pretty consistent in a controlled bob that can get a crowd up and dancing or can be played in the background for a chill environment.
Proof: Go DJ (Feat. SiR) / 10% (Feat. Kali Uchis) / Need It (Feat. Masego) / The Worst In Me (Feat. Tinashe)
31. The Killers - Imploding The Mirage Genre: Rock / Alternative
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With over 16 years in the game, The Vegas rock group and one of my personal all time favorite bands has not lost a step. Imploding The Mirage follows their 2017 Wonderful Wonderful as a return to their early form. This new album is a triumphant and boisterous affair exuding with confidence that only a group together this long can employ.
Proof: Dying Breed / Caution / Running Towards a Place / When the Dreams Run Dry
30. Blanche - EMPIRE Genre: Indie Pop
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21 year old Belgium singer Blanche’s raspy commanding voice is one beyond her years. It’s very delicate while demanding your attention. On this debut she utilizes the effective voice nicely by surrounding it with a cinematic harmonious backing. 
Proof: Empire / Till We Collide / Fences / How Does That Sound
29. BRONSON (Golden Features & ODESZA) - BRONSON Genre: Electronic / Dance
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Connecting from an admiration of each other’s music, Seattle electronic duo ODESZA and Australian DJ Golden Feature team up for this new trio that merges their sounds while give us something completely new from the artists. Where ODESZA’s sound is more light and airy this collaboration is darker and dense. The weight of each track give them a powerful emotive feel as they blend into each other while the album progresses. 
Proof: HEART ATTACK (Feat. lau.ra) / KNOW ME (Feat. Gallant) / TENSE / DAWN (Feat. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs)
28. GASHI - 1984 Genre: alt-R&B / Synth Pop
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It’s been a long road GASHI, growing up as an Albianian refugee before his family settled in Brooklyn as a child. GASHI struggled initially to learn English and eventually used music as his tool to learning the language. Dropping out of college to focus on music GASHI dropped a mixtape and couple albums that were pretty below the radar. It seems in 2018 connecting with DJ Snake was a catalyst for the singer. His last two albums have a focused synth heavy vernacular with an 80’s nostalgia. There’s a slightly haunting tension in his music that brings a level of wonder and mystery. The slight reverb makes the tracks feel as though they are recorded in a dark void with the jabbing synths as youre neon guilding light. 
Proof: Mama (Feat. Sting) / Paranoid / Never Give Up On Me / Mr. Ferrari
27. Caroline Rose - Superstar Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
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Starting as a more folk/country based artist, the NY based artist took a dramatic shift in her music to a more indie rock style with some hints of synth pop and the move has proved rather fruitful. On her fourth album Caroline has hit a rather confident sweet spot. Superstar is filled with tunes you can jam out to with reckless abandon. 
Proof: Nothing’s Impossible / Got to Go My Own Way / Someone New / Back at the Beginning
26. Jason Ross - 1000 Faces // 1000 Faces Remixes Genre: Electronic / Dance
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Seven Lion’s understudy takes an emphatic step out of the shadows and it’s quite a big step! 1000 Faces pushes the twin cities DJ in the mix of top electronic DJs. He definitely shows off how he learned the use of dead space from Seven Lions but in his own style for dramatic drops in his ensembles. Suspense is used almost as an instrument leading to crashing moments meant to get you up and moving and your feelings yanked on.
Proof: When the Night Falls (w/ Fiora) / One that Got Away (w/ Dabin & Dylan Matthew) / Known You Before (w/ Seven Lions & Emilie Brandt) / 1000 Faces (w/ Dia Frampton) // Leave Me To Wonder (Just A Gent Remix) w/ Fiora / When The Night Falls (AWAKEND Remix) w/ Fiora / Known You Before (Trivecta Remix) w/ Seven Lions Feat. Emilie Brandt / Shelter (No Mana Remix) Feat. Melanie Fontana
25. HAIM - Women in Music Pt. III Genre: Pop
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The HAIM sisters are slowily chipping away at their sound adding in more elements, while also chipping away at the patriarchy. Women in Music Pt. III is a further expanding the trios musical pallet with more R&B and Jazz sensibilities then we’ve heard from them before. Their strength is still their strong consistency. At 16 tracks this album still feels like there isn’t a wasted moment, every song is solid in its own right and contributes to the overall arc of the project. My sneaky favorite track is the smooth “3 AM” that sounds like it could be on a Janet Jackson album with it’s soulful and catchy as hell chorus and bouncy beat that get your head bopping and shoulders rolling. 
Proof: Gasoline / Don’t Wanna / 3 AM / Now I’m In It
24. PVRIS - Use Me Genre: Rock / Scythe Pop / Alternative
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Rock music as a genre has been a bit pushed back from the limelight the last few years. However that doesn’t mean the genre is dying and great acts like PVRIS prove that. Following up their thrilling 2017 album All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell we see the rock group experimenting more with their sound. The 2019 EP gave us a teaser of the ways Synth Pop will infiltrate their vernacular more on this record. That doesn’t mean they are “going straight pop” here as this is still a rambunctious form of rock music. Just more blurry around the edges. PVRIS and lead singer Lynn are able to evoke such strong emotions in ever track, it’s impossible to not feel and sympathize with what her emotion is for that track while listening. 
Proof: Death of Me / Hallucinations / Old Wounds / Wish You Well
23. Disclosure - ENERGY Genre: Electronic / Dance
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After a decade in the genre and more then a 5 year break from their exhilarating sophomore album Caracal (one of my personal favorite records of 2015), the London DJ duo return with this double album stuffed with euphoria inducing dance tunes. The name of the album is the consistent throughline, every track is bursting with vibes and energy. There’s also an obvious globalization with their already inclusive music with many songs featuring singers in other languages and using themes from that culture in the beat making. It’s quite a thrilling journey that keeps you guessing song to song what will come up next.
Proof: Lavender (w/ Channel Tres) / Douha (Mali Mali) w/ Fatoumata Diawara / Tondo (w/ Eko Roosevelt) / Know Your Worth (w/ Khalid)
22. Deante’ Hitchcock - BETTER Genre: Hip Hop
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What an impressive debut from the 27 year old Atlanta rapper. I wasn’t up on Deante’ until this album came out so I don’t have knowledge of his rise but this was a great introduction to him. You can really see the merging of older Atlanta influences from Goodie Mob, Outkast and Ludacris with new hip hop from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Wale in his sound. Hip Hop is in a funky moment right now as there’s a bit of a struggle on what the dominant sound and style will be. This is a necessary struggle for such a diverse and malleable form of music. For me this is my favorite form of the genre and seeing new artists like Deante’ and JID come in with such vigor let’s me know it’s not going to die off. 
Proof: I Remember / I Got Money Now (Feat. JID) / Circles / Angels
21. Alina Baraz - It Was Divine Genre: R&B / Soul
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The soothing and sultry vocals of singer Alina Baraz have been some of my favorites since she slid on the scene as the vocalist on Urban Flora EP with producer Galimatias in 2015. Her soft and understated Soul music flows and sways in your head like a mellow gust of wind picking you up and carrying you to a better place. Starting from her previous project, Alina’s partnership with Khalid has quickly become one of my favorite pairings, that I hope they continue. 
Proof: Morocco (Feat. 6LACK) / Endlessly / Off The Grid (Feat. Khalid) / More Than Enough
20. Harry Styles - Fine Line Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop
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On the first round of albums from the One Direction boys I will admit I was more drawn to ZAYN’s alt-R&B sound. But even with that I still enjoyed and could tell Harry was doring much more musically on his 70’s rock influenced self titled solo debut. It only took him two tries to perfect his sound on this brilliant follow up. On Harry Styles I felt Harry was emulating his influences a bit too much but here he’s perfect keeping that same nostalgic vernacular while modernizing the sound. The 26 year old brit boasts a level of confidence here that is pretty engraved in the music. The R&B banger :Adore You” was my favorite song on the album on the first few listens but eventually the emotionally gripping closer “Fine Line” caught up with me for all the feels.
Proof: Watermelon Sugar / Adore You / Lights Up / Fine Line
19. Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension Genre: Synth Pop
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Sufjan is an artist that likes to bounce around in styles project to project and this might be his most dramatic bounce as he takes on a more electronic palette then his normally acoustical vernacular. It still is a Sufjan album and very internal and subdued in vibe, but with a more expansive musical landscape that makes his normally intimate and crouched music a bit more of an expansive and sprawling affair. The moments of emotional outburst are mostly through the synths and drums rather than Steven’s words and lead to the tracks all individually wound tight with tension and then carefully crafted moments of erupting release. 
Proof: Video Games / Ativan / Sugar / America
18. Krewella - zer0 Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Dance
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Good things come to those who wait and we had to wait quite a while for the sophomore album from the sister duo of Krewella. zer0 is a burst of danceable pop tunes stuffed with numerous outside influences on the sisters. There’s some general pop influences from artists like Christina Agulaera, there’s electronic backings with notes taken from contemporaries like Alison Wonderland and there’s a definite spine of their Pakistani heritage audibly visible as well. This is quite a confident and exhilarating cannon shot of an album by the duo I feel has been a bit criminally overlooked.
Proof: Good On You (Feat. Nucleya) / Anxiety (Feat. Arrested Youth) / Ghost / Greenlights
17. Jack Garratt - Love, Death & Dancing Genre: R&B / Pop / Electronic
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British singer Jack Garratt returns with his bursting soulful vocals over a unpredictably windy electronic pallet. Every track by Jack Garratt takes the listener on quite a picturesque journey with dramatic shifts in tone and pace. In much less deserving hands this can be a recipe for a disastrously chaotic listen but as mentioned before Jack’s smooth vocal delivery is an effective juxtaposition to the kinetic melodies. You never know what the next turn is but whenever you feel lost, Jack extends his voice as a helping hand to reel you back in. Eventually you just know you’re along for a ride and to buckle up and enjoy.
Proof: Time / Return Them To The One / Better / Circles
16. Charli XCX - how i’m feeling now Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
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Only 8 months after her third album Charli returns with possibly her most refined project of her career. Made during the first month of the stay at home order from the pandemic, how i’m feeling now is an album about isolation and loneliness. Equipped with her standard unique form of deconstructionist pop and electronic melding with a dash of 0 fucks given, the rushed nature is sort of a vernacular the tracks wear proudly on their sleeves. There’s a stripping of some of the plasticity making the raw emotions of the tracks stand out.
Proof: forever / enemy / i finally understand / anthems
15. Louis The Child - Here For Now Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Dance
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After a couple EP’s and a speedy rise, the Chicago based Electronic duo Louis The Child release their debut full length album and flex a bit more diversity then we’ve previously seen from them. WIth a sound a bit more geared to expand their audience the group dables more in R&B, Hip Hop and pop then in their more electronic focused EP’s. This expansion is not a dilution at all though. Their unique melding of grooves in unorthodox way is on full display across this joyous album.
Proof: Nobody Like You (w/ Vera Blue) / Don’t Mind / Free (w/ Drew Love) / Fade Away
14. Jessie Ware - What’s Your Pleasure Genre: Pop / Dance / Soul
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Needing a reset, UK’s Jessie Ware took a break from music to focus on her family and other forms of collaboration like her podcast Table Manners. Shortly after the birth of her second child, the itch came back but with a new outlook on life it was a different itch. Jessie has been one of the great sad song writers of the last 10 years, on What’s Your Pleasure? Jessie wanted to focus more on the positive love she has in her life and how she just wants to joyously dance in celebration of it. Using Disco as her muse Jessie makes a modern discoteca equipped the listener with alacrity and positivity while promoting they get up and get down. The timing of such an album was quite intuitive and brilliant by the singer. She started recording the album in 2019 but by the time it was ready to release was in the middle of a pandemic. Perfect timing for such a jubilant album.
Proof: Spotlight / Save A Kiss / Adore You / Mirage (Don’t Stop)
13. Buscabulla - Regresa Genre: Latin / Pop / Dance
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When Latin synth pop duo Buscabulla returned home they did to a post-hurricane Maria Puerto Rico. After years in New York they were returning to a place they love but that was forced to change dramatically. The married couple came equipped with a new record deal and new found personal stability, but chose to surround themselves in the instability their friends and family were forced to live with after the natural disaster. Despite the chaos their music evokes hope, and joy. My limited and very broken knowledge of Spanish doesn’t give me much of an insight on the song meanings but the vibe of this whole album just gets me up off my butt and moving my feet and hips. The latin based rhythms with an Electronic pop influence makes this project quite an infectious and joyous romp.
Proof: Vàmono / El Aprieto / Mío / NTE
12. Purity Ring - WOMB Genre: Synth Pop
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The third album from Canadian duo is a bit of a return to their darker and more brooding sound of their debut from the glossier and brighter sophomore album. Some of these descriptors may sound like a negative but trust me it is not. Now I seem to be in a minority that enjoyed the more electronic and pop focused sophomore album a bit more than their debut but it was still their debut that drew me in to them so this return is not met with any dismay from me. Always fascinated with the human body, WOMB is a coming of age album focusing on the weird things our body begins doing as we mature and how that affects us emotionally. It took them five years for this third album from another eternity but sometimes maturation just takes some time. 
Proof: pink lightning / i like the devil / vehemence / stardew
11. Run The Jewels - RTJ4 Genre: Hip Hop
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The first track is quite an exhilarating indication that even though this is the fourth record from the duo Run The Jewels, they haven’t lost any of their vigor. Dropped early during the protests going on around the country for police violence, RTJ had impeccable timing for their best project to date. All RTJ albums are quite a whirlwind and this is no exception. Both artists have been in the industry for over 20 years, but their collaboration has brought them both to new heights of notoriety for each of them. With this new stature nothing has changed in their music though, they still want to provide you music to party to and music to revolt to.
Proof: yankee and the brave (ep. 4) / JU$T (Feat. Pharrell WIlliams & Zach de la Rocha) / the ground below / a few words from the firing squad (radiation)
10. Super Duper - HALLELUJAH! Genre: Electronic / Dance
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The full length debut from Nashville producer Super Duper is quite an endorphin shot in the ear. I first found out about Super Duper seeing him open for Petit Biscuit a couple years ago without knowing anything about him. I enjoyed his use of electronic backdrops with reverb and echo to create space within it along with the cleaver voice samples and hard hitting drum patterns to inhabit said space. I immediately found his debut EP and eventually his follow up. When his EP Prelude came out earlier this year there was a noticeable uptick in the pop sensibilities in his sound. Sometimes this can be considered a negative but here it added another form of personality. His earlier albums were all expansive landscapes but the increase in pop singers and vocal samples adds a further human element for the listener to identify with as they explore these powerful backdrops.
Proof: We Had Everything / Quiver (Feat. Lonas) /  Feel Good (Feat. Bre Kennedy) / All On You / Religion (Feat. Bre Kennedy)
9. Joji - Nectar Genre: R&B / Pop
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Japanese singer George Miller has come a long way from his jokester YouTube days to his sophomore album here. Beginning his career in entertainment as an online shock humor performer, Joji is known for being responsible for the “Harlem Shake” meme craze years ago. In 2017 Miller decided to focus on a legit music career dropping off his debut EP In Tongues that year. The EP was a good introduction but suffered a bit of consistency. The kinks were ironed out a bit for his debut album, Ballads 1 which had the gut wrenching “Slow Dancing In The Dark”. There still was a bit of consistency issues present though but those are all but fully worked out on this impressive sophomore effort. Creativity was never an issue for Joji’s music but needed to be channeled more in a cohesive direction across a whole project and it seems he is able to find that focus here. “Run” is up there with one of the most beautiful songs to come out this year. It is pretty impressive the growth Joji has made in four years and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Proof: Daylight (w/ Diplo) / Run / Sanctuary / Afterthought (Feat. BENEE) / Your Man
8. Shallou - Magical Thinking Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Future Bass
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After a few lovely EP’s over the years, LA producer Shollou dropped off his melodic and ethereal debut full length. Shallou’s form of electronic music is very subdued and modest on the surface yet expansive and encompassing the deeper you venture as a listener. Where the music lacks in flash it does not lack in complexity, emotional depth and infectious melodies. Shollou created worlds of subtlety and sophistication, that double dips as easy listening sounds or music to immerse yourself and get lost in.
Proof: Forget / Mutual Love (w/ Zachary Knowles) / Silhouettes (Feat. Vancouver Sleep Clinic) / Older (w/ Daya) / Good Together (w/ Ashe)
7. The Weeknd - After Hours Genre: alt-R&B / neo-Soul
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One of my favorite artists making music today (and one of the inspirations of me making this blog in the first place), The Toronto based singer Abel Tesfaye goes a bit back to his roots while still expanding his musical palette on his fourth full length record here. As the 2018 EP My Dear Melancholy, hinted to us, the neon lighting synth pop of his precious two records are taking more of a back seat for the dark and moody R&B melodies of his first record and mixtapes.The difference is his early mixtapes were a consistent mood but After Hours is a whole experience. Now as a more seasoned artist Abel is able to more effectively mold the atmosphere to his will. And take in previous explorations as well as new ones into his atmospheric sound seamlessly. “Blinding Lights” that would have fit perfectly on Star Boy or “In Your Eyes” equipped with some new jazzy saxophone yet neither standing out in the whole composition of the project show this dexterity off well. The former being possibly the most successful single of 2020.
Proof: Scared To Live / Heartless / Blinding Lights / In Your Eyes / After Hours
6. Jonah Mutono - GERG Genre: alt-R&B / Soul
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London based Kenyan singer Jonah drops off a gorgeous debut album here. Jonah, who himself grew up in a very religious family, has been hiding his sexuality and this album addresses how that puts a strain on him and his relationships. GERG is a gripping expose as the singer comes to terms with his own needs and desires and brings to light them for the audience to see and feel. His voice is both commanding and soothing, mostly in a deep somber tone but can get up to some surprising heights when needed. His music sort of sounds like a cross between Kwabs and Frank Ocean. “The Low” which specifically is above loving someone in private from your family is maybe one of the most feels inducing songs of 2020. 
Proof: Shoulders / If You Mean It / The Low / Circulation / South Bank
5. Phantogram - Ceremony Genre: Synth Pop
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Despite the chaos in the world that is defining 2020, the return of one of my favorite groups in music is about finding the love that will keep you positive and moving through it. It’s been a bit of a journey for the New York duo with some thrilling highs and heartbreaking woes. After the success of their 2009 debut album Eyelid Dreams. The group really took their time on their sophomore effort knowing this will more be what defines their direction and sound then the debut. After a couple EPs to hold fans over when 2014’s Voices dropped it was a triumphant release that pushed their notoriety in the indie pop world to great heights. The next year was a gifted creative experiment collaboration with Oukast’s Big Boi in the Big Grams EP, but later that year tragedy struck with lead singer Sarah Barthel’s sister committing suicide. Three was released in 2016 written and recorded during the morning of this death which led to a much more emotionally charged offering. For their fourth album they could have kept with the darker vernacular of its predecessor but after going through the healing process from their own heart break, Sarah and Josh wanted to instead offer a record of healing and hope to the world in a time we all need it. That doesn’t mean Ceremony is devoid of the impacting sentiments of before. Ceremony is still as much a personal record as Three, but looks more to the future with a hopeful viewpoint then the past looking record before it. A necessary step for anyone to take towards healing from a trauma and/or tragedy. Nothing shows this off more than the poignantly brilliant “Pedestal”, possibly the most passionate and emotionally intimate record of the group’s career, that never fails to leave me in goosebumps no matter how many times I listen.
Proof: Dear God / Into Happiness / In a Spiral / Pedestal / Let Me Down
4. Childish Gambino - 3.15.20 Genre: Hip Hop / R&B
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For possibly his final album as Childish Gambino, Donald Glover left us an interesting crescendo of his musical career. 3.15.20 is a conglomerate of his previous albums wrapped up in a concise and cohesive, yet exploratory and eclectic album. The Boom Bap inspiration of CAMP, the spaced out futuristic wonder of Because The Internet, and the nostalgic and funk driven change up of Awaken My Love! are all represented here. The way the album meaders has been something critiqued of this record, but I find it’s part of it’s creative charm. Time being a theme of the album you feel the way time is a bit aimless as it just progresses, which leads to the moments you remember really sticking through. On your first listen you never know what time has in store for you on the upcoming track. Some may think this is peculiar and too subtle of a final statement, but I think it fits the artists perfectly. Donald can be in your face, but as his career in comedy and Television progressed he found his sweet spot at being subtle and rewarding those that pay attention to the margins.Who knows what is next for Donald’s career (he is halfway to an EGOT), but if this is the end of his musical journey I am very glad to be a witness of it.
Proof: Algorhythm / Time (Feat. Ariana Grande) / 19.10 / 42.26 / 47.48
3. Kacy Hill - Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again Genre: R&B / neo-Soul / Synth Pop
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It has been quite a journey for the 26 year old singer to this point. After beginning a career in modeling at the age of 16, a venture that she sort of fell into and wasn’t something she was passionate about, Hill also began dabbling in music. While on tour with Kanye West as a backup dancer for the Yeezus Tour, Kanye heard a self released single of hers and immediately signed her to his G.O.O.D. Music label. This is around when she popped on my radar. After a 2015 EP and a 2017 Album, Kacy decided to leave the label which leads us to this self released sophomore album from the singer. It seems the roller coaster of the young singer’s career up to this point has given a clarity for Hill to create her most emotional gripping and cohesive project. Part of the strength of this album was working intimately with Francis and the Lights who is a producer on 6 of the 11 tracks and gives the project it’s common vernacular. Utilizing Francis’ Synth and bass heavy backdrops, Hill allows her sweet falsetto to hit some impassioned locations. There is a sort of yin and yang to her vulnerable lyrics and the darker cavernous production that give each track depth. Kacy is now in full control of her music and we see she is very capable with this role.
Proof: To Someone Else / Much Higher / Porsche / I Believe In You (Feat. Francis and the Lights) / Six
2. Kasbo - The Making of a Paracosm Genre: Electronic / Future Bass
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It’s easy to get lost in the lavish and vibrant ecosystems of Swedish producer Kasbo’s immersive music. Kasbo’s debut album Places We Don’t Know was easily one of my favorite and most replayed albums of 2018. For the follow up. Kasbo ups the ante a bit with this lush and cinematic offering; each song is rich with so many layered melodies and bursting with gripping emotion. The coatings of pianos, synths and vocal samples are woven together with an orchestral composition. The tracks all have a form of deep breathes inward and explosive exhilations that lift the listener up in their swirling harmonies. Though the pieces all are vast and expansive they are both introspective and affectionately personal. Kasbo had a very tough time in between his debut and sophomore albums, with an undiagnosable bout of severe hearing loss. Once his hearing returned and he was able to continue where he left off on his music you can hear the sense of leaving it all out there in this project. He doesn’t know if the condition will return so he made sure to make this project one that conveys what he needed to convey; which despite that scary premonition is unbridled hope.
Proof: Play Pretend (Feat. Ourchives) / Blur / Lune (Feat. Vancouver Sleep Clinic) / Staying In Love (Feat. Nea) / Show You
1. Tame Impala - The Slow Rush Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic
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From the opening chopped up and synth-out vocal sample you realize this journey the multi-instrumentalist from Australia is about to take us on is one much different than his previous efforts. It took Kevin Parker 5 years to follow up his mega acclaimed third album Currents. The album pushed him to a new stature selling out large amphitheaters on his own and as a consistent festival headliner. The long wait and meteoric rise proved fruitful for this outwardly exuberant and extroverted yet simultaneously introspective and internal album. The Slow Rush is for anyone that connects with people who while socially at parties or clubs constantly feel hidden to the world. Those who both see the world moving around them at a fast pace yet still feel as if they are moving in slow motion.
Musically, The Slow Rush is a sonic fondue pot of many genres and timelines melted and stirred together. There’s both nostalgia and futuristic aspiration swirled in every track with footsteps in every decade from the 60’s to 2020. Imagine Hall & Oates, Pink Floyd and Daft Punk having a musical orgy while on acid. Despite the sheer vast amount of styles and genres being pressured into this album there is an uncanny level of sophistication by Kevin in this science experiment of an album. The project’s crescendo is the psychedelic thunder cloud of “It Might Be Time”. The track starts out airy, spacious and understated, slowly synth keys start jabbing in, yet still don’t ready you for the bombardment of 808’s, and symbol crashes of  the momentous chorus that hits you right in the gut and gets you on your feet. 
The Slow Rush is both an album you can put on at a party as well as chill alone and vibe out to. On the surface are the euphoric dance indications but a deeper inspection, should one wish to take on, finds the emotional and gripping crosscurrents that are interwoven throughout. If there’s levels of protection from past pain, and uncertainty for the future holding you back, well “it might be time to face it”.
Proof: One More Year / Borderline / Posthumous Forgiveness / Breathe Deeper / On Track / It Might Be Time
Others:
Good: Abir - HEAT, A Boogie wit da Hoodie - Artist 2.0, AceMo - I Want to Believe, AceMoMa - A New Dawn [HOA007], The Aces - Under My Influence, Action Bronson - Only For Dolphins, Active Child - In Another Life, Actress - Larama & Desire, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz Is Dead 001, Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Roy Area - JID002, Aesop Rock - Freedom Finger [Music from the Game], Aesop Rock - Spirit World Field Guild, A. G. Cook - Apple, Agnes Obel - Myopia, Alanis Morissette - Such Pretty Forks in the Road, Alaska Reid - Big Bunny, Alec Benjamin - These Two Windows, Alexandra Savior - The Archer, Allan Rayman - Christian, Alicia Keys - ALICIA, Allie X - Cape God, ALMA - Have You Seen Her?, Aloe Blacc - All Love Everything, Aminé - Limbo, Andrianne Lenker - songs, Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline, Ángela Muñoz & Adrian Younge - Introspection, Angelica Vila - Deception Szn 1, Angel Olsen - Whole New Mess, Anna Burch - If You’re Dreaming, Another Sky - I Slept On The Floor, Ariana Grande - Positions, Armin van Buuren - Lost Tapes, A$AP Ferg - Floor Seats II, Astrid S - Leave It Behind, Atmosphere - Whenever, August Alsina - The Product III: stateofEMERGEncy, The Avalanches - We Will Always Love You, Ava Max - Heaven & Hell, AWOLNATION - Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders Baauer - PLANET’S MAD, Bad Bunny - LAS QUE NO IBAN A SALIR, Bassnector - All Colors, Baths - Pop Music / False B-Sides II, BENEE - Hey u x, Banoffee - Look at Us Now Dad, Beach Bunny - Honeymoon, beabadoobee - Fake It Flowers, Becca Mancari - The Greatest Part, Becca Stevens - Wonderbloom, Benny the Butcher - Burden of Proof, Best Coast - Always Tomorrow, Beyoncé - The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition), Big Sean - Detroit 2, Bishop Nehru - Nehruvian Tuesdays: Vol, 1, blackbear - everything means nothing, BLACKSTARKIDS - Whatever, Man, Black Thought - Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Abel, Blu & Exile - Miles, Blxst - No Love Lost, Bombay Bicycle Club - Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, Bongeziwe Mabandla - iimini, Boniface - Boniface, Botany - End The Summer F(or)ever, boy pablo - Wachito Rico, Brandon - Coming Clean, Brandy - B7, Bree Runway - 2000AND4EVA [Mixtape], Brent Faiyaz - Fuck The World, Bryson Tiller - A N N I V E R S A R Y, Bryson Tiller - T R A P S O U L (Deluxe), Buddy & Kent Jamz - Janktape Vol. 1, Buju Banton - Upside Down 2020, Busta Rhymes - Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God, Burna Boy - Twice As Tall Cam’ron - Purple Haze 2, Cassian - Laps, Caribou - Suddenly, Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated Side B, Car Seat Headrest - Making a Door Less Open, Chelsea Cutler - How To Be Human, Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour, Circa Waves - Sad Happy, Clap! Clap! - Liquid Portraits, Cleo Sol - Rose in the Dark, clipping. - Visions of Bodies Being Burned, Common - The Beautiful Revolution (Pt. 1), Com Truise - In Decay, Too, Conway the Machine - From King To A GOD, CRi - Juvenile, Cults - Host, Cut Copy - Freeze, Melt D Smoke - Bad Habits, DaBaby - BLAME IT ON BABY, DaBaby - My Brother’s Keeper (Long Live G), Daecolm - Figur£$, Dan Deacon - Mystic Familiar, Dave East - Karma 3 [Mixtape], Declan McKenna - Zeros, Dee-1 & Murs - He’s the Christian, I’m the Rapper, Dehd - Flower of Devotion, Delacey - Black Coffee, Delta Heavy - Only in Dreams (Remixes), Denzel Curry - UNLOCKED [Mixtape], Destroyer - How We Met, Diana Gordon - Wasted Youth, Diplo - Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley Chapter 1: Snake Oil, Diplo - MMXX, Dirty Projectors - 5EPs, dj poolboi - it’s good to hear your voice, DJ Snake - Carte Blanche (Deluxe), Drake - Dark Lane Demo Tapes, DRAMA - Dance Without Me, Dreamville - Revenge of the Dreamers III Echosmith - Lonely Generation, EDEN - no future, Ekali - A World Away, Ela Minus - acts of rebellion, ELIO - u and me, but mostly me, Ella Vos - Turbulence, Ellie Goulding - Brightest Blue, E.M.M.A. - Indigo Dream, Eric Bellinger - Eric B For President: Term 3, Eric Bellinger - Hor D’oeuvres, Ethan Gruska - En Garde, Everything Everything - RE-ANIMATOR, Everything Is Recorded - FRIDAY FOREVER, Example - Some Nights Last For Days Fana Hues - Hues, Felt (Murs & Slug) - Felt 4 U, FINNEAS - Blood Harmony (Deluxe), Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters, The Flaming Lips - American Head, Fleet Foxes - Shore, flora cash - Baby, It’s Okay, Four Tet - Sixteen Oceans, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo, Free Nationals - Free Nationals, Future Islands - As Long As You Are, Future Utopia - 12 Questions Gabrielle Aplin - Dear Happy, Galantis - Church, PG-Eazy - Everything’s Strange Here, Gengahr - Sanctuary, Gil Scott-Heron & Makaya McCraven - We’re New Again: A Reimagine by Makaya McCraven, Glass Animals - Dreamland, Good Sad Happy Bad - Shade, Gorillaz - Song Machinem Season One: Strange Timez, GRACEY - The Art Of Closure, grandson - Death Of An Optimist, Gregory Porter - All Rise, GRiZ - Chasing The Golden Hour Pt. 3 [Mixtape], Grouplove - The Healer, GUM - Out In The World, Gus Dapperton - Orca, Guy Sebastian - T.R.U.T.H. Half Waif - The Caretaker, Haiku Hands - Haiku Hands, Hannah Georgas - All That Emotion, HAWA - the ONE, Hayley Williams - Petals for Armor, Henry Hall - Neato, Hinds - The Prettiest Curse, HMLTD - West of Eden, Hudson Mohawke - Airborne Lard, Hudson Mohawke - B.B.H.E., Hudson Mohawke - Poom Gems, Hurts - Faith Icarus - Unfold, Isaia Huron - Libbie J Balvin - Colores, Jacob Latimore - C3, Jacob Latimore - Leo Season, Jack Harlow - Thats What They All Say, Jadakiss - Ignatius, Jade Novah - Stages, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Reunions, Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony, Jean Dawson - Pixel Bath, Jeezy - The Recession 2, Jeff Tweedy - Love Is The King, Jeremy Zucker - love is not dying, Jess Cornelius - Distance, Jessie Reyez - BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US, Jhené Aiko - Chilombo, John Legend - Bigger Love, JoJo - good to know, J Lloyd - Kosmos, Jonah Yano - souvenir, Joyner Lucas - ADHD, JOYRYDE - Brave, Juice WRLD - Legends Never Die, Juicy J - THE HUSTLE CONTINUES, Junglepussy - JP4, Justin Bieber - Changes, Justine Skye - BARE WITH ME (The Album) Kaash Paige - Teenage Forever, Kacy Hill - Just Circling Back Here: Is It Selfish If I Talk About Me Again (Remixes), Kali Uchis - Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otris Demonios)∞, Kamaiyah - Got It Made, Katie Day - Mydata, Katie Gately - Loom, Katy Perry - Smile, K CAMP - Kiss 5, Keaton Henson - Monument, Kehlani - It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, Kevin Morby - Sundowner, Khushi - Strange Seasons, Khruangbin - Mordechai, Kiana Ledé - KIKI, Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon III: The Chosen, Kid Krow - Conan Gray, Kiesza - Crave, Kiiara - lil kiiwi, King Princess - Cheap Queen (Deluxe), Kllo - Maybe We Could, KLOUD - AUTONOMY, K. Michelle - All Monsters Are Human, Knxwledge - 1998, Kodaline - One Day at a Time, Kygo - Golden Hour, KYLE - See You When I am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!, Kylie Minogue - DISCO Lane 8 - Brightest Lights, LANY - mama’s boy, LA Priest - GENE, La Roux - Supervision, Last Heroes - Finding Light, Laura Marling - Song For Our Daughter, Laura Veirs - My Echo, Lauv - ~how i’m feeling~,  Lecrae - Restoration, Lewis Del Mar - AUGUST, Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas, Lil Wayne - Funeral, Little Dragon - New Me, Same Us, Little Mix - Confetti, LL Cool J - Authentic, Logic - No Pressure, Long Beach Dub Allstars - Long Beach Dub Allstars, Lonr. - Land of Nothing Real, Louis Tomlinson - Walls, Loyal Lobos - Everlasting, Lucas & Steve - Letters to Remember, Luh Kel - L.O.V.E., Lucky Daye - Painted (Deluxe Edition), Luke James - to feel love/d Mac Miller - Circles, MAITA - Best Wishes, Major Lazer - Music Is The Weapon, Mala Rodriguez - MALA, Margo Price - That’s How Rumors Get Started, Marsh - Lailonie, Marsh - Lost in You, MAX - Colour Vision, Maya Hawke - Blush, Mayor Hawthorne - Rare Changes, Medasin - RIPPLS, Megan Thee Stallion - Good News, Megan Thee Stallion - Suga, Midwife - Forever, The Midnight - Monsters, Mija - Desert Trash, Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts, MisterWives - SUPERBLOOM, Mitch - Better For You, Moaning - Uneasy Laughter, Moses Sumner - græ, The Mountain Goats - Getting Into Knives, Mourning [A] BLKstar - The Cycle, Mura Masa - R.Y.C., mxmtoon - dawn/dusk Nada Surf - Never Not Together, Naeem - Startisha, Nap Eyes - Snapshot of a Beginner, Nappy Roots - 40RTY, Nas - King’s Disease, Nathaniel Rateliff - And It’s Still Alright, The Neighbourhood - Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, Neon Trees - I Can Feel You Forgetting, Netsky - Second Nature, NIKI - Moonchild, NNAMDÏ - BRAT, No Mana - Secret Level, Norah Jones - Pick Me Up off the Floor, Nothing - The Great Dismal, Nothing But Thieves - Moral Panic Ohmme - Fantasize Your Ghost, Oh Wonder - No One Else Can Wear The Crown, Okay Kaya - Watch This Liquid Pour Itself, Omar Apollo - Apolonio, Omarion - The Kinection, Omar S - You Want, Open Mike Eagle - Anime, Trauma and Divorce, Orion Sun - Hold Space For Me, The Overcoats - The Fight PARTYNEXTDOOR - PARTYMOBILE, PARTYNEXTDOOR - PARTYPACK, Passenger - Patchwork,  Perfume Genius - Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, Petit Biscuit - Parachute, Pet Shop Boys - Hotspot, Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher, Photay - Waking Hours, Pictish Trail - Thumb World, POLIÇA - When We Stay Alive, Popcaan - FIXTAPE, Poppy - I Disagree, Pop Smoke - Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon, Poolside - Low Season, Porches - Ricky Music, Post Animal - Forward Motion Godyssey, The Professionals (Madlib & Oh No) - The Professionals, Princess Nokia - Everything Is Beautiful, Princess Nokia - Everything Sucks, Public Enemy - What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?, Pure X - Pure X Quinn XCII - A Letter to My Younger Self, Queen Naija - missunderstood RAC - BOY, Ratboys - Printer’s Devil, Real Estate - The Main Thing, REASON - New Beginnings, Recondite - Dwell, Rhys Lewis - Things I Chose to Remember, Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA, Riz Ahmed - The Long Goodbye, RJD2 - The Fun Ones, Ro James - MANTIC, Royce da 5’9” - The Allegory, Russ - SHAKE THE SNOW GLOBE, Ryan Beatty - Dreaming of David Sad13 - Haunting Painting, SAINt JHN - While The World Was Burning [Mixtape], Sam Lee - Oh Wow, Sam Smith - Love Goes, San Fermin - The Cormorant I & II, Sasha Sloan - Only Child, SAULT - Untitled (Black Is), SAULT - Untitled (Rise), Savannah Ré - Opia, SAYGRACE - The Defining Moments of SAYGRACE: Girlhood, Fuckboys & Situationlists, Sea Wolf - Through A Dark Wood, Selena Gomez - Rare, Sérgio Mendez - In the Key of Joy, Sevdaliza - Shabrang, S.G. Goodman - Old Time Feeling, Shabazz Palaces - The Don of Diamond Dreams, Shamir - Shamir, Shoffy - Flash, Shopping - All or Nothing, Sleepy Hallow - Sleepy Hallow Presents: Sleepy For President, Slowly Slowly - Race Car Blues, Smashing Pumpkins - CYR, Smino - She Already Decided [Mixtape], Special Interest - The Passion Of, Soccer Mommy - Color Theory, Social Club Misfits - Feared by Hell, Songhoy Blues - Optimisme, Son Little - Aloha, Sorry - 925, Spacey Jane - Sunlight, Spencer Brown - Stream of Consciousness, Steve Aoki - Neon Future IV, Steve Spacek - House, Stormzy - Heavy Is The Head, STRFKR - Future Past Life, Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions), Sturgill SImpson - Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions), Sub Focus & Wilkinson - Portals, $uicideboy$ - Stop Staring at the Shadows, Surfaces - Horizons, Sweaton Klank - Good Days, Sweet Whirl - How Much Works, Swing Ting - 100 Dances, Symba - Don’t Run From R.A.P. TeaMarr - Before I Spill Myself, Tech N9ne - Enterfear, Tennis - Swimmer, Teno Afrika - Amapiano Selections, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder & Kamasi Washington - Dinner Party, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder & Kamasi Washington - Dinner Party: Dessert, Teyana Taylor - The Album, T.I. - The L.I.B.R.A., Tiana Major9 - Back At Sixes And Sevens, Tiësto - The London Sessions, Tink - Hopeless Romantic, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down - Temple, The-Dream - SXTPA, Theophilus London - Bebay, THEY. - The Amanda Tape, Thundercat - It Is What It Is, Thunder Jackson - Thunder Jackson, Tkay Maidza - Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2, TOKiMONSTA - Oasis Nocturno, Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes - What Kinda Music,Toni Braxton - Spell My Name, TOPS - I Feel Alive, TORRES - Silver Tongue, Tory Lanez - The New Toronto 3, Trey Songz - Back Home, T.R.U. & 2 Chainz - No Face No Chase, Two Feet - Pink, Tycho - Simulcast, Ty Dolla $ign - Featuring Ty Dolla $ign Various Artists - Bad Boys For Life Soundtrack, Various Artists - Birds is Pray: The Album, Various Artists - Ophelia Presents: Advent Volume 1, Various Artists - Ophelia Presents: Advent Volume 2, Various Artists - Promising Young Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Various Artists - REPRISE: A Roc Nation Album, Various Artists - Sable Valley Summer Vol. 1, Various Artists - The Turning (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Varsity - Fine Forever, Vic Mensa - V TAPE, Victoria Monét - JAGUAR, Vistas - Everything Changes in the End, Vundabar - Either Light, Vybz Kartel - To Tanesha Washed Out - Purple Noon, Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud, Whitney - Candid, William Black - Pages (The Remixes), WizKid - Made In Lagos, Wiz Khalifa - The Saga of Wiz Khalifa, Wolf Parade - Thin Mind Xavier Omär - if You Feel Yaeji - WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던, Yellow Claw - Never Dies, Yellow Days - A Day in a Yellow Beat, YG - My Life 5Hunnid, Yo Gotti - Untrapped, Youngr - Memories, Yumi Zouma - Truth or Consequences, Yves Tumor - Heaven To a Tortured Mind Zeds Dead - We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4), Zeds Dead - We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4 Deluxe) 070 Shake - Modus Vivendi, The 1975 - Notes On A Conditional Form, 2 Chainz - So Help Me God!, 5 Seconds of Summer - CALM
Meh: ARTHUR - Hair of the Dog, The Black Lips - Sing in a World That’s Falling Apart, Bring Me The Horizon - POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORROR, Bruno Major - To Let A Good Thing Die, Cuddle Magic - Bath, Don Toliver - Heaven Or Hell, Eminem - Music To Be Murdered By, Foogiano - Gutta Baby, Frances Quinlan - Likewise, French Montana - CB5, Future - High On Life, Future & Lil Uzi Vert - Pluto x Baby Pluto, iann dior - I’m Gone, Ichiko Aoba - Windswept Adan, IDLES - Ultra Mono, Jacob Collier - Djesse, Vol. 3, Jason Mraz - Look For The Good, Jaunt - All In One, Jaye Jayle - Prisyn, Lil Baby - My Turn, Lil Uzi Vert - Eternal Atake, Lil Uzi Vert - LUV vs. The World 2, Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets To My Downfall, Masiwei & Higher Brothers - Prince Charming, MHYSA - Navaeh, Nicolas Jaar - Cenizas, RARE Sound & K Camp - Rare Family, Rich The Kid - BOSS MAN, Rich The Kid & YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Nobody Safe, Rico Nasty - Nightmare Vacation, Social Club Misfits - MOOD // DOOM, WHIPPED CREAM - WHO IS WHIPPED CREAM?
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gra-sonas · 4 years
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Currently airing its second season and already renewed for its third, The CW’s Roswell, New Mexico continues to push the story of alien siblings attempting to live peacefully in the town of Roswell to new places even perhaps for fans of the original Roswell. MICHAEL VLAMIS discusses working on the show, the complexities of his character, Michael Guerin, the many (MANY) other projects on his plate and more!
watchtivist: To start off, congratulations on the success of the show! How cool that you’re heading into season three now!
MICHAEL VLAMIS: It’s crazy, I remember when I got the call that I was going to be on the show in the first place. It’s the role that changed my life and it really set me up for all the other things going on in my life. I remember getting that call, crying in a public place. So jacked up! And now all of a sudden, it’s like no big deal. I watched the episode last night (episode 207) on the TV and I get reminded it’s a big deal when I talk to my parents after every episode and hear their thoughts. Just the fact that they get to see their son miles away on television once a week. I appreciate you saying that because sometimes it feels like this is something we’re doing now, but definitely taking those moments to be grateful and the fact that we have season three is amazing.
W: It’s really great, especially in this landscape where shows don’t really get to dig into things. It’s gotta be exciting!
MV: Definitely.
W: One of the questions we received from Twitter was about if this role, that of Michael Guerin, has led you to acquire any particular skill set (or sets) for it.
MV: Oh wow, that’s interesting. Season one made me pull out my guitar again. Which was actually really cool because I got like not good at guitar, but decent where I could play a few songs. In college, I borrowed someone’s guitar and later got my own and played a bunch. Then for years, I got so focused on trying to make it as an actor, writing and auditions, that I stopped playing it. The show forced me to really go out of my comfort zone and even though it was easy things like songs with four chords or strumming patterns, sometimes depending on shooting schedules and if they got switched around, I’d learn something three hours before going to set. We’d wrap super late sometimes and I’d come home and dig in with my guitar. It’s definitely helped me brush up on that. I haven’t played the guitar on season two, so I’m probably back to where I was. [Laughs]
W: With the violent circumstances making up Michael’s background, he kind of starts out with that “looking out for number one” approach to things and season two we’re seeing Michael’s growth and him realizing when it’s perfectly ok for him to let people in and reprioritize based on that. What has that been like for you in terms of tackling the role? What would you say is the next phase of the growth for him?
MV: I think number one in tackling it was that I had no idea that the character was this complex in the beginning. I knew he was hiding his sexuality and who he really is, which is an alien. I knew that something had happened to him in the foster system growing up and he didn’t have the best upbringing. As the seasons have developed, everything has made a lot of sense. I’m sure Carina (Adly MacKenzie) knew from the moment she got the opportunity to do the new Roswell , so the way that it was written in the beginning, I was never surprised where it led me. And even with not being surprised, it’s been really cool to just see what they’ve given me to jump into. It’s kind of helped me deal with some of my trauma as a kid, and my trauma is not near what Michael Guerin’s was. I definitely had my moments, just as we all do with our families. Not feeling good enough or just hiding certain things about you because you’re afraid of who you are and people wouldn’t understand you. The complexities of the character have really helped me also look into who I am. Because I need to figure out a way into every script, every scene and the character. It helps me strip things away and boil down to “Ok, who was thirteen-year-old, chubby, Michael Vlamis and now I’m this way. What was that growth like?” Figuring out my own personal growth helps me elevate that character, Michael Guerin.
With where we’re going next, I can’t say too much because he already has some changes coming towards the end of the season. It’s very interesting to see everyone’s theories online, some are correct and some are way off.
I saw in last night’s episode they finally revealed the junkyard owner, Walt, was the little boy from the flashbacks and people were speculating that really early on! That was really cool to see people getting validation in their theories because I love seeing those online. When it comes down to it, I want the dude to be happy with one of these lovers. I don’t know who that’s going to be. Everyone always asks who I’d rather be with and I can’t really even say that, even if I had one, because they’re both so different. I think Maria (Heather Hemmens) and Alex (Tyler Blackburn) are both good for Michael at different times in his life. I know Tyler is going around telling people that that’s what he wants in season three and I let him run his mouth and hope that his new love interest in the show crashes and burns. [Laughs] I would like him to be in a good relationship, a happy relationship, but at the same time, I’m so excited to do the work on the days where my mother is dying, my brother is in a coma or I’m getting my heart ripped out. I love those scenes so much, as happy as I want and think Guerin deserves to be, I love the drama on the show. So, a little bit of heartbreak won’t hurt me.
W: Right, that makes sense. The question was going to be what would you want to see for Guerin in season three and beyond but you basically answered that! You want him happy. [Laughs]
MV: I’d love to see that. I would like to further expand his journey of putting that spaceship back together. I would love to see where that goes. I don’t even know if The CW has the budget to do that and take us to outer space or something but I think that’d be so cool. To find out about that and their home planet.
W: I mean, The CW has The 100 and DC Comics shows! Space isn’t a new place for The CW.
MV: That’s true! So maybe right now we’re willing it into existence. We’re manifesting it.
W: Actually, bringing up spaceships. Given that we live in the craziest of times and the Pentagon officially released videos of UFOs - Has that been something you’ve talked about with any cast or crew members?
MV: I haven’t talked to any of the cast or crew members about it but I’m pretty sure we’re all feeling the same way about it, we’re all excited for any new information. I’ve been interested in aliens since I found out Tom Delonge from Blink 182 was a major conspiracy theorist and loves everything about UFOs and alien artifacts, that search for if there’s life outside of our own. I always thought that was so cool, going back to fourth grade listening to “Aliens Exist” by Blink 182. I want that to be the case, I want that to be real. I think life would be far more interesting and I’m always trying to believe in the most interesting things because it just furthers the imagination. I haven’t talked about it with them but now that you’ve mentioned it, I’ll shoot off a text.
W: The show hasn’t shied away from increasingly difficult topics like the foster system, immigration, citizen’s rights, abortion, etc. Is there an area you’re hoping the show either continues to explore or adds going forward?
MV: I would’ve answered this question so differently two years ago but now I would say something with the LGBTQ community really responding well to the show has really furthered me as a human being and opened up my mind to what people who are made to feel “outside of the norm” go through. I personally don’t think or feel that they are. I think it’s ridiculous the taboo that society has placed on sexualities over the years. The fact that we give marginalized voices a platform to come forward and see that what they’re going through, other people are going through. That it’s ok, it’s love and that’s all that really matters at the end of the day. It’s so special to me. The more that we can tackle that, it really comes down to my character and Tyler’s character having a great relationship. That might mean that Lily Cowles’ character, Isobel, is still going to Planet 7 and seeing what’s out there. I think it’s cool how we normalize that, it’s not a big deal. I live in LA right now, and people, they experiment, they’re fluid. They’re interested and the more you find out about yourself, the more you know, the more comfortable you are with yourself. I think that’s a really important topic that I want to further.
I think we’ve done a really good job with the idea of what an immigrant is and what an immigrant looks like. I think we tackled the abortion scenes, I would’ve never thought that was something on our show. It’s very hard because the writers find a way to interweave everything in. I haven’t had the time to sit back and think “what else?” because every week has been something new.
W: That’s a great answer, it’s true. The show has covered a lot of topics and it’s doing very well.
MV: The abortion episode was insane, Carina fought for those shots of Lily’s legs bloody and she didn’t want to shy away from the graphicness of the scene. And I think that was important, to be really truthful to that.
W: Incredibly. This season resurrected Rosa (Amber Midthunder) from a pod years later, which is similar in a way to Captain America or Han Solo being unfrozen. With time having gone on, she’s having to adjust and in her own way, catch up to 2020. Let’s say you were able to suggest 1-2 things that someone should undoubtedly know about in 2020, what would it be? Is it a book, movie, show, certain type of food? What’s something you’d for sure put on that “must haves/dos” list of things or experiences?
MV: Oh wow, you’re really making me think about this! I can’t help but think about it as if it was me in that scenario and I would say something that I was really fortunate enough to do ten years ago, which was scuba dive The Great Barrier Reef. I think it’s so sad that it’s deteriorating at such a rapid rate because of pollution. I’m sure some natural causes. A lot of people fighting climate change will say natural causes and I can understand and see both sides to that, but I know that we definitely contribute to that. That was one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen. And if someone wasn’t able to see it the way I saw it, I haven’t been down there since so I don’t actually know what it looks or feels like now. But that was one of the first moments in my life where what I was experiencing…the world felt so big. Not in a way it felt just traveling. In a way it felt magical, that something like this can just exist and has existed much longer than we’ve ever been around. I’ve had that with hiking the second largest glacier in the world. All these feelings with nature have really expanded my mind and my horizon of the potential and possibilities. Realizing we’re very small, we’re here for a short amount of time. Let’s cherish it.
Traveling to these places that have just been so affected, I think that’s very important because of what it did to my mindset.
W: I loved that answer, you made it ecofriendly and everything. That was wonderful!
MV: My sister studied environmental science at the University of Illinois, so I gotta keep her mind. But I really do believe that. Maybe that’s something I want to see in the show too! Go into some climate change.  I don’t think we’ve touched that really, have we? Each side has arguments.
W: Each episode of Roswell, NM is titled after a famous ‘90s song. What’s your favorite or what would you consider the most iconic ‘90s song or band/musician?
MV: For me, it was Blink 182! In the ‘90s that was me. I’m a big Conor Oberst fan, the lead singer of Bright Eyes. The fact I’m in a scene, now multiple scenes that play that song. They did it in season one and in season two, they play “First Day of My Life,” that has been so surreal to me because music has been so important to me as a kid. I haven’t told many people this. As a kid I’d make short films with my friends, a lot of people know that, but what they don’t know is that I would rip so much music from all these platforms. As a little 11 year old kid, I’d get as much music as I could to have thousands of songs on my iTunes and iPod. Not that I was going to listen to them, but that one day when I was making my own big movies, I’d have this database of music to select from. Back then there wasn’t Spotify and it wasn’t as readily available, and also I was a kid and that was my thinking! Music has such an influence on my life, but Blink 182 specially. All that angst I was feeling at the time as a kid, it’s really in Guerin and me, even though I handle it in different ways in real life. Feeling a little different or not understood, that was that music that would give me a release without being too intense or too Screamo. If a Blink 182 song is ever in a scene that I’m in, I can die a happy man.
W: [Laughs] Amazing. Alongside acting, you’re also a talented writer, director and producer. A screenplay that you co-wrote earned a spot on the Black List which was one of the coolest things I’ve ever read. Congratulations! Are there other projects you’re currently working on or maybe topics you’re considering for future screenplays?
MV: Thank you! Yeah, definitely! The new Nicolas Cage/Tiger King series, the creator of that is actually the showrunner of a TV show my writing partner and I created as well. So, we’re all really stoked about that. Dan Lagana, showrunner of American Vandal is making such a splash with this Nicolas Cage project that it’s helping our TV show get put together too. We’ve got the Black List/Mac Miller script, we have a “Halloween comedy” feature film that’s set up at Seth MacFarlane’s company right now. Hopefully that gets made. We have an “old lady comedy” that’s being read, taking a lot of good meetings on that. We’re writing our next movie right now, we’re probably going to finish the beat sheet. We do a very detailed, intense outline of the movie, scene by scene as if we were actually writing the script. Exterior, interior, every single scene in order, everything we want out of characters in the scene, what we expect to happen, some dialogue that maybe came to mind as we’re banging out the outline. Once we get to writing, we could bang out eight pages in a day. We finish scripts very quickly, so we’re writing a “mob action comedy” right now. So yes, I became a writer out of desperation and found some success with writing. It’s been really good. As a kid making short films, it wasn’t actually in script form.
The last four years I’ve been writing a ton and now it’s starting to pop off a bit. I love it. I produce my own movies too and it looks like we’re about to lock down distribution for the first feature film I produced and starred in called Five Years Apart, it’s got a pretty cool cast in it and I’m really pumped for people to see it, we have a really cool distributor, I’m 99% sure that’ll be our distributor but I don’t want to jinx it. We’ll see if that’s going to be Hulu, Netflix, small theatrical release, I’m not sure yet. As a first time producer I’m learning all that. We’re gearing up on producing our next feature too, we were planning on filming in Wisconsin this summer but things have changed with the conditions of the world.
Acting, producing, writing, directing and releasing another merch line. I’ve been staying busy during the quarantine!
W: Seems so! I saw the line and love the pops of color!
MV: Thank you! It’s been really good, honestly the feedback, I was very surprised with how it’s done. Compared to last year and the multiple drops, this year, we’re nearing a certain point in orders and products that we’ll have to produce within three days of being out. It’s been really cool. Last year we gave 100% of profits to a charity called Random Acts started by Misha Collins of Supernatural. And this year, I unfortunately can’t do 100% again, I made the point but learned the lesson in that we had no money for this next launch. [Laughs] I had to dig into my own pockets, which was fun and it’s all good, it’s a big creative project. This year Carina created this thing called The Little Alien, a Roswell fund for the Roswell crew that’s out of work right now. She’s been raising money through t-shirts and I’m going to donate some of our proceeds to them as well. They’re the heartbeat of the show, they’re the reason we get to be there every day and things go smoothly. We’re trying to take care of them at this time.
W: Amazing, intentions matter so that’s really cool to hear. Lastly, anything you’d like to say to those reading and watching?
MV: To those reading and watching, thank you from the bottom of my heart that you’re tuning in and giving me a platform to do what I love the most. And what I set out to do felt like such a dream that from the age of 12 to 20, I wasn’t acting and making movies. Dreams are just dreams until you realize that they are very plausible, and most dreams, I think, can be achieved given the right circumstances, opportunities and work ethic. Thank you for allowing me follow my dreams and I hope that I’m able to inspire you to follow yours.
~ WatchTivist
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dottie-wan-kenobi · 4 years
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Kory! And Dick if you want to!!
!!!!!! yes yes I do!
Kory:
1: sexuality headcanon: I think she’s pansexual too!!! idk how it would work on Tamaran but on earth, her feelings/experiences don’t change dependent on gender2: otp: DICKKORY!!! look when I say DickRoy are meant for each other, I mean that, but Kory and Dick are foils!!! she’s the flamebird to his nightwing!!!!! they’re so healthy, sweet, tender, caring, comfortable, just a million other things that make me love them so much. they’re seriously one of DC’s best ships EVER. very few ships can top this one. they’re such good friends and really love and care for each other even when not together, and I adore that. ugh I’m gonna cry kdsjfhdskah3: brotp: DonnaKory, RoyKory, VicKory, JasonKory. All but the last are also ships of hers that I like too, but I prefer them mostly as friends?? she and Donna are just the most badass, cutest ladies in the world. her and Roy tease each other and have such a great sense of respect between them. she and Jason can be really fun together!! Kory and Vic mean the entire fucking world to me tho, listen. LISTEN. I’m going to write a fic of them bc @zitkaplushie and I were talking today abt how Vic has his insecurities about his robot parts, and then there’s Kory who is so obviously Other but so comfortable with herself??? and he’s like, proud of her, but also being around her makes him feel more at ease with himself. Also they’re so fucking sweet I’m going to cry?????? always teasing each other, playing around, sparring bc they (and Donna) are the Strong(tm) ones. plus I think u said it, Tyler, TALL GANG!!!4: notp: Jason/Kory. I like them as friends and that’s IT. any attraction between them in a world where Kory has history with Dick feels icky and weird and like the writer either hates Jason, Kory, or Dick, or all three! 5: first headcanon that pops into my head: she tries to cook and almost burns the house down, so after some experimenting, she learns the best place to cook is on the grill on the edge of her garden. this is esp at first!! eventually I think she gets better, but she still prefers there bc it’s so peaceful and calming and the smell of her flowers helps her focus on not burning everything lmao6: favorite line from this character: “I said I'd never let them beat me. They never did... and they never will!” 7: one way in which I relate to this character: TIRED OF GARFIELD LOGAN’S BULLSHIT8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character: this isn’t her fault but I hate how she reacted to the Mirage and Dick thing. like,,,, considering everything she’s been thru, reacting like that is just nonsensical and annoying and insulting9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave?
Dick:
1: sexuality headcanon: I think he’s bi, so like it does feel kinda different based on the gender of the person, and he’s canon demisexual, Action Comics said so2: otp: I have literally never had so many ships for one character before. DickKory, DickRoy, DickJoey, Dick/Wally/Artemis from yj, Dick/Kory/Roy, ummm I’m forgetting some dsjfshdak I love DickVic and DickGarth and DickShawn is fun, and DickTiger is amazing, and Dick/Bea could be so great if it was Dick, not Ric. but Dick is monogamous??? so almost none of these can exist at once??? do u see my problem dskjfhdshfdkshfskjajh3: brotp: Alfred! I adore their relationship and I think it’s so fun to explore it. they kind of have this father&son relationship, but also grandpa&grandson, and they’re friends too??? and they would kill for each other, I just know it4: notp: b/tc/st but also d/ckb/bs like I cannot even stomach that ship!!! they are so wrong for each other it’s incredible! and Babs is a lesbian!!!!5: first headcanon that pops into my head: he loves his kids so. fucking. much. like he is seriously one of the best dads ever. he draws from Bruce, both what B did and didn’t do, and also esp from Roy and Wally. he tries not to think about his own parents but sometimes he wonders if they would be proud of the way he’s raising his own kids. which also,,,, the Flying Graysons will live again mark my freaking words6: favorite line from this character: oh god there are so many good ones but let’s go w this: “My name's Nightwing! I may not be the gent you were expecting, but let me assure you... like him, I'm the stuff of nightmares. So don't get stupid! If you play it cool, you may walk away from here with all your teeth.”7: one way in which I relate to this character: *slamming the repression button until it jams forever*8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character: the mullet. listen. idc, I hate it. it’s ugly, it’s awful. all of his long hair is. I don’t judge others for liking it but I will never ever ever be able to look at his freaking ponytail without cringing9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave?
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myhockeyworld87 · 5 years
Text
Nervous Regrets - Tyler Seguin - Part 4
Requested: No
Word Count: 2851
 Warning: As always cursing.
Song Inspiration: All I Do - Yuna and What Makes You Stay - Deana Carter
POV: Reader
Notes: Honestly I’ve let two people read this so far and they absolutely love it. Don’t want to spoil anything so my only note, is really about the song inspirations. For me they are songs that echo through my brain, as I’m writing these parts. Hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did writing it. As always feedback is appreciated.
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A shiver crept down your spine, whether it was from the cold night air or Tyler’s admission of love, you couldn’t tell. Even though you questioned it tonight; you never truly believed he hadn’t loved you. It was part of the reason you couldn’t move forward; why you were just ambling through each day without him. He said he loved you more, but he hadn’t, not in that moment; or it wouldn’t have been so easy for him to dismiss you.
God, what you wouldn’t give right now to just fall back into his arms; to forget this all had ever happened and go back to the love you once shared. It wasn’t that simple. There had always been doubts, now the doubts had a face and a name. You should’ve felt better, relieved even; that it was only that one time. Somehow, it made it worse.
 He was standing there, breathing labored waiting for you to say something, anything at all. That’s when you truly looked at him; like full on saw the man before you. He was all those things that he had said. Eyes blood shot, as if he’d gone on a two-week bender, only he didn’t reek of alcohol. The suit jacket that once hugged his meaty biceps, hung limply. That you could see the toll this had taken on his body tore at your heart strings. It hadn’t been any different for you.
 In the weeks that followed you barely ate, couldn’t really; bile would rise to the back of your throat every time you thought of those pictures. Sleep was something that only came because of exhaustion; exhaustion brought on by yourself as you consumed your life with work. At night you would lay in bed staring at the swirled plaster ceiling, until tears clouded your vision making it impossible to tell what it was. Then it got worse, you just stayed in bed, not moving; only getting up to use the toilet when absolutely necessary, nothing more. Finally, your friends had had enough, dragging you out of your safe haven. You shook your head remembering that day; you couldn’t go there right now.
 Hands working up and down your arms, you tried to collect your thoughts on what to say. “I love you too, Ty.” That much was truth, you never stopped loving him; didn’t know if it was even possible. “I just don’t know if I can trust you right now.”
 His hands raked through his curly locks, it was a nervous habit he’d always had. “I get that. I know it’s going to take time.”
 “A lot of time.” You amended.
 “Yes, a lot of time. But can you try, is there the slightest chance? You know, for us.” It was a statement and a question all rolled into one. You didn’t really know if you had a choice in the matter anymore. Hugging yourself, you tried to quiet the riot of emotions rolling through your body. All you had to do was say, yes; it was a simple word. One you’d said countless times, only this time saying yes would change everything. There was no going back after this; both of your lives were going to change forever no matter what the answer was. His admission as to why he’d forsaken your love weighing heavily in your decision; it would be something that needed explored further.
 Closing your eyes and inhaling sharply, you listened one last time to the organ that was shattered into a million pieces. You felt it then, a shift; some small little piece worrying its way back together; that it could possibly be something else you didn’t want to think about. Opening your eyes, brown ones staring straight back at you; you finally answered as honestly as you could. “I don’t know Ty. Maybe….Yes.” That last all important word barely audible.
 He jumped on it. “That’s all I want (Y/N) a chance.” Wind blew, leaves rustling in the air; almost as if the earth was shifting, sensing this change in your relationship. Removing his suit coat, draping it around your arms; you were once again enveloped back into him. You slid your hands into the sleeves, still feeling the warmth from his skin. Covered in his scent, you breathed him in, praying you’d made the right decision for you both.
 “But this is it Ty. You fuck up again…” you left the rest unsaid.
 “It’s not going to happen. I swear to you.” He took a step towards you then; mirroring his actions you stepped back. You were already surrounded by his scent; having him touch you would only make you break. There were still things that needed to be said. Head tilting back in frustration; he blew out a long breath. “Tell me what you need me to do.”
 “What I need you to do?” you repeated the words; couldn’t believe he was asking you something so incredulous. “Like I just tell you, to never fucking cheat on me again and bam it’s done.” Snapping your fingers, you accentuated the last part. “It’s just not that easy Ty. I’m just not going to fall back into your arms.”
 “Christ, I know. It’s just. I don’t know where to start. I’ll fucking stand here all night, telling you how god damn sorry I am if that’s what you want. Just tell me.”
 He was pacing, back and forth; hands in his pockets. “It’s not like I know. It’s just…I need you to know if it happens again, we’re gone.”
  He looked at your questioningly; you realized what you said right then. It was a small slip, you hoped he wouldn’t catch it; but the look on his face told you it was already too late. “What the fuck does that mean?” Feigning as if you didn’t know where he was coming from you shrugged. “No, don’t dismiss it. You said ‘we’re gone,’ what the hell does that mean, (Y/N)?”
 Instinctively your hands wrapped around your middle, as if you could shield the truth of your admission from him. His eyes flew to your stomach, which rolled as realization dawned on his face. There was no hiding it anymore, all that was left to do was say the words; and so you did. “I’m pregnant Ty.” You released a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. Eyes flying back to yours now, you searched his to see what he was feeling. In the dim light you couldn’t tell.
 “Is it mine?”
 Your hand flew up connecting with his cheek, it was the last thing you expected him to say. “I’m not the fucking one who cheated Tyler. You were.” Hand stinging from the force with which you struck him; you shook your wrist out willing the burn to stop. You’d never stuck another person before in your life, the fact that you had to now, made you realize how hurtful his comment was.
 He’d been hit a lot harder before, but his hand still went to rub his jaw. “Christ, I’m sorry. I don’t know why the fuck I said that. Of course, it’s mine.” Tears streamed down your face, now that your secret was out. The emotional rollercoaster that you’d been on the last hour had you doing things you never thought you were capable of. Vaguely you wondered if it was the hormones; immediately dismissing the thought, knowing that it more likely due to the man standing in front of you. “How? I mean I know how. When…fuck I don’t know what I mean.” His hand going to his forehead trying to make his brain work.
  “I’m fifteen weeks along.”
 “Fifteen weeks! Were you ever going to fucking tell me!” Pissed didn’t begin to describe the tone in his voice. Glancing down at your belly, he checked for the tell-tale signs of the baby. There was nothing there. Yet. You didn’t even think he comprehended what fifteen weeks truly was; assuming that you’d probably have a basketball in your midsection by now. Feeling self-conscience your hands slipped down to rub the petite orange growing within you.
 “I wouldn’t keep this from you Ty!” throwing the words back at him. That he thought you would, spoke to how much your relationship needed to be repaired. “I only found out three weeks ago.” He looked at you thinking that statement a lie; as if you should’ve known the second his sperm fertilized your egg. “It’s true. I probably wouldn’t know now, if my friends hadn’t forced me to go to doctor.”
 “Why did they force you? Were you sick? Is something wrong with the baby?” the genuine concern on you face warmed the icy chill that had surrounded your heart.
 “It’s a long story.”
 Shrugging he simply replied, “I’ve got nowhere to be.”
 You weren’t sure if you were ready for him to know that he had brought you so low; stripped you bare and left your heart bleeding. Right now, was not the time to hold back. If you were going to make this work, and you were determined to for the tiny little life growing inside you; you needed to lay everything out there. Wiping away the tears, you took a deep shuttering breath. “When I left, that night; I couldn’t think straight. God, the first week I cried constantly.” A pained expression crossed his face, dismissing it you moved on. “Then the photos of you in the alleyway surfaced. Christ, no one would look at me at work or if they did you could see the pity written all over their faces. I hid out in my office constantly, not even allowing Andrea in at times.” Andrea was your assistant, who turned out to be more friend and confidant, than employee at times. “I became completely consumed in work, sometimes staying there forty-eight hours straight. If I stopped, I’d think of you and then I’d just ball all over again.”
 Pausing, needing a breath, as your mind wandered back to those days; when the only thing you had was despair. “After several weeks it got so bad, they forced me to take time off. God, can you believe it? I never thought that shit would actually happen. I mean I was doing my fucking job and everyone else’s. I suppose the fact that during those periods I rarely ate and became a complete bitch didn’t help.” He flinched, almost as if you’d slapped him again. You knew the image you were painting wasn’t pretty; it wasn’t your norm. Carefree, light hearted, fun loving; those words all used to apply to you; but not recently, not after what he’d done. Callused and cold-hearted more an accurate description back then. “Anyway, I left work, thinking I’d just take a week to myself. I needed to get away, I knew that. But the minute I opened my phone, all I could see was that fucking Instagram icon. I’m not proud of what I did next. You know I tuned out all the hate when we were together, but right then…I don’t know I just had to know what people were saying. Fuck! What they were saying was unreal. I can’t even repeat some of the things they said.” Tyler recoiled, like someone had punched him in the gut. It was how you felt reading their words.
 “The sad thing was. I couldn’t stop. I read all night long and if it wasn’t about me; I was looking for information on her. I didn’t leave the bed, after that. I couldn’t, and well….one week turned into two…and when I didn’t show up on the third, the office started calling. I didn’t answer, not even when my parents called.” At the time you couldn’t bring yourself to speak to them, or anyone; grief had been too overwhelming. “One day the girls just barged into the apartment. It wasn’t pretty. They had made an appointment for me with my doctor, hoping to get me on Zoloft or some shit. I know they were only trying to help. In the end it was just easier to go with them, then to fight.” What you didn’t say was the mess they’d found you in. Vomit on the floor from a day you sobbed so much you couldn’t keep anything down. Dirty dishes strewn throughout the apartment. Hair unwashed, uncombed; in clothes you hadn’t changed all week. How both you and the baby survived that; you were still unsure, but that you both were standing here now was only due to your friends.
 Rambling on you continued. “I hadn’t even given my period a thought, until the nurse asked me about my last cycle. Honestly, I couldn’t remember when it was. She told me the doctor would want a test before putting me on anything. I was fucking shocked when he told me. I mean looking back there were signs. I just thought they were all because….well you know.”
 At some point he’d seated himself on the bench the two of you always would sit on with the dogs. Hands on his knees, head resting in his palms; he expelled a long breath. “I’m so sorry, babe. You don’t know how fucking sorry I am. If I’d have know any of it…. Fuck!” Standing he moved over to the tree, staring at your craved initials. His hands curled into fists, you’d seen it before when he was on the ice; that moment where there was so much anger in him, he’d finally unleashed it. Those times it had all been on some well deserving opponent, capable of fighting back. Now the person who warranted his fury was himself. You knew where his actions were going before he could even take that first punch at the tree that would end up fracturing his hand. Without thought you stepped up, wrapping your hands around his arms. “Don’t Tyler, it’s not worth it.”
 He turned then tears falling freely from eyes filled with self-loathing. “I did this, I did all of this. What happened to you……God you didn’t tell me, is everything alright. It’s ok right?” His hands went to feel your abdomen then, but he stopped; just hovering there wanting feel the life you’d both created, making sure it was fine. You’d avoided his touch all night, fearing that it would break the resolve you’d built inside; but this, this you couldn’t or wouldn’t deny him. Taking his hand in yours, you gently placed it upon you belly.
 “The baby’s fine Ty. We’re both fine.” His hands softly caressed the satin of your dress, searching for signs of life. Falling to his knees, ignoring the fact that he was ruining his custom-made suit; he knelt before you cradling your stomach.
 “Hi baby, I’m your daddy.” It was the sweet voice he always used with the pups, and also you’re undoing. Laying a gentle kiss on your stomach; he began sobbing. Clutching his head to your tummy; you joined him. The wetness from his tears permeated through your dress, though it didn’t matter. You stayed like that, for how long you didn’t know; until finally he stood up placing your hands in his. “I swear to god (Y/N), I’m going to make this right.” How he would manage to accomplish that you didn’t know. Imploringly he added, “Come home with me.”
 “I can’t Ty.” But god how you wanted to; to do so would only mean you’d be falling back into old habits. “We need time…to just figure things out.” He nodded his understanding. “I have an appointment on Tuesday. There’s no ultrasound or anything, I think that will be the next one. But if you’re not on the road you should come.”
 “I’ll be there.” Of this you could be certain, knowing he would move heaven and earth to attend that appointment. “Can I see you before that?”
 Mentally exhausted, you didn’t know how soon you could put yourself through this again. Deep down knowing that you needed to in order to make things works. “I’ll call you and we can talk about it then? I…I really should go.” Frowning, it was written all over his face he wasn’t ready for the night to end. Reassuring him you added, “I promise, I’ll call tomorrow after morning skate.” Taking a minute, you absorbed everything that the night had brought; trying not to think about what would come next. Turning to leave you spoke your final words of the evening, “Goodnight Tyler.”
 “Goodnight (Y/N), sleep well.” Halfway back to the car you heard him call out your name. Pausing you turned towards his voice, as he came up beside you slightly breathless. “I didn’t say it before, but I should have. I’m really excited about the baby.” That grin that always took your breath away, lit up his face.
 You retuned his smile with one of your own, “Me too Tyler, me too.” With that you continued to the car; as his figured kept a sharp eye on you. Pulling out of the lot you finally breathed a sigh of relief; the first you’d done in three months.  
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