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guide-to-the-groove · 3 years

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A Sublime Portent of the Future

Everyone has heard Sublime before: What I Got, Doin’ Time, and Garden Grove from their eponymous 1996 album are all timeless classics with a funky beat and some unsavoury lyrics. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy the occasional swear word in their music? A well placed “fuck“ can speak volumes, and the voice of the late Bradley Nowell is especially adept at delivering these expletives, and with great effect. Perhaps to the greatest effect in the song “April 29, 1992 (Miami)”, also from the album Sublime, which remains not only relevant today, but serves as a chilling prediction for the future, intentional or not.

If you haven’t heard the song, take a listen here.

It is no secret the members of Sublime are white, and that is important to note when examining this song and its subject matter, as some may feel the members of Sublime would be unfit to cover such a racially-charged topic. The title itself, while incorrect (Nowell opens with “April 26, 1992″, cited as being kept in because it sounded better) refers to the 1992 Los Angeles riots that occurred after four police officers viciously beat Rodney King, a 25 year old black man (albeit not to death, as one may unfortunately come to expect today). The community was outraged, but like any sensible folk, did not resort to abject destruction. Instead, faith was placed in the justice system to carry out its duty. As we now know, justice was not delivered, the police were acquitted, by a jury, of using excessive violence, despite video evidence. Following this outright slap in the face, riots explode across the United States. Does this sound familiar?

It is at this moment in time the riots begin, and while we hear reference to them in many a song, but we would not hear Sublime’s recount of the events until 1996, four years later. The song begins with some various police radio chatter, from Southern California, before Nowell cuts in, “April 26, 1992 / There were riots on the streets, tell me where were you? / You were sittin’ home on your TV / While I was participating in some anarchy” While not core to the song’s message, it is worth pointing out that while this line seems to be a diss towards folks merely observing the rioting from their home, but appears more apt as an observation toward the increasing presence of the media covering major social issues, almost 24/7, for the entire country and even the world to see.

Nowell continues to describe he and his crew’s escapades, taking advantage of the riots to partake in some good old fashioned looting, the tried and true counterpart to any major civil unrest. Looting only makes everyone involved look bad, especially doing so maliciously, but this is merely a pretext, and it goes without saying that the members of Sublime were not the only participants. Of course, this turns from looting to a more serious issue, with Nowell relenting, “’Cause everybody in the hood has had it up to here / It’s getting harder, and harder, and harder each and every year” An obvious fact, and the riots themselves a reference to this: the culmination of pent up aggression towards a heartless society. Even preceding this, we hear “Homicide, never doin’ no time”, a phrase that, when applied to police, rings true to this day. Nowell briefly describes a side of looting not often acknowledged, singing, “Some kids went in the store with their mother / I saw her when she came out she was gettin’ some Pampers” While protesting often becomes rioting and looting, usually at the hands of more unruly types seeking to exploit unrest, some people, driven to extremes, might take advantage of things for the sake of their family. Again, while not a core part of the song, it paints a broader picture of what was going on.

As much as I’ve mentioned the “core” of the song, we have yet to begin exploring it. So enough stalling: depressingly relevant lyrics, ho! Ahem. Anyway, Nowell continues with the final verses , “They said it was for the black man / They said it was for the Mexican, and not for the white man / But if you look at the streets, it wasn’t about Rodney King / It’s this fucked-up situation and these fucked-up police / It’s about comin’ up, and stayin’ on top / and screamin’ 1-8-7 on a motherfuckin’ cop” The song goes on for a few more verses before Nowell begins listing off cities where rioting took place--another hauntingly accurate prediction of the future--and the majority of the aforementioned swearing occurs in this part of the song. Saving them for these poignant lines sweetens the delivery, and leaves a powerful message when paired with the preceding scene laid out for us: The issue transcends Rodney King, as we have seen with Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and George Floyd. It transcends even them, as the inherent problem lies with the police and not only their abject aggression and tendency to violence, but a clear and disturbing racial bias against minorities. While the song appears as a brag by uninvolved white men to some, I believe the song is more pertinent not only as a vision of a future world Bradley Nowell would never come to know, but as a strong anthem against police brutality (despite the pro-looting intro). I truthfully think that the members of Sublime would still wholly support screaming 1-8-7 on a motherfuckin’ cop.

Oh, and by the way, 187 is California Penal Code for murder.

Thanks for reading.

-G

Sources:

https://www.culledculture.com/sublime-april-29-1992/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/los-angeles-riots-quotes_n_1456782

https://thepolypost.com/arts-and-entertainment/2017/04/25/article_6b5b5bdc-29ee-11e7-ba86-2b08554a8e4a/

https://banana1015.com/april-29-1992-miami-why-the-sublime-songs-name-doesnt-match-the-lyrics/

https://www.sfweekly.com/music/twenty-years-later-sublimes-april-29-1992-miami-is-still-the-best-song-about-white-boys-piggy-backing-on-a-riot/

#sublime #music review #song review

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all-hail-stevinel · 4 years

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I'd love to know more about Spinel's relationship with Sammy and the guys!

Oh!! It makes me so happy that you guys like my bois!!! lol when I first wrote in Sammy and the guys I thought they would just be for that scene and done but bc so many people liked them I’ve had fun bringing them back and giving them more depth!

The bois background:

Josh- typical white boi but with a heart of gold. Helpless mom friend of the group. Desperately tries to keep them all out of jail, but get a few beers in him and he’s the one they have to stop from silly shenanigans. His hair is fluffy and blonde, so sometimes the other guys call him ‘Poodle’. This whole squad drinks respect women juice but my boy Josh takes it to a new level. He’s the most sensitive of the bunch, with his own family problems that make it easier for him to relate to and empathize with others. He and Spinel bond initially over his first kind gesture buying those tickets, but it furthers when they hang out more and he learns about her time spent in the garden. Josh was abused as a kid so its something he can really relate to and they’ve had lots of conversations about their shared trauma where Josh imparts Thaerapist Given Wisdom ™ upon her that she takes back to Steven. He has seven locally adopted dogs all named after planets. He loves them all equally but Jupiter, his sweet three-legged brown pitbull, loves to follow him places. She gets along really well with Lion and Spinel and loves turkey bacon. Steven can admit that just having the cute animal by his side makes Josh the hardest to hate, but he and Universe certainly manage lol

Marcus- youngest of the bunch but equally sweet. He’s a music lover at heart and plays the violin, he and Spinel start bonding when she tells him about her ukelele lessons with Greg. He dyes his hair a different color every week, so his shirts are always stained but it doesn’t really matter bc he’s always covered in paint. He loves street art and during her more rebellious moments, Spinel likes to bounce around Beach City with Marcus in tow, painting murals and graffiti and escaping before the ruby cops can stop them. Marcus really relates to the lost feeling that Spinel often has, having run away from home. All the guys lived together in an apartment in Empire city considering that they’re the sons of rich and distant parents, but Marcus is the only one who purposefully ran away from homophobic ones and is trying to re-invent himself, something Spinel deeply understands.

Kyle- my man is a modern sage in the modern age. 420 blaze it, Kyle is there with a funny story that’ll have you rollin’ with laughter paired with the kindest eyes. He loves to dance and lose hours playing Mario kart, though a majority of his time is actually spent doing volunteer work around empire city and baking. My man loves baking lol and not just the weed kind. He wanted to become a pastry chef but business management gave him terrible anxiety attacks so instead, he does it just for fun and is much happier for it. All the guys love supporting him and trying out all his dishes, always stuck between wanting to share them or hoard it to themselves. Spinel and Kyle took a little longer to get along, but now go together like apple pie alamode! He understands her anxiety and helps her manage it with breathing tools and physical comfort. He’s the most supportive whenever she and Steven get into a fight, whether she’s in the right or not, he’s a ride or die friend ready to take on Steven one-on-one despite how scrawny he is in comparison. His height makes him overconfident lol. He the group mischief-maker, the voice that encourages all of Sammy’s wild crazy plans with the sort of calm lulling tone of a brewing storm. He loves drama and causing chaos, which when Spinel is in the mood, makes them a dangerous combo

Sammy- party animal. Excessive emoji user. Loves plants, owns approx 233 succulents who all have their own names. You will respect the plant baby names. cHUGS respect women juice. Has wrestled an alligator before on a family trip, and the alligator won. When not partying this cool cucumber likes to sleep his days away, tru night owl status. Does also love gardening and visiting farmers’ markets, which he tries bonding with Steven over it but the diamond boy clearly wanted no part despite his many attempts. Spinel loves all the guys but its clear that she and Sammy are the closet by far. He recently left an emotionally abusive relationship that was very similar to Spinel’s own with Pink. but what they initially bond over isn’t their shared trauma but instead their ‘jobs’ as entertainers. Sammy is known for being a wild party boi, having fun, getting too drunk and wreaking exhilarating havoc, which he does love. But all his life he would bottle his true emotions and feelings from those he was close to bc he felt obligated to always entertain them, to be their best friend and perfect plaything no matter how it truly made him feel. Upon discovering that and finding the courage to be open about herself, they became thick as thieves overnight. Sammy was the first number to be put in her phone after stevens. He’s arguably the most handsome of the group, but he’s also gay af which makes it even funnier when he purposefully flirts or suggestively touches Spinel bc he’s just trying to rile steven up.

As a group:

They are the best definition of boys will be boys

You know all those silly tik tocks and vine of groups of boys doin cute but stupid shit to funky background music? That’s these bois

They all love Spinel and during her first fight with Steven they let her stay over a whole week just so she could get time away

Despite half the group bein gay af they all love flirting with Spinel and complimenting her, mostly bc they think her blush is cute but also bc they know Steven and Universe are jealous whores and they think its SO FUNNY

Its made even funnier when they realize Spinel get *ahem* special treatment after all their obnoxious flirting that leaves her floating on cloud nine and covered in bruises, which hey to each their own. So the boys kind of make a game out of it, with the main goal basically whoever makes Steven snap wins. If you can get Universe to snap tho, you win for the week lol

If you make Spinel cry they will fight you. Please be reminded that they are all 6’0+ and these absolute madmen would fight a whole quartz army for her if she asked

If her time isn't being spent with Steven and the other gems, shes usually with them, causing mayhem. Their exploits end up in the news at least once a month to Stevens never-ending exasperation.

Yes, including that one time they all got spinel drunk and she stole a tiger from an empire city zoo to be friends with Lion

“But Stevieeeee, he’s so lonely its not fair!”

Do NOT make drunk spinel cry. These bois WILL turn on Instant Kill Mode

#stevinel #double trouble au #i love this ask!!!#steven x spinel #dem bois #oc characters #spinel #steven universe #my au #my fic #ask more if youd like!

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hillbillyhippiemusicreview · 3 years

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What Are You Listening To? Volume 2

“Is it LA sunny or Memphis blue Oh, I wish I knew, I wish I knew What are you listening to” -Chris Stapleton

Sooo…I know last time I penned this column and asked “What Are You Listening To,” I said this was going to be a weekly event—but what had happened was….I got lost. Lost in the music. Followed Alice down the rabbit hole of resplendent tunes where time stood still. Yeah, we’ll go with that. In the words of the great Colin Raye, “that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.” Life happens! HOWEVER, I am finally back with some solid songs you need to have constantly revolvin’ in your library like they do in mine. So, without further ado, I bring to you five of the best of the new new. Did ya hear that rhyme? I’m a poet and didn’t know it. (Ya’ll ignore me, I’m sleep deprived and halfway past silly, so just turn up these tracks, tune me out, and fall in love like I did!)

1) Shelby Lore, “I’m All In”

As much as I love the sad songs, I’m a sucker for a heartfelt love song that makes me actually WANT to fall in love again, and have it stick. Shelby Lore effortlessly accomplished that feeling with his recent single, “I’m All In.” His brooding, gritty vocals pair nicely with a lovesick melody that is primed and ready for summer slow dances under the stars. The romantic lyrics reflect upon a burgeoning relationship where the fella is promising his new lover that though “[he doesn’t] know where this is headed, and [he doesn’t] know where it will end, but if it comes down to sink or swim, [he’s] all in,” promising an enduring love rather than a one night stand. My initial listen of this song was the first time Shelby had crossed my radar, and by the end of it I was a huge fan, impatiently wanting to hear more....so I listened to “I’m All In” about ten times in a row, soaking in every iota of emotion, drowning in a well of my own lovelorn blues letting it both break and heal my heart at the same time. My most favorite part? ‘Twas when he’s reflecting on the first night they shared, with the promise he’d do it all over again if only he could rewind time. Swoooooon.

2) Kudzu Killers, “I Won’t Drown”

From the first chord of “I Won’t Drown,” I knew it was my type of jam with its vibrant, southern rock-tinged sound. By the beginning of the single, I was hooked: “reckless heart and childish games, stoked my heart and set these flames, your gypsy heart ran wild and free, I just didn’t know it wasn’t with me.” MAN...what a way to start off a song and draw you in! The harmonica solo that enters after the second verse is enough to get you on your feet dancing and clapping along, if you weren’t already--and it’ll keep you rockin’ through the duration of the song. It’s a melodious look at redemption from the burn and scorn of a former flame, while simultaneously acting as a lyrical warning about the karma that will eventually come back around. While the single is a very well-written song, the melody is played out in such a rousing way that it takes a few listens before the gravity of the lyrics begins to set in--so make sure you give it a few listens. The Kudzu Killers are at the top of my list for “Bands to Watch” in 2021 and “I Won’t Drown” is the perfect example as to why. Trust me.

3) Gabe Lee, “’Ol Smokey”

One of my favorite Nashville treasures, Gabe Lee, is a musical force to be reckoned with—I truly believe his talent knows no bounds. “’Ol Smokey” has become a favorite of mine to blast in the car with my windows down, singing my heart out because it’s just that GOOD. This tune can originally be found on Gabe’s 2019 debut release, Farmland, but here it gets re-cut with a bit more funky folk flavor that speaks right to my heart, featuring a rockin’ bluegrass band. Lee is a master storyteller, and I both admire and envy his craft as it typically leaves me spellbound. Here, he spins the tale of a heartsick, forlorn woman still bound by the shackles of the love she shares with a downtrodden man who just can’t seem to cross back over to the right side of the tracks, despite numerous chances. The lyrics allude to Lucy Ann watching the evolution of the demise of her relationship play out on a desolate TV screen as the boys in blue roll in, but perhaps its merely a metaphor of the storm brewing in the jail cell of her mind. Give it a listen and decide for yourself.

4) Vodka Something, “Just So You Know”

Story time: One night while absentmindedly scrolling through social media, I came across this short clip on Instagram of a wickedly talented, shirtless, heavily tattooed guy with long braids and a backwards cap playing the most beautiful song on my favorite instrument and within seconds, I was hooked. The juxtaposition of the lovely, intricate melody with the eye-catching scene seen in the video drew me in almost instantaneously, and I’ve been enamored with “Just So You Know” since that evening. So enamored to the point that I cannot accurately fathom the words to describe it. To me, it’s a bit like emo bluegrass, as if Panic at the Disco bore a musical lovechild somewhere in the foothills of Kentucky with Bill Monroe. Alternative folk is likely a better categorization, but whatever it is, it’s perfect. The pickin’ of the banjo, the lyrics, the inflection and intonation of his voice, and the whole vibe of the song and music video are jaw dropping. I don’t ever assign numerical ratings to any music I review, but if I had to—I’d give this one a 1000/10 simply for how uniquely beautiful and soul-stirring it is. Consider this an important lesson in not judging a book by its cover and to give everyone a chance--you never know what magic you may find, if only you’ll lend an ear. Now, go do your homework and L I S T E N.

5) Bella White, “Just Like Living”

Canadian songstress Bella White has found a loving home amidst the bluegrass genre making the style her own with her 2020 album release, Just Like Living. On the title track, her piercing voice is seeped in the folklore of the past, as the euphonic instrumentals pair perfectly with the lyrics to create the quintessential bluegrass track we’ve all been missing, yet it’s wrapped neatly in a new-age sound. At times, her mellifluous vocals remind me of a female Benjamin Tod with the subtle howl and cadence she has to her flow, and I have adored what I’ve heard so far with this coming-of-age tune about leaving home behind to chase love that always seems to be just quite out of reach. Not only does she utilize her voice as an instrument, but Bella is a true wordsmith weaving her words together both vividly and poetically, as evidenced from the very first verse: “The lights pourin’ through my window dressin’ everything up in gold, and I don’t know what I’m doin’ here, I left the howlin’ winds and the prairies to find some kind of idea, am I full or am I empty?” Wow. “Just Like Living” is a must listen.

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Do me a favor--while you listen to these fabulous creations, tell someone you love ‘em today. Peace, love, and music, ya’ll. They make the world go round.

-Lyssa

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kirayamidemon · 7 years

Conversation

Shenanigans When the Mag7 Boys Play CAH Part 18

Vasquez: Evening, everyone

Faraday: Hello hello!

Goodnight: Good evening.

Red: Got ourselves a full house tonight, hmm?

Goodnight: Sounds like a party.

Faraday: SHall we begin?

Red: I am, once again, God

Goodnight: And here we go.

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Faraday: Jack you pick a white card that you best feel fits the blank

Faraday: And so on and so on

Horne: What in the world is a Card Czar?

Faraday: You pick the white card you like

Billy: You are a card god

Billy: Decide our fates

Billy: By picking the winner

Goodnight: …Why ya gotta make it sound like that?

Red: Don’t forget to click confirm selection

McCann: In Red's words

McCann: “I am God”

Red: Hey. I am God

Billy: “I am God.”

-McCann wins the round-

Goodnight: Damn. I thought nipple blades would catch on…

Billy: I liked Funkie Fresh Rhymes

Billy: Whoever played that

Red: Why thank you Billy

Faraday: I..you would like that

Red: See Faraday, I am EMOTING

Faraday: Are you though?

Goodnight: BUT WE CAN’T SEE YOUR FACE. HOW DO WE KNOW

Goodnight: All I picture is :|

Billy: Does my face show emoting?

Goodnight: It does in certain situations.

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Faraday: No guys my eye is pretty swollen

Goodnight: Well, that’s not our fault now is it?

Faraday: You took bets

Goodnight: We always take bets.

Faraday: Well yeah

Goodnight: It’s what we do.

Billy: Leading cows to water doesn’t make them drink.

Faraday: Point taken and being..? We need better gigs

Goodnight: Very true. But…it’s "Horses”.

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Goodnight: Jack. You doin’ alright?

Horne: Oh yeah. Just worried for you all.

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Faraday: Powerful thighs

-Vasquez has left the game-

McCann: *laughing his ass off*

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