#it's not even my favorite paul song i just have issues | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

boysplanetrecaps · 2 months

Text

Build Up Episode 0: Getting to Know the Boys Part 1: Team AllRound

Hey, friends! I’m struggling with writing the recap for episode one of Build Up on MNET because I want to stop and give you the background on everyone, which makes the recap really hard to follow. So I figure I’ll spend some time giving you their backgrounds in four separate posts, to help you get to know the guys. I mention things like where else you may have seen them, if they're in an idol group, who knows who, etc, as well as my opinion of their voice based on their teaser performance. I think it’ll make the recaps easier, both to read and to write. In this first post of four, I’ll be talking about the twelve contestants who chose to join the “Allround” category, as opposed to “Soul”, “Power”, or “Unique.” Let’s go!

Before we go on, I just want to let you know that I’ll sharing my informed opinion on their singing voices. I am going to be a little bit harder on them than I am on singers on Boys Planet, with the understanding that these are all great vocalists. We’re looking for the S+ tier guys amongst a group that is A tier at worst. So if I say anything a bit negative about a fave of yours, understand that I’m not saying that he’s a bad singer! Every guy here is an excellent singer. Cool? Cool!

I also have to apologize, but most of my screenshots are going to be pretty awkward. The video I'm watching makes it really hard to use because every time you pause it, it opens all sorts of porny popups. When it's paused, it has a huge pause symbol in the middle of the picture. So I have to try to take screen shots while it's in motion. It's not easy! Hope you understand.

Also, I have even less time than usual to proofread these posts, so please forgive me for my inevitable typos. <3 Thank you!

Choi Suhwan

Suhwan is currently a soloist. He’s released a few digital singles, none of which have really taken off, unfortunately. You might remember him from ProduceX 101, where he made it to episode 11, so the final cut before the finale, finishing in 28th place. Pretty good!

He was V17, doing a cover of Energetic by Wanna One. I wasn’t blown away by that performance -- it sounded a little processed, and I wasn’t completely sure it was live -- so I sought out another one. Here’s a live performance of his song Losing Sleep. Unfortunately, in this performance, I found his voice a little too nasal and affected to be to my taste, and he had serious issues with his upper mix. He’s not a terrible singer, but there are a lot of stronger singers on this show. Or maybe I’m wrong and he’ll do better next time. Fighting!

Bitsaeon

Bitsaeon is 28, and is the main vocalist from M.O.N.T. He seems to have a predilection for soft fuzzy sweaters. He was V36, singing Rose Blossom by H1-Key, and all I wrote down in my notes was “this is just a really nice voice.” I just really liked it. Clean, smooth, easy to listen to.

I think this performance of Creep by Radiohead shows both what I like and what I don’t like as much about his performances. He does a lot of this soft whisper singing in his covers, which seems like a waste of what he can do. I love his full belts -- they’re so good. I want to hear him sing full-on more often in songs, like he did with Rose Blossom.

M.O.N.T. has a whole complicated dealie that I just don’t have the energy to figure out -- the wikipedia page explains some of it. They’re mainly a three member group, with a leader, a rapper, and a main vocal. They haven’t put out any singles in a while, so I’m not sure what’s going on with them.

Incidentally, Bitsaeon almost certain knows Jay reasonably well. Jay was involved in this thing called MONT Arena that was supposed to collect more members for MONT, so along the way I’m sure they met. In fact, Jay is still signed to the same agency as them (along with a few other agencies).

Seunghun

Seunghun is 24 and a member of CIX. His teaser song was V01, Rain by Paul Kim, and his performance was kind of… not my favorite. He sounded at times almost like he had a cold, and at other times I’m pretty sure he went off key -- I don’t know the song so I can’t be sure but it sounded off. He showed a lack of agility on one of his vocal runs, which means that as he tried to sing a lot of different notes all in a row, he had trouble transitioning from note to note quickly and hitting them all neatly. He had to switch awkwardly to falsetto to hit a single high note in the middle of a line, which is kind of not the goal. I think he may just have been nervous or having an off day.

Seunghun also competed on YG Treasure Box, which I didn’t watch, but maybe you did.

Let’s talk about CIX, baby! (Ok, that joke relies on you pronouncing it “six” but it’s really pronounced “see-eye-ex,” if you read the hangul).

CIX is a five-member group under C9 entertainment, which is also the home to Cignature and Epex. CIX features Wanna One’s Bae Jinyoung, who is the center and face of the group. As sometimes happens in cases like this, the member who was in the big Produce group is famous and attracts stans, while sometimes the rest of the group just doesn’t get as much love, and the group as a whole suffers. See also: Gugudan, Weki Meki. However, CIX does ok. Per genius.com, “The group has released several Top 10 albums in South Korea, including Hello Chapter Ø: Hello, Strange Dream which gave them their first chart-topper in the country. The group’s singles have also consistently landed in the Circle Music chart.” So CIX is a little bit closer to say, IVE than it is to, say, Weki Meki.

Personally, I like CIX -- I think the members are talented -- but I don’t love all their songs. However, their song Cinema is so smooth and lovely, it’s like a glass of orange-peach juice for your soul, and that’s in great measure because of their smooth vocals. (Seunghun is the one with the blue hair in that clip, if you want to watch it.) In fact, this is the song I wanted to listen to in the car on the way to the hospital to have surgery a year or two ago when I was feeling pretty scared. My fella said, “This is nice. I like this.” So if you never heard it, give it a chance. I’m looking forward to getting to know Seunghun a bit better and seeing him on a better day.

Yeo One

Yeo One is 28, and is a lead vocalist for Pentagon. I don’t have to tell you about Pentagon, right? Another excellent group who lost a member and whose popularity has ebbed and flowed. If you watched Boys Planet, you know about Hui, and you know that I like Pentagon a lot!

Yeo One left Cube Entertainment just a few months ago, in October of 2023, along with several other members of Pentagon, so though Pentagon hasn’t disbanded, their further activities will be a bit tricky. He had a sold-out solo concert recently, and was profiled in Rolling Stone Korea, so he’s doing ok for a recently solo artist. Yeo One is a lead vocalist of Pentagon, not one of their two main vocalist, and on kprofiles, he actually ranks in last place in the popularity poll. He often would be given pretty brief lines in most Pentagon songs. But we will get to know him and get to love him on this show, right, team?

He performed a ballad for his teaser (V40) and all I wrote in my note to myself is “I hate songs like this so much I almost can’t think straight.” So, instead, I found this little song that apparently he wrote and performed himself -- it’s light and charming. It sounds like a guy sitting by the fire making up a song on guitar and singing it to himself. He’s not a super skilled vocalist from what I’ve heard thus far, not a powerhouse like Hui, but he has a charming vocal color and is just sort of a generally a lovable dude.

Hwang Inhyuk

Inhyeock / Inhyuk (I’ve seen it transliterated both ways -- both would be 인혁 in Hangul) is 26 and is apparently both a soloist and a member of a vocal group called Unison. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything about them since there’s also a Japanese group called “Unison Square Garden” and when you search “Korean vocal group unison” all you get is information about K-pop songs sung in unison, so…. Yeah. Inhyuk is also a composer and lyricist, and has competed on I Can See Your Voice (I’m not sure which season) and Sing for Gold.

He was V29 and performed a song called The First Day. Again, my perspective is skewed because it’s another feckin’ ballad and no thank you. The opening section when he’s singing in a soft, almost gruff voice is really charming, though. It’s so different from what you’d expect from his appearance and general demeanor. He has a really distinct vocal color, and I think he should have chosen “unique” rather than “allround.” Once he heads into the chorus, which requires belting some higher notes, his voice falters a bit. I just get that feeling that maybe he can do better than what he showed in this teaser. Maybe he wasn’t warmed up properly, or maybe he had a bit of a cold, something like that. The potential is there and I sense training was involved. I’m going to keep an open mind about him.

Geonu

Geonu is from Just B and is 22. In addition to going on I-land, he also went on a show called Dancing High, which also featured Seo Won who you may remember from Boys Planet. God, there are so many of these shows. I kind of remember Geonu from I-land, where he did pretty well, making it close to the end. It’s kind of a shame that he didn’t make it into Enhypen since Enhypen is definitely short on vocalists.

If you want to check out one of Geonu’s previous performances, here he is doing a duet performance of BTS’s Butterfly on I-land with Heesung (who did go on to debut in Enhypen).

Geonu has gotten a bit better since then; here is his audition for this show, where he was V10.

His upper mixed register has gotten stronger and a lot less breathy compared to when he was on I-land, but he seems to have developed an unpleasant nasality. Maybe being on this show will spur him to adjust his methodology. He has a really pleasant vocal color and a lot of potential.

(I discuss Just B in Bain’s write up.)

Jang Intae

Per my online sleuthing, Intae, age 27, is a singer-songwriter and is one half of the duo 415. (Their group is named for the fact that both members were born on April 15th, 1997.) 415 has put out seven digital singles and performed a few OSTs, but their MVs generally get fewer than 10,000 views. I think his general style and vibe isn’t what I personally look for in a musician -- it’s a bit too “acoustic lite” -- but I bet a lot of people would like what he and his duo partner do, if people gave them a chance.

His teaser performance, V37, was Missing You by BTOB (a song performed on Girls Planet 999, if it sounds familiar to you -- a member of BTOB is on this show's judging panel). It started off really nasal, but got a bit better as it went along. He strained a bit on the high notes, unfortunately. It wasn’t the best performance, but I’m not going to condemn him for 90 seconds of imperfect singing. I hope that as I see more from him, he gets to show more of what he can do.

Jeong Yoonseo

Jeong Yoonseo is a trainee, and little info is available about him. He’s V32, performing Starlight by Taeil. There are a lot of background vocals -- I think there’s a guide track behind him the whole time! -- so it’s hard to pick out his pure voice. It sounds nice from what I can hear. That’s kind of all I got! (Side note -- I’ve seen his name listed as Jang, not Jeong, but if you read the hangul, it’s Jeong, so IDK.)

Hong Seongjun

Seongjun is 24 and is (was?) a member of a group called BDC, a three member group under Brandnew Music that debuted in the latter end of the pandemic, in September 2020. All three members had been on ProduceX 101. Seongun himself was eliminated in 51st place. They put out several comebacks but never really caught on.

On their kprofiles page, it says “On August 18, 2023, BRANDNEW MUSIC officially announced that BDC will end all official promotions as artists under the company on August 26, 2023, after they mutually decided to end their contracts. Thereafter, the group have been active in Japan and have a fan meeting planned in Korea on December 3, 2023.” I’m not sure what to make of that, but it doesn’t sound great obviously.

I went to check out their M/Vs and remembered that I had actually listened to Moon Rider for a few months there at some point. Pretty decent song, but it got only 3.6 million views. I think it’s just kind of tough for three member groups.

He was V27 and sang a chipper acoustic little song by 10cm. For me, him having such heavy backup vocals for so much of the song kind of makes me wonder, why would you do that? It’s the same thing as the situation with Yoonseo. Isn’t the point to show their vocals? That said, this was a pleasant enough performance -- clean and sweet, with decent agility in some of the runs -- but not something I’m dying to listen to over and over. I think he didn’t really understand the assignment and chose something that would be nice to perform with people watching you, instead of something to sing in the dark.

Jeong Inseong

Inseong is 29 and is main vocal of a group called KNK.

He was V06, performing a song called Letting Go by Day6. I looked it up and this song came out on March 28, 2016 -- just a few weeks after Lim Junhyeok had to leave that group. It being called “Letting Go” is a bit… pointed. Kind of like when f(x) did a song called Four Walls as their first comeback (and last) as a four-member group. Anyway… I really liked this. I just wrote in my notes, “ooh, likey.” This is just so good, I don’t even know how to pick it apart. It’s just a combination of stellar technique and smooth natural vocal color. He does have to go into falsetto to hit a super high note, but he transitions almost instantly. This is good stuff.

KNK debuted in 2016 as a 5 member group. They left their first agency in 2018 but continued as a group at a new agency, losing one member and gaining a new one. Over the last few years, two more members have quit and one more joined, leaving four in the group as of now.

Their most recent single, Ride, came out in September 2020 and currently has about 1.7 million views on Youtube. It’s so easy to tell when Inseong is singing -- it’s like when Kihyun sings in MonstaX and you’re just like YES, come THROUGH. I threw Ride on my playlist just so I can hear more Inseong.

Inseong has been in a bunch of music shows, and also participated in Mixnine, so he may know the other Mixnine contestants, Ma Jaekhyung from Romeo and Donghun from A.C.E. However, he had to withdraw early from the show, so maybe not.

If you want more Inseong, here’s a fun duet he does with the “Korean Madonna,” Kim Wanseon.

Taehwan

Taehwan, 30, is the leader and main vocalist of Vanner, and was V13, singing Goodbye by Park Hyo Shin. You probably know by now that I’m not much of a ballad girl, but at least this is sung simply, with a really warm, textured voice. He does sound really pinched on the higher notes, like his throat is closing, and he gets a bit nasal at times, as well. In my opinion, he lacks technique, but has a lot of natural talent. He also has a great smile.

Vanner is a five member group that debuted in 2019. They had a lot of support as they debuted, and even got significant crowdfunding. They went on Peaktime, as did many other lesser known groups -- and they won! Good for Vanner. Their most recent EP charted very well overseas. Their song Performer, released five months ago, has 8.7 million views on Youtube, and their song Jackpot, released on Jan 30, 2024, already had almost 4 million views at the time of writing, an incredible performance for less than a week. So it looks like Vanner is really starting to take off.

Taehwan may have met Ma Jaekyung, Bitsaeon, and Hong Seongjun when they competed on Peak Time.

Ji Yeonwoo

Yeonwoo is another trainee I just don’t know much about. Apparently he went on a show called Wild Idol, which I haven’t seen. But I do know that his teaser song, V24, Suffer by Charlie Puth, was great. A great combination of a song I actually liked and a voice I really liked. He has great agility, leaping up into falsetto and back down again. He does get a bit pinched sometimes on higher notes, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t bother me. Maybe it’s just I’m so glad it’s not a ballad!

Ok, that’s enough for now. I’ll see you in the next one, when I tackle Team Soul, featuring everyone’s favorite. You know who I mean.

#bpr recaps build up #build up #mnet build up #jang intae #jeong yoonseo #vanner #m.o.n.t.#a.c.e.#cix #hong seongjun #BDC #jeong inseong #KNK #taehwan #ji yeonwoo #bitsaeon #suhwan #pentagon #yeo one

12 notes · View notes

angelica4equity · 4 months

Text

"About the Blogger" Meme

Thanks to @currymanganese for tagging me 💕

Star Sign(s):

Aries Sun, Leo Moon, Gemini Rising

Favorite Holidays:

Christmas because it's coldish and I am finally not sweaty 😭

Last Meal:

Two pork tamales with a sunny side up egg on a bed of Mexican fried rice 🤤

Current Favorite Musician:

Spanish band called Shego. I know I know, I hate the ethpanyoles most of the time but damn I love whiny rock music that tells men to go fuck themselves 😍

Last Music Listened To:

Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding ( yes I was watching a fanvid that's the only song legally allowed as a background)

Last Movie Watched:

Mr Monk's Last Case. SO GOOD I literally cried. I loved USANetwork so much as a kid and I grew up with these shows. Yes the treatment of OCD wasn't totally accurate but Mr Monk did make me feel seen as someone who, because of their brain, just can't stop themselves even when they know everyone is frustrated. When I heard they were making a movie I was so excited bc I love the Psych movies so much and I was thrilled Monk was getting his sequel too 😭.

Last TV Show Watched:

The Bear. On my third rewatch 😍👌🏽

Last Book/Fic Finished:

Get a Life, Chloe Brown! By Talia Hibbert. 1, I am a slut for well written romance, 2 I love books about marginalized bodies and 3 I love supporting Black women. This book is part of a series called The Brown Sisters novels and each book focuses on a different sister's romance. It's so good! I accidentally read the third one first but now I've read 2/3. Funny and a lil freaky. I love it!!!! 10/10 would recommend but I also recommend checking it out at a library to boost circulation markers.

Last Book/Fic Abandoned:

I tried reading another romance book called the Right Swipe but so far it hasn't grabbed my attention so I haven't really finished it.

Currently Reading:

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (second of three in Brown Sisters novels)

AND

Falling Twice by Myst867 this is a Harry and Hermione Fanfic don't @ me

Last Thing Researched for Art/Writing/Hyperfixation:

Pegging and how to do it, SPECIFICALLY for my fanfic although I'm sure I'll need that info in my life eventually 🤭

Favorite Online Fandom Memory:

Probably the DashCon Ball Pit fiasco

Favorite Old Fandom You Wish Would Drag You Back In/Have A Resurgence:

Elementary 😭😭😭😭. I love and miss this version of Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson so gutturally. It was tender, it was loving, and goddamn it was FUNNY.

Also Charmed (Original) bc if we had ao3 when it was airing it would have been OVER

Favorite Thing You Enjoy That Never Had an Active or Big "Fandom" but You Wish It Did:

There's too many to write but I will start with

Legend of the Seeker a show based on the Sword of Truth novels which was game of thrones-y without the rape scenes being showed and a smaller cast. Loved the chemistry between Craig Horner and Bridget Regan 😭

Pitch This show was done so dirty, I LOVED the concept of this which was the first woman baseball player in the MLB and Mark Paul Gosselaar with Kylie Bunbury dynamic was INSANE. I loved how they tackled certain issues 😭.

Tempting Project You're Trying to Reign In/Don't Have Time For:

Starting another Regency Era fanfic (as if I don't already have one I haven't finished lol)

7 notes · View notes

pysoch · 1 year

Text

Hey guys I have scout angst for you all :3

So one of my favorite musical artists is a fella named Matt Maltese. He's most recognized for his song "As The World Caves In", but he has some absolute bangers in his discography. There's specifically one song from one of his upcoming albums that's been encasing my mind these past hours of my life.

It's raw, which I really like about Matt's music. He doesn't loveslick lyrics like a lot of other songs, but they also have metaphorical meaning occasionally. Usually they're blunt, like this one. However blah blah I can rant about music some other damn time, here's my lil Scout headcanons!!!!!

For maximum experience listen to song. It might make some of these see my vision behind the song.

(t/w for angst and sensitive topics, as usual)

_______________________________

- Scout doesn't like Pauling just because of her looks, duh, but also because she does some things that his mother would do (do not bring Freud into this). Like snorting when she laughs or having a plan C, D, etc for everything. Blunt and humerous, but kind regardless. I guarantee he sends letters to his ma about her.

- Sometimes in battles he completely turns off his voice communications and listens to the muffled chaos around him. It brings him an odd sense of peace when he doesn't have voices interrupting it.

- Although he's still kind an extroverted bragger, and the obvious self esteem issues behind that, he also wears the shield of overconfidence because his ma before he left said he's her favourite soldier of the family.

- Even though in the comics Scout seems to be abrasive towards talking about his dad, he in the hours of the nights talks about it freely to either Engineer or Pyro.

- Adding to that, Engineer is definitely a fatherly figure towards Scout. Scout clings to every time Engie calls him "son" like the southerner he is, and though it's just a nickname, Scout takes it to heart and in his head imagines it as an endearing title.

- Sometimes Scout still goes under his blankets at night and puts a pillow behind his back to pretend its his ma holding him when he's scared or sad. He gets homesick a lot.

- He'll yap about how he's more successful than his brothers but will defend them from other people with his life. Knows em all by name, too, and I like to envision they all write alongside the letters his ma sends. He keeps every single one.

- When he first experienced respawn whilst in the medium, he cried out for his mom and sobbed. Not because of anything to do with death, but because he realized she would've then lost both her husband and her baby boy.

- Once he came back, he crossed his fingers and whispered a "love you" to the ground because of a superstition he has that if you do that then look to the ground, the words will find their way to the recipient's hands and to their ears. He always does it with his ma in mind :)

- Scout has only physically self harmed once, and it was before he was recruited because of ongoing depression. He vowed to never do it again after waking up to his ma holding his arm and crying out small "sorry"s.

- After the comic "reveal" of Tom Jones being his "dad", Scout acts as if he's honored to be his son, but has slowly gained a small resentment towards the singer and can't quite listen to his music the same.

- Heavy and Scout often argue, but Heavy inside really has the brotherly instinct of wanting to protect Scout. Scout semi-recognizes this because he sees Heavy's demeanor like one of his older brothers, but denies that Heavy is intentionally doing it because of resentment.

- BLU and RED scout are the only doppels that still aren't used to each other, and will do whatever it takes to avoid even so much as hearing one another in battle; sometimes avoiding direct instructions from administrator to do so.

I'm really tired so I'm gonna head to sleep for the next half hour before morning classes begin goodnight my lovely followers!!!!!!!!!!!

#team fortress 2 #team fortress two #teamfortress #tf2 #headcanons #tf2 comics #tf2 scout #angst #Spotify

32 notes · View notes

renrenlady · 1 year

Text

Ranking Shaperaverse Songs from Worst to Best Within Their Album

First up:

24- Voodoopunk

Listen. I have listened to every single one of Paul’s albums. I’ve hunted each and every one down and listened to the ones I could get my grubby hands on. I’m very familiar with his work and his musical habits (he has a very particular set of trademarks ie: symbol crash to end a song, repetitive word/lyric use throughout albums to create a through line, etc) but one thing that just does not resonate, does not vibe with me are these very long winded instrumental songs interspersed with singing. I’m a huge lyric person, so I definitely have a bias and it’s not that the music itself is bad, but this song is always gonna be a skip for me. I’m just not gonna sit and listen to pretty much the same thing over and over again, although I would LOVE to see this performed live. I think it would be incredibly fun, but from a listening standpoint, there are much better songs on this album.

23- Edgar Builds a Business

There’s gotta be a worst and best, and unfortunately this lands on the former side of that scale. Despite me absolutely loving Kate coming in with the connective tissue, the central theme of the show (really, all of Paul’s shows if you think about it) “circles never stop themselves” it isn’t enough to get past the extremely repetitiveness of the song. One could make the argument that, because we are heading for a more industrious/business era it’s only natural for the song to be repetitive and maybe even a little boring. One could also argue that because Edgar is such a boring little evil incel bitch, perhaps he’s meant to have such a tedious song. Whatever the case may be, it has a lot of verses, lots of instrumental breaks and it usually also gets a skip, unless I’m listening for lore purposes. I have to admit that the second to last verse where he addresses the issue he has with Silof is my favorite part of the song, it really lets us peak into his head after the break up and is almost the epitome of his evil if not for the last verse/conversation he has with a recently divorced Fay over dinner. (Side note- I absolutely love the headcanon that Silof is Amelia’s father. I don’t know if that’s canon or been made canon, but it’s absolutely delicious and makes DoNA a complete circle with no loose ends.)

22- New Albion 3

The lesser out of the four. While it does tie up some storylines (or ties them up from the perspective of a first time listener) and it does have a humor to it, it’s extremely transitional and it shows. You might be thinking ‘well no shit it’s transitional that’s literally what the song does’ but when I say it shows, I mean that you can just feel Paul really wanted to write this song and be done with it. It falls into the unfortunate section of not being the last one as most of us in the western world are very used to a ‘rule of threes’ way of things. Particularly stories. But I did say it had humor and it ending abruptly with the sentient plant’s story coming to a close is some unexpected humor I enjoyed. (Also is the plant a post human? Did I read that right on the wiki? Is the fucking plant able to control reality? Somebody tell me, please.)

21- The Movement 2

So. The thing is I don’t think I like gen 3 all that much. It’s still interesting and Byron and Amelia are fascinating characters- also Jasper gets to really shine in this act! But it definitely has the more instrumental, bring me to church kind of songs. We get an interesting advancement of understanding the character dynamics with Amelia fully admitting to loving Byron who is never gonna love her back, but it just doesn’t make up for the repetitiveness of this song. Much like New Albion 3, I think this entire act suffers from not being the last to go, it feels very transitional despite it being arguably one of the most important acts due to the founding building blocks of Radio Hour being done within it.

20- The Movement 1

Much of the same critique of the one above this, but I will say what gives it more of an edge is the reestablishment of Edgar’s ‘business theme’ where Byron uses it for campaigning. It’s a bit of musicality that I really enjoy from Paul, connecting the characters through motif and parallelism. Byron hates his dad so god damn much, and yet still employs the same tactics he used when he was a young man looking for a purpose. McAllisters don’t fall too far from their tree huh?

19- Annabel Has a Doll

The origin of Kate’s ‘circles never stop themselves’ motif and it’s haunting beautiful when you go back and listen through. It essentially sets up the theme of every album following the first and is, what I think, the central part of what Paul is trying to convey. I could get into the philosophy behind his work for hours, like make a whole video essay on it but for now- this song. It’s on the lower end due to the fact that even though it is a hilariously frantic and manic bop, it can get really grating after the third verse. Like getting hit by a hammer over and over again with the constant and loud and insistent melody. Like I said, there has to be a worse and best, and I just think there are better songs on this album. Oh also- the beginnings of the Elysium theme? Fucking brilliant.

18- We Bid the 1st Generation Adieu

This is a brilliant way to introduce the concept of time jumping and also not getting too attached to the characters we see. It’s exposition without it feeling like exposition and Kate is always a delight to hear. It’s just that it’s a very short, transitional song and it’s. Yeah. That’s kind of it. We bid adieu to this review and move on to the next.

17- Bonfire of the Dolls

This song is a doozy in the best way possible. The climax of gen 3 and it completely delivers after creating such a delicious amount of tension between the living, the dead, and those who stand in between them. It’s the culmination of a society finally ready to snap and it is displayed so beautifully through a kick ass score that evokes such a frightening kind of emotion. A mixture of fear and pain and loss and somehow, love. Byron calling for Jasper in a desperate attempt at saving the one thing he only truly selfishly cared about gives me chills every time I listen to it. What this song suffers from however is the large amount of instrumentation. Don’t get me wrong, it sounds very good and the way Paul creates the ‘screaming doll’ sounds is so incredibly cool. But this would definitely benefit from having a visual element which is a problem I see across pretty much all the albums. Now that I call it a problem, I feel as though it’s a harsh word to use. I think it’s more like the show doesn’t need such long musical breaks if it’s never going to be staged. Still have the breaks, but perhaps shorten them? My mind can only supply so much imagination before I’m just replaying moments over and over again in my head.

16- The Ballad of the Gambler and the Monk

Full disclaimer I think this song is a fucking bop. I think it’s a certified, fun to sing along to jam. I love how this is the interlude of the story, reminding us of how exactly we got to this point of societal collapse by showing us how everyone was doomed from the start essentially. The music too has this old, nostalgic feeling to it which makes you feel like you’re being transported back to somewhere else, away from the chaos and the death and relentless evolution of New Albion. The only issue I have with this number is that for most of it, we already know the story due to it being explained to us. The opening lines of this show are telling us the story of the gambler and the monk. They only go more into detail about what happened at the end of the game, introducing us to the concept of reincarnation with incredible subtlety, but I really wish we had gotten more of a glimpse into just who these two were, and more importantly, who they were to each other. Now that’s a big wish considering it might’ve been difficult to have some establishment for these characters before Paul knew he was going to make Janissury, but some more detail to an already known story would’ve been nice considering a whole song was dedicated to it.

15- Edgar Gets His Heart Broken

Oh Edgar. Edgar you silly stupid bitch. You silly stupid bitch baby boy. Your song is objectively hilarious to listen to and I enjoy hearing your heart get broken every time. Although his incel anger does backfire on…well, New Albion for the rest of its existence, it was pretty funny watching it happen in a musical number. Lime pie//dying inside? Instant classic. Also the origin of the ‘one day you will learn’ theme and it’s honestly one of the best motifs Paul has ever written. It’s a perfect reprisal line and can be interpreted in so many ways, it just open to possibility. I don’t really have any critique for this one, it’s a concise and well paced story that gives us exactly what we need to know about gen 2 and it’s a bop. There are just better songs that come before this.

14- Annabel Raises the Dead

God damn does this song kick. These cats are cookin. When that piano/xylophone/I don’t even know what fuckin instrument barrels in with that tight ass arpeggio. The instrumentation is gorgeous, it’s evocative as all hell with its frantic nature and atmospheric sounds. The sole reason this isn’t further down on the list, is because I have this (most likely) singular issue with the actual notes themselves. Specifically the notes Annabel sings. Now, we’ve heard Laura Osnes sing, and I mean sing but what I can’t figure out is why despite everything being so incredibly frantic and high energy, are the notes she singing fall so…flat? And I don’t mean flat as in pitch I mean flat as in it just doesn’t match the energy. Annabel is a mad isolated scientist, why wouldn’t her melody line be an insane roller coaster? Why does it continue on in this sort of monotone way? It does get better at the end, with the bridge giving us insight into what the actual fuck is going on. But overall it leaves me wanting more in regards to a dynamic musical experience. Annabel’s part in the song holds the whole thing back with its sort of awkward melody where she’s singing these low, honestly uninteresting notes when the music is kicking all kinds of ass. Love this song, but I wish it was different.

13- Fay Considers Edgar's Proposal

Get his ASS Fay, make him eat shit. With his own musical motif of course. This song gives me chills when I listen to it, never a skip. For this entire time Fay has been living outside the main narrative, the sole reason why our easily corrupted protagonist gets…well, corrupted. To many, some may resent Fay in the beginning of gen 2 due to her somewhat vague couple sentences of break up. We have no context for how she feels or what her motivations are besides finding someone in a better financial/status position in life- but then this song comes on. Then we understand Fay really and truly did love Edgar. Filled with school-girlish, young love, Fay was head over heels. She fell in love with a young man who was most likely just as much in love with her. And during this song, Fay no longer sees that young man anymore. She feels betrayed, wondering how exactly she became a piece in Edgar McAllistair’s game of business and commerce. Wondering where the young man went and when he got shot out the back and replaced with the miserly and revenge ridden capitalist sitting before her, having taken everything from her. And then to top it all off with offering her late father? Her explosive ending is a stroke of genius and my only complaint is that this song is too short.

12- New Albion 4

This is the first instance of us hearing a more dieselpunk sound, the roots of Radio Hour beginning to grow into the cobbled ground of New Albion. It is haunting to listen to the second time around and frightening the first. Times are changing and by the sounds of it, for the worst it seems. Kate introduces us to a new kind of city and paints a very geometric and drab image in my mind where a dark cloud looms over a frightened and paranoid people. We are introduced to Soldier 7285 and the origin of one of the slappiest songs Paul has ever written, ‘the day we come’ motif. It is evocative of Javert from Les Mis, a solid and clear cutting tune that constantly comes in like a thick wall, impenetrable. You can basically hear the brainwashing going on and it’s honestly a great example of police/authority indoctrination. The words are empowering 7285, making him feel like he is justice, he is an important extension of the law and the law is just. It is unwavering. It’s an incredible piece of music and it was really difficult to decide to put it at twelve.

11- We Bid You All Adieu

There’s something about this number that breaks my heart in the best way possible. Like the way you felt when the children accidentally left Narnia or seeing Frodo Saul away to the Lands of the Undying. There’s still more story to be had, peoples lives still go on, but we are no longer viewers. The characters will live on as will we and…that’s that. The song is a perfect button finish to the mad and frightening escapades of the McAllistair family, bringing us not a sense of closure but drawing us in even more as to wonder what happens next in and to New Albion. I love the way it makes me feel, the only reason it falls here, just short of the top ten is because at this point we have heard this musical refrain many, many times and while that isn’t necessarily bad, repetition isn’t always the best choice, though perhaps in Paul’s case, the easiest when creating a new show every year.

10- The Suicide

Coming in at number ten we have our girl Amelia signing out! I have very similar thoughts to this as I did with Fay, getting the context of Amelia’s life is extremely heartbreaking. Also the discordant, chaotically violent way Paul displays abuse from a father is unfortunately accurate and phenomenal. Every time I listen I get so incredibly uncomfortable and displaced when that part comes and that to me is what makes this song a success. And then the twistingly sad nature of Elysium getting a reprise through Amelia’s epic goodbye to life just ties the whole thing together so neatly. Amelia is also a huge perpetrator, much like my blorbo Annabel in creating a chain reaction of events that will eventually lead to some crazy ass shit. I admire what this song contains and what it does.

9- New Albion 2

Full disclaimer, I love all of Kate’s parts and solos. I adore this one because of the charm we still have with this narration convention as well as development of the background characters! I want to hear more about the two women, the albatross Simon and the brilliant mouse Sam! It gives the city so much more life whereas the first one is an intro to help us build the world and the others lose a bit of charm after a while. This one I think is the most fun and I really enjoy listening for what are essentially clues/future callbacks for the future albums.

8- Priscilla Contemplates

I had no idea what Miss Priscilla was saying the first time around and if I didn’t take the time and effort to really listen to the words, this song probably would’ve been in the twenties. But after thinking it through and really tasting the words, I think this is one of the best poetically written songs Paul has ever wrote. It’s gorgeous in writing, describing such an odd and strange feeling from a girl who is living such an odd and strange life. And the way it ends with the phone call? Chills. Can you imagine being Jasper in that moment? This is a scene I would kill to see staged because of just how raw it can be. Priscilla is the best of the McAllistairs- as though reincarnation finally got it right this time.

7- The Day They Come

Not a ton to say about this one other than the fact that the rising panic is kick fucking ass to listen to. The way the music portrays Jasper and Priscilla arguing yet still desperately trying to be quiet. The inevitable way Soldier and the others are proudly and dutifully singing their vows. It’s short but it’s a riot, also RIP Byron and his trophy wife I’m pretty sure they die in this one if not died way before.

6- The Old Trunk in the Attic

I don’t know what the wide, general opinion is of this particular song but it, to me, absolutely belongs in the top ten. It’s strength is that it completely stands out from the rest of the discography. When Paul takes that moment to just create music from poetry, evoke feelings from us that we’ve never felt before. The delicate way the melody and instruments are done, the nostalgic yet unfamiliar list of items we all have a collective (but not real) memories of seeing going through our relatives belongings before. It’s what is a great representation of what makes the Shaperaverse so special. Just these moments of singularity, of importance when to the characters it’s just a Tuesday night. There’s so much gravity in this one song, I think we all forget just how much the rest of the discography relies on this specific moment- save of course for Annabel’s breakthrough. It’s beautifully sung by Kate and I put it on loop all the time.

5- Annabel's Lament

Humanizing our mad scientist with a ‘where did it all go wrong/how did I get here’ song is brilliant. One could argue it’s a verse too long, but to that I say the word ‘opera’ is in ‘pulp opera’ which is how Paul describes his works so. Yeah it sounds like a verse too long cause it’s opera. Anyway Annabel, like the logical thinker she is, lays the map of her life bare as she is finally ready to face the grotesque music she has composed entirely for herself. She’s trying to find the source, the answer as to why, why she cannot seem to escape this deep pit of loneliness she has been stuck in ever since her father set the high expectation of ‘be a success, then you’ll be happy’. And y’know what the crazy part is? I don’t even think she really figures it out in the end! Isn’t that wild? Yes she sets Jasper free because she loves him and on some level realizes his suffering- but the main reason she lets him go is because HE was supposed to be her success and, confoundingly, she still. Isn’t. Happy. Annabel doesn’t understand why this didn’t solve all her problems, why despite having worked for years and years, pushing everyone and every opportunity for social interaction away she still can’t get what she wants and this is the beauty of Paul Shapera’s works, but especially highlighted in his first. Annabel is trapped in a cycle, a circle. And the great tragedy is that she is the first act- there was no way her story was going to end happy. Instead she begins (or if you think about it, just another in a long line) a curse which takes four generations for her lineage to break. But the greatest tragedy of them all is that Annabel didn’t just curse her family tree, but the entirety of New Albion as well. Or perhaps- it was already cursed from its conception? I could keep going about Annabel and her lament, but overall this song feeds the story and lore part of my brain that is never satiated and the music has the intensity that I was looking for in Annabel Raises the Dead. It builds and builds until Annabel is screaming at an inanimate object, tragically missing the point of her own sad story as her ax flies.

4- New Albion 1

Where it all begins. The set dressing done in this song is brilliant in two ways. The first being that as just a listener, it’s like a pop-up book is opening and unfolding in your brain. Like a DM just before the beginning of a long, long campaign setting up the most intricate and alive world you’ve ever had the pleasure of stepping into. This is how musicals should be (something I’ve noticed is that immersion is distinctly lacking in modern day mainstream shows) where they entice you, guide you into a story before plopping you right down into the action. It’s exciting to hear what’s around every corner of this intensely strange city. The second is that when this is staged, despite imagination not being all that necessary, it is as though Kate is conducting the city to come to life herself. Set pieces gliding in from stage right, the one eyed red haired dwarf strolling onto stage tossing a pair of silver dice in the air, the city itself rising as Kate builds upon it. New Albion 1 works because it is not complicated, it tells you things as they are because what they are is already a wonder to imagine or see. And the continuous line of ‘and Annabel McAlistair is raising up the dead’? Brilliant intrigue, instantly letting us in on the score. More stories should try this method, after all why do people like Hamilton or Hadestown or Heathers or Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 so much? Their intros lay it out and we get to sit back and enjoy the spread. Also of course, this is the origin of the New Albion theme, the one all the narrators use. It’s just beautifully simple and strange and it makes me emotional whenever I hear it across the albums. Even when I’m all the way in the future, watching Jane fight for her life and Han Mi struggle with creating her own narrative, I hear that familiar tune and think about where it all began, with a sad lonely blorbo trying to bring back to life her own blorbo.

3- Priscilla and Jasper Play Cards

This song is disgustingly good. It’s a final act showdown, an earned epic moment in the narrative. Finally everything that has happened in this fucked up city is reaching a head in Byron McAlistair’s basement of all places and it is beautiful on delivery. The reprise of so many important motifs, my favorite being Jasper saying ‘be my angel’- the chills I get every time I hear him use that line is outrageous. Now I’m not sure who is right, but my interpretation of Jaspers line in that moment is that he’s asking Soldier to be his ‘angel’ by shooting him and finally, y’know, letting this man fucking die. But then I saw someone else say Jasper is saying this to Priscilla, begging her not to do this for him as he has finally accepted being alive again and doesn’t want her to die due to finally loving a McAlistair. Whatever the interpretation, canonical or not, it is a rip out your heart kind of moment. Sacrifice, duty and love all culminating to finally end the cycle of madness started so long ago in an epic trio of fantastic vocals. And when Priscilla finally can hear the music, the message Kate has been trying to get through, it’s breathtaking. You have to wonder how Kate feels when this happens, when she’s actually listened to. And just when you think it’s over…

2- I Will Bring You Down

…A new hero starts the cycle anew. This song is so fucking dramatic, so very end of an action movie sounding song and yet it works. It works because this is a relatively new character who is now able to think for himself, not just rehash the creed which will haunt this city for generations to come. And his thoughts (the music) sound incredibly unique to everyone else and that is a sign of so much care and attention from Paul. It’s a call to action, a sign of a new age coming whether the city and its people want it or not. It’s the beginning of a new story placed squarely as this shows finale. Finally, when the dust settles it is not a McAlistair who ends the tail in triumph, but a random soldier who kicks of another set of events. Circles really do never stop themselves.

1- Elysian Night

It’s hard for me to express what I feel when I listen to Elysian Night. Usually when I’m talking to people about it I end up struggling and stuttering and start spouting about something ephemeral leaving the person I’m talking to trying to decipher my words. What can one say about Elysian Night that isn’t already felt when you listen? Much like The Old Trunk in the Attic, it stands out amongst the rest of Paul’s works while somehow being the golden center of the sewn together quilt. It’s honest, it’s raw. It’s all the thoughts Jasper has been desperately trying to say after three generations of living. Picking apart other songs on the radio just to craft this one that will hopefully (tragically and inevitably fly over peoples heads) send the message about how he and every other doll in the city has been robbed of something that can barely be described. How do you not love this song? How do you not feel every emotion Jasper has raging on inside the machine that is his body? It’s close to one of the best songs Paul has ever written and I’m grateful to be alive in the time I am to be able to listen.

Thank you so much for reading if you’ve gotten this far! I’ll probably do another one for Radio Hour as it is my favorite of all the albums and we’ll see where this all goes. If you have any questions or would like to share your own opinion about the songs or have a bone to pick with me about the order they fall into, feel free to send me an ask or use the comments on this post. I never really get to talk about the Shaperaverse with people in real life and despite the discord community being amazing a full of incredible people, I find it hard to interact so I lurk most of the time. Thanks again for reading and happy listening!

#the dolls of new albion #Dona #shaperaverse #paul shapera #album review #ranking #song rankings #lady renaissance song rankings

30 notes · View notes

misslavenderlady · 1 year

Text

A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘N Roll - Chapter 5

Summary: Michael is excited to have his new friends over for dinner. What could POSSIBLY go wrong?

Hope you detected the sarcasm in the summary. I ended up writing so much that this will be split into two chapters. I'll try to have the second part up another day!

TW: Mentions of hunting and taxidermy

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Getting from place to place quickly was never an issue for David and the boys. Whether it was by motorcycle or by flying, they could get wherever they wanted in mere minutes. It wasn’t something they really thought about, just a part of their second nature.

Tonight was a little bit different.

Time seemed to slow down as David drove down the roads of Santa Carla. The roar of the engine faded out into nothingness. Cars and other motorcycles he passed were completely blurred. It felt as if hours and hours were going by, and it brought him absolute peace. While the wind ran through his hair David couldn’t help but hum a few notes of the song Michael had sung earlier.

By the time he had gotten home and parked his bike outside of the cave, David was softly singing the tune under his breath. He hadn’t even realized what he was doing until he made his way into the lobby where the others were.

“Whatcha singing, David?” Paul asked. He and Marko were cozied up on the couch with Dwayne, the three of them enjoying a joint together. Their leader gave them a soft smile, stopping the song.

“Oh nothing, just a random thing stuck in my head,” he brushed it off. The others didn’t seem convinced.

“Whatever it is, you sure seem happy from it,” Marko pointed out. “Considering your meetings with Max always leave you totally miserable, that’s pretty weird”

It was only then that David realized he hadn’t told the others where he went after his unpleasant time with Max. He couldn’t even think of a time when he wasn’t moody, angry, or depressed after a talk with their Sire. No wonder they all seemed so surprised.

Best to play it casual, he thought to himself.

“Oh yeah. I didn’t come straight from there. I decided to swing by the Emerson house and scope the place out before tomorrow”

David kept his back to the others, making his way over to the makeshift bar they had on the other side of the room. He poured himself a drink from an old bottle of merlot. One of his favorites. Maybe he could bring a bottle along for dinner.

“What’s it like?” Dwayne asked. Even with his back turned David could hear the three of them move around a bit.

“Total horror movie look. I can’t imagine Max will let it stay that way for long once they’re all a part of the family”

Thinking about it a bit more, David realized that the property also included a lot of farm animals and equipment. Michael mentioned having chores to do and creatures to attend to, meaning the place had even more stuff he hadn’t noticed his first time around. He couldn’t exactly picture Max sweating over a flower pot, let alone a whole farm.

“Didya say hi to Michael, or was he already conked out?” Paul asked

David drank down a hearty gulp of his wine. Something about Michael being in their conversation so much made him feel like his nerves were on edge. Like he had to be more careful with his words.

“Well…he was awake, but I….didn’t bother him…” he started, adding a fresh pour to the glass. “He was playing guitar again….so I just watched him. It was…nice”

He paused. His lips were lifted into a sweet smile again.

“Michael played another love song…”

The vampire turned around, leaning his back to the bar and swirling the deep, red liquid in his glass. He was still reminiscing up until he glanced at his pack mates. Each one wore a smug, devious look on their face.

“What?”

“Yoooooou liiiiiiike him~” Marko sing-songed. Paul and Dwayne joined in on the fun with fits of laughter.

It was only then that David truly realized what they thought he was implying. Frantically, he set down his wine glass and stood up from the bar.

“What the hell, no I don’t!!” he insisted. Though David’s body wasn’t the same as a human’s, he still felt the rush of blood flow through his skin, a sensation he almost forgot about after being a creature of the night for so long. He was certain that he no longer had the ability to blush, but the way his friends were taunting him said otherwise.

“Yes, you do~!” Dwayne insisted. He made his way over to David, taking his hand and dragging him over to where the terror twins were on the couch. David was completely outnumbered and at the mercy of their teasing.

“Michael and David, sittin’ in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Paul teased. That only added a new wave of laughter from the others, much to David’s embarrassment. Sighing in frustration, he buried his face in his hands, not wanting to be seen anymore.

God, I hope the rest of the hotel caves in right now.

The others were lounging over him, absolutely loving how flustered their usually confident leader was getting over their southern gentleman friend.

“Oh my God, that's so cute! So that's why you've been acting different," Marko said. "The smiling, the fidgeting, the singing. You've got it bad for the cowboy~"

"Marko, I am begging you with every fiber of my being, shut the fuck up," David snapped. He had never felt so out of control over his friends before. They were ruthless with their teasing and he wasn't sure how much he could take.

"Hey, ya think it's true what they say about everything being bigger in Texas? I'm sure if you ask him nicely Michael would be happy to show you~" Paul added. He burst into a fit of giggles, unable to contain the amusement in his own suggestive comment.

David slapped his hands on his knees before pulling himself off of the couch.

"Okay, that's it. You guys are insufferable. I'm turning in for the night"

As he turned on his heel to make his way to their sleeping nook in the cave, the others lightened up on their playful behavior.

"Awww c'mon, David, don't be like that!"

"Yeah! Besides, it's hours before sunrise!"

He simply ignored them, adding a middle finger as a final farewell before disappearing into the shadows. The lingering sounds of laughter faded the further he went in. It wasn't until he was up in the rafters hanging upside down that he was finally alone with his thoughts.

Michael was just his friend. He only felt this way because he was looking forward to having a new member of their pack. Nothing more.

Still, he couldn't deny that Michael was so different from the others. He swore he could still hear the human's bold laugh in his head. Even as the hours went by and dawn approached the thought of the sweet-talking cowboy remained.

The boys joined him when the first sliver of daylight came. He accepted their lighthearted apologies and let them all cuddle close as they hung down together. They wouldn't tease him anymore.

For now, at least.

The true test would be dinner with the Emersons. He couldn't let himself be distracted anymore. Max was expecting him to turn the family as soon as possible, and he couldn't afford to disappoint their Sire anymore.

As David drifted off to sleep, he silently hoped for the best.

A new night, a new visit to the Emerson house.

Though he had been able to see the house the previous night, David got quite a better look with all of the lights both inside and out turned on. While the outside was still full of clutter and objects, he could clearly see a lot of impressive craftsmanship in the sculptures and taxidermy around the area.

As he and his pack pulled their motorcycles into the driveway, he felt the curiosity he had the night before about what the inside was like.

Their engines cut off and while the others took in the look of the place too, David’s eyes wandered over to a nearby field. A horse pasture, to be exact. A couple of white horses were casually trotting around the perimeter, a fluffy dog barking and chasing after them, no doubt trying out a bit of herding.

Right at the other end was Michael himself, kneeling in front of a post in the long fence wrapped around the area. The entire look was sturdy-looking and freshly painted, a sign that he had indeed worked hard all day. If that wasn’t proof enough, then the paint marks and sweat stains on Michael’s shirt certainly did.

Best not to stare too long, lest David wanted another round of taunting from his buddies

“Hey, ya’ll! Glad you made it!” Michael cheerfully greeted them all. In one fell swoop, he hoisted himself over the fence and jogged over to their parked bikes. He waved a gloved hand at them while his tool belt clanged loudly with each step.

“Bet he can do other types of hard work with those hands~” Paul lewdly commented through their mental connection. David maintained composure while also throwing back a “shut up” in his head.

“Wouldn’t miss it, Michael,” the blond leader simply stated.

While their friend ushered them toward the front of the house, David did his best to focus on what had been asked of him by their Sire. Or rather, what had been threatened. This was no time to be soft. Max would not tolerate procrastination for much longer.

There are consequences if you do not listen.

“Before I invite ya in I gotta let y’all know a thing or two about our home,” Michael explained.

“Where we’re from, everybody uses good manners. So for my mama, it’s always ‘yes, ma’am’ or ‘no, ma’am’ when you talkin’ to her. Always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and offer to help clean up after we eat. Me and Sammy always do since it’s polite to help out”

Having good manners was certainly not a familiar thing for the Lost Boys. Decades of living wild and free had made them forget any polite behavior they may have once possessed. Star and Laddie would have no issue with being on their best behavior, but the boys might.

The four of them traded looks, a bit amused yet also cautious. They certainly didn’t act right for Max’s sake, but now Michael was requesting a little decency.

And who was David to deny the request of a friend?

“We’ll be perfect gentlemen, Michael. You have my word,” David assured him. He bit back a devious smile, knowing his boys would still be a little rowdy if they got excited. It was the thought that counted.

“Great! Now come on in! My home is your home, fellas!” the human said, gesturing for them to enter while grinning eagerly.

Well, at least we got invited. That’ll help if we ever need to blend in more.

One by one the group entered, the steps of their shoes echoing through the space as they went. David’s assumptions about the place were correct. It was quite massive on the inside as it was on the outside. High ceilings, open rooms, and plenty of space on the walls for decorations. It was impossible not to find a corner not filled with more taxidermy, figurines, or pictures.

Of course, there were also plenty of Texas-themed decors. Iron lone stars, longhorn skulls, cowhide pillows, and the state flag hanging high and proud over the fireplace mantle.

"Grandpa went and bought some purdy little pieces to make us feel more at home when we came on over," Michael explained. He pointed up to a deer head mounted next to the flag. It had quite an impressive display of antlers. "'cept that one. I brought that myself"

“You're into taxidermy too, Michael?" Star asked.

"You gotta be when you go on a huntin' trip! Shot that baby myself last year. Had a good helpin' o' deer sausage for breakfast damn near every day after that!"

The others traded looks with one another, impressed by the multiple skills Michael had. Only Marko seemed off put by it.

"Ewwww! That's so nasty. I think I'm gonna hurl," he spoke to the others, his face looking a little pale.

"Marko, we're vampires. We LITERALLY go hunting every night," Dwayne shot back.

"Yeah, but those are human assholes who deserve it. Poor little deer probably wasn't doing anything wrong!"

Leave it to the animal lover to be a bit more sensitive about all the stuffed critters. God help him if there were any dead pigeons in the house. Paul patted his back in sympathy while helping him into the kitchen. The sooner they got him away from the taxidermy, the better.

"Mama! My pals are here!" Michael greeted the woman standing in the kitchen. She turned around to greet them all, a wooden spoon in hand as she worked over the hot stove.

"Well hi there!" she smiled, voice soft and sweet as she spoke. "My name is Lucy. Welcome to our home"

They were surprised to hear an accent that wasn't nearly as thick as Michael's. Sure it was a noticeable southern drawl, but it was one she had only picked up after moving to a new state, not growing up there. David recalled Michael telling them how she was originally from Santa Carla. Being in an entirely different place must have changed her quite a bit.

Michael introduced each member of the pack by name, eager to show off his friends. Getting to know his mom made David realize where Michael got his bubbly, warm personality from. Lucy was definitely a sweet woman.

It made the concept of Max's mission for them that much more of a struggle. But David didn't say anything. He just smiled and handed her an unopened bottle of wine from their stock back home.

"Awww look at you! Y'all are just skin and bone!" the redhead woman tutted. "Ain't your parents feed ya a proper set of meals every day?"

Boy, if she knew just what their living situation and eating habits were truly like, she'd probably have a heart attack. Thankfully, she moved on, gesturing for them all to follow her as she unwrapped the foil around the top of the wine bottle.

"Well, never you mind about that. I went ahead and doubled my recipes for supper. Tonight y'all are gonna eat til you're full as a tick!"

David didn't even get the chance to ask what she meant by that before stepping into the dining room and seeing what could possibly be the largest spread of food he'd ever seen.

The long stretch of the wooden table was fully covered with dishes of corn, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and baked mac and cheese. Everything looked so colorful and freshly made. Like Lucy poured her very soul into making this spread.

"Now Michael, you go get cleaned up and changed before letting Sam know supper is ready," Lucy instructed her son. "Why don't you kids help me out with setting the table and getting the drinks?"

After Michael took off it was as if a switch flipped. The boys were always in sync with one another, but something about helping out with an actual, honest-to-God homemade dinner was pure joy. They never thought they'd actually like things like setting silverware or pouring glasses of sweet tea, but the Emersons just had that pull on them.

It certainly helped that Lucy was so kind with her praises of their work. Paul, Marko, and Dwayne in particular seemed extra bouncy and giddy from the excitement. Star was just happy to show Laddie an actual home instead of the cave hang-out.

"David, honey, would you be a lamb and move this chair to the dining room? I'm short one at the table"

Who would have thought that such simple words could turn the hardcore gang leader into a total softie? It was like David was a new man. He slaughtered people left and right every night without a second thought, yet now he was obediently taking orders from a short, soft-spoken lady.

God, was this what he was missing out on for the past several decades? A mother figure who treated him like an actual person and not a monster? Or in Max's case, treat him like an equal and not a servant.

While the others got seated side by side at the table, David silently watched them all act differently too. His boys were all wild, trouble-making vampires. They were the most dangerous people in all of Santa Carla, yet they were acting like kids again.

Human kids, in fact. It was as sweet as it was terrifying to think about.

"Boy howdy, that sure smells amazin'! Hope y'all haven't eaten in a week!"

David turned his head to see Michael in the doorway. He had traded his work clothes for sweatpants and a t-shirt with a high school logo on it. His hair shined with beads of water from his shower. A warm, soothing scent of vanilla and spice clung to his skin.

After all the shit his friends gave him the other day David knew he shouldn't stare too long. Yet he just couldn't help himself. It came back to bite him in the ass when Paul spoke up.

"Hey, Mikey! Why don't you sit next to David? He'd really like that!"

The blond leader snapped his attention at the goofball of their group.

"Paul I'm gonna rip your damn throat out"

The devious grin on his face told David that he regretted absolutely nothing. He kept a good poker face himself, nothing less than casual as Michael pulled up a chair next to him. The scent was even stronger now.

"Mom! Don't start without us!" a voice called from the other room.

The loud stomping of different sets of footsteps could be heard going down the stairs. Everyone watched as three boys came running into the dining room. They were all clearly at the beginning of their teen years, faces still quite boyish. The one leading them was dressed quite colorfully, while the other two looked a bit more scruffy and ragged.

"Sammy, you know damn good and well mama would never start dinner without everyone sittin' down! Will you act like ya got some sense?" Michael playfully scolded his brother. "Y'all, this is my baby brother, Sam"

"I'm not a baby, Mike! I could kick your ass if I wanted to!" the freckled boy insisted.

"You can't even fight your accent, let alone me," Michael pointed out. Sure enough, David didn't hear the same southern tone from Sam as he did with Michael. "Seriously, Sammy, I know you tryin' to be cool with your Cali friends, but ya sound like you're in pain holdin' it back"

David and the others watched in amusement as Michael tried to reach out and tickle his brother. Sam quickly pulled away, darting to the other side of the table with his friends. As they sat down in their chairs, Sam kept a casual expression on his face while his buddies stayed completely serious.

They were practically glaring daggers at the others. It made David wonder just what their problem was. It was only when Michael nudged him that he stopped looking at the kids.

"Sam's been preachin' up and down about 'fittin' in' 'round here. I say all that MTV turned his brains to mush"

"I ain't - er…I'm not gonna be seen as a hick!" Sam insisted. The others snickered at how beet red his face was getting from the slight slip of his accent.

"Sammy, we're so country sticks fall outta our mouths when we talk. Ain't no 'mount of flashy clothes and hair product gonna change that"

While David snickered with his friends over the brotherly quarrel between Michael and Sam, he felt a sense of joy being there at their table. Between the fresh cooking and the homely vibe that the Emersons had, it was strangely comforting.

He wondered if this was the life he once had back when his heart could still beat. If he once had at least one person who he could call family. Someone who made him feel truly welcomed and cared for. He always strived for that when he met each of his friends over the years, and now Michael and his family were doing the same for him.

"Alright, y'all! Settle in your seats!" Lucy said, stepping into the room with a large platter in hand. It was piled high with fresh, cooked meat that smelled nothing short of heavenly.

"Yo!! That looks really good! What is it?" Paul asked, practically salivating.

"Brisket! We may not be in Texas anymore, but we sure can eat like we are!" she smiled, placing it down in the center of the table.

Michael nudged David's arm before leaning over to whisper softly in his ear.

"Listen, we usually say grace over the food, but y'all don't have to if ya ain't comfortable. I'm not really into the religious stuff but it's such a big deal where I'm from that I just go along with it to be polite"

David nodded, silently passing along the message to the others in his head so they wouldn't be caught off guard. Even with the invitation into the house keeping them safe, David still worried about potentially bursting into flames just because of a prayer.

Thankfully, that didn't happen. Once the Emersons had finished, everyone else was given the go-ahead to start filling up their plates. Star helped Laddie out with his, whispering praises about him trying new things. The boys were a little rowdy, nudging each other out of the way to get more servings to try.

But Lucy didn't mind. She was incredibly maternal, even to the friends of her kids. As far as she was concerned, she was helping put a little meat on their bones.

"Oh my God," Marko spoke to the others. "I can't remember the last time I genuinely enjoyed human food this much"

"Me too," Dwayne added. "I actually feel full. Like I do after a hunt"

"Man, fuck hunting! I may never need blood again if Ms. Emerson cooks like this!" Paul said, already deep into a second plate of food.

David chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he took another bite of potatoes. Nothing made him happier than seeing his friends taken care of. This was going so well for all of them.

Though he could do without Sam's friends staring at them.

The Frog brothers, Edgar and Alan, acted so seriously. Like they were soldiers preparing for a battle of some kind. Even with the warmth of Lucy's hospitality and good, they still remained completely stone-faced. David just assumed they had a bit of an attitude problem. That was quickly disproved when Edgar opened his mouth.

"So…what do you all think about vampires?"

The boys barely held themselves together. Marko had nearly choked on the sip of sweet tea he was drinking. Dwayne and Paul each threw a hand over their mouths, biting back laughter. David felt a shit-eating grin spread across his face.

"Uh…pardon?" he asked the two brothers, trying to tone down his amusement with little success.

"Vampires, my friend," Edgar repeated. "We are dedicated to taking down every creep, freak, and monster that roams the streets of Santa Carla"

"We've been showing Sam the ropes on how to prepare for them," Alan added. "But you guys have to be cautious too"

The Lost Boys all traded amused looks. One of two things was happening here. Either they knew exactly what they were and wanted to show how "tough" they could be, or they had no idea and were unknowingly sitting right across from the very thing they wanted to kill.

"You guys are tough looking. It'll come in handy if you ever gotta take down a bloodsucker"

"Oh, I'm definitely gonna mess with them," David thought to the other vamps.

"Well, I for one couldn't agree more," he said, faking enthusiasm. "Why, my boys and I are completely prepared for a vampire attack!"

The Frog brothers seemed surprised. As if they hadn't expected David to believe their warnings so easily.

"Is that right?"

"Absolutely! You see our earrings?" David asked, showing off the jewelry in his ear. "Pure silver in the metal. Dangly so it touches our necks. Keeps them from going at the jugular! Vampires can't stand the stuff"

While the two boys looked at the blond leader in awe, the others were holding back the biggest giggle fits of their lives. That "pure silver" was actually barbed wire. And if anything, they found the earrings to be more attractive to one another.

"Yeah! And you gotta have a healthy amount of garlic in your diet! Messes with your taste so they won't wanna bite," Paul chimed in. Star had a frown on her face as she nudged him as a way to silently scold him.

"Now you boys stop all this vampire nonsense!" Lucy scolded. She wasn't the most intimidating person in the world, but she could still be quite strict when she had to be. "I will not have this satanic talk at my dinner table"

Michael and Sam both looked a bit exasperated as if they had experienced this reaction from their mother plenty of times before. Religious fears were definitely something to expect from the heart of Texas.

"You've got it all wrong, Ms. E! We're against the demonic creatures we speak of. We don't like them any more than you do," Edgar assured her.

"We would destroy every last vampire to keep the people of Santa Carla safe," Alan added, his hands forming into fists like he was eager to fight one right then and there. "Stake them, burn them, shoot them, drown them, beat them, whatever it takes"

Oh yeah, we're sooooo scared, David thought to himself. The last thing he and the others were scared of we're a bunch of twerps acting tough and macho. It felt like they were getting dinner and a show with those two.

"You guys really should stop though," Star finally spoke up. "You're upsetting Ms. Emerson and you're gonna scare Laddie with all this talk"

The excitement from the Lost Boys finally began to settle down. She was definitely right about the latter. They didn't want to get their little half-vampire buddy worried over nothing. Nothing a few encouraging words couldn't fix.

But Laddie wasn't there. When David and the others looked in the direction of his chair, they found nothing but an empty space.

"Where'd he go?" Dwayne asked. He set his fork and napkin down, frantically searching the area. He was certainly the most worried about Laddie, and it was very clear when he didn't see the little guy.

The others did their looking as well. Under the table, behind some shelves, around the corner, but there was no sign of him. A small wave of fear was collectively building up for the gang. They never lost sight of Laddie.

"Oh maybe the little angel wandered off to find the bathroom," Lucy suggested. While her attempts to calm the others were admirable, they were also in vain.

"Uh, I think I know where he went…" Michael said. His eyes were wide and his posture stiffened as he pointed to the doorway connected to the kitchen.

Across the way, everyone could clearly see the back door swinging open. The door that led straight to a part of the horse pasture.

If the look on Michael's face told David anything, it was telling him that was not a good thing.

#the lost boys #tlb #my fic #ao3 fic #michael emerson #david the lost boys #au fic #southern micheal

43 notes · View notes

beatlepaul4ever · 2 years

Text

Buskin with The Beatles FB page

This date in '68: one of rock's finest moments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_MjCqQoLLA

10 years later, in fanzine 'The Write Thing', audience member Sher M. of Brooklyn, New York, gave a detailed recollection of that historic promo shoot:

"It began the evening before when, at EMI, we were all given invitations by Mal (Evans) to attend 'a TV performance by The Beatles', as they worded it. But actually the key word on the priceless piece of paper was 'take part' in a Beatles performance. None of us had any idea what that would involve. Some thought we'd be on the popular English program 'Top Of the Pops' with the Beatles. 'Taking part' would have meant dancing on the show. That prospect was not exactly thrilling.

"Well anxious and excited, we met at Paul's house (Cavendish Avenue, just blocks from EMI) to wait for him to leave for the studio. The filming was to take place at Twickenham Studios. At Paul's there were about 10 people, including my three friends and I. Paul came out after a limousine arrived. He was with Nat Weiss, an American lawyer and associate at the time and friend of the late Brian Epstein.

"Paul was wearing a red velvet jacket. He held up the limo while we crowded around his side of the car. After a few minutes of autograph signing for some German girls, the car drove off with Paul waving to us.

"We made our way to Victoria Station. Apple was providing our bus transportation to the studio and back. A lot of the 'regulars' from Cavendish Ave. were already there. We all boarded the bus, about 30 of us now, and headed for the studio. We later found out that meanwhile The Beatles were filming the 'Revolution' promo film.

"When we arrived and ran up to the gate, I could hear John singing at the top of his lungs. Mal came over to us and said we'd be allowed in shortly. I heard John stop singing and then start again, trying to get the song perfect. It was unreal thinking The Beatles were right in the building, next to where we were standing. Needless to say, we were all nervous wrecks!

"Mal led us through the gates and took us to a cafeteria for tea and sandwiches, but we weren't very hungry. As we sat there, two more buses arrived with about forty more people. We were getting mad thinking there would now be a real mob scene. Finally, we were all led into a courtyard over which was a glass-enclosed walkway going from one building to the next. As we were standing there, James Paul McCartney himself comes walking overhead and, seeing all of us down below, he stops and waves. Never let it be said that Paul passes up an opportunity to ham it up a bit. We all started jumping up and down, going quite mad by then as the tension and excitement built.

"Paul ran out of sight and we (now about 50 people) were brought into the studios. (Mal Evans wrote in the Beatles Monthly Book magazine - Issue #63, October 1968 - that 300 extras were given invitations.) There were no Beatles in sight, but their equipment was on a small stage and a piano was put up there for Paul. We couldn't see much at first as there were a lot of cameras in the way.

"After the instruments were properly set up, in walked the four of them. I froze on the spot as this was the first time I'd ever been so close to all four of the Beatles at once. The Beatles went to the stage where John and George began tuning their guitars while Paul doodled on the piano. I was busy watching Paul joke around with John.

"John, Paul, George and Ringo then started jamming with hit tunes like 'Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley' and other favorites. It was quite funny. I was able to make my way closer to the stage and happened to overhear George singing to himself, 'I Just Want to Make Love to You' by the Stones. I think he suddenly realized that he could be heard and stopped abruptly.

"A friend from Liverpool was onstage, who was quite drunk, wearing a flower behind each ear. He was cracking jokes and the Beatles laughed along with him until he started asking John embarrassing questions. The friend was completely soused when he turned to John and asked, 'Can I ask you a question?'. John nodded and there was complete silence. The friend continued, 'Did you love your wife?' John immediately came back with 'Not lately'. There was silence again after John answered, then Paul saved the day. Paul began playing the piano and said to John, 'What was your most embarrassing moment?' Everyone laughed and all was okay.

"The director told us we'd be singing the long ending with the Beatles and we practiced it once, with everyone running in to surround the small platform, nearly knocking over huge cameras in the rush. Well, we were told to cool it a bit, don't kill each other, we would all get pretty close to The Beatles without destroying the studio.

"We tried it again and it was less chaotic, although I was frustrated in my attempts to get over to Paul's side of the stage as the largest rush was in that direction. We practiced a few more times, still without filming, and I managed to get either on the stage on George's side or right in front. Of course, when we actually filmed I wasn't able to get as close as my two friends who managed to end up sitting behind George on Ringo's drum stand.

"What you ended up seeing on the actual promo film is the cameras backing away from the Beatles towards the end of the song and suddenly there are people there around them, but behind the scenes it was quite frantic trying to get the spot nearest the stage. It was a friendly competition, though, except one time Ringo nearly got knocked off his stand! Ringo laughed about it. After we'd filmed it once, the Beatles left to view it in their dressing rooms upstairs. At least, I thought they'd all gone out. I turned to watch the film on one of the monitors and there in the middle of the crowd were Ringo and Paul watching also.

"When George and John returned, we tried it again and again and... we actually filmed for five hours till it was exactly what the Beatles wanted. Let me stress that I'm not complaining! If they would've kept us there 50 hours, I wouldn't have minded. I never wanted that night to end. Each time the Beatles came back from viewing the film and decided to do it again, we all cheered!

"The best times were between actual filming when The Beatles would just fool around onstage. David Frost was to have the film on his show and when he mentioned them in the promo spot for the show we all cheered - but we weren't supposed to. So, later on, we found out from Mal, David would be redoing the promo clips with the Beatles there.

"Six of us decided to stay when the filming was finished. Everyone but us got back on the buses to London. It was about 11:30PM by now and we'd been there about six hours. Only The Beatles, Mal, David Frost and studio technicians were left after the buses had gone. It was the closest to being alone with the Beatles I would ever get. Frost's intro was re-done and, while he was talking, I stood alone on the side just watching. George suddenly looked at me from where he was sitting on the little stage and broke into this gigantic grin. One of the girls nearby said, 'Did you see the look he gave her?' I'd met George at his house three days earlier and obviously he'd remembered.

"The Beatles walked out to go to the dressing rooms and we went out with them. I asked Paul if we could all take a picture with him. He said, 'Sure,' and we crowded around him. I had my Instamatic camera which one of my friends grabbed from me and prepared to get a shot of us around Paul. Well, naturally the flash wouldn't go off. Paul took my camera, turned it around in his hands a few times and then said, 'Catch me later'. Paul ran upstairs and we sat outside waiting for them.

"I could see The Beatles in a little kitchen having drinks; Yoko was up there too and some studio girls. After about a half hour, Ringo came out with his chauffeur and said goodnight to us; not far behind him was George who smiled and got into his car. A few minutes later, Paul came downstairs and, as he stepped into the lighted doorway, I snapped his picture. He threw out his arms as if to say, 'Ah, you got me!'

"John and Yoko were right behind him and, as they came out, I got another pic of all three of them. They really looked tired and Paul said the film had come out great, giving me the thumbs-up sign when I asked him about it. They got into their limousine and Paul turned to wave at us out the back window all the way down the road and out of sight.

"That night heralded the end of my 1968 trip as I left two days later. It was surely a gigantic stroke of good luck and timing to have been a part of that historic night. I'll never forget it."

It would appear Hey Jude was filmed first, as Paul arrived in his red jacket, and he looks to be leaving in that purple t-shirt he wore for Revolution. I think this account and photos might clarify that it’s Paul wearing John’s shirt and not vice versa (I’ve often wondered which it was).

#the beatles #paul mccartney #john lennon #sharing clothes #hey jude #revolution

48 notes · View notes

power-chords · 1 year

Text

@elicash tagged me to post five songs I'm really into at the moment and to tag five people :) TY Chico!

"Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac, a band whose output I don't particularly care for in its totality, but whose bangers will send any normal human being with ears and a soul into dopaminergic orbit. I have been revisiting this song for reasons that shall not be disclosed but this is one of those tracks where if every hair on your body doesn't stand on end when you hear it I just assume you're a psychopath. Everything about it is pop perfection but the drums especially are so interesting to me, Lindsay Buckingham's solo is fucking nuts, I could go on forever.

"Speechless" by Lady Gaga, hands down my favorite Gaga song of all time, the Daddy Issues Song, the plea to a self-destructive father disguised as a ballad addressed to a lover, Stefani Germanotta conclusively affirming that she is also a Paul Guy like yours truly (and a Freddie Guy, and a Burt Guy, and an Elton Guy), pure unrepentant schlock that I should hate on paper, that should make me see Billy Joel bottle of red, and yet it's so clever and poignant and shatteringly, nakedly honest it clobbers me in the gut and brings tears to my eyes. Everybody else go home! Get the fuck out!

"Run Now" by Tommy Keene, god rest his soul, one of the greatest power pop composers and guitarists of all time, responsible for the most infectiously catchy and yet achingly brutal song about being a closeted gay man.

"Always A Friend" by Alejandro Escovedo, possibly my favorite love song in the history of ever. It's so good even Springsteen's obsessed and wishes he wrote it. It's got the magic to turn any frown upside-down, guaranteed.

"A Long Time Away" by Shearwater, STILL, after like six months. I think this one is going to be at the very top of my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year. It's like Coldplay for chicks who dig Michael Mann movies, I.E. the only Coldplay I can tolerate.

I tag whoever else scrolls by this and wants to do it!

#ask memes #music

18 notes · View notes

rammbles · 1 year

Text

DAY #6: 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Been absolutely dreading this question since I first decided to do this thing because I don't want to give a single, straight answer, like that makes me feel like an animal being eaten alive by lions :((((((( Each one of these six has so much going for them, like they all have unique traits that are stronger than their bandmates' when it comes to that specific detail, and their individuality makes them all so wonderful, just in different ways - but each set of traits builds up to make them ultimately all around equally desirable. Does that make any sense? I'm going to address my I think top two, but I'll reluctantly pick an ultimate "favorite," the guy that just sparks the most joy when I see something about him: Richard.

We love a goofy goober in this house and I think this is what I find most appealing in him, that and the fact he's so unabashedly himself. He's very charismatic, to me. As well, I think as someone with self-esteem issues, watching someone be seemingly content and confident in themselves makes me happy and is inspiring. I just wanna love myself like RZK loves himself, u kno? Also full disclosure (in case I'm not ✨obvious✨ enough about it on this blog) I just find him insanely fucking attractive in this way that turns me back into Monkey facing carnal desires a-and I'd let him do anyth

SO HEY HOW 'BOUT OLLIE?????????? Ollie's probably my second overall favorite, and he was actually originally the first guy I was most into in the band. He's the one I relate most to by far; I'm also a shy, usually extremely quiet person, and I'm also big on nature and even pursuing a photography career personally, so I lost all amounts of chill when I found out he enjoys it as a hobby, too. He's the member whose smiles and laughs excite and warm my heart the most, seeing his usually more serious demeanor break and just have fun. He's just MAD fuckin cute ok

Decided I wanna add a VERY brief description of what I love most about the others, too. No order here, I just feel really bad not including them in a mushy love letter of a post kalsjdlkwear

till: fucking fearless sovereign of all imaginable and yet-to-be-imagined chaos, literal feral animal that cannot be stopped by god, and also he is truly, in his core, an artist

paul: he's so............. baby. such a wholesome motherfucker that has done no wrong in his entire life and i truly believe he descended from the heavens to guide us all

schneider: i really appreciate how in-touch with his emotions he seems, and he's always seemed so appreciative, friendly, and just likable as a human being to me.

flake: i revere him greatly for blending in with humanity as an actual alien for 60 years, very impressive. another wacky motherfucker and we all about wacky motherfuckers here. made of gold even when not wearing it. also can FUNK, +50 points

previous days: 　1.) favorite song 　2.) favorite era 　3.) favorite single 　4.) favorite album 　5.) favorite music video

4 notes · View notes

letterstobojack · 1 year

Text

Dear Bojack

Dear creator, creators, writers and many more of Bojack Horseman, I am writing you to give you a big thanks for what you have given me, us. I have to admit when I saw the first season of Bojack Horseman I didn’t quite understand it yet, but l realize that I feel the same way of the first seasons of shows I like. It was until season two that I realized what it was about and how familiar it was to me because it was me. Never did I expect to see something so great and real like this show. It being an animated show made much more better for me because I’ve always felt animated movies and shows that are seriously dramatic are able to bring more emotion out of it than being live. There’s an innocence with animation that makes us put the thought of how we wish the world and people, ourselves were so innocence, but the world and we are all full of flaws. Sometimes I don’t see much realism like this in the many movies and shows I watch. If or when I do it is special. I am someone aspiring to be a screenwriter and I know I may never be as great as you guys, but I hope to some day at least come close to it, so I can also let people know they aren’t alone in it. I know what it’s like to sabotage relationships, friendships. I’ve always had issues with anxiety and bipolarism, I know what what it is like to have all these thoughts making you go crazy and having the walls close in, I do have a big regret from the past that I live with until today, I do regret not being there for someone who probably needed me, I regret the way I treated some people, Bojack not feeling satisfied with his award reminded me of how I felt when I earned my high school diploma from a program because I knew I still wasn’t fully satisfied with the diploma and no one ever knew it, when I think of the past I think that I did only think of myself, made every thing about myself and not consider others and “Sometimes I get sad”. You made me feel a connection, but even with all this true Drama you made us laugh so hard too. I feel that we need to laugh because it is the best medicine one can have. There is something about a real laugh that makes it so special just for those moments to hear yourself or seeing yourself laughing is the greatest. You’re so good because you’ve made me cry many times and made laugh off my Couch. You’ve built all these characters that I love because I feel we know or have known one of these characters in our lives. Bojack Horseman became one of my most favorite shows. Every time I finished a season I was bummed because it was over, but it always left me just letting out this breath of satisfaction with a smile and then I just couldn’t wait for the next season to come with another great episode and to hear my favorite song “Back in the 90’s” in the end credits. The cast is phenomenal, delivery their lines so good and making us feel for these characters, Will Arnet, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul. The show deserves many awards. I don’t think it’d come out like it did if another voice just replaced one of them. When I heard the series was ending it devastated me because it was something to look forward to every year and now I lost another show, but I feel I have to be thankful for having 6 seasons and a show to me that is solid with no bad seasons. To you Raphael Bob-Waksberg, writers, cast and the many more that worked on this incredible show I hope you guys don’t leave feeling like it was another job, because it wasn’t. You guys did something special for people like me, us. You guys left a big mark with this and should be very proud of yourself. Bojack Horseman is a reflection of ourselves, something we must confront. I always say Bojack is so good because bojack is me, us, there is a bojack in all of us. I love you and Thank You isn’t enough. - Mike

2 notes · View notes

thevampirelestat · 2 years

Note

Apassionata for the VC asks please! Always looking for more VC music!

lol ngl i didnt actually expect anyone to do this, but im glad you decided to! i warn you though, all of these recs are gonna be about loustat, and i have a lot to say about why i chose them because im full of feelings... so here we go;

blue - marina & the diamonds: this is just one of my favorite songs in general, but it also has big louis vibes imo. the color blue is something i reference a lot when i write about him. in IWTV he seems to fixate on it because of what it represents to him. specifically he talks about how paul's eyes were blue, and then of course lestat and claudia's, as well as his regrets about being a vampire and his subsequent inability to see the blue sky and ocean. the song itself uses blue to mean "sad" and seems to be about a relationship that wasn't started for the right reasons and is failing because of self-esteem issues, unrealistic expectations, possible manipulation, etc. the verse, "i don't love you, i don't care, i just wanna be held when i'm scared. and all i want is one night with you, just cuz i'm selfish. i know its true," for example, to me really encapsulates louis's view of himself and his relationship with lestat

old habits die hard - allie x: this is a new addition to the playlist i made for my fanfic, night island sacrament. not only do the lyrics line up surprisingly well with the imagery and overall atmosphere i was trying to achieve with NIS (the first verse, "shame on me, slap on my wrist, at your door and i'm not proud of it. yesterday i said i'm done, i swung back just like a pendulum," perfectly sums up both louis's actions and his feelings towards lestat in the first chapter), but even if you haven't read my fic, it's a great loustat song on its own. like blue, its about a relationship that you know is bad for you, but that you don't want to give up on because it's basically an addiction. i probably don't have to explain why this reminds me of lestat and louis... also one of my fav songs right now

one of these nights - eagles: this is like my go-to loustat song when i wanna channel a certain kind of atmosphere for writing about them. it's got cool, funky nighttime stalker vibes and is, once again, one of my favorite songs. i love listening to it in the car and thinking about lestat being a bastard... him looking for victim and coming upon louis for the first time... delicious. im also just a huge classic rock fan and, for whatever reason, the genre in general tends to make me think of lestat and louis... but this song is like the epitome of that; perfect for pretending it's 1975 to while walking around dressed as a vampire at 2AM

a lot more recs where that came from, but this is it for now, thanks for asking!~

#the vampire chronicles #ask #anon #answered #interaction

4 notes · View notes

franksongofthemoment · 10 months

Text

Welcome

This is a posterity blog, to catalog when Frank mentions music or bands he likes.

I will be going as far back as I can/have found and attempt a chronological order.

This may not get updated very often after initially populated.

Links to items to help greatly appreciated.

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

First up is a playlist from 2006:

Frank Iero: “The Songs That Changed My Life” from Kerrang Issue #1128

Photo Credit: Paul Harries

Magazine Release Date: November 27th, 2006 Issue Label: October 7th, 2006

(Pic source)

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

A post to the website blog in 2008:

to be honest...

Saturday November 29, 2008 |

Posted by: Frank

you really have to get the new bronx record, its pretty fantastic. track 3 has been stuck in my head for 2 weeks. just sayin...xofrank

youtube

and guest post from 2009:

Frank comments on Artist direct’s playlist of THE 10 BEST (UNLIKELY) LOVE SONGS posted February 10th, 2009. (X)

youtube

Next some posts to the website blog in 2009:

Arg, Pure ROck Scurvy

Wednesday April 1, 2009 |

Posted by: Frank

hello all, just wanted to let you know our good buddies from the nj, BRine & Bastards, just released a new e.p... Do you like pirates? what about punk rock? do you think chlamydia is funny? ever wish your favorite rum had an upbeat theme song? then this band is for you! 6 brand new songs for you to tap your peg leg to. go to itunes and type that shit in - Brine & Bastards - Pure Rock Scurvy EP their full length, set sail for sodomy, is also available there....enjoi! xofrank

New Gallows rekurd = Facial Assualt

Friday May 15, 2009 |

Posted by: Frank

ok so i got the new Gallows record, Grey Britain, a couple weeks ago cause i know some people that are famous and influential but i didnt want to rub it in so i waited until now to talk about it...this way its out, you can get it at your local record store and listen to it at home and not feel inferior to my famous friends even though most of you are...its just better this way. ok with all that said fuck this record is good. they really branched out and took some chances on this record and it paid off in spades (i dont really know what that euphemism actually means - but im using it to say it went really well.)

MY GOOD FRIENDS ARE IN GREAT BANDS AND MADE GREAT RECORDS.

Tuesday July 14, 2009 |

Posted by: Frank

hey all, i just wanted to stop by and drop a line about some amazing records that came out last month.... my good friends in New Tomorrow from san luis obispo Ca released their new full length "we're counting on the youth"... and i must say its my favorite hardcore record of the year. their songs are inspired and inspiring, positive hardcore for the young and old alike. they are DIY and i love them. if there were more bands like this the world might actually become a better place. ....and the hardest working band in showbiz hailing from Kansas City Missouri, the architects have released "the hard way", my favorite rock n roll record of the year. i throw down the gauntlet and say the architects are the best live band i have ever seen, the first time we met they rocked the saint in asbury park like it was a sold out MSG show. they are on the warped tour all summer and deserve more attention than you can give them. the hard way is a fucking gem and will be the record you listen to while being chased by police on your way to the mexican border. bands like new tomorrow and the architects dont come around every day and are the reason i started skeleton crew. i feel very lucky to have worked with these bands, they are hard working and talented and deserve way more than i can provide. i hope you enjoy their records as much as i do. New Tomorrow - "We're counting on the Youth" and the Architects - "The Hard Way" are available at stores and on itunes, or from the skeleton crew webstore (www.skeletoncrewonline.com) both bands will be on the road this summer, enjoi. xo

#frank iero #2006 #2009 #october 2006 #february 2009 #otis redding #songs that changed my life #november 2006 #Spotify #Youtube

1 note · View note

ecoamerica · 14 days

Text

youtube

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

2K notes · View notes

fangsup-cobrastyle · 1 year

Text

Mal Blum lyrics that give me gender feels

"She said 'your body looks to me a way it never has before / And is this what's making you so sad?' / And I can't do this anymore"

"And you would get it if you get it / 'Cause I know that you're the type / Who gets it when they get it / And they always get it right / I hate that type"

"So I hid inside my t-shirt / And I looked the other way when you walked by"

"All my friends and the issues that we face / You wanna stick us in a box / You wanna put us in our place / Or maybe hang us on a wall / Then leave me out to dry / Was I a joke? Was I a freak? / Or just too much alive?"

"I don't like my t-shirt / I don't like my blue jeans / I don't like my attitude"

"You did your best to get in fights / When you wanted more"

"We're family / Like an apple falling softly from that god-forsaken tree"

"I've got to move / I've got the blues / I've got some bruises / I don't know where they come from"

"And I swear I'll move / 'Cause you said the blues / And the bruises go away in a year or two"

"If I led you to my heart / Then you would find me sitting there / On a pile of all the clothes / That I stole from you last year"

"You're my mother's son / You're my favorite song / I'm the things you hide when you turn the lights back on"

"I dated Audrey Hepburns just to be Paul Varjack"

"Am I saying the wrong thing? / Am I wearing the wrong thing? / Am I saying the wrong thing while wearing the wrong thing?"

"I'm not as strong as I am scared / I'll sit for you in a wooden chair / You don't have to hold me down / I'll help you cut my hair myself"

"Come on down, Emily / See the new me / Not quite as different as you'd like it to be"

"Spending Friday night alone / I'm reading campus frat boy porn / Strewn on the table for my roommate / When he finally gets home"

"You look a lot like me / But remiss the oft anxiety / Sated, and I wish that I was"

"It's all demand 'till they need where your body stands / Guess I ain't using my body anyway"

"I wish that I was / Anyone in another state in another place in another neighborhood"

"You look a lot like you / But maybe I also do"

"Still performing with my pain arranged in front"

"Stories you tell to them / Memories of fallen men / Ball steps and pirouettes"

"So I folded and / I fell like an actor then / Performing a narrative / Dressing, undressing it"

"Has my face gotten older? / Has my voice gotten lower? / I feel the same / But the world keeps getting slower / Something inside of me says / I'm better than I was"

"I'm like a ghost of myself already / If I could, I would disappear"

"Why can't they see me / When I'm right here?"

"I'm free at last / But where I'm clipped / But it don't bother me a bit / When I don't stop to think of it"

"Did you sweat through your sheets last night / Or did you bleach the blood out of them?"

"I even hate the way I breathe / I hate the grass, I hate the trees / The way my hair blows in the breeze / Whatever isn't cruel to me"

"I've been choosing sides just like any other guy"

"And you're glued to the screen / Trying to guess how it ends / And I'll give you a hint / It won't hurt like it did"

"I wanna take off my skin / I wanna leave it behind"

"I am 10 / No, I am 24"

#i don't know how to explain why some of these are gender-y to me #they just are #lyrics #mal blum #trans #trans masc #ftm #ftn #nonbinary

1 note · View note

dangerous-business · 2 years

Text

you think you can hurt me? my most listened to song by paul mccartney is "dear friend".

#the beatles #paul mccartney #john lennon #wings #get back #are you afraid or is it true?#im in love with a friend of mine 💔💔#it's not even my favorite paul song i just have issues #mclennon #my post

21 notes · View notes

irrelevantwriter · 3 years

Text

White Flag

Pairing: Rio (Good Girls) x Female Reader/You

Rating: Explicit, NSFW

Warnings: Language, public sex, unprotected vaginal sex, mention of bodily fluids, slightly vulnerable Rio, declaration of feelings (sorta?)

Word Count: 4.3K

Summary: Part 5. Two months without seeing or speaking to Rio has left a significant mark and feelings finally decide to show themselves. Kinda.

A/N: I hope everyone had a good holiday or at least a chill Friday. I come bearing gifts with the next part of our favorite toxic saga. More smut for my lovely readers. But first, some plot. We jump right into it and just like our favorite non-couple, we gloss over a lot of bullshit and get right to the filth. But as a Virgo I love communication so I have to make these two stubborn assholes talk about their issues a little. At least in a vague way. Also, Rio has his read receipts on bc he is a petty king. There’s one more part after this and it's all naughty fun from here. I hope you guys like it. Feedback is that good shit. 💗

A/N dos: I’m thinking about making the next part strictly from Rio’s POV. I feel like it’ll give us a peek into what he’s thinking and a new take on the series thus far. I’m excited to explore that so let me know what you guys think!

*Read Part 1 here

*Read Part 2 here

*Read Part 3 here

*Read Part 4 here

*Read Part 6 here

*Give and Take series masterlist

*Masterlist in bio.

*********************

“So you’re just gonna eye fuck the hot stranger at the bar all night?”

Your friend’s teasing cut through the haze, jolting you back to the dimly lit bar. The music boomed around you while people drank and danced, enjoying the Saturday night out in the same way you and your girlfriends were.

“I was not.” You insisted, though the coy smile you wore said otherwise.

The group of women scoffed and rolled their eyes, seeing right through your faux innocence.

“Besides,” You started, taking a sip of your drink as the song changed into a bass heavy melody. “He’s not even my type.”

“Oh, bullshit!” Kara interjected with a raised brow, shaking her head.

You opened your mouth in surprise, but bit back your response when the other women chimed in.

“She’s right.” Evelyn agreed, throwing her dark hair over one shoulder.

“We knew you in high school and college, remember?” Nikki threw in, pursing her lips knowingly in your direction.

“Okay, so?” You said with a poor attempt at nonchalance.

“You were all over guys like that when we were kids. Paul ended up being the black sheep of the bunch.” Kara reminded you with a laugh, Evelyn and Nikki joining in with their own drunken giggles.

“Yeah, we were convinced you’d marry a felon with tattoos and not a real estate broker who wore khakis.” Nikki quipped, causing another round of laughter and snorts.

“Okay, okay...I get it. So I had a type. I think I’ve grown out of it.” You cut in, sounding as if you were trying to convince them as much as yourself.

“Not if the hottie at the bar has anything to say about it.” Evelyn joked with a wink.

You shook your head as you took another sip of your drink, unwilling to let them see you flustered. Or that they were in fact correct. You definitely still had a thing for bad boys...bad men to be more specific.

The evening had been going smoothly so far. It was a rare girl’s night out. An event that happened only once every five years when kids were shuttled off to babysitters or their fathers, and the women were able to enjoy an adult meal with adult beverages. Schedules between four busy women didn’t often align so when they did, you all jumped at the chance to indulge in the nightlife you’d left behind in your younger years.

You’d been the one to suggest the bar. It was a swanky, sophisticated space with an air of youth. The perfect mix for your outing. You’d been here only one other time.

With Rio.

Thinking of the man made heat pool low in your stomach, despite your lingering frustrations. It’d been two months since that shit show of a night at your house. You hadn’t seen or spoken to him since. After that debacle, you blocked his number. As childish as it may have been, you were angry. Still were. And rightfully so. He’d been a complete dick. He’d chosen the most inopportune moment to make adjustments to your arrangement. He’d been careless in his deliverance, harsh even. The entire exchange had you questioning everything. And instead of analyzing the situation and communicating like adults, you’d decided to stop all interactions with him. You’d wanted to send a message. Just as he had with you.

After the argument, you’d been an anxious mess in the days leading up to the next drop. But it was all for nothing because Rio wasn’t there. And neither was the new contact he’d told you about. Instead, Mick was waiting for you and offering up no other information. And it’d been that way for two long months.

In the days since, your mind wandered to Rio often. Your body lingered on his phantom presence constantly. You replayed the conversation you’d had a million times over and each time it made deep fury spill over and mix with the lust still raging like white water rapids through your veins. You missed his touch. Missed his desire for you. Missed the way he made you feel, so supremely sexual and wanton. All things you’d been lacking in your marriage. And now they were suddenly hitting you square in the face and begging you to pay attention. Begging you to not lose the source of your sudden awakening.

You missed the toxicity of your interactions. You were two twisted souls fighting for control over a situation that belonged to neither of you. And in truth, the basis of your relationship with Rio was denial and attraction. It would continue to thrive on that as long as you both refused the obvious.

So maybe, just maybe you’d come to the bar in hopes of seeing him in order to test that theory. It was a slim chance he’d even be here, but you were just buzzed enough that you were willing to roll the dice and find out. Plus, your desire for him felt like an extension of your body at this point. You had to satiate it. Had to feed the raw passion that grew stronger each day without him. It demanded it. And it wasn’t for lack of trying. But your own hand didn’t ignite your body the same way his did, asshole or not.

“I’ll be back.” You called over the music, gesturing to the darkened hallway that predictably led to the bathrooms. Your friends nodded and went back to flirting with the handsome blue-eyed waiter.

You shot a meaningful glance in the direction of the bar. To the “hot stranger”. Whether or not he’d take the hint was on him.

You made it to the single-use bathroom easily. It wasn’t late enough for it to be crowded with the surge of a Saturday night crowd, but the place was still busy. You set your purse down on the sleek surface of the sink counter, admiring the emerald green tiles that paved the walls. The fixtures were brass and gleamed in the light of the vanity bulbs. It was a beautiful space. Carefully crafted for a magazine like Architectural Digest.

Your eyes swept over your reflection in the large mirror that sat over the sink. You made sure not a lash was out of place as you surveyed your appearance. You adjusted the low neckline of your yellow dress, the hue radiating more gold than you’d initially noticed. The silk material felt cool against your heated skin, the slit in the skirt offering some relief. The long sleeves of the garment added a sleekness to the otherwise risqué ensemble. You’d never worn the dress. But tonight seemed as good a time as any to debut it.

The sound of the bathroom door creaking open made you pause, eyes watching in the mirror for who entered. You wondered if it’d be him. Wondered if he ended up following you like you’d hoped.

Your stomach knotted when Rio stepped in, closing the door and locking it with a resounding click. He was stoic. Shrouded in black and looking every bit as menacing as he truly was. A sight for your sore eyes.

You turned to face him, your chest both tightening and expanding at seeing him in the flesh. He made your heart stutter and your spine tingle, yet irritation slowly seeped into your pores, reminding you of the last interaction you’d had with him. It was a clash of sensations and feelings. It was utter chaos. And it's what you’d been missing.

Silence hung in the air as his gaze roamed your figure, appraising you hungrily. You shivered, careful to hide the gesture from his intense stare. You schooled your features and angled your chin up in confidence that you weren’t entirely sure you felt. But you weren’t going to budge. You were going to make him come to you.

He was leaning up against the door, a barely there smirk adorning his lips. His scent began to eclipse the smell of vanilla soap that permeated the air. Your eyes wanted to roll back at the familiarity of it. It was soothing. A comfort to your deprived senses.

“You miss me, mama?”

That deep rasp made your panties soak immediately. It was a question he’d asked you many times in the past, but you’d never felt it as much as you did now. Because yeah, you did fucking miss him.

You stayed silent.

He chucked at your refusal to answer. “Still mad at me?”

Again you said nothing.

He licked his lips, eyeing yours as he did. “I tried calling.”

“I blocked your number.” You finally responded, voice icy and detached.

“Damn, that’s cold.” He said with an amused shake of his head and a laugh, the sound making your nipples harden in traitorous lust.

“Why? Did you need something?” You questioned coolly, crossing your arms over your chest to hide your mounting arousal. Your thighs rubbed together, beginning to slid against each other as your arousal made itself known.

He stepped forward, heading in your direction with intent. You straightened your back, unwilling to let him get the upper hand on you. You knew what was going to happen. Knew where this was headed. So why not use it to your advantage? Why not toy with him for a change? He deserved it.

You used the added height of your heels and eased yourself onto the countertop, parting your thighs slightly so that your dress fell between them. You leaned back on your hands, the chill of the marble countertop beneath you reminding you so much of that day in your kitchen.

Rio’s steps halted momentarily as he watched you, eyes zeroed in on the juncture between your thighs that was hidden behind the silk. Your pussy practically begged for his attention. Dared him to see your need through the fabric that shielded you.

You were still upset with him. Still displeased with the way he’d chosen to handle the situation and you. But more than anything you wanted him to succumb to you. You wanted to feel that thrill of having him at your mercy. So powerful, yet so fragile in the midst of his bliss. You wanted...no, needed him to wave his white flag first.

“Tell me then,” You began, slowly easing the hem of your dress up as you spoke. “Business or personal?” You questioned, wanting to know if he’d be truthful about why he’d tried to contact you.

He resumed his path towards you with a dangerous lick of his lips, but his gaze never faltered as it took in every new stretch of skin that was revealed. He tried to reach out and touch you, but you raised a heeled foot to his abdomen and stopped him, keeping him at a distance.

“Answer me.” You breathily demanded.

His face registered your words while his eyes took in the stretch of leg that kept him away. You eased the limb back down and waited for him to comply.

He decided to play along.

“Business.”

He continued walking when you didn’t stop him, standing between your legs and trailing his fingertips along the inside of them. His movements shifted your dress up even higher onto your thighs. The sensation would’ve tickled if you weren’t already deliriously turned on.

“Liar.” You accused, already feeling his warmth radiate onto you as he edged closer. His breath mingled with yours, mint and whiskey assaulting your nose.

“So are you.” He retorted, eyes planted firmly on your parted lips. He moved in until you were sure he could do nothing else but touch his mouth to yours. And yet you still weren’t going to meet him.

“So we’re both liars?” You asked, arching a brow up at him.

“Yeah.” He nodded and swallowed, the tattoo splashed across his throat pulling your focus. You fell captive to his spell as you got lost in memories of licking and sucking the inked flesh, remembering the way he tasted on your tongue. The recollection caused your legs to widen and your back to arch into him, pushing your chest against his. God, you wanted him. You wanted him so badly that your pussy clenched around nothing, as if feeling him already deep inside you. It was a silent call to a lover. One he would never hear. But he’d feel it soon enough.

Your clit throbbed against your lace panties, aching to be assaulted by his talented fingers. With him so close you could feel just how badly you needed him inside you. It felt wrong for him not to be. Felt wrong to not have him share a pulse with you when he was this near. You were going to remedy that.

“Well then,” You whispered, leaning forward to hover over his lips. “I don’t want you to fuck me in this bathroom.”

His hands glided up your thighs while his nose skimmed along your cheek. His breath was hot against your ear as he maneuvered himself so that barely a sliver of air was left between you.

“So I won’t.” He lied in return, the words coating you like his cum had done numerous times before.

In an instant your lips were being pulled to his. His hands were suddenly everywhere and all at once, seeking out your flesh in desperation. It pleased you to know just how badly he needed you. How badly he craved you.

He slid you closer to him, letting your lace-covered lower half come into contact with his crotch. Ragged breaths and low hums filtered through the air as your bodies grinded against each other, seeking firm hands. You could feel him pressed against the zipper of his dark pants. He was hard. The notion made you moan into his mouth, scraping your nails over his scalp.

It was just like riding a bike. Except there was an added layer of intensity this time that hadn’t been there before. His touch burned hotter than usual. Your grew cunt wetter with every pass of his tongue along yours. They weren’t new sensations, but they felt different. Indescribable. Perhaps it was the public sex. Perhaps it was the underlying tension. Either way, it was remarkably explosive.

You pulled away from his insistent lips to take in air. He continued on, mouth moving over your neck and across your exposed cleavage. He nipped at the flesh, his lips sensuously soothing the area as he explored. You pushed into him in invitation, widening your legs so that he could press harder into you.

You waited for him to take the next step. Waited for him to escalate the moment into more than just heavy-petting and sloppy kisses. His hands, as if reading your mind, traveled up the skirt of your dress and found the edge of your panties. There was no hesitation or teasing in his movements as he roughly pulled them off, the elastic popping against your skin and making you cry out.

Rio licked at your neck in apology, his own hands now moving to his belt. You shifted closer to the ledge of the counter and followed the trail of heat that led to his pulsing cock. His flesh bumped against you, the feel of him hot and heavy along your soaked slit making you whimper.

Your nails dug into the fabric of his shirt as he pushed forward and sheathed himself inside of you in one hard thrust. You gasped and tightened your legs around him, your right hand in search of something solid. It landed on the mirror behind you, your palm sticking to its cool surface as you braced yourself for the inevitable.

His facial hair scratched at your skin as he buried himself into your neck. He held your hips steady as he retreated and then plunged back into your welcoming walls, stretching you with a burn that made you hiss. Your pussy massaged his length with fervor, seducing him further inside and begging him to claim you once again.

You reached for anything you could to stabilize yourself as he fucked you into the reflective glass at your back. Moans and groans intertwined as your bodies rocked against each other. The soap dispenser fell into the sink with a loud clatter as you accidentally made contact with it. The stack of towels folded neatly near the faucet became disheveled as your ass knocked them out of place with the momentum from Rio’s cock. The entire vanity shook with each intensely thorough thrust of his hips into your womb. It was animalistic. The very epitome of what bathroom sex in a bar should be.

No words were said. None were needed. Your actions led the conversation.

You squeezed your inner muscles around him, daring him to surrender before you. He twitched, his hips stuttering at the feel of you so tight and wet around him. He growled into your ear, a sure sign that he loved the gesture a little too much.

So you did it again.

“Stop that shit.” He grunted, hips picking up their pace.

“Cum.” You whispered in response, the demand disguised as a request.

“Fuck…” He groaned when you held him to you and clenched around him once more. You trapped him, giving him no choice but to experience your deliberate enticement. His fingers dug into your thighs almost painfully so, forcing you to wince.

He was close.

You reached between your bodies and massaged your clit, feeling your pussy react immediately. Sporadic tremors vibrated your walls and his cock, making both of you moan. Rio’s palm slammed into the mirror at your back as he rutted his hips harder into yours. He was rough and unforgiving, the aggression heightened by your disobedience. It had never quite been like this. There had always been a touch of softness, a soothing placation or word of encouragement. Not tonight. Not as he fucked you so hard you were sure the mirror was going to crack and rain down luminescent crystals of glass over you both.

You showed no mercy as you forced him to submit to you and your body. The precipice was there. It was within reach. You could feel that tightly wound coil ready to unravel. It felt like too much and not enough at the same time. Your mind was a prisoner to your pleasure. You thought of nothing but the sweet release that you knew was waiting for you. And it was. It was waiting for you with open arms as Rio finally came, triggering your own climax as he filled you so deliciously full of himself. His entire body tensed within you as he held you firm and painted your shuttering walls.

The familiar sensation only added to your high as your limbs tensed and loosened with each wave of euphoria that washed over you. You squeezed your eyes shut and catapulted through space as your body struggled to ground itself once again. Rio had gone rigid, letting you ride out your orgasm in peace as you suffocated his cock. His cum was already leaking from your walls before you’d even finished, a trail of him decorating your swollen pussy.

Your eyes fluttered open to see him staring back at you, his lips pulled into a lazy smirk. You mirrored his expression, releasing a breathless chuckle. Your body still hummed in excitement, but this time it was punctuated by the deep satisfaction that radiated from between your thighs.

“You good?” You teased, hands resting on his chest and feeling the rapid beats of his heart beginning to slow.

He laughed, the sound low and tinged with fatigue. “Yeah.”

He licked his lips and took in your disheveled state, gaze catching a glimpse of the lace bra you wore underneath.

“Let me drive you home.” He said suddenly, his arrogance alive and well.

It was on the tip of your tongue to deny him, but you chose not to.

“Sure.”

**********

The car ride was silent.

After your impromptu coupling in the bathroom, you’d made up an excuse about not feeling well to your friends and explained you’d already called an Uber. They were hesitant to let you leave alone, but somehow you’d persuaded them to stay and not follow you. You were sure the alcohol they’d consumed had something to do with it.

With hugs and promises of texts that everyone made it home safe at the end of the night, you departed from the bar with Rio in his Mercedes. He’d been driving for about ten minutes, the air not as tense as it’d once been. He seemed content to let the quiet linger, but you weren’t.

“What happened to the new guy?” You asked, glimpsing his face to gauge his reaction. It was dark in the vehicle, but you could still make out his silhouette amongst the various street lights.

He furrowed his brow and pouted his lips, confusion reading easily across his features.

“What new guy?”

“My new contact. The one I was supposed to have.”

“Didn’t work out. Mick has it handled.” He replied simply, gaze still trained on the road in front of him.

“Okay.” You said with a nod, the dryness in your tone letting him know you didn’t quite believe him.

He wordlessly turned onto your street and came to a stop alongside your driveway, putting the SUV in park. He angled his body to face you, trapping you in his stare.

“It was never about you.”

The question must’ve shown on your face because he continued.

“The switch. It wasn’t about you.”

“Wasn’t very convincing.” You deadpanned, scoffing as you played with the zipper of your clutch.

He didn’t react right away. Instead, he watched you. Watched you in that way that let you know his thoughts were as impure as the counterfeit money he produced.

“You look good in that dress.” He complimented, chin jutting out and gesturing to the fabric that adorned your body.

His praise made warmth bloom in your chest. The kind of warmth that was usually accompanied by butterflies in your stomach.

“Thanks.” You replied evenly, not letting him see just what his words did to you. Though you had a feeling he did, despite not bearing witness to it outright.

“Better without it.” He added with a slide of his wicked tongue across his bottom lip, his teeth following. The action was purposeful. Erotic. Blatant. It was all Rio.

You didn’t respond to his flirting. You only sighed, mirroring his position as you resigned yourself to have an honest conversation with the man.

“So,” You started, forcing your fingers to still. “What is it that you want?”

He eyed you for a long moment. Long enough that you started to feel self-conscious.

“You.”

You nodded, disappointed but not shocked by his reply. The word wasn’t new. Though it was lacking the hollow cockiness that usually accompanied it.

You opened your mouth to respond, but he spoke up before you could.

“In whatever way you’ll let me have you.” He admitted.

The statement caught you off guard. He wasn’t trying to be cute or charming. He wasn’t being placating or condescending. He was being serious, the hardened intensity in his dark orbs softening to a tender resignation that you were sure matched yours.

“What about you? What do you want?” He repeated back to you, eyes narrowing as he waited.

You took a moment to observe him. Your eyes followed the arch of his brows and the sharp jut of his cheekbones. You studied the pout of his lower lip and his Adam's apple as it bobbed with his throat muscles. He was so many things to you. None of which you could put into words. You didn’t think a word had even been invented yet. It didn’t matter. You were both making your own rules. And it seemed, for once, that the both of you were on the same page and playing by the same rules.

“I want you to have me.” You confessed, meeting his gaze.

And there it was. He was resigned to having you in limited capacity. You were resigned to finally letting him have you. Two conclusions coming together at the same moment. You weren’t quite sure what that meant for you both, but it was a start.

“Goodnight.” You whispered into the darkened cab, a small smile pulling at your lips.

You didn’t wait for him to react. You turned and opened the door, exiting the vehicle. He didn’t try to stop you. You rounded the front of the car, hearing the driver’s side window slide down.

“So I’ll see you next week?” Rio asked out the open window, chin resting in his hand.

“At the drop?”

He nodded.

You shook your head and laughed, though there was no real humor behind it.

“You wanna tell me again it wasn’t about me?” You challenged, a wide grin decorating your face.

He could deny it. He would probably try. But you knew the truth. And that was enough.

For now.

“Night.” He called, an amused upturn of his lips showing in the light of the full moon.

He turned to the street, starting the car as you walked up your driveway. His eyes followed you the whole way, ensuring you made it in safely.

You heard him drive away once you shut and locked the front door, your lungs releasing a long breath. You pulled out your cell phone and went to your blocked caller list. You selected Rio’s number and unblocked the listing, adrenaline releasing into your bloodstream as you did.

Almost immediately your screen lit up with a text.

Same time and place tomorrow?

You bit your lip, feelings akin to teenage infatuation bubbling to the surface. You hastily typed a response.

See you there.

The message was read immediately.

Rio Tags:

@tomhardydallasstarsgirl

#rio #good girls rio #rio good girls #rio x you #rio x reader #rio imagine #rio fanfiction #rio fanfic #nbc good girls #good girls nbc

1K notes · View notes

beguines · 3 years

Text

Podcast Recommendations for Christian Mystics, Religious Leftists, and Others:

Descriptions are taken from the podcasts/their websites, not written by me. Some of these I enjoy or recommend more than others, but tastes vary. Favorites of mine are starred. These recommendations aren't considered an endorsement of all the content within, even those that I consider my favorites. I hope this list can be helpful for some!

Encountering Silence: Encountering Silence explores the beauty and importance of silence from many angles, not just the religious/spiritual/mystical, but also reflecting on the psychology of silence, silence and the arts, silence and politics, silence and education… the list goes on. For a topic that we often don't devote a lot of time and energy to, silence certainly has an important (if quiet!) role in all our lives. ⭐

Faith & Capital: Faith and Capital is a show inviting Christians to participate in the struggle for emancipation from the system of capitalism. ⭐⭐⭐

The Liberation Theology Podcast: A weekly look at the basic concepts of Latin American liberation theology with David Inczauskis, SJ. ⭐⭐⭐ (A great introduction to liberation theology for those who are perhaps less familiar with the subject; episode 4 in particular explores the tensions and relationship between Christianity and Marxism.)

Turning to the Mystics: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. James Finley, clinical psychologist and Living School faculty, offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. Leaning into their experiences can become a gateway to hope, healing and oneness. Together with Kirsten Oates from the Center for Action and Contemplation, they explore listener questions and examine their own paths as modern contemplatives in this beautiful and broken world. ⭐⭐⭐

Deus Ex Musica: Hosted by Delvyn Case, the Deus Ex Musica Podcast explores the many fascinating intersections between music and the Christian faith. Each episode features a guest who discusses their journey as a musician and a Christian, then dives deeper into their work.

PTR (Post-structuralist Tent Revival): Continental philosophy, theology, useless commentary on various issues. (This was a particularly good episode)

On Being: A Peabody Award-winning public radio show and podcast. What does it mean to be human? How do we want to live? And who will we be to each other? Each week a new discovery about the immensity of our lives. Hosted by Krista Tippett. (As On Being has a massive archive, here's one of my favorite episodes)

Sufi Heart: The Sufi Heart podcast with Omid Safi features teachings and stories about a sacred tradition of love, one that manifests outwardly as justice and inwardly as tenderness. Drawing primarily on the wisdom of the Islamic tradition as well as the legacies of the Civil Rights movements and other wisdom teachings, Omid invites you to a meditation on the transformative power of love and recalling the necessity of linking healing our own hearts with healing the world. ⭐⭐⭐ (Episodes one through five are particularly special to me and I love to revisit them. Omid Safi has the most wonderful, melodic voice and I could listen to it forever.)

Another Name for Every Thing: Another Name for Every Thing with Richard Rohr is a conversational podcast series on the deep connections between action and contemplation. Richard is joined by two students of the Christian contemplative path, Brie Stoner and Paul Swanson, who seek to integrate the wisdom amidst diapers, disruptions, and the shifting state of our world.

Homilies with Richard Rohr: From time to time Fr. Richard speaks at his local parish, Holy Family Church, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Magnificast: Started in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration in the United States, The Magnificast is a podcast exploring Christianity and the political left. A lot of people around the world are looking for ways to resist growing reactionary trends, but don’t know where to start. We think the Christian tradition and the tradition of leftist politics provide unique resources, historical examples, and theoretical tools for engaging these problems in ways that go beyond the usual conservative/liberal divide that characterizes a lot of Christian and political discourse. Inspired by Mary’s song of praise, we talk about how to fill the hungry with good things and send the rich away empty. ⭐⭐⭐ (There are too many good episodes to pick and choose what to highlight. They have some great ones about unions and organized labor that I would recommend to anyone who is less familiar with these things!)

Homebrewed Christianity: Our job us to get you the best audiological ingredients so you can brew your own faith. Each episode centers around an interview with a different thinker, theologian, or philosopher. ⭐ (A great listen for people who are more interested in intense dives into theological topics.)

Things Not Seen: Conversations about culture and faith. Things Not Seen is an independent radio show and podcast that features in-depth interviews with nationally recognized guests. Each week, we welcome authors, musicians, politicians, filmmakers, and more.

Lonely Mountain Mystics: For those finding faith or losing it; for those who feel they no longer fit where they once did. For those who have been hurt, helped, broken or healed by faith experience and find that their current spiritual journey has led them wandering some place wild, unknown and far from home; you’re not alone. "A podcast for the spiritually homeless", the show follows the hosts conversations about faith, love, and how to practice them.

Public Theologians: As public theologians, Jerran and Casey believe that everything about us says something about God and something about the world. The late theologian James Cone phrased it like this: "theology is political language. What people think about God, Jesus Christ, and the church cannot be separated from their own social and political status in a society." While silence on issues that have been deemed by religious talking heads as secondary matters (from poverty to war to movements) will always be an easier route, we know that there has to be a better way. We’re here to push for that better way.

Bread and Rosaries: A UK podcast about Christianity and the left. (This is a relatively new podcast that I have yet to listen to, but what a great name!)

#resource #theology #podcasts #christianity #islam #these should all be available on just about any platform you use to listen to podcasts!#this took a bit to compile so apologies for any bad links or typos #recs

489 notes · View notes