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jesuis-melodrama · 1 year

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My Favourite Reasons For Why the Great War Started

1. Revolutionary Justice in an Unequal Caste-System Society.

I adore the IDW comics, it's the second Transformers media I consumed after the franchised Michael Bay films, and let me tell you – I was not expecting all these heavy explorations into bot psyche, romance, societal injustice, and redemption. Really, it seriously surprised me, I never expected to see actual canonical romance in the Transformers universe, it always struck me as the type of medium to focus on action first.

So – thank you, James Roberts and Alex Milne.

There's so many characters and arcs I could talk about – Cyclonus and Tailgate and Whirl; Chromedome and Rewind; poor poor Shockwave; whatever's going on with Prowl; Starscream, Bumblebee, and Windblade attempting to scrape Cybertron back together; that one time Rodimus and Megatron's charisma was so awe-inspiring, it made personality parasites explode – but I want to focus on how the Great War began in IDW.

It's the first media to suggest Megatron not as a power-hungry tyrant, but formerly as a member of Cybertron's suppressed working class forced to labour due to the alt-mode he was born with. Sick of and unwilling to accept the subjugation imposed upon him and fellow mechs like him, Megatron rises from miner to gladiator who eventually becomes powerful enough to seize power as a revolutionary and then ascends to the image of the all-mighty Lord Megatron that is synonymous with his name.

Optimus, on the other hand, had somewhat humble beginnings as a strict but fair and righteous police captain named Orion Pax struggling to provide justice in a society deeply embedded with corruption.

Although both Megatron and Optimus sought to revolutionise Cybertron into a world where all bots are equal and uninhibited from potential and free will by their alt-modes, they had very different ideologies and motivations on how and why to reach this goal. Megatron, especially, loses his way and path eventually, and continued his slaughter not for the means to an end, but because he began to crave the "pleasure" from the act.

Optimus didn't escape unscathed from tragic ramifications either: the mantle of leadership as the war dragged on for thousands of millennia weighed heavily upon him, so much that his later psyche in the comics could be described as suicidal.

But whatever that infects these two old bots in the future, young Megatron and Optimus were, in some strange way, allies, out of mutual respect and acknowledgement of the other if nothing else.

The war was initiated and continued by them, because they both believed in a better Cybertron, and millions of years later, thousands of atrocities after, unspeakable acts of war crimes, the Great War ended with both of them remembering what they were fighting for in the first place.

IDW's concept that Megatron was a gladiator turned revolutionary and Orion Pax became Optimus Prime who was inspired by Megatron's words made its way to the Transformers: Prime animated series, allowing this universe's rendition of the two titans to be voiced by Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the legends themselves.

2. Lord Prime and Lord High Protector

Whatever contentions (of the many) that may be had with Michael Bay's re-imagining of this iconic franchise; you've gotta admit: the designs were cool.

Bay gave us Megatron's ram-head helmet, the astonishing CGI transformations, and the adorable Bumblebee design that has since become a classic of the character.

And according to Chris McFeely's video on the Great War, apparently, Bay's Transformers is the first Transformers media to introduce the idea that Megatron and Optimus had personal pre-war relations, some intimate form of brotherhood and camaraderie, while other adaptations at this point only alluded to their connection as rival leaders who rose to power at roughly the same time.

Bay took it a step further; Megatron isn't simply an opportunistic warlord making a grab for power, he was once a legitimate ruler holding an equal throne besides Optimus.

That's right, Bay crafted the title of Lord High Protector, a Cybertronian ruler of high status with authority over military affairs, ruling in tandem with the Lord Prime, Optimus, who was in charge of more civilian and spiritual duties.

It's interesting, this idea, because it implies far more depth to Optimus and Megatron's history, they must have been ruling together for quite some time before Megatron fastened his greedy claws on the All Spark.

I, for one, am curious in a series that explores how they ruled Cybertron together and how exactly this fracture came to be.

3. Megatron Dunks on a Dock Worker for the Fun of It

The classics of the classics, the first Transformers show to place the universe on the map: the archetypal G1 cartoon series that featured wacky shenanigans such as battling dinosaurs on a remote island or Soundwave and his Cassettes dancing with teenagers at a local gymnasium party.

G1 followed a very traditional hero-vs-villain formula, inspired by the Cold War tension at the time of airing and writing; there was no personal connections or noble aspirations for an equal society – Megatron was simply a campy, formidable scoundrel who yearned for power and Optimus Prime was the honourable, paternal everyday hero who rose to be the leader of the force resisting him and his army (at this point, Prime wasn't even a title, it was just Optimus' last name!).

Optimus Prime still had a previous form of Orion Pax, a dock worker rather than a police officer or an archivist, and Megatron was once an admired figure of Orion's, whose parasocial adoration was disintegrated when Megatron blew up Orion's workplace, critically injuring him and girlfriend, Ariel (soon to be Elita-1), and de-activating best friend, Dion. From the ashes of destruction, reconstructed by Alpha Trion, Orion became the battle-masked, audial-finned, red and blue paragon of justice that shouldered the burden of command in the war against Megatron and his evil Deceptions.

#transformers #idw #bayverse #prime #g1 #optimus prime #orion pax #megatron #analysis

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weirdowithaquill · 7 months

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Traintober 2023 is Here!

Now, I can't draw - and I'm a writer anyway, so here's 31 days worth of headcanons, rambles and short stories based on the Traintober prompts by @theflyingkipper. First time doing this, so it ought to be fun!

This is the master post, so it'll have all the links you need to find what I post this year. This page will also have this link to my Ao3 work which has the same stuff, but without pictures.

Day 1: Free Day (A ramble about preservation and Sodor) Day 2: Bridge (Rheneas, 1866) Day 3: Twins (Neil, Bill and Ben) Day 4: Devious (Diesel will forever be the most devious) Day 5: It's Only Me! (Sir Topham Hatt and Edward, a friendship in three words...) Day 6: Special Letters (A Tale of Two A1 Brothers...) Day 7: Refreshment (The Refreshment Lady is retiring...) Day 8: Bird (Cranky blames Henry for it all...) Day 9: Viaduct (Neil doesn't like the Viaduct...) Day 10: Happiest (The Engines are Happiest when...) Day 11: Roundhouse (Edward doesn't like Tidmouth Sheds...) Day 12: Something Borrowed (Maybe don't Borrow Henrietta...) Day 13: Something New (Gordon's new life on the slow trains...) Day 14: Young Iron (Ivo Hugh has some advice for a young engine...) Day 15: Maintenance (Duke Needs the Others to be Well Maintained...) Day 16: Purpose (What is an engine's purpose?) Day 17: Holiday (How Tourism on Sodor has evolved...) Day 18: Blueprints (Crovan's Gate is home to many blueprints...) Day 19: Revolutionary (What are the origins of the iconic phrase?...) Day 20: Live Wire (Edward didn't much like the telegraph wires...) Day 21: Roots (Terence does not like weeds...) Day 22: Top Hat (Sir Topham Hatt I decides to visit the railway...) Day 23: Big World (Duck manages to squirm into the BWBA movie...) Day 24: Odd Jobs (Rusty has many odd jobs...) Day 25: Distress Signal (What's out in Tidmouth Bay...) Day 26: Summit (James and the Culdee Fell Engine...) Day 27: Record-Breaker (Mallard broke the record; the record broke Mallard) Day 28: Which Way Now (An engine gets lost in the fog...) Day 29: Out of Service (Oliver wasn't the only engine in that siding...) Day 30: Middle of Nowhere (They should have left that part of the island alone) Day 31: Lights Out (Don't let the lights go out at Crovan's Gate)

#fanfiction writer #railway series #weirdowithaquill #thomas the tank engine #railways #traintober #traintober 2023 #ttte #masterlist #ao3 link

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datcloudboi · 4 months

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List of Films Turning 10 Years Old in 2024

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

American Sniper

Annie (the remake starring Jamie Foxx)

As Above, So Below

The Babadook (we stan a gay icon)

Batman: Assault on Arkham (a direct continuation of the Batman: Arkham games)

Big Eyes

Big Hero 6

Birdman (won the Best Picture Oscar for this year)

The Book of Life

The Boxtrolls

Boyhood (filmed over the course of 12 years)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Chef

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead

Dear White People (the basis for the TV series on Netflix, and made by the same guy)

Dracula Untold (this was Universal’s second attempt at launching the Dark Universe)

The Drop (a crime drama starring Tom Hardy)

Edge of Tomorrow/Live Die Repeat

The Equalizer

Exodus: Gods and Kings (a biblical epic directed by Ridley Scott)

The Expendables 3

The Fault in Our Stars

Foxcatcher

Fury (the war movie with Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf)

Get on Up (the James Brown biopic starring Chadwick Boseman)

Godzilla (the 1st film in the MonsterVerse)

Gone Girl

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1

The Guest

Hercules (the one starring The Rock)

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (did you guys know the working title for this movie was “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”?)

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

If I Stay

The Imitation Game (the movie where Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing)

Inherent Vice

Interstellar

The Interview (the movie that almost caused World War 3)

Into the Woods

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jodorowsky's Dune (a documentary about the Dune movie that we never got)

Joe (one of Nic Cage's best movies)

John Wick (the 1st one)

Kill the Messenger

Left Behind (one of Nic Cage's worst movies)

The Lego Movie

Life After Beth

Lucy ((the “humans only use 10% of their brain” movie. Which has since been proven false. Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/ )

Maleficent

The Maze Runner

A Million Ways to Die in the Weset

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Muppets Most Wanted

Need for Speed (Aaron Paul's first project after "Breaking Bad" ended)

Neighbors

Night of the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (the third one. Also one of Robin Williams’ last movies)

Nightcrawler

Noah (a biblical epic directed by Darren Aronofsky)

Non-Stop

The Nut Job

Obvious Child

Oculus (one of the 1st projects from Mike Flanagan)

Ouija

Paddington

Penguins of Madagascar

The Purge: Anarchy

The Raid 2

RoboCop (the reboot that was actually decent)

Selma

Sharknado 2

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Son of Batman

St. Vincent

The Taking of Deborah Logan

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the one produced by Michael Bay. It’s also the one where the Turtles look like aliens)

The Theory of Everything (the movie where Eddie Redmayne plays Stephen Hawking)

Third Person

300: Rise of an Empire

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Tusk

22 Jump Street

Veronica Mars (the film continuation of the TV show)

A Walk Among the Tombstones

What If? (a rom-com starring Daniel Radcliffe)

What We Do in the Shadows (the film that was the basis for the TV show)

When Marnie Was There

Whiplash

X-Men: Days of Future Past

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mosertone · 8 months

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via James Howard Kunstler's "Eyesore of the Month" : This beast sets sail in January of 2024. Ask yourself: what sort of economy supports a venture like this? And what if it isn’t there anymore when this thing is ready to launch?

Behold, Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, Icon of the Seas. Well, okay, but icon of what, exactly, of the seas? Of the wretched excess that the cruise industry is sending forth to sail the oceans blue? I remind you: societies build their most extravagant monuments just before they collapse. This looks like the perfect vehicle for partying at the end-of-the-world (that is, the world as we know it). This monstrosity is so huge — equivalent of a 20-story building — that the promoters say it has “neighborhoods.” Below is the Royal Bay Pool in the new “Chill Island neighborhood.” Very posh, indeed. Excludes all the waddling, land-whales of the lower decks with their slushies and burritos in-hand.

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asexualtuckerfoley · 1 month

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#911 #911 abc #op

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fymoonbyul · 11 months

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[ARTICLE] Review: K-pop group MAMAMOO keep the ‘Mic On’ for a powerful performance during Bay Area concert debut

At their packed Oakland Arena stop during their debut “My Con” world tour, veteran K-pop girl group Mamamoo put the spotlight on one of the most underutilized concert instruments: the wireless microphone.

It’s no secret that many K-pop performances rely heavily on pre-recorded vocals, but Mamamoo bucked the trend Friday, June 2, serving up live vocals as well as looks. Hitting the stage in white blouses, bustiers and toreador leggings tucked into black knee-high boots, the quartet — Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa — was dressed to slay. But it was vocal performances on songs like “Make Me Happy,” “Paint Me” and “Star Wind Flower Sun” where they killed.

Mamamoo’s tour title “My Con” forms a portmanteau of “Mic On,” a nod to the name of their latest EP and the way they used their mics onstage. Moonbyul offered additional rationale that received lusty cheers from fans.

“The meaning of the tour is that Moomoos (Mamamoo fans) all over the world are coming together to make this concert happen,” she told the audience through a translator.

For more than two hours, Mamamoo showed why they’re one of the most fearless and well-rounded groups in K-pop since breaking onto the scene in 2014. Solar and Wheein form a potent singing tandem — Solar has R&B in her veins, and Wheein is a pop expressionist — while Hwasa and Moonbyul are double agents, contributing vocals and raps.

Mamamoo’s choreography was also satisfying with top-class execution and clean lines despite carrying handheld mics during the show. They were visually accentuated by eight female backup dancers and four outfit changes throughout the night.

The group’s live vocals gave credence to the “mic on” theory, though some assistive vocals could be detected to the naked ear, especially when members lowered their handhelds to complete a choreographed move.

While Mamamoo didn’t perform with a live band, the instrumental tracks sounded freshly recorded and retooled, which gave their songs a punchy, spontaneous feel — from the drumstick count-off to the big clattery toms-and-cymbals finishes.

Mamamoo injected fresh life into the solo medley portion of the show, by individually covering each other’s key solo tracks: Solar sang Wheein’s “Water Color” and Wheein performed Solar’s “Honey,” while Hwasa covered Moonbyul’s “Eclipse” and Moonbyul did Hwasa’s “Twit.”

The songs even received their own distinctive spotlight and dance routine, showing off each member’s versatility and creativity. The group came together for a performance of four more solo snippets, with Hwasa’s “Maria” receiving the biggest response as the performers executed Hwasa’s iconic body rolls during the number, a move akin to seeing James Brown do the splits.

But the night didn’t all go according to script. During the upbeat “Starry Night,” the group got a case of the giggles and broke character, before regaining composure to finish the song. Also, there were lulls as well as lolz. Three interstitial pre-recorded video segments (“VCRs” in K-pop speak) slowed momentum to a crawl. One segment lasting seven minutes — an eternity in concert time — showed group members enjoying a meal and talking shop. These would have been better served as pre-show entertainment for folks settling into their seats.

With nine years of music to pull from, it’s fair to assume that some fan favorites would not make the cut. But leaving the 2020 pick-me-up anthem “Dingga” off the setlist felt like a crucial miss. The quarantine-era hit was meant to be played in this exact setting, with everyone back in a concert hall again.

If the main concert served up stylistic amuse-bouches, the four-song encore was a pop feast. Reappearing in denim and tour merch, the women vibed along with the audience to “Travel,” “Yes I Am,” “L.I.E.C,” and closed with their effervescent early hit, “Um Oh Ah Yeah.”

The encore summed up nearly a decade of influence, showing how all-around talent, experience, fearlessness and versatility are keys to longevity.

#mamamoo #era:mic on #t:article #230604

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chrryblssmninja · 4 months

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top nine first time watches of 2023 tagged by @dizzymoods

this accidentally posted while I was working on alt text during a work break, so not everything is complete but the photos align with the text below.

#1 top film and theater experience of the year) watching Fremont in Fremont as a former Fremont resident

(2023, Babak Jalali)

2) Animalia (Parmi nous) via Sundance streaming

(2023, Sofia Alaoui)

becomes a truly mystical experience. like ppl are gonna make comparisons with certain Soviet films but let this one stand on its own pls

3) Bravo, Burkina (2023 , Walé Oyéjidé) via Sundance streaming

4) Cry of the City (1948, Robert Siodmak) at Noir City.

My fave of the films I was able to catch at the various festivals here throughout the SF Bay, though for top experience I was grateful to finally get to the Castro Theatre for two SF Silent Film screenings before Another Planet changes the seats...

5) The Blazing Sun (Siraa Fil-Wadi) (1954, Youssef Chahine)

screencap found here

6) There is No Evil (Sheytân vojūd nadârad)

(2020, Mohammad Rasoulof)

The "Bella ciao" scene alone is iconic! Yet it is just one moment within a devastating and strident cinematic statement.

7) And Then We Danced (Da chven vitsek'vet)

(2019, Levan Akin)

If you have had any rigorous dance training, you can tell how good this film is- down in the details, telling story through movement.

8) Journey to Epcot Center: A Symphonic History

(2023, Defunctland/Kevin Perjurer)

screencap found here

I SUPPORT KEVIN IN ALL HIS ENDEAVORS

9) Baticano (2023, Stillz)

Imagine my surprise when I turn my TV and one of the best modern homages to German Expressionism and 30's-50's Western studio horror, starring Bad Bunny as Nosferatu and Steve Buscemi as a "mad scientist." The depths of the black parts of the screen alone... pure! black! contrast! Not the telltale flat digital black-gray!

Benito may be no Max Schreck, but Stillz was on a roll for the rapper's videos last year, and now I feel less... embarrassed? that I was repeatedly hypnotized by the hyper-Coachella vibes of the "Where She Goes" video... Stillz has skills.

Or at least knows how to shoot what I like.

Runners-up are many, but I want to highlight:

a) a small but solid run of horror viewing in October, from the adrenaline of As Above So Below to all the subtext James Whale snuck into The Old Dark House. Doctor Jekyll and Sister Hyde should be counted as one of the best Hammer horrors imo. On the borders of the horror were Mother Joan of the Angels, La Llorona, and the more witchy fantasy The Five Devils.

b) sidestep into Indonesia with May the Devil Take You, which may not be at the tip top levels of Impetigore but still a uniquely wild ride. Headshot sets standards on the action side, and you can definitely spot Gareth Evans' Indonesian industry training in his English folk-action-horror foray Apostle.

#the life and times of chrry

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linuxgamenews · 2 months

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Introducing Please Touch The Artwork 2 A Free Hidden Object Adventure Game

Please Touch The Artwork 2 releases the hidden object adventure game playable on Linux with Windows PC. Thomas Waterzooi's exceptional development skills have played a pivotal role in this achievement. Available now on Steam with 100% Positive reviews. So, today's a big day in the world of digital art and hidden object adventure! Please Touch The Artwork 2 has just hit the scene and this release is totally free. You can also play it on your smartphone or tablet from the Apple Appstore or Google Play. Or if you're more of a desktop fan, it's available on Linux via Windows / Mac through Steam. At least until the native release is available. And here's the best part – it's all about pure, unadulterated fun with zero ads, hidden fees, or paid DLC. This is all about enjoying at your own pace, without any pesky interruptions. Still due to receive a native build. The Please Touch The Artwork 2 release takes you deep into the world of James Ensor, a legend in Belgian Modern Art. The game is a playful stroll through his iconic works. It's not just about looking at art – it's about engaging with it in a unique way. You're there to help out some quirky characters by finding lost items and fixing up the paintings. It's a blend of art appreciation and a bit of detective work, all wrapped up in a fun, short trip. The thing about this release is that Please Touch The Artwork 2 is backed by the Flemish Government. Celebrating both the Belgian EU Presidency 2024 and the 75th anniversary of Ensor's passing. The idea is to make art accessible to everyone, and making this adventure free is a big step towards that.

Please Touch The Artwork 2 - Release Trailer

youtube

The gameplay? It's like stepping into a hand-painted world where you assist a skeleton artist. Your task is to collect hidden items for the people and solve puzzles along the way. The artwork comes straight from Ensor's collection, giving you an authentic experience of his style. Here's what you can look forward to:

Exploring Five Unique Worlds: Each world is a gateway into Ensor's mesmerizing art, filled with mysteries and hidden treasures.

Hints for Tough Spots: If you ever get stuck, the Please Touch The Artwork 2 release offers hints to help you out, keeping the frustration at bay.

Simple and Intuitive Controls: The point-and-click style makes navigation a breeze, and the zoom function lets you get up close and personal with every detail.

Casual, Hand-Painted Art: The interactive elements and animations are straight out of Ensor's own works, bringing a unique life to the experience.

Relaxing Soundscapes: The audio is just as immersive as the visuals, creating a calm and captivating atmosphere.

Highly Accessible: It's light-hearted, playful, and suitable for pretty much anyone looking to dive into a cozy art adventure.

So, if you're into exploring new and creative worlds, the Please Touch The Artwork 2 release is worth checking out. The game is a fresh take on art, puzzles, and storytelling, and it's all just a download away on Steam. Available to play on Linux via Proton with Windows PC.

#please touch the artwork 2 #hidden object game #linux #gaming news #thomas waterzooi #ubuntu #windows #pc #unity #Youtube

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legit9thlunaticwarrior · 1 year

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i decided to give reader new music. still the 'illusion' but the idea in my head is that's the heel song, yk? also there might be a little extra part with the full day in arcadia bay so stay tuned

|remember to leave feedback and i love all you heathens|

~Part I~

'The Very First Night: Part II' Angelo Parker (Jeff) x fem!reader

^secret love song by little mix is the only thing im gonna say^

- Wheeler Yuta (James) - there was nothing you could do to stop me from putting life is strange stuff in this, arcadia bay will be a common thing in my work just deal with me - im also aware of how dynamite and rampage are filmed but for the sake of this, im throwing it out the window - it got long, by accident

3rd Person POV

Sneaking around and dodging questions; that was what the days consisted of since the lipstick incident. When the sun fell and the moon rose, that was when they could see each other. Jeff would go to her hotel room and spend the night, only to be gone in the morning; but not without leaving a sweet note beside her.

Dynamite had come around to Y/N's home of Arcadia Bay, Oregon. It was also the show that everyone would hear from her. In all the years Bryan had known her, he's never seen her this excited. Since they got to the arena, the group saw sign after sign for their hometown hero. "Do you want any of us out there with you?" Claudio asked as she got ready to go to the ring, "No, but just be on standby. I have a feeling Jericho and his goons are upset about last week." She responded as it was time to go.

'For it is just an Illusion' playing before her new theme. She brought back 'Psychedelic Girl' by Twirl for her music, the Bay crowd knowing it well. Coming out of the face tunnel still felt strange to her, dressed in a BCC shirt, denim shorts, and her iconic creepers; giving fans highfives as she made her way to the ring. Once inside, she couldn't help but keep her signature; she took the belt off, held it up, and licked the main plate. "This title belongs to me." she always said. She put the belt back on and grabbed the mic. "Arcadia Bay, Oregon; I'm home!" The roar of her people had a few tears slipping. "It truly is so amazing to be back, standing here All Elite, as a member of the Blackpool Combat Club, as the Ring of Honor Women's World Champion, and as an Arcadian. For the time we're here in the Bay, just call me Y/N. I mean this is my home; why not use my real name at home?" Before she could continue, just as she thought, here came the goons. "Y/N, Y/N, no wonder you decided to join those guys; look where you're from. I mean, you say you bring honor to that title? Licking it like a harlot?" Chris started. They all made their way to the ring and the rest of her own gang came out. Jeff couldn't lie; he did flinch a little when Chris called her that; but he knew he had to play along. She'll understand. The ring was full and ready for a fight. "Chris, I wouldn't trash talk these people, we in AB love a good fight. And you wanna talk about honor? Let's talk about all the stunts you pulled when you had the title. I see you're still sore after the loss." "Oh no, we have an offer for you. See, the Jericho Appreciation Society's own Anna Jay A.S. has her eye on that title, so how about it?" Y/N scoffed and looked at Anna and Chris, "Oh? She wants the title? My women’s title? Because right now, it sounds like a little girl needing daddy to do the talking for her. But, who am I to turn down a quick win? I know Anna over there has a match tonight. If she wins with all your lackeys banned from ringside, see you at Rampage. If she doesn't," Y/N got closer to Anna, "Better luck next time, princess." Anna slapped Y/N but she bounced back to the other woman's surprise, "Jokes on you, I'm into that. I look forward to your match Anna." Just to mess with him, she shot a wink to Jeff, making him flush. "Now, get out of my ring." "I started my journey here all those years ago, and so many of you here tonight have stuck with me since. Thank you." That was all Jeff was able to hear while watching on the backstage screens over the nasty comments about Y/N.

And so it was, Y/N sat on commentary during Anna's match. Back and fourth banter with the men at the desk, "Y/N I have to ask, who did that wink go to?" "Oh Taz, who am I to give up secrets? They may not want to admit it, but I know those JASholes very well. I know some of them better than others." She said casually. "And the slap? That was quite an interesting response." Y/N smirked, "I like to mess with my opponents. Those who know, know." Anna had won with the Queen Slayer and the match was over, "Well gentlemen, I came back to the Bay as the champ, and I will leave as the champ. Goodnight."

The next morning, Jeff and Y/N met for breakfast at the diner she always went to growing up. Her friend's stepdad was nice enough to let her borrow the pickup for the time they were there. Two Whales she looked up at the sign and walked in, "Y/N!" Joyce, her childhood best friend's mom greeted as she walked around the counter to hug her. "Hey Joyce!" "It's so amazing to see you honey. Look at you all grown up." The diner held many memories for Y/N, "I've missed this place, Joy. That jukebox still messed up?" she laughed. "Ritchie just won't listen that it needs to be fixed; or thrown out at this point. Oh, Max and Chloe send their love. We wish we could be at your shows but they couldn't make it from Washington. I had it on the TV last night, all the bikers couldn't believe it was you." Joyce had briefly filled Y/N in about her high school best friends when she remembered, "I shouldn't be taking your time; there's a handsome young man waiting for you. What's this one's name?" Y/N turned her head to the booths to see Jeff sitting there with a grin on his face, having watched the entire encounter. "Jeff. We work together, kinda." "When he said he was waiting for you, I had to put him in your booth." The booth in question was the one she and her friends always sat in; littered with graffiti and carvings.

She made her way over and sat down, "Sorry. Joyce is just the type you can get lost in a conversation with. She was always like a mother to me." "Don't be sorry. I know how much this place means to you. I can tell you always loved wrestling by this;" he pointed to the carving clearly done by her hands 'Principal Wells can SUCK IT' "Yeah, Chloe and I had gotten suspended after a little brawl with some of the mean girls. I was always a DX kid." she reminisced as her finger traced the memory on the table. Jeff gently took her hand in his and they shared a look. It can't be, yet.

"Alright lovebirds, what do you want to eat?" Joyce asked. "I've been dying for your famous pancakes since the plane landed." The older woman looked over, "What about you, baby?" "I remember hearing about how good the french toast is here." Joyce wrote it down and left the two. "I can't believe you remember that." "I remember a lot, Dollface." The name made her blush, having not heard it in so long. "I remember that you, Chloe, and Max have matching tattoos; the one on the inside of your bicep. Let me see it again?" Y/N pulled her jacket off to show the smiling omelette, french toast, and pancake with the three girls' initials.

Some time had passed and Joyce came back, "Here you go, eat up kids." Y/N had to take a picture for her friends, "Smile." she told him. Jeff had a goofy smile and two peace signs up and then she took a picture of just the food. "You were right, this is amazing." He told her. "Joyce is a great cook. I miss sleepovers at the Price house and waking up to the smell of home-cooked breakfast and the sound of cartoons." They continued eating until, "Hey, how did you get here, by the way?" He looked up at her "Taxi? Why?" She laughed a little in shock. "I should have told you; public transportation here isn't the best. I'm driving for the rest of the day." "Oh come on, what kind of man would I be if I couldn't drive you around?" She smiled at the sentiment, he was always a perfect gentleman. "Unless you can drive an old pickup truck and navigate the Bay, I'm driving. We're in my hometown, I wanna show you around. You can plan the next." He felt all warm at the sound of 'the next'.

Y/N led him to the counter but Joyce stopped them both from paying, "On the house. Hometown hero special." She tried to push back but Joyce stopped her, "No baby, keep that belt and keep representing this place. I'm proud of you." "Thanks Joyce. I'll probably be back before I leave. I just wanna see oonee thing." She spoke as she hugged the woman in front of her. Y/N just had to check out the jukebox; was it still there? Jeff leaned on the counter and watch Y/N mess with the machine when Joyce started talking to him, "Now I've not kept up with wrestling since the girls were teens but weren't you with the people against her last night?" He looked down, "Yeah. The people I'm with and the people she's with kinda, hate each other. I wish none of us interacted so her and I didn't have to sneak around." "Sneak around? Oh honey, the way you two look at each other? She was also so focused on making it in the industry that she never really dated, but the way she looks at you and how she told me your name; that girl loves you." Joyce saw the blush in his cheeks. "I hope she does, because I lo-" "Oh ho yes! It's still there!" Y/N exclaimed "Jeff, come here." He stood behind her and looked over her shoulder, "I guess the music in this thing hasn't changed because it still has 'To All of You'. Kinda makes me think of you these days." "That's sweet." They left the diner and he was genuinely shocked at the truck in front of him; a mustard-yellow, busted and rusty pickup truck with the most beautiful woman standing by the hood. "Our chariot awaits."

Rampage

"Ready to retain?" James asked as the two of them waited by the tunnel. She asked him to accompany her because they were the closest. "More than." "I have to ask: who were you with yesterday? At that diner?" Referring to the pictures on social media she posted. You could tell that she was with a guy, but who it was was a mystery. "Just a friend from high school. We were partners in, chemistry class." Good lie. She thought, because he bought it. "Let's go!" Anna was in the ring and she brought Jeff with her. Great. Y/N and James walked out of the tunnel to nothing but cheers and love. They got in the ring together and she showed her own love for the crowd. She leaned against the ringpost with James on the apron. Even sending a little kiss to Jeff as, what looked like, a taunt. "And from Arcadia Bay, Oregon, she is the Ring of Honor Women's World Champion, Y/R/N" She took the belt off as she stood in the middle of the ring, licking the title before handing it off to Bryce. He signaled for the bell and it was off to the races. "C'mon princess, show me what you got!" She yelled at Anna.

At some point, Y/N had taken a nasty hit that hurt her arm; but there was no stopping her from keeping this title around her waist. Anna must have learned her lesson because she somehow kicked out of the Hypnosis pumpkick. She thought Y/N was down and decided to gloat but the 'Illusion' had another trick up her sleeve. She got up without her noticing and put Anna in the Deep Sleep chokehold; it only took about ten seconds for her to go night-night. "Here is your winner and still the Ring of Honor Women's World Champion, Y/R/N" Bryce held her arm up but flinched at the pain a bit. Jeff had gotten in the ring at some point because when she turned around, he was there. 'What are you doing?!' she mouthed. Think fast. "You want some of this, Loverboy?" she got in his face and it took everything in the both of them not to say fuck it and kiss. He went to touch her hurt arm but James pulled her away. As they walked up the ramp, she tried to look pissed off but she just couldn't; but James saw how they both looked at each other.

What the fuck is going on with her? he thought about his best friend.

~~~~~~~

lovely taglist babes (comment to be added) @josiewrites @slut4kennyomega @wwenhlimagines @plentyoffandoms @auburnwrites @sunshinevirus @im-just-a-mississippi-girl

#donna writes #‘the very first night’; series #aew #angelo parker #jeff parker #angelo parker x reader #angelo parker fanfiction #angelo parker imagine #aew fanfiction #aew x reader #wrestling fluff #life is strange

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goltravel · 2 months

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Can I visit Thailand beach for the Holidays?

Thailand's beaches, with their powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, beckon travelers to indulge in the ultimate tropical escape. Thailand beach package holidays offer a seamless blend of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant coastal experiences. Let's dive into the allure of these sun-kissed blissful getaways that showcase the best of Thailand's coastal treasures.

Phuket Paradise - The Pearl of the Andaman

Begin your beach holiday with the crown jewel of Thailand's islands – Phuket. Beach package holidays to Phuket immerse travelers in the island's diverse offerings. From the lively Patong Beach with its vibrant nightlife to the serene Kata and Karon beaches, Phuket caters to every beach lover's preference. Water activities, beachside dining, and stunning sunsets complete the Phuket beach experience.

Koh Phi Phi Magic - Tropical Island Paradise

Venture to the enchanting archipelago of Koh Phi Phi for a slice of tropical paradise. Thailand beach packages often include visits to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, where travelers can explore hidden coves, snorkel in clear waters, and witness the iconic Maya Bay. Whether seeking vibrant beach parties or secluded tranquility, Koh Phi Phi delivers a tropical dream.

Krabi's Coastal Charms - Nature's Masterpiece

Krabi, with its limestone cliffs and emerald waters, is a must-visit on Thailand beach holidays. Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, boasts stunning landscapes and rock-climbing adventures. The Four Islands Tour, including visits to Phra Nang Cave Beach and Tup Island, offers a mix of relaxation and exploration, making Krabi a coastal masterpiece.

Koh Samui Serenity - Island Retreat

Koh Samui, known for its palm-fringed beaches and lush landscapes, provides a serene retreat on beach package holidays. Chaweng Beach offers vibrant nightlife, while Lamai Beach exudes a more laid-back vibe. Explore the Ang Thong Marine Park for snorkeling adventures or simply unwind on the pristine beaches – Koh Samui promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Phang Nga Bay Marvels - Tranquil Elegance

A beach holiday in Thailand is incomplete without exploring the marvels of Phang Nga Bay. The iconic limestone cliffs, sea caves, and emerald-green waters create a tranquil and elegant setting. Thailand beach packages often include boat tours through the bay, allowing travelers to witness James Bond Island and the unique beauty of this coastal wonder.

Thailand beach package holidays weave together the sun-kissed bliss of Phuket, the tropical magic of Koh Phi Phi, the coastal charms of Krabi, the serene retreat of Koh Samui, and the tranquil elegance of Phang Nga Bay. Whether seeking lively beach scenes, secluded coves, or natural wonders, these packages ensure that every traveler finds their perfect slice of Thai coastal paradise. We are Gol Travels dealing with Maldives, Lakshadweep, Malaysia, Thailand and Bali

#Thailand Beaches #Beach Holidays #Phuket #Koh Phi Phi #krabithailand #Koh Samui #Phang Nga Bay #Tropical Paradise #Island Getaway #Travel Destinations #Adventure Travel #Beach Life #Travel Photography #wanderlust #Vacation Inspiration

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deep-dive · 1 year

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2022

albums: Alex G - God Save the Animals Alex G - We're All Going to the World's Fair Anthony Naples + DJ Python - Air Texture VIII Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You Björk - Fossora Bladee & Ecco2k - Crest Broadcast - Maida Vale Sessions Carla dal Forno - Come Around Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time Cass McCombs - Heartmind Charli XCX - Crash Daphni - Cherry Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn - Pigments Hikaru Utada - Bad Mode Huerco S. - Plonk Isabella Lovestory - Amor Hardcore Junior Boys - Waiting Game Kali Malone - Living Torch Malibu - Palaces of Pity Marina Herlop - Pripyat Oren Ambarchi - Shebang Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling & Andreas Werliin - Ghosted Organ Tapes - 唱着那无人问津的歌谣 / Chang Zhe Na Wu Ren Wen Jin De Ge Yao Phoenix - Alpha Zulu Physical Therapy - Teardrops on My Garage PPJ - Trindade Rachika Nayar - Heaven Come Crashing Raum - Daughter Sally Shapiro - Sad Cities Sam Prekop - The Sparrow Sam Prekop & John McEntire - Sons Of Shinichi Atobe - Love of Plastic Shygirl - Nymph The Soft Pink Truth - Is It Going to Get Any Deeper Than This? Torus & DJ Lostboi - The Flash Two Shell - Icons The Weeknd - Dawn FM William Basinski & Janek Schaefer - “ . . . On Reflection “

songs: Alex G - JLB's Drawing Bibio - Off Goes the Light Björk - Ancestress (ft. Sindri Eldon) Bladee & Ecco2k - Faust Bladee & Ecco2k - The Flag is Raised Call Super - Swallow Me Carla dal Forno - Side by Side Carly Rae Jepsen - Anxious Carly Rae Jepsen - Talking to Yourself Cass McCombs - Belong to Heaven CFCF - After the After (Bodysync Remix) Charli XCX - Sorry If I Hurt You Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul - Haha Coco & Clair Clair - Bad Lil Vibe Cole Pulice - City in a City Daphni - Take Two Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn - Sandstone Demi Lovato - Substance DJ Heartstring - Can't Stop the Night Doss - Look (All Night Mix) Doss - Strawberry (Singin' Club Mix) Double Virgo - Kicked Out by Seven Ecco2k & Bladee - Amygdala Ela Minus & DJ Python - Pájaros En Verano Embaci - Tiniest Whisper Hikaru Utada - Somewhere Near Marseilles Hudson Mohawke - Bicstan Isabella Lovestory - Exibisionista Job - Lore Junior Boys - Thinking About You Calms Me Down Kelela - On the Run Luis - Jack Anderson Malibu - Iliad Marina Herlop - Abans Abans Merely - The Killing Sun Mr Twin Sister - Resort Mura Masa & Erika de Casier - e-motions Objekt - Ballast Oren Ambarchi - I Organ Tapes - Burnout Organ Tapes - heaven can wait Physical Therapy - Chain Reaction PinkPantheress - Boy's a liar PPJ - Dar Um (Lauer Remix) Purelink - Butterfly Jam Rachika Nayar - Gayatri Raum - Walk together Sally Shapiro - Sad City SG Lewis & Tove Lo - Call on Me (SG's Dub Edit) Shinichi Atobe - Love of Plastic 1 Shygirl - Firefly Two Shell - Unrequited Yasmine - Doce Atração Yung Lean - Lips Yves Tumor - God Is a Circle

games: Elden Ring Kirby and the Forgotten Land Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Signalis Sonic Frontiers Squaredle Tactics Ogre: Reborn

film: Aftersun (Charlotte Wells) Ambulance (Michael Bay) Avatar: The Way of Water (James Cameron) Crimes of the Future (David Cronenberg) Decision to Leave (Park Chan-wook) I Thought the World of You (Kurt Walker) Jackass Forever (Jeff Tremaine) Kimi (Steven Soderbergh) Nope (Jordan Peele) Orphan: First Kill (William Brent Bell) Pacifiction (Albert Serra) Sharp Stick (Lena Dunham) Stars at Noon (Claire Denis) Tár (Todd Field) Three Thousand Years of Longing (George Miller)

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tcr55 · 6 months

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Sydney’s Clovelly is an iconic but odd swimming spot. The actual beach is often a place of washed up seaweed, so most of the swimming happens in the Geoff James ocean pool (behind me) or in the bay you can see.

On a grey morning, there are people out there doing the swim from one side of the bay across to the other but I don’t think you can see them.

#sydney #dawn #clouds #Clovelly #ocean #landscape

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ausetkmt · 4 months

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World-renowned Egyptologist, Grand Kemetician Dr. Yosef Alfredo Antonio ben-Jochannan, affectionately known as “Dr. Ben,” will be laid to rest April 10 at Ferncliff Cemetery in Ardsley, N.Y., after a service at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church.

It promises to be a tremendous affair, with people coming from all over the African Diaspora to pay their respects to the prolific author and unrelenting historian.

Professor James Small, international vice president of the Organization of Afro-American Unity told the Amsterdam News, “We are inviting the international community to come and celebrate the life of one of our greatest ancestors, the man who almost singlehandedly took Egypt from white intellectuals and white academia and gave it back to its rightful owners, the African people of the world.”

Surrounded by his family at Bay Park Nursing Home in the Bronx, Jochannan, 97, made his transition March 19 at 3:30 a.m.

Tributes have come in from all over the world, and the Amsterdam News website and phone lines have been flooded with inquiries about details of the funeral.

Commenting on last week’s story (http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2015/mar/26/dr-ben-makes-his-transition-funeral-details-announ), Delinda Wills Thomas said, “Dr. Ben, Black Man of the Nile, maestro, icon, genius … my first teacher of TRUTHS of our people … African or Black people … I will forever remember Dr. Ben by allowing his African-centered teachings and my learning to spread around the globe … History is delicious food to my mind, music to my ear and I have Dr. Ben to thank for that … Condolences to the family, thanks for sharing your dad’s mind and his love for African people with us.”

Visit http://amsterdamnews.com for updates.

The home-going details are as follows:

The wake takes place Thursday, April 9, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Abyssinian Baptist Church

132 W. 138th St., New York, N.Y.

The duat/funeral service will be held Friday, April 10, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 W. 138th St., New York, N.Y.

Burial will occur at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Rd., Ardsley, N.Y.

The repast will be served at the National Black Theater, 2031 5th Ave., New York, N.Y.

#Home-going/funeral services for Dr. Yosef ben-Jochannan #Dr Ben

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therecordconnection · 5 months

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46, 69, 88, 91!

#46: "El Dorado" by Magdalena Bay

One of the first Mag Bay songs I ever fell in love with. This one reminds me of old synth tracks from the late 80s. The best comparison I can draw is that it sounds like a modern version of "Island Sunrise" by Software to me. Singer Mica Tenenbaum switching between Spanish and English on a dime always makes me think of how Sarah Bonito does that with Japanese and English in Kero Kero Bonito songs. It's one of those things where you forget she's bilingual until she decides to start spitting in Spanish.

#69 (heh heh): "A BOY IS A GUN*" by Tyler, the Creator

I still don't think Tyler gets enough credit as a music video director. He makes absolutely gorgeous stuff and the video for this song is no exception. While IGOR isn't really my favorite Tyler album, I think there are a good handful of tracks that really stand out, this one especially. You can hear a lot of Kanye influence in song, especially with the sample he used for this ("Bound" by the Ponderosa Twins Plus One). I love the vulnerability in the central line, "Don't, don't shoot me down." I think the song allows you to feel something that a lot of people don't want to talk about much: When you're invested in someone more than they're invested in you and inside you're begging them to not shoot you down. A boy is a gun at point blank range when he tells you he doesn't want you and it hurts in ways that I don't think many want to talk about these days. It sucks to get rejected and you get upset, no matter how mature you handle it.

#88: "Give It to Me Baby" by Rick James

The best comment I ever read about Rick James was that he's what you get when you play Grand Theft Auto with all the cheat codes on. He's a larger than life figure and his music was the same way. He was an early 80s funk icon and pioneer that was monumental in shaping how the decade would play out. He was one of those guys where his wild lifestyle caught up to him real fast and as a result it hurt him and wiped away a good deal of his legacy. That, and I think Dave Chappelle unintentionally did a lot of damage to him by turning him into a caricature so hard that there's a whole generation of people who think "Rick James" is a guy Dave made up. He did just as much for 80s funk that Prince did and Rick deserves more love than he got.

Also, Quincey Jones shamelessly and very obviously ripped off the bassline from this song for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." I think of it every time I listen to this.

#91: "Is There Someone Else? - Live" by The Weeknd

I listened to a lot of the Weeknd this year. I've been a casual fan and I've followed the guy since he really blew up with Beauty Behind the Madness back in 2015. I thought it was really cool that he released a live album for the After Hours Til Dawn tour AND a concert film for it too. I think 2023 really saw a return of the concert film (this, Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense had a theatrical re-run, The Eras Tour film, etc.) and that makes me really happy. This was one of my favorite songs from Dawn FM to hear played live.

I've always really loved the dark synth-pop world of the Weeknd's music (when it ISN'T a part of The Idol...) and the thing that I liked about the So-Fi Stadium album was how his setlist is full of transitions and connections that keep the songs going. It reminds me of how Daft Punk would mix and present their music in a live environment. It's a really good show and I recommend the film and the album if you're looking for some cool mainstream pop to enjoy.

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Thank you so much for submitting numbers!!!

If you'd like to submit a number, please do. :)

#ask #delanore-roosevelt

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declanlikesmusic · 9 months

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Today's Listens: Episode 005

August 10th, 2023

So I'm writing this one the morning after and that makes it seem like I didn't have time to write because I was busy that day, but the truth was, I was on a day off and I wanted to marinate on my thoughts before putting pen to paper before, oops, my mood soured at the end of the night. Hopefully I'll get back on track in the coming days, or else I might end up having to skip days for this. Yay.

Just a content warning. At least one of the album covers here has depicted nudity, with a particular instance needing to be censored. I'm using a censored cover art sourced from Spotify, yet I don't even know if that's gonna be enough for this to fly under Tumblr's radar. Let's hope.

Infinity Frequencies – Between two worlds (2018)

I started yesterday off with an Infinity Frequencies album. This artist may very well be argued as being one of, if not the greatest broken transmission producer working today, but I was hesitant to go back to this one in particular. Namely because, on previous listens, the record felt a little too ambient and sparse to really captivate me. Luckily, since my last checking-out of this album, there was this phenomenon I call the Pad Chenningtonification (patent-pending) where a popular YouTuber shouts out a record that is not the artist's best work and it becomes commonly seen as their best work. Yay. Luckily I was fresh off of finding out that their 2015 album Into the light was way better than I initially thought it was, so I got to this one with an open mind and was treated to an experience that was only just barely consistently great. This is still not their best album in my view, but I'm glad that I can at least say I pretty much loved my experience here. Check this out, but also check out Computer Death and Into the light and I guarentee, you will find yourself a fan of InFreq at the end of the day.

7.5 / 10

Highlights: Under the city, Replica encounter, Between two worlds, Synthetic remains, Obsolete request, The time that remains Unraveling

Xepter Rose – Selenitic Landscapes (2014)

This one's a little random, but if you know death's dynamic shroud in any capacity, you'll be surprised to find that one of the members James Webster has made some ambient music on the side! Just as the trio were taking off, he made a pretty decent progressive electronic experience. I'm a little biased because I really loved his Virtual Utopia Experience visual thing, but two of the best tracks here show up on that movie as well and of course, they're great here. Aside from those two and Clock Tower Ruin, I cannot say that I am fully enamoured with this one. It's often sprawling and sparse in a way that doesn't flatter it all too much for me. That said, if you like modern synth ambient music, I'd give this one a shot. I already like it, but you might love it more than I do.

7.0 / 10

Highlights: Meteor Storm, Perpetual Twilight, Pottery & Stairs, Clock Tower Ruin

Magdalena Bay – mini mix vol. 3 (2023)

I wanted to cover more music from the current year, so I rolled upon this tiny mixtape from the rising pop duo Magdalena Bay. I wasn't expecting too much out of this one, just a one-off of decent tracks, but I found myself really in love with this one! It comes off as a mini mix, duh, of new material and they're all blended together very seamlessly while still coming across as their own songs! From the underrated intro to the simultaneously catchy and almost ascendent run of cuts by the end, they've knocked this one out of the park! It's not much (again, mini) but if you need a pop palette cleanser for just a quarter of an hour, this will undeniably satiate that for you!

8.2 / 10

Highlights: Slug Song, Top Dog, Tonguetwister

Torn Hawk – Through Force of Will (2014)

This one comes from an artist that always allured me from the mysterious realms of hypnagogic pop and specifically this tape and its glitchy cover art ripping an iconic still from a movie, I can't tell which. We have elements all over this record that primarily pull from outsider house and some of the tracks here are honestly great. They don't seem that captivating at first, but as they draw on, they start to become hypnotic. I really dug this one. I don't think every track works for me, this one again straddled the line between like and love for me, especially with the ambient cuts, but if you're already a fan of hypnagogic pop and want to dive in further, I'd totally suggest this one!

7.5 / 10

Highlights:

HELLCOM – ACID MP3s (2016)

Here's where things start to turn sour for me. I adore HELLCOM, I really do. His two concept albums under this alias, spanning mere months between eachother, are among the most creative, captivating and awe-inspiring vaporwave albums in the Business Casual catalogue! I'd recommend them to anybody, even non-fans of the genre who've already dipped their toes in. However, as a big fan of the format of DJ mixes, rating the two that he's put out before moving on to HDMIRROR are difficult. Timestamping this one specifically was particularly hellish; there are tracks listed that I'm convinced don't show up here, so that made rating this nearly impossible. I pushed through it though, but not without a little bit of a headache. His plunderphonic electropop and EDM sensibilities shine through here, but in the most surreal, glitch-centric ways possible that I struggle to fully recommend unless you huge fans of those sounds. Try it at your own risk; I liked it, but the more I thought about it, the less sense it just made for me.

7.2 / 10

Highlights: She Doesn't Mind, Hunter / N-Trance Forever, TIll I Come (Remix), Everytime

Xiu Xiu – A Promise (2003)

I've always been torn on Xiu Xiu. They have albums that I fully love and I'll get to those when I do, but the reason why I haven't covered them yet was because I was very hesitant to find the right time and mood for their sophomore effort that I remembered really liking but also not knowing why. I bit the bullet and just decided to finally go for this and I really don't think this was ever meant for me. I think I was lying to myself then. Don't get it twisted, it's obviously good, but it is surreal and incredibly depressive. It's often sparse in ways that, again, don't work for me, but it can also be very noisy in ways that just don't capture me. The whole thing is completely unhinged and that's no thanks to the themes of suicide throughout that just really disconnect me from the experience. I at least appreciated the Fast Car cover and how the record was trying to start out, but as it went on, I almost stopped respecting it entirely. This is purely for fans of experimental and post-industrial music that enjoy records that are this sad and intense to listen to.

6.4 / 10

Highlights: Sad Pony Guerrilla Girl, 20,000 Deaths for Eidelyn Gonzales, 20,000 Deaths for Jamie Peterson, Fast Car

Deftones – Around the Fur (1997)

By this point, I felt like I was ready for pretty much anything after that, so I thought: fuck it, why not tackle some metal? Nu metal specifically. We have Deftones' sophomore album here, I've already enjoyed other work of theirs, especially Ohms, so what could go wrong here? Well, it definitely sounds good. The recording quality is about as good as what you'd expect from any popular subgenre of modern metal. The performances are tight as well, they honestly put a lot of thought into the energy of the record. So what gives, how come I don't love it? Well, you see, they have to be songs. This is why metal struggles a lot for me, it hardly finds any hooks or riffs that function as hooks or riffs. One of the only moments that were at all memorable to me was the first ten seconds of it and I only know it because I know it was used as a sample; I don't love this riff! The only other thing I remember was the closing track and it's pretty cool use of back-and-forth backing vocals. I found that to be cool! Otherwise, this just functioned as a metal album to me and I can sadly say not much more. If you like metal, go for it, but that's not for me.

6.4 / 10

Highlights: My Own Summer (Shove It), Mascara, Around the Fur, MX

3RA1N1AC – H1551NG PRI95 1N 5TAT1C COUTUR3 (1996)

So, how could my evening get any worse? Well, you see, I was approaching my 1,337th rating at this time, my leet rating as I was anticipating. I was given Hissing Prigs in Static Couture by a few friends and it looked like a perfect match for it! However, I am, as the doctors would say, an R slur and briefly missed that milestone when I heard Around the Fur. I didn't want to let that slide, so I cheated by swapping these two albums' placements, but I'm still gonna talk about this after Around the Fur because this was just not a good end to my night. I expected a pretty loud, semi-raucous, energetic and wild listen of a rock & punk and I'm glad to say that I've got it! But in a way that was not very good to me. At first, I thought this record was gonna be okay; not for me, but an enjoyable & worthwhile listen nonetheless, but um. It didn't even last long as that for me either. This listening experience was constantly diminishing returns and I'm too tired even now to fully express why, other than the noises, the instruments, the melodies and especially the vocals got more and more grating with each and every track. I thought by the start, I was merely losing interest and getting tired, but at a certain point, this album just lost it. By the end, this came off as completely obnoxious and irritably annoying. I know I disappointed my friends with that, but that's just how it felt to me. I'm sorry, but the way this closed my night was a complete letdown and while you're likely to enjoy it more than I do, I'd personally steer clear of it unless it interests you.

4.1 / 10

Highlights: 1ND1AN POK3R (PART 3), PU55YFOOT1N'

So yeah, I'm sorry to rant, but that sucked. I couldn't muster up writing any of that until the following morning because I was just having a hard time comprehending how sour I felt by the end of this. I want to make it clear, this is not to the fault of any of the musicians and it's definitely not the fault of the people that recommended them either. This was all just me and not having good ears. Overtime, I've started to realise that my wishlist was looking less and less appealing as I've knocked more ratings out. I don't think I'm gonna purge it, but I might just try to clean it up at some point and realise where I've gotta draw the line for some of these artists, because over 750 of them unfathomable at this point. I'll see ya next time.

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