What I've Been Listening To Lately...

It’s been a while since I last wrote at length about music on the blog. So I figured it was time for another “What I’ve Been Listening To” post.

A recent addition to my playlist is The Family Jewels (Deluxe edition) by Marina, formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds. This is an album from 2010, but I didn’t listen to it during its release year. I happened to finally give Oh No! a try while I was on break from the blog last month, and I went on to check out the rest of the album. It’s one of my favorites of the year so far. I really like Marina’s vocals, as well as the alternative pop and the undeniable style of the album. Also, I’m a fan of the deluxe edition specifically. There were remixes that reworked the songs Hollywood, Obsession, and I Am Not a Robot, with different melodies. Overall, I know I’ll end up eventually listening to more music by Marina.

Feed the Beast by Kim Petras was one of the new releases I was anticipating this year. I’ve been following Petras’s music for a while now, and I was very excited for her third studio album. I liked what Feed the Beast had to offer. It was a solid pop album with a couple features that I thought were good as well.

For this next one I’m simply putting Wednesday Campanella, because I would be here all day listing what I enjoyed about each album. I like their new stuff with more of a bright bubblegum pop/electronic sound, as well as their older releases before the singer changed—i.e. songs like Bamboo Princess, Zeami, Yeti, Sakamoto Ryoma, and many-many others.

From the track names to lyrics, Forever or Whatever by Holiday Sidewinder is just plain fun to listen to! The style can feel a little nostalgic since, from what I can tell, there are synth as well as disco influences. I like the mixture, and each song was interesting. Overall, Forever or Whatever is another favorite.

Singles…

Of course I have to mention Halle's Angel again. It plays into her vocal capacity and is, generally, interesting to listen to. I really love the song, and I’m looking forward to whatever solo music she release next.

On My Mama by Victoria Monét has a strong R&B sound, and I absolutely love it for how much it felt like something from the 90s or the early 2000s.

The only reason why I’m including Caroline Polachek in this section is because I’ve only listened to two of her songs so far. They’re Welcome To My Island and Bunny Is A Rider. They’re both on my playlist and are among my top-favorite songs.

So that’s pretty much what I’ve been listening to recently. The year isn’t over yet, and there are still a couple of albums that I’m waiting on. Until next time, thanks for stopping by, and happy listening!

Short Stories I Read In May

It’s the twenty-ninth of June. So it’s time to talk about the short stories, miscellaneous posts, and podcast episodes I read or listened to in May.

All These Ghosts Are Playing to Win by Lindsey Godfrey Eccles (Uncanny Magazine; Issue Fifty-Two)

I only got around to reading two stories from Uncanny Magazine in May, and the first was All Theses Ghosts Are Playing to Win by Lindsey Godfrey Eccles. This story, at its base, is about grief and regret and forgetting. And it does those things very well. It’s told from the perspective of Theo, a ghost, who is in a casino where memories are the currency. This was an interesting approach to this kind of story: by linking high-stake bets with the function of a sort of limbo where you go up (as a big winner) or to the “DARK.” Supposedly, but is everything really that simple? You’d have to read to find out. There was also ample time devoted to Theo’s reminiscing, but I liked those moments just as much as the other aspects, themes, and overall conclusion. So while the general tone had an air of melancholy, All These Ghosts Are Playing to Win was haunting but in a good way. And I enjoyed reading it.

A Lovers’ Tide in Which We Inevitably Break Each Other; Told in Inverse by K.S. Walker (Uncanny Magazine; Issue Ffty-Two)

The second one was this very short piece called A Lovers’ Tide in Which We Inevitably Break Each Other; Told in Inverse. I read this one for the writing, which was evocative and instantly drew me in with descriptions of a lonely night at a shore combined with a slight feeling of the fantastic and uncanny. And I liked it exactly for those reasons. All-in-all, this was another good one.

From around the web…

• Print Run Podcast Episode 162: Turning Over the Same Leaf
• Place and Tome: On Two Kinds of Unforgettable Reading Experiences [Molly Templeton; Tor.com; May 25, 2023]

Upcoming Music I'm Waiting For

It’s June. A whole six months are already gone, but since we’re finally entering the second half of 2023, it was high time that I put together another list of the upcoming music I’m looking forward to.

 

• Feed the Beast by Kim Petras (June 23): I’ve been following Kim Petras’s music for a while now, so I’m ecstatic about this new album.

• Weedkiller by Ashnikko (August 25): I listen to Ashnikko on occasion. After her Coachella performance, I’ve had a renewed interest. So, Weedkiller is definitely on the top of my list for upcoming albums.

• Tension by Kylie Minogue (September 22): Minogue is one of my favorite artists, and my most anticipated album for the second half of 2023 is this one. There have been two singles released—10 Out of 10, and the more recent Padam Padam—and, so far, I’m liking the vibe.

Unconfirmed

• Second studio album by Lil Nas X: I really liked Lil Nas X’s first studio album, Montero. So I’m looking forward to his next one. The date is unconfirmed for this one, so who knows if it’ll be released sometime in 2023 or next year.

• Fourth Studio album by Doja Cat: The date is also unconfirmed as of the time I wrote this post, so there aren’t any singles that I know of yet. But, I’ve done some reading up about this album, and it seems like it could be a lot different from what I’ve come to expect from Doja Cat. However, I’m looking forward to that.

So, that’s everything I’m looking forward to at the moment. As always, this list isn’t comprehensive and depends on my taste in music. What music are you waiting for? If you have any good recommendations, just leave them in the comments below.

Short Stories I Read In April

It’s the twenty-ninth of May. So it’s time to talk about the short stories, miscellaneous posts, and podcast episodes I read or listened to in April.

Your Wings a Bridge Across the Stars by Michelle Denham (Apex Magazine; April 6, 2023)

The first story I read in April was Michelle Denham’s Your Wings a Bridge Across the Stars. It was a really lovely read that seemed to be over far too soon. Part coming of age tale, this story explored love and duty through the eyes of Park Yunhee, who sought to understand the importance of the job of being one of the “Star’s Magpies.” With a setting brimming with magic and a folkloric atmosphere, there was so much I loved about this one.

Did You Hear About The Neighbors? By Seth Wade (Strange Horizons; Issue: 24 April 2023)

This next (and last) one I read in April isn’t short fiction but instead a piece of poetry. I happened to scroll through Strange Horizons, and, I was not only hooked by the first couple of lines of this poem, I devoured the rest of it! The imagery invoked was vivid and proved to be in excellent company with the somber feeling—some language leaned toward bleak. After all, it is a poem with themes about death. Still, it’s one of my favorite pieces of poetry that I’ve read this year.

From around the web…

• American Narnia: T. Kingfisher’s Summer in Orcus [Judith Tarr; Tor.com; April 11, 2023]
• Interview with Artist Dee Nguyen [Dee Nguyen; Apex Magazine; April 17, 2023]
• Gods, Monsters, and Totoros: Exploring Miyazaki’s Fantasy World [Austin Gilkeson; Tor.com; April 14, 2023]
• What the Universal Translator Tells Us About Exploring Other Cultures [Charlie Jane Anders; Tor.com; April 24, 2023]
• Brains In A Jar, Video Games In A Petri Dish [Priya Sridhar; Clarkesworld Magazine; Issue 199—April 2023]

So I Played Ooblets

So, last month I talked about my experience with Going Under (you can read about that HERE). Another one of the other games I was playing at the time was Ooblets, a life sim with a cute design—which was one of the three Indie titles I purchased in December of 2022.

I liked this game a whole lot. It was similar to Animal Crossing New Horizons with fishing, character customization, decorating, farming, and seasonal events. It was low stakes, but, as an aside, there was a narrative surrounding strange happenings to pay attention to. It was a source of trouble for Badgetown, and particularly for the character you play as (who is new) is tasked with errands to help improve the town and the nearby Wildlands. Completing one unlocks more, and I’d recommend doing the Wildlands tasks—mainly because it eventually unlocks a wealth of one of the crucial materials for Oobcoop upgrades (little houses for the Ooblets that aid with farming) and the 3D printer.

There were other places to travel to as well—like Port Forward, Nullwhere, and Mamoonia—and they each had their own unique biomes. There were specific tasks that needed to be done, but these other locations also expanded the type of collectable ingredients that could be picked up just by finding them while exploring the area (or purchased with in-game currency).

Ooblets also has a creature collecting aspect that was connected to the dance battle function. The battles were also pretty easy after getting the hang of them. But, the real draw for me was how fun it was to build my team of Ooblets. Each one had unique moves that could add an advantage to the randomized deck—for example extra beats and a card to clear flusters and trepidations, both of which could be a big help in a dance battle with a slightly higher difficulty.

As of the writing of this, the spring time event is still going (it ends at the end of May). So even after playing through the story, there are still aspects to Ooblets that act as an incentive to return to it. By the end of the story, I still have a lot left to complete, but those require growing crops, fishing, and etc.

So, Ooblets is a fun game.

 
Check out the launch trailer!

So...I Played Aggro Crab's Going Under (2020)

If you read my “I’m Back” blog post at the beginning of the year, you’ll know that during my annual break from Our Thoughts Precisely I didn’t do as much reading as I thought I would. The reason for that was simple! Nintendo was having a sale on indie games, and some of the titles I’d had my eye on for a while were marked down to ridiculously good prices. One of the games that kept me preoccupied was Going Under. At the time of the “I’m Back” post, I hadn’t made much progress in the game. However, fast forward to March + a reading slump, I finally beat the main story for Going Under. I had so much fun playing this game!

I liked it, especially for how unusual of a setting it was for a dungeon crawler Roguelike. It was bright, colorful, and the visual design style was very distinct. And the office/ failed startup setting provided the perfect opportunity for plenty of witty/ironic dialogue and commentary. That was combined with the principle storyline. It was a relatively simple straightforward narrative, but with a few surprising (and excellent) twists.

Basically, you play as Jackie, an intern for a drink company (Fizzle), which was acquired by a tech giant. There are three main failed startups to play through—Winkydink, Styxcoin, and Joblin—and each one had its own unique and appropriately business themed environments.

The game drops you right into the first battle then subsequently the first of the dungeons almost immediately, which was a crash course in the game’s battle mechanic. Win or lose the first go around, it was a challenging but fun experience. Weapons don’t last forever, and what you get per room was randomized. There was also the unpredictability of what “Skills” can be applied to the character—only one endorsed skill can be equipped, all others have to be found—which kept a level of interest (and required some strategizing) to the dungeons even after multiple runs. There was also “Business Cards”—which have information about the different monsters and NPCs—and mentors who added extra and helpful perks for navigating the dungeons.

**(Note: there is an assist mode that can be applied to each save profile before logging into the game. You can adjust stats like the amount of hearts you start each dungeon run with, weapon durability, enemy health, and etc..)**

There’s still one other mode to the game, but I can’t speak about that yet since I haven’t delved into it. That being said, overall, I really enjoyed Going Under.

 Check out Going Under's trailer!

I Listened to So Much (For) Stardust by Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy was one of the bands that got me into rock music—particularly the rock/pop/punk scene—and their albums have been a staple on my playlists since the 2000s. It’s been about five years since the band’s last album. And among the big releases on my radar for March 2023—supported by singles such as Love On The Other Side and Heartbreak Feels So Good—Fall Out Boy’s eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, was very anticipated on my end.

So Much (For) Stardust really felt like a return to some of Fall Out Boy’s earlier music. It had less of the style and sounds that dominated Mania (2018), and it went heavier on the aspects that really made me love the band’s music. It was nostalgic in the right ways but doesn’t lean too much on what they’ve already done. Instead it offered a sort of sequel—especially with the visuals for Hold Me Like a Grudge (a continuation of the music video for This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race)—by delivering songs that felt refreshing.

As a longtime fan of Fall Out Boy, I’m so happy with this album!

 

Short Stories I Read In February

It’s March twenty-ninth. So it’s time to talk about the short stories, podcast episodes, and miscellaneous posts I read or listening to in February.

Silver Necklace, Golden Ring by Marie Brennan (Uncanny Magazine; Issue Fifty)

I wasn’t too sure about this story going into it. But, I’m so glad I stuck around till the end, because I ended up loving Silver Necklace, Golden Ring by Marie Brennan. This story is best described as the beauty, whimsy, and darkness of a Grimm’s style fairy tale all wrapped up in just over three thousand and seven hundred words. With evocative and atmospheric language, the story chronicles bargains and ice palaces alongside a young woman displaced and in a situation that required every inch of wit she could gather. All-in-all, Silver Necklace, Golden Ring was an enjoyable story.

Guidelines for Using the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library by Marie Brennan (Lightspeed Magazine; Issue 153)

As it so happens, the second and last short story I read in February was a piece of flash fiction written, also, by Marie Brennan. I typically like stories like Guidelines for Using the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, which consists of a narrative that has a list-like structure and that tells about a specific object, person, or place. This time around, the story delves into the guidelines on how to navigate a fantasy library, which wove together a little bit of history, references to Dante Alighieri, and a whole lot of magic. Loved it! 

From around the web…

• Ologies Podcast: Vampireology Part One
• Ologies Podcast: Geology Part One & Two
• There's Really No Wrong Way To Read A Book [Molly Templeton; Tor.com; February 16, 2023]

I Listened to 1 by The NYChillharmonic

So, this year, I’m getting back into using Spotify regularly. After all, all of my current favorite podcasts are there too, and the recommendations are useful for finding more content to enjoy. Under one such recommendation page was I Lost It All by Aberdeen and The NYChillharmic. It was an interesting collaboration and one that I instantly loved. And that’s how I got introduced to what has fast become some of my top favorite music. It’s called 1, and it’s the 2016 album by The NYChillharmonic.

Their music is, in terms of sounds—and as the band’s name suggests—very orchestral in nature, which is something I love about 1. Each track felt like its own lovely little journey, with the epic feel of work you would find from Two Steps From Hell but with a singer who delivered consistent vocals across 1’s seven songs.

Overall, there isn’t much more I can say about this album. In a number of ways, it’s a delightful listening experience that I’ve already revisited more than once since adding it to my Spotify library.

I Listened to A Reckoning by Kimbra

During the last couple of years, I feel like I’ve mentioned how I’ve waited for another Kimbra album far too often, but I really was anticipating it for the longest time. 2018’s Primal Heart contains some of my favorite music by this particular artist. Well, after three singles—Save Me, Replay!, and Foolish Thinking featuring Ryan Lott—released across as many months, on January twenty-seventh Kimbra’s A Reckoning finally arrived!

I like this album, a lot actually. It was energetic and loud (Replay!, The Way We Are, Gun, New Habit, and etc), which I not only appreciated but also enjoyed. Mainly, it made the album seem quick to listen to, even though it’s over forty minutes long. That isn’t to say that there wasn’t a mixture of sounds, because there was. Tossed in were some tracks with softer melodies, where Kimbra’s vocals were front and center, like the intro Save Me as well as the closing song I Don’t Want To Fight.

On another note, I’m always satisfied when the collaborations turn out good, especially when the other artists give verses that mesh well with the flow of the song. And, even though A Reckoning only had three tracks with features—Ryan Lott on Foolish Thinking, GTL featuring Erick The Architect, and La Type with Tommy Raps and Pink Siifu—they were excellent choices.

So, for the first major 2023 release on my radar, A Reckoning left a positive impression.

Short Stories I Read In January

It’s February 28th. So it’s time for the first Short Stories post of 2023. Today, I’m going to talk about the short stories, poetry, miscellaneous posts, and podcast episode I read or listened to in January.

Between the Stones and the Stars by A.L. Goldfuss (Lightspeed Magazine; Jan 2023 Issue 152)

The first story I read in January was Between the Stones and the Stars by A.L. Goldfuss. It’s basically about two lonely travelers (adventurers), a warrior and another with humble beginnings, who arrive at a summit that holds the chalice they both seek. When they meet, it provides something of a crossroad, for both of them. To be honest, it was an interesting concept to open with and one that proved to be an immediate hook. In a way the story turned into something of a character study, particularly in the narrator’s monologue. It was a quick read, but it was one I enjoyed.

Flower, Daughter, Soil, Seed by Eugenia Triantafyllou (Uncanny Magazine; Issue Fifty)

The next (and last) short story I read in January was Flower, Daughter, Soil, Seed. I was really excited to see this one come up, because some of my favorite stories from last year were written by Eugenia Triantafyllou. This story was just as good as the others. It had a real fairy tale-esque feel to it, since the narration starts by recounting the story of a yellow daffodil, and how it eventually spanned into years of a cycle of growing, living, moving or fleeing, death, and then rinse and repeat. The fantastical aspects were tied up in that cycle. And, while only a short time was spent with each generation, the story excelled at making me care about them anyway. All-in-all, this was another great story from Triantafyllou!

From around the web…

• In Search of New Reading Rituals [Molly Templeton; Tor.com; January 12, 2023]
• A (Brief) Love Letter To The Chemistry Of Molecules [Ashley Deng; Clarkesworld; January 2023]
• Print Run Podcast Episode 138: The Books That Made Us
• Our Opinions Are Correct Episode 124: How to build a planet

 

So, I Watched Matilda the Musical

One of the first movies I watched this year was the Matilda the Musical on Netflix. The trailer was enough of a hook, but, my co-blogger, Adri, watched it before I could and recommended it. For context, the 1996 film is one of my favorites. It was charming, but it also had frank commentary mixed in with plenty of literature themes, and creative (and justified) uses for telekinesis alongside a handful of comedic moments. There’s also the narrator, who interjected at just the right moment. So, I was interested in Netflix’s version, since, as I read, it’s an adaptation of the stage musical—which is a version of Matilda I haven’t seen before.

There were notable differences, but I didn’t go in expecting the musical to be a perfect match for the 1996 film. Either way, I was hooked.

The intro is almost whimsical and colorful, but it’s also entirely ironic, given the substance of the majority of the rest of the film. However, it introduced Matilda’s parents as well as her circumstances in a succinct way. To quote Adri, “It’s an intro I didn’t skip.” It also served as an early offering of the kind of musical numbers to expect going forward. And that aspect was really well-done!

Like the earlier movie, the musical didn’t shy away from the tougher subjects present in the titular character’s story. Agatha Trunchbull is still terrible—personality wise, but also by her actions and behavior towards others. But, I liked the way it was handled, especially how some of the song portions accentuated the narrative.

Overall, Matilda the Musical was bittersweet but hopeful, and the ending was expected, especially if you’ve seen the 1996 film. But, after everything, it was entirely satisfying to finally get there.

I Listened To: December Music Roundup

Well, it’s been a minute since I wrote about the music that’s kept me entertained. But, it’s a new year, and I thought it would be a good idea to do a roundup of what I was listening to in December.

Of course, there are the usual holiday favorites, as well as some new additions to my playlist—which were my Music Monday picks during the month.

Besides the holiday stuff, I collected a few more individual tracks as well. One of the songs that made it onto my playlist was Girlfriend by Hemlocke Springs. It’s quirky. But, it has a really good sound, and it’s also incredibly catchy. Another newish artist I want to see more from is Adanna Duru. I’m a fan of what I’ve heard so far, particularly with the song that introduced me to Duru’s music, POP. Then, there was the song—Heads Will Roll—from the Gotham Knights trailer. I haven’t played the game and have no plans to. I just kept getting the trailer as an ad, and when I was searching around for the song, I stumbled onto the original. It’s by a band called Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I really can’t pick between the original and the cover, because both are great in their respective ways. Then, of course, there was Doechii’s live performance (for Billboard and Honda), which is one of my favorite versions of Stressed. The set design is topnotch, and Doechii nailed that performance.

In December, I mainly revisited a lot of music, since the year was winding down and I was due for my annual break from the blog. And, as a consequence, there was only one new album I listened to: SOS by SZA. I wasn't expecting it in 2022, but, as soon as it was announced (which was relatively close to its release date), I was more than excited. SOS is a long album, but I love every second of it! SZA does R&B so well, with unique sounds, creative lyrics, and her signature vocals. And it makes the wait time between each album, single, or feature worth it. Some of my favorites from it were Seek & Destroy, Kill Bill, Good Days, and Too Late. I can’t recommend it enough!

What I've Been Watching

I wanted to do one more What I’ve Been Watching post before the year was over, because October and November were busy months in terms of TV and movie releases. Here’s everything I’ve watched.

Cooking Competitions

• Every year, I really enjoy the holiday specific baking competitions that are aired on Food Network. The Halloween ones are a particular favorite of mine, but I also enjoy the Christmas ones too.

Wendell & Wild (Netflix, 2022)

• I love stop-motion animation, and when I heard about this project (plus Henry Selick and Jordan Peele’s involvement with it), suffice it to say, I was hyped. Wendell & Wild was fantastic. The animation was stylish and fit the tone of the movie. It was spooky and fun, combined with serious and somber topics. It was also a coming of age tale, following Kat Elliott's turmoil and guilt after the death of her parents. Her issues were real and hard-hitting, while the supernatural aspects added the eerie imagery and a slight comedic element that broke up some of the tension—especially with the titular duo, Wendell and Wild. The voice performances were great as well, and I really enjoyed the music. All-in-all, I had a great time watching this movie. I know it’s easily going to be another Halloween favorite that I revisit every year, just like Coraline.

Heroes & Icons

• There is a channel I’ve gotten into lately (thanks Adri!) called H&I. I’ve been watching shows like the original Hawaii Five-O, MacGyver, and Star Trek as well as Vega$ among others.

The Curse of Bridge Hollow (Netflix, 2022)

• The Curse of Bridge Hollow arrived right on time for Halloween. I liked this one. The comedic moments arrived at the perfect times, and it made me laugh. The story—while simple with Halloween decorations brought to life by accident—was enjoyable, particularly because it had a great cast. I also liked the overall messaging.

Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters (Netflix, 2022)

• I love stuff that incorporates folklore and magic as well as mystery, adventure, and comedy. And, Mr. Midnight checked all the boxes. It was so good! The supernatural occurrences were episodic with an overarching plot that continued till the end. The folklore and magic elements were pretty awesome. I loved the effects and the design of the spirits, other creatures, and the overall look and setting of the series. The characters were just as interesting too, and the connection developed between the main and reoccurring cast was one of the highlights. Everyone had a fully developed personality with their own goals, fears, and secrets—something that was embellished by the great performances of the actors. So even when the characters clashed, it made for interesting situations with a number of emotional and heartfelt moments. The dynamics between the core group—Tyar, Ling, Nat, and Zoe—who were collectively Mr. Midnight, was fun. There was plenty of camaraderie (and friendship) between them, which was also tied-up with the supernatural occurrences they ultimately got involved with. All-in-all, I really enjoyed this series, and I ended up binge watching all thirteen episodes.

Business Proposal

• In November, I decided to check out a Korean romantic comedy called Business Proposal, which was in my Netflix recommendations. I haven't read the webtoon it's based on, but that didn't stop me from watching it. It's an office romance, and I loved this series! I laughed so much at the antics of the characters, the situations they found themselves in, and the bright and colorful comical effects that sometimes appeared in the background. It was ridiculous, heartwarming, and romantic. (Even the side characters had a lot going on.) I had a lot of fun watching this series!

So that’s some of what I’ve been watching. There’s even more stuff that came out, which I haven’t gotten around to yet. But, since my break from blogging is coming up, I expect to do another one of these posts early in 2023. What have you been watching?

I listened to Hold The Girl by Rina Sawayama

One of my most anticipated albums of the year is Rina Sawayama’s sophomore album, Hold The Girl. Released on September 16, 2022, its two years since Sawayama’s self-titled debut. Since then, there have been a number of features, notably a duet with Elton John (Chosen Family) and Charli XCX’s Beg For You (Crash; 2022). However, I was more than ready to see what she would bring to the table with another solo studio album.

Hold The Girl is Pop, but it has a wide diversity of sound. Leading with the single, This Hell (one of my top favorites from the album), each track offered a different listening experience. There was a little bit of country, a little bit of R&B and rock with an early 2000s feel (It’s something she’s done before—for example STFU! from her debut album.) The songs here were bridged together by Sawayama’s vocals, lyric themes, and a smart arrangement.

Hold The Girl achieved an easy flow from one track to the next, and I was quickly immersed by the album. It was a lot of fun. And as far as sophomore albums go, this is a good one.

I Listened To: September Music Roundup

Some of the music that kept me entertained in September was Juno, Remi Wolf’s album, as well as the deluxe version of Magdalena Bay’s Mercurial World.

Juno is the October 2021 debut album by Remi Wolf. I came across it well after its release date, because the sixth song, Volkiano, crossed my feed. It was an instant hit for me, and I quickly went on to listen to the rest of Juno. This album is a strong debut for Remi Wolf. The songs were fun, and the execution of the lyrics and vocals was superb. I also liked the music videos that were released in support of Juno. They were colorful and retro—the filming had a soft grainy quality to it—which reminded me of old cartoons or shows from the 90s.

Magdalena Bay released a deluxe version of Mercurial World on September 23, almost a year after the original’s initial launch date of October 8, 2021. I’m always interested in special versions of albums, particularly to see what the artists decide to add. Mercurial World’s deluxe adds a couple of new songs, remixes, instrumental versions, and 15 “Secrets” divided between eight intermission-type tracks (which added to the immersion). Mercurial World was already a great album, and I thoroughly enjoyed the robust list of additions.

What have you been listening to lately?

Spooky Books To Read This October

Welcome! Today, Adri and I have put together a list of some of our 2022 reads. These books are right at home in October, and you can also check out our list from last year HERE.

 

Breana: This year, I have six books for my part of the list. Up first is Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. It’s a classic, and now that I’ve read it for myself, I better appreciate and understand the praise its garnered. Then there’s Katherine Arden’s conclusion to the Small Spaces quartet, Empty Smiles. Summertime, clowns, what more do I need to say? The next book is Monsters in the Mist by Juliana Brandt. I read this book as an ARC back in May of this year. And I praised it for the balance it struck between the supernatural scares and the personal nature of the issues, which had negatively affected the characters. Switching gears, I had to mention Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer. It was horror comedy—occasionally over the top with its suburban cliques and hijinks—but the supernatural aspects were appropriately nerve-wracking to read about. Plus, I had a good laugh at certain parts of the story. Next is Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone. There was everything from a dark atmosphere, isolated setting, sinister Lord Under, and the horror of one particular and very cursed lake. And last, but certainly not least, is Middle Game by Seanan McGuire. The synopsis says “Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained.” The story is a page-turner with some truly horrifying moments—particularly with the nature of alchemy that McGuire created—which is why it deserves to be on this list.

Adri: Hey everyone! I actually didn’t read that many spooky books this year. I did get to read Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley. I thought it was just the right amount of spookiness plus friendships. And the other books I read were the last three in the Books of Elsewhere series by Jaqueline West. And those are The Second Spy, The Strangers, and Still Life. It’s a slightly older series (2010-2014) but still up there on creepy. Especially since it dealt with magical paintings that the main character could enter in a creepy old house.

What I've Been Watching + Upcoming Movies & TV Shows

It’s September, and I thought it was time to talk about some of the stuff I’ve been watching lately. I also wanted to talk about some of the upcoming shows and movies I’m looking forward to. Without further ado, here’s what has kept me entertained. 

Murder She Wrote

• I’ve seen most of Murder She Wrote, but I still tune in to the reruns. It’s one of my favorite shows.

Agatha Christie’s Marple

• Speaking of mysteries, I’ve been watching episodes of Marple on Sundays. I like the way this series was filmed, and the casting choices were excellent. One of these days, I will read this particular Christie series.

Svengoolie

• For the past couple of months, I’ve been into Svengoolie. I like classic movies, especially horror, fantasy, and science fiction. And so far, the selection of movies broadcasted on the program has been really great.

Sonic 1 & 2

• I finally watched both Sonic movies, and I loved them! One of my favorite series that I used to watch on Saturday mornings when I was a kid, was Sonic. These movies were great. They were fun and funny with enough action to keep me interested. There were so many little details that reminded me of the cartoons too. I liked the casting choices, especially Jim Carrey’s Doctor Eggman, Natasha Rothwell’s Rachel, Tika Sumpter’s Maddie, and James Marsden’s Thomas. And after the end credit scene of Sonic 2, I’m really looking forward to the next one.

Upcoming Shows and Movies

I’m really excited about Abbott Elementary season two. It’s one of the funniest shows I’ve watched this year, and I’m looking forward to what this season has to offer.

Another series I’m waiting on is The Midnight Club, which will be released on Netflix this October. I have my fingers crossed that it turns out good, because the trailer looks amazing.

I’m also looking forward to The School For Good and Evil film (also this October on Netflix). I never read any of the books, but I’m still excited for the movie. Again, the trailer for it seems really good, and I have high hopes for this one too.

Another Netflix movie that is on my list this October is Wendell & Wild. It’s stop-motion fantasy horror, and when I learned that Jordon Peele was involved with the project, well, I can’t wait for it to be released.

There’s also Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio this December, and I’ve waited all year for it so far. So, December can’t get here soon enough.

There's also the next Knives Out film to look forward to. 

What have you watched lately? Are there any shows or movies you're waiting for?

I Listened to Supernova by Nova Twins

I first listened to Nova Twins shortly after their debut album, Who Are the Girls? was released. My first real thought was I like the noise, and I like it loud! It was this thought that came back when I heard the singles they released from Supernova; especially Antagonist, Puzzles, and Choose Your Fighter. I just knew I was going to love the album.

With the exhilarating intro Power, most of the album consist of their typical hard hitting guitar and bass (plus drums). Also typical are their grungy vocals for their dark and somber lyrics. Just take a look at K.M.B or A Dark Place For Somewhere Beautiful. And then it ends with the softer sounding  Sleep Paralysis. Over all, I really like Supernova. And while I know who the girls are now, I’m definitely excited for whatever is in Nova Twin’s future.

I Listened to Special by Lizzo

I’ve been a fan of Lizzo for a while now, and one of my most anticipated albums of the year was her follow-up to 2019’s Cuz I Love You. It was one of my favorites during its release year, and that album (and the ones before it) set the bar pretty high for the kind of fun and quality music I expect from Lizzo. (Don’t even get me started about her 2016 EP, Coconut Oil. I still love it.)

Lizzo’s latest release, Special, more than continued with that trend, delivering catchy retro 80s pop and disco beats, mixed with hip hop and funk. In terms of lyrics and messaging, Special is a pretty positive album overall, especially in its tone. However, it was also reflective and heartfelt too, especially with songs like 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready), Break Up Twice, and Special, just to name a few.

There are no features on the album, but honestly, Special didn’t need any. Lizzo’s artistry was on full display. What I thought was interesting was how she used a variety of samples to really drive home the aesthetic of the album, but they didn’t overpower the tracks.

The hype for Special was more than deserved. It really is one of my favorite albums of 2022, and I look forward to whatever Lizzo releases next.

Have you listened to Special yet? If so, what did you think about it?