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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Even If It Hurts - Single by Clover the Girl in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Clover the Girl (Brianna Conrado) is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Even If It Hurts” single.
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee - Single by Letters from the Earth in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Letters from the Earth is an alternative outfit. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee” single.
“‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ illuminates the life of a typical employee. Also, it examines the true value of work in the west. The song’s surrealist music video finds a somber employee attending her own absurd retirement party. Where, Foster, portraying the titular Frank Ghilardi, presents his melancholic address.” – Letters from the Earth
‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ tells an interesting tale in the form of a farewell speech. Also, the speech is delivered from a fictional company head to an unnamed subordinate.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses charming instrumentation which was produced and mixed by Ben Hirschfield (Against Me!, The Story So Far, and Elder Brother).
“It’s okay to cry. You’ve made it alive through forty years here at Ghilardi. Don’t be afraid of your life turning gray. There’ll be no more files to be sorted. No people to wave you on at the gate. No phone calls to take, no lunches to make, no more coming home to dinners alone.” – lyrics
Letters from the Earth consists of Matt Foster (vocals, guitar), Ben Hirschfield (guitar, keys, synth), Cameron MacBain (drums), and Morgan Foster (bass).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/letters-from-the-earth-frank-ghilardi/
“‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ illuminates the life of a typical employee. Also, it examines the true value of work in the west. The song’s surrealist music video finds a somber employee attending her own absurd retirement party. Where, Foster, portraying the titular Frank Ghilardi, presents his melancholic address.” – Letters from the Earth
‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ tells an interesting tale in the form of a farewell speech. Also, the speech is delivered from a fictional company head to an unnamed subordinate.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses charming instrumentation which was produced and mixed by Ben Hirschfield (Against Me!, The Story So Far, and Elder Brother).
“It’s okay to cry. You’ve made it alive through forty years here at Ghilardi. Don’t be afraid of your life turning gray. There’ll be no more files to be sorted. No people to wave you on at the gate. No phone calls to take, no lunches to make, no more coming home to dinners alone.” – lyrics
Letters from the Earth consists of Matt Foster (vocals, guitar), Ben Hirschfield (guitar, keys, synth), Cameron MacBain (drums), and Morgan Foster (bass).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/letters-from-the-earth-frank-ghilardi/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cult Classic by Fiona Grey in Music
Jun 21, 2019
Fiona Grey is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Saviour” single featuring Emma Cole.
The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).
The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.
‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.
Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.
“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey
‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.
Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.
“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey
Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.
She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.
The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).
The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.
‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.
Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.
“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey
‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.
Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.
“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey
Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.
She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.
Ross (3282 KP) rated You Die When You Die in Books
Jan 21, 2020
Fantastic witty pre-historic Viking / Native American fantasy
This is the alternative-reality story of the Hardworkers, a small clan of Viking descendants in pre-Columbian North America. A mentally-damaged young boy in the clan has a premonition that the village will be attacked and they should head west. When the village is indeed attacked by natives (who themselves had a premonition of these Vikings ending the world), the clan quickly up-sticks and head off.
There follows a brilliant, exciting, funny story of this small clan with mixed abilities (some well trained warriors, some powerful yet cowardly warlocks, some useless wastes of space) travelling across North America, hunted by the magically-enhanced warriors sent to end them, and meeting numerous clans and tribes along the way.
The wonderful merging of plausible pre-history America and a more familiar fantasy setting (prophecies, evil empires, warriors) results in this superb story. The dialogue is witty and funny, the world is familiar yet strange enough to make you think, and the action sequences are fantastically narrated, often from different viewpoints.
The characters are all very well crafted and unique, and their interactions and conflicts really spur this story on.
I would urge anyone keen on fantasy to read this book. While the cover, and title, may suggest it is a brutal slobberknocker of a book, it is actually very clever, funny and thrilling.
I cannot wait to jump in to the next book in this trilogy. Wootah!!!
There follows a brilliant, exciting, funny story of this small clan with mixed abilities (some well trained warriors, some powerful yet cowardly warlocks, some useless wastes of space) travelling across North America, hunted by the magically-enhanced warriors sent to end them, and meeting numerous clans and tribes along the way.
The wonderful merging of plausible pre-history America and a more familiar fantasy setting (prophecies, evil empires, warriors) results in this superb story. The dialogue is witty and funny, the world is familiar yet strange enough to make you think, and the action sequences are fantastically narrated, often from different viewpoints.
The characters are all very well crafted and unique, and their interactions and conflicts really spur this story on.
I would urge anyone keen on fantasy to read this book. While the cover, and title, may suggest it is a brutal slobberknocker of a book, it is actually very clever, funny and thrilling.
I cannot wait to jump in to the next book in this trilogy. Wootah!!!
Adam Green recommended track This Springtime by Turner Cody in 60 Seasons by Turner Cody in Music (curated)
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Straight on Till Morning in Books
Jul 27, 2021
My first twisted tale of the series and I wasn’t disappointed.
It did take a little while for me to get my head around that Wendy had never been to Never Land in the first place as I kept going back to the original telling where all of the Darling children joined Peter Pan in Never Land for an adventure. Once I had got my head around it not happening like that for the sake of this story, I did thoroughly enjoy it.
Tink is one of my favourite Disney characters, her sassiness and mischievousness has always drawn me to her and I’m glad there was so much more of it in this book.
While I’m fully aware that part of the book was finding Peter Pan, I felt that it took far too long to find him and then the main action in the book was over extremely quickly. The author spent a lot of time describing the landscapes, creatures and plants in the lead up, but when it got to the climax of the story it just seemed to be glossed over completely.
Overall, it was well written and I love anything Disney, so I will definitely be looking at reading more of these Twisted Tales, but I think my favourite alternative Disney series is still the Villains series currently! Hopefully I will come to love this series as much as that in the future.
It did take a little while for me to get my head around that Wendy had never been to Never Land in the first place as I kept going back to the original telling where all of the Darling children joined Peter Pan in Never Land for an adventure. Once I had got my head around it not happening like that for the sake of this story, I did thoroughly enjoy it.
Tink is one of my favourite Disney characters, her sassiness and mischievousness has always drawn me to her and I’m glad there was so much more of it in this book.
While I’m fully aware that part of the book was finding Peter Pan, I felt that it took far too long to find him and then the main action in the book was over extremely quickly. The author spent a lot of time describing the landscapes, creatures and plants in the lead up, but when it got to the climax of the story it just seemed to be glossed over completely.
Overall, it was well written and I love anything Disney, so I will definitely be looking at reading more of these Twisted Tales, but I think my favourite alternative Disney series is still the Villains series currently! Hopefully I will come to love this series as much as that in the future.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Invisible Library ( Book 1) in Books
Jul 7, 2022
116 of 230
Kindle
The Invisible Library ( Book 1)
By Genevieve Cogman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Irene must be at the top of her game or she'll be off the case – permanently . . .
Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission – to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. London's underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book.
Adding to the jeopardy, this world is chaos-infested – the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic. Irene's new assistant is also hiding secrets of his own.
Soon, she's up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. Yet failure is not an option – the nature of reality itself is at stake.
The Invisible Library is followed by the second adventurous title in the The Invisible Library series, The Masked City.
I thought this was brilliant! It was definitely an appealing concept. Librarians crossed with Sherlock Holmes set in a steam punk environment with supernaturals what’s not to love? This is a new author for me too and I just loved her style. I’m so looking forward reading the rest of this series and more from the author too. I’m a sucker for Dragons too and this has powerful Dragons!
Kindle
The Invisible Library ( Book 1)
By Genevieve Cogman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Irene must be at the top of her game or she'll be off the case – permanently . . .
Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission – to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. London's underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book.
Adding to the jeopardy, this world is chaos-infested – the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic. Irene's new assistant is also hiding secrets of his own.
Soon, she's up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. Yet failure is not an option – the nature of reality itself is at stake.
The Invisible Library is followed by the second adventurous title in the The Invisible Library series, The Masked City.
I thought this was brilliant! It was definitely an appealing concept. Librarians crossed with Sherlock Holmes set in a steam punk environment with supernaturals what’s not to love? This is a new author for me too and I just loved her style. I’m so looking forward reading the rest of this series and more from the author too. I’m a sucker for Dragons too and this has powerful Dragons!
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, so I had to see what her adult books were like, and she did not disappoint. Eugenie Markham is a shaman, but unlike another shaman series I've read, she knows what she is doing and has been trained at it since she was a child by her step-father. What she never bothered to do in all that time, though, was question who her real dad was or how she could do the things she did - which I found a little unrealistic.
Her latest case forces her into entering the Otherworld for a longer-than-usual stay, which results in a few discoveries about herself, as well as some rather interesting situations with the fey, or gentry. She acquires a sort-of boyfriend in Kiyo, but I prefer her with Dorian, as he challenges her defenses and can match her in strength and abilities.
The prophecy means that just about everything male in the fey world wants to jump her bones, which gets old pretty fast. Rape is a traumatic experience for anyone, but the few close calls that Mead writes with Eugenie seemed to fall short of the mark. Eugenie's fear and defeat were there, but were understated.
On the flip side, I loved how Dorian was able to teach Eugenie about her powers, as well as play a very convenient trick on her at the end - Eugenie may not have liked it, but it was certainly better than the alternative. Now on to Thorn Queen!
Her latest case forces her into entering the Otherworld for a longer-than-usual stay, which results in a few discoveries about herself, as well as some rather interesting situations with the fey, or gentry. She acquires a sort-of boyfriend in Kiyo, but I prefer her with Dorian, as he challenges her defenses and can match her in strength and abilities.
The prophecy means that just about everything male in the fey world wants to jump her bones, which gets old pretty fast. Rape is a traumatic experience for anyone, but the few close calls that Mead writes with Eugenie seemed to fall short of the mark. Eugenie's fear and defeat were there, but were understated.
On the flip side, I loved how Dorian was able to teach Eugenie about her powers, as well as play a very convenient trick on her at the end - Eugenie may not have liked it, but it was certainly better than the alternative. Now on to Thorn Queen!
Lirahlu (37 KP) rated Dread Nation in Books
Mar 1, 2019
Amazing Alternative History Horror
In a post-Civil War America where neither side won because of the Zombie Apocalypse, Jane McKeene studies to become an Attendant – part body guard, part chaperone – as part of the Native and Negro Reeducation Act due to the breakdown of institutionalized slavery. While she excels at the fighting and weaponry, Jane continually fails her etiquette lessons despite being the daughter of a wealthy, white plantation owner. While other girls at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore County, Maryland desire an Attendant’s life with a wealthy family, Jane’s one goal is to return home to Rose Hill Plantation in Kentucky. Just weeks shy of graduation, Jane, her ex-beau Red Jack, and her light-skinned “frenemy” are sent West to a “Survivalist” pioneer town where blacks are still very much treated as slaves and forced to fight “shamblers” on the front lines with rusty, ineffective weapons. Though segregated with the rest of the blacks, Jane refuses to accept the town’s ingrained injustice – even when the price of resistance is death.
Dread Nation is a fantastic mashup of the alternate history and horror genres. Ireland’s characters are intricate and flawed, and therefore believable. Ireland does not shy away from the horrific history of slavery and racism in the United States and the characters and world she’s built around them are stronger for facing these issues head-on. An absolute must-read for anyone who is not shy about gore and loves a strong female character who can hold her own in a fight.
Dread Nation is a fantastic mashup of the alternate history and horror genres. Ireland’s characters are intricate and flawed, and therefore believable. Ireland does not shy away from the horrific history of slavery and racism in the United States and the characters and world she’s built around them are stronger for facing these issues head-on. An absolute must-read for anyone who is not shy about gore and loves a strong female character who can hold her own in a fight.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Smashbomb in Apps
Jun 4, 2019
Easy to stay in touch via the app!
Smashbomb is a review site with a difference. in fact, it's so 'alternative' it really fits in with my whole blog theme, so I thought I'd tell you a bit more about it. Think social network for reviews.
I rarely promote websites, but I feel this is great for not only book bloggers but authors too. Even though the range of what is on offer goes far beyond the book world, since you can rate anything from products and services to places, events and podcasts. If this is your (book) bag, then there's potential for most of you reading to get involved!
Smashbomb works on an encouraging reward system where you get points (Kudos points) for taking part in various different ways, like reviewing or making a list of your favourite things. You also get extra Kudos for just logging in each day, and as regular 'Smashbomber' you might even gain extra Kudos points from other members who like your stuff and follow your posts.
I find the community is really friendly and the UI is easy to navigate. You can access the site online via your computer, and also keep in touch with what's going on by an app on your phone. If I were to compare this to anything I'd say it reminds me of a cross between Trip Advisor, and Facebook, only (dare I say it?) with less rules and more fun...
I rarely promote websites, but I feel this is great for not only book bloggers but authors too. Even though the range of what is on offer goes far beyond the book world, since you can rate anything from products and services to places, events and podcasts. If this is your (book) bag, then there's potential for most of you reading to get involved!
Smashbomb works on an encouraging reward system where you get points (Kudos points) for taking part in various different ways, like reviewing or making a list of your favourite things. You also get extra Kudos for just logging in each day, and as regular 'Smashbomber' you might even gain extra Kudos points from other members who like your stuff and follow your posts.
I find the community is really friendly and the UI is easy to navigate. You can access the site online via your computer, and also keep in touch with what's going on by an app on your phone. If I were to compare this to anything I'd say it reminds me of a cross between Trip Advisor, and Facebook, only (dare I say it?) with less rules and more fun...