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Ian McCulloch recommended Automatic for the People by REM in Music (curated)

 
Automatic for the People by REM
Automatic for the People by REM
1992 | Rock

"One of the classic albums. Played it to death. I was pissed off when it came out, it was when the Bunnymen had just split up and it would have inspired me with the band. When he gets it right, Michael Stipe, he’s just brilliant. It’s not that kind of American music that makes you feel queasy like The Eagles, it’s more indie. When you go to America and see some of the natural beautiful vastness of the country, it moves you onto your kneecaps, the prairie beauty of it. ‘Find The River’ - when I heard that it was instant choking up. I went up to my missus at the time and didn’t know if I could speak. I wrote ‘Nothing Ever Lasts Forever’ after it. I don’t know if it was inspired by it. It made me like a type of American that I’ve never liked, the Mark Twainy kind. For some reason it connected with me, but the last thing I’d like to do is buy a pair of dungarees and go net fishing in a stagnant pond. But each to their own – Stipey obviously does it. The videos and the bit in ‘Man In The Moon’ where he does the little shuffle and the Elvis “hey baby” - when I saw that I thought, you twat, you’ve got it completely right, and here’s me hacking about with some half-baked solo songs. And they were half-baked, some of them from Mysterio. But after Automatic they did too much and a lot of it wasn’t up to that standard."

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Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
2021 | Horror, Thriller
That final trap is as heart-stopping and clever a piece of political commentary that's been put into any horror film this decade thus far - but the rest (I'm immeasurably disappointed to report) is a bland, run-of-the-mill police procedural which only occasionally resembles a 𝘚𝘢𝘸 movie. Don't know whose idea it was to have less gore and crappier traps but fire them immediately. I think outside of that grievous oversight the other major problem is that this tries to be both a Saw movie as well as a modern movie - way less of the 2000s scary crackhead camerawork + editing, much fewer unnerving layers of overexposed shots, and now a clean frame replaces what was once a grimy sheen of iconic dilapidation. If you want this franchise to stay ahead of the pack in a day in age where even the cheapest indie flicks can have solid gore, you can't be this polished. No cutting away from the action right as it happens, and don't be afraid to cling onto what worked during its inception just because the passage of time may have left those trends behind - with this kind of cleanliness it's too easy to see the inherent seams of these things. Also you'd have to be an idiot not to see this 'twist' coming from a mile away. But Chris Rock is awesome in the last 20 minutes when he's snapping at everybody. Without a shadow of a doubt the worst film in the series.
  
The Racer is an indie-band from New York’s Hudson Valley. Not too long ago, they released their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single featuring singer Tiphanie Doucet.

“Head down can’t keep from falling over. Eyes blurred with grief, we’ve grown like the trees, now slowly older, and I’ll never be your island king. The city sings her song to me. The only soul alone on these tangled streets.” – lyrics

‘I’ll Find You in Dreams’ tells an emotional tale of an individual who yearns for something or someone who seems completely out of reach.

The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and emotional instrumentation flavored with great piano lines, evocative synths, and nostalgic elements.

The Racer consists of Pete Marotta (vocals, keys), Mike Esserman (guitar, keys), Eric Sosler (bass, keys, sax).

One day, while looking for artists in New Jersey to be on a show they were organizing, they came across Tiphanie Doucet’s music and loved it.

Shortly afterward, they performed live with Doucet at their show. Later, while hanging out, they asked her to sing on their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single.

At the age of 15, Tiphanie Doucet starred in the film Le bébé d’Elsa, and later in the Glee-like TV series Chante!

Those exposures increased her popularity in France, where she grew up studying ballet and harp. After her career in TV ended, she made her way to America for a fresh start.

Since then, she’s been writing songs and testing them out on street corners, cruises, and cafés throughout New York and Jersey City.
  
AP
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A story of love, that all consuming kind that never runs smooth, Pound of Flesh is a book that everyone needs on their bookshelf. Carter and Kat seem to be polar opposites, him a convicted felon, her a woman from the posh part of town, but when fate intervenes there's no stopping the force of their love.

Let me just start by saying this: WOW. I could just leave this review there, because that is just what I feel about this book. I've sat for a long time trying to figure out how to put into words just how amazing this reading experience was. That's not even me gushing, this is me, honest to goodness, being totally speechless at how amazing this tale was.

I'll start with the characters - Carter and Kat, and of course, the extended family and friends of theirs. Kat is a teacher, a woman with a sad past, but it's made her such a strong individual. She's captivating to read, you just want to find out what makes her tick, heal her pain and help her find her purpose. Carter, well, let's just say him and I have had a few snuggles together! He's a diamond in the rough as my Grandad would say, a gentleman who has just been dealt some very rough cards to play and did the best he could. He's an absolute pleasure to try and unravel, capturing your whole attention when he's in the scene and just so darned awesome. He has firmly secured his place in my top Book Boyfriends list. Joking aside, the characters are all brilliant. They weave together into a cohesive little bunch that are all developed, well thought out and interesting to read.

Weaving excellent characters isn't the only thing Jackson is good at doing. The plot and pace of this novel was extraordinary. There were so many twists and turns, ups and downs that you really did feel like you had been on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, cried, winced at stupid choices, gasped at revelations and a whole host of other emotions as well. I got hot under the collar during the brilliantly written sex scenes (Carter is a man who knows what he's doing!) and still I felt the tenderness of the moment. Everything in this book was balanced just the way I like it, it was, quite simply, perfect for me.

And that said, I shall cease waxing lyrical about this brilliant book. Jackson has made a stunning addition to the Indie community and I am sure she will continue to flourish in her craft. This book could not come with any higher recommendation from me, in fact, I was telling friends to buy it when I hadn't even reached the half way mark, I just knew it was that good. Just one word of warning readers, make sure your schedule is clear and you have tissues ready, because once you start you really cannot put this book down. A stellar novel, and one I am certain I will read again before too long, all that is left to say is congratulations Sophie Jackson, you wrote a bloody good book and should be very proud of yourself! Thank you for sharing Kat and Carter, and I am waiting on tenterhooks for more from this fabulous lady!

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
  
The Beginning - Single by The Crab Apples
The Beginning - Single by The Crab Apples
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
The Crab Apples is an indie pop-rock band based in Barcelona. Not too long ago, they released a wonderful indie-pop tune, entitled, “The Beginning”.

“You’ve already taken all your roots. Planted at least two seeds and you talk about them and I smile and nod my head. Though deep down I feel like dying. ‘Cause I know you have your life across the sea while I’m stuck in here, lost, wondering what I might potentially be.” – lyrics

‘The Beginning’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young woman who wants to travel overseas to visit a special guy in her life, someone who she desires to be with.

While in preparation to depart, she decides not to go and see him anymore. Subsequently, she rejects the idea of traveling on a plane to a far-away land.

Her sudden decision might be based on the fact that she considers herself an easy prey whose heart was effortlessly captured by the above-mentioned individual.

Later, she admits that if he would have opened his hand, she would’ve fallen into his trap like a big dumb fly.

What she wants now is to be free from his enchanting hook, which he uses to catch victims who are attracted to his charm.

But in order to achieve her desired goal, she can’t go to see him because she will fall under his spell once again.

‘The Beginning’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and buoyant instrumentation flavored with guitar products and alternative-pop elements. Also, the likable tune is featured on The Crab Apples’ “More Mistakes” EP.

“‘The End’ and ‘The Beginning’ are two parts of the same song. But in the versions we have made, we understand each part as different entities. Recording ‘The End’ was amazing because we experienced like never before. We went crazy with voice effects and synths. Laia came to the studio when she only needed to record the bass and recorded it in a shot as she listened and discovered how she had mutated the song throughout the process. All this took us away from our habitual ways of doing things and took us to lands we had never explored before.” – The Crab Apples

The Crab Apples consists of Carla Gimeno (vocals, guitar), Laia Alsina (electric guitar), Laia Martí (bass) and Mauro Cavallaro (drums).

What started as a project between four friends from the same town, quickly grew and they became the group we know now.

The release of their EP has led the dynamic foursome to comfortably play on stages all over Spain.

Not too long ago, Laia Alsina mentioned why their custom pedalboards for guitar and bass gives them freedom and peace of mind while on tour.

“I’ve been practically two years with the Evo Track S2 pedalboard and it has certainly been a great change. I find it very comfortable and easy to use to carry my pedals and especially when playing live. The elevation of the second row really helps me to activate and deactivate the effects easily. It prevents me to play accidentally the pedal on the side (common). I’m very happy because I’ve toured a lot and the pedalboard still lasts.” – Laia Alsina

Although they might not look like it at first sight, The Crab Apples considers their mistakes beautiful. Through their scars, what once seemed weak is now attractively strong.
  
For Love by Danelle Sandoval
For Love by Danelle Sandoval
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Danelle Sandoval is an indie-pop/R&B singer-songwriter out of Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a delightful 4-track EP, entitled, “For Love”.

“SAY NO”

The Victoria Innocenzi-directed video finds Sandoval lying comfortably in bed. She’s alone and craving for her man’s touch. Also, flashback scenes are sprinkled every now and then to remind us of Sandoval’s relationship status.

‘Say No’ contains a relationship storyline, soothing vocals, and danceable instrumentation embedded with pop elements.


“HANDS”

‘Hands’ is a seductive tune oozing with the pleasure-seeking thought of romance. Also, it contains an intimate storyline, silky-smooth vocals, melodic melodies, and lush instrumentation perfumed with a charismatic bounce.

“CARELESS”

‘Careless’ tells the tale of a woman who’s had enough in trying to make her relationship work. After failing in trying to patch things up with her significant other, she wants to exit their union which was once boomin’ with happiness.

The song contains a bittersweet storyline, sincere vocals, and groovy instrumentation perfumed with an r&b/electronic vibe.

“CAPACITY”

‘Capacity’ tells the tale of a woman who questions her significant other’s heart. She knows he wants her. But does he have the capacity in his heart to be able to love her the way she wants to be loved? An interesting question she needs answers to.

The song contains a relatable storyline, soothing vocals, and lively instrumentation embedded with tropical/electro-house elements.

In conclusion, Danelle Sandoval’s “For Love” EP is an ear-welcoming chill pop/r&b project based on relationship issues.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/danelle-sandoval-love-ep/
  
T(
Truth (Finding Anna, #3)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie, and whilst there's a snippet of the review below, the whole review can be found here http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=188

The third book in the Finding Anna series is much better than the second, and it carries on pretty much where 'Need' left off. I found this a much more enjoyable read, and much easier to get into as well. There were still niggles, personally, I feel the three books could have quite easily been put into two, without sacrificing any of the story, however it definitely picked up this time round and it felt like Hayes had really found her stride.

The plot seems much more pacy, more driven and more developed in this book, and it reads so much better for it. Although there are areas where it is drawn out slightly more than I would like, it picks up quickly and is immensely difficult to put down at times. The different threads of the story that are drawn together are well developed in their own right, but together they add so many more dynamics and layers to the story. There's Brianna's developing confidence, her relationship with Stephan, the investigation into Ian and her father, it all just culminates beautifully into a wonderful read with a dramatic ending.

So I touched on it there, but the ending is really high paced, full of tension and a great way to end the book. It leaves you literally waiting on tenterhooks for more, and when you realise that's all you're getting, it's a huge feeling of loss. . .
  
Night Shift by Juze
Night Shift by Juze
2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Juze is a German producer, DJ, influencer, and songwriter. Jantine is a platinum-selling singer-songwriter based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Not too long ago, they released a groovy electro-house tune, entitled, “Night Shift”.

“Dancing in the dark when we move it’s something natural. We play and then we pause and it gently drives me up the wall. And I wonder should I trust this old heart of mine when I judge this vibe. Is it me or is it us? Am I way too high on Martini Dry?” – lyrics

‘Night Shift’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who dances in the dark with her significant other.

Apparently, they’ve been drinking and having a great time being in each other’s company.

‘Night Shift’ contains a playful storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-floor friendly instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and groovy house elements.

Juze’s songs have received support from huge international DJs such as Tiesto, DJ Chuckie, and Nicky Romero.

Since then, the bubbly producer has appeared regularly at Bootshaus (Cologne, GER), which placed at #8 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 clubs poll and Amsterdam’s elite Supperclub. Also, he’s worked on remixes for artists such as Ed Sheeran and AURORA.

Jantine is one of the most requested songwriters in the Netherlands. So far, she has collaborated with Skrillex, Valentino Kahn, Hardwell, Rock Mafia, EXO, F(x), Andrew Goldstein, Julian Jordan, Dante Klein, and many more.

Her heart lies with ‘80s pop and indie music, and she has released music via SM Entertainment, Universal Music, and Spinnin’ Records to name a few.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/juze-jantine-night-shift/
  
Feel Again - Single by HAYL
Feel Again - Single by HAYL
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
HAYL is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Not too long ago, she released a heartfelt indie-pop ballad, entitled, “Feel Again”.

“This song is a piano ballad expressing how numb I felt in my relationship with a past lover. Him cheating, me half-heartedly forgiving him, and covering up the fact that we were in a messy, confusing, unhealthy cycle. It’s about him never letting me in emotionally and us hanging on to each other’s brokenness.” – HAYL

‘Feel Again’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with a guy who she shares a problematic relationship with.

Apparently, she feels that he has taken advantage of her weakness. After many weeping sessions, she has no more tears left to cry and just wants to feel being loved by someone again.
Later, she admits that she’s addicted to the above-mentioned individual and wants to know why he’s so good at saying goodbye.

‘Feel Again’ contains a bittersweet storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with sentimental elements.

“I opened up my heart and wrote this song in 45 minutes with co-writer, Forrest Finn. I still get really emotional thinking back on that relationship, feeling sad that I felt trapped and helpless. This cover artwork is symbolic of me covering up my heart with lies I believed that became my truth. I hope this song heals the heartbroken and is hope for those who have lost love. That there is beauty after the pain and that you deserve to feel that again.” – HAYL
  
The Movie Crypt
The Movie Crypt
TV & Film
10
7.4 (7 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Adam Green and Joe Lynch (3 more)
Different guest each week
Heartfelt stories
It's pretty damned funny
Awesome Pod for anyone who wants to make movies
Adam and Joe are two of the best "indie" film makers out there. Adam brought one of the horror genres newest icons to life in the form of Victor Crowley and Joe has been responsible for a pair of my favorite independent films with the births of Mayhem and Everly. But did you ever wonder how they got their starts in the film industry? Or what it takes to make a horror film? Or how some of your favorite actors writers directors and people involved in the industry got to be where they are today?
This pod brings it all to light. They hold nothing back and tell all things. Both good and bad.
With awesome guests such as horror icons Kane Hodder, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley and Ray Wise as well as fellow filmmakers the likes of Darren Lynn Boussman, Adam Wingard and Ti West. The boys leave no stone unturned as they bring everything to the table.
The pod is also welcome to subscription through Patreon with some cool little gifts to those who want to donate. Including Film commentaries once a month, first come basis viewer mail questions and Hollywood tell all answers to industry questions in a segment called Ask Dr. Arwen, named after Green's Yorkie and fellow show host.
I would recommend this Podcast to anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the film world told from a perspective that is understandable to anyone. And it's good for a few laughs as well. I've been a devoted listener since 2013. And the vast library of webisodes is available to anyone via iTunes and other podcast generators.
Listen and enjoy folks. You won't be disappointed.