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Marsha Black (8 KP) created a video about The Triplet's Curse - Hope's Story in Books
Dec 29, 2017
Ross (3284 KP) rated Dummy by Portishead in Music
May 8, 2020
Ross (3284 KP) rated Blue Lines by Massive Attack in Music
May 11, 2020
Cee-Lo Green recommended Dummy by Portishead in Music (curated)
Darren Fisher (2447 KP) rated Histoire de Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg in Music
Dec 19, 2020 (Updated Jan 15, 2021)
Ah! Melody
Clocking in at under 30mins and 7 tracks this concept album from Gainsbourg is, for me at least, his best and most consistent album. Regulars Jane Birkin (on vocals) and Jean-Claude Vannier (providing the usual high standard of arrangements and orchestra direction) join in on the proceedings. The concept is nothing new to fans of Gainsbourg, as he accidentally knocks a young girl off her bicycle whilst out driving in his Rolls, and then seduces her (as you do).
The tracks are a blend of blissed out rock with lush orchestration and Serge providing the 'spoken word' approach with his lyrics. With the album being so short you really don't have time to get bored. First time listeners may find that a lot of it sounds familiar. It will. Numerous artists have sampled this album over the years and it is considered a precursor/influence to the shortlived Trip Hop movement in the early 90's.
After the albums release Serge put out a concept video (also starring Birkin dancing around alot) giving the album a visual aspect. It's certainly worth seeking out if you like the album.
Album highlights:
Ballade de Melody Nelson
Ah! Melody
Cargo culte
The tracks are a blend of blissed out rock with lush orchestration and Serge providing the 'spoken word' approach with his lyrics. With the album being so short you really don't have time to get bored. First time listeners may find that a lot of it sounds familiar. It will. Numerous artists have sampled this album over the years and it is considered a precursor/influence to the shortlived Trip Hop movement in the early 90's.
After the albums release Serge put out a concept video (also starring Birkin dancing around alot) giving the album a visual aspect. It's certainly worth seeking out if you like the album.
Album highlights:
Ballade de Melody Nelson
Ah! Melody
Cargo culte
Merissa (12058 KP) rated The Castle of Thorns in Books
Nov 1, 2021
THE CASTLE OF THORNS is a fantasy story loosely based upon Beauty and the Beast. Gisela has epilepsy, but no one understands (or knows) her illness. Luckily for her, a witch knows which herbs to use to treat her. All that is good until her supply runs too low for the usual trip by sea. Instead, they will have to go through the forest where a man-eating monster-fox lives.
This is a sometimes dark story with plenty of death before Knorren realises the error of his ways. Gisela also has a couple of sisters that really should be in Cinderella rather than this story! Jana is sweet with her, but she still coddles Gisela, making her think she is weaker than she is.
Some of the supporting characters didn't do anything for me and actually left me wondering what their purpose was. It is fast-paced, especially near the end when it wraps up with a hop, skip, and a jump.
This was an enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a sometimes dark story with plenty of death before Knorren realises the error of his ways. Gisela also has a couple of sisters that really should be in Cinderella rather than this story! Jana is sweet with her, but she still coddles Gisela, making her think she is weaker than she is.
Some of the supporting characters didn't do anything for me and actually left me wondering what their purpose was. It is fast-paced, especially near the end when it wraps up with a hop, skip, and a jump.
This was an enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Hamilton: An American Musical Soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda in Music
Dec 31, 2018 (Updated Dec 31, 2018)
Possibly the greatest hip hop album ever written (1 more)
Definitely the greatest musical ever written
One Of The Greatest Things That I Have Ever Had The Pleasure Of Witnessing
Let me start this review by saying that I strongly dislike musical theatre. I have always found the concept of musicals dumb and pretty naff.
Back before Cracked.com dissolved, I was a loyal listener of their weekly podcast. Each week the host, Jack O'Brian would play songs throughout the podcast from an album that he had been listening to that week. During an episode that they dropped back in early 2016, Jack explained at the start of the episode that he had been to see a musical called Hamilton the previous weekend and he would be playing songs from that through the episode. I rolled my eyes, expecting to be bombarded with cheesy broadway show tunes and was unbelievably pleasantly surprised by what I heard.
Right away, these songs grabbed me, to the point that I actively seeked out the rest of the soundtrack to listen to the rest of the songs. The following summer, my girlfriend and I were planning a trip to NYC and I was dying to go and see Hamilton live, even though Lin-Manuel Miranda had moved away from the title role, as had a lot of the other OG cast, I still wanted to experience the soundtrack live. However, after seeing that the price of 2 tickets equated to an amount equal to a deposit for a house, we had to let the chance pass us by.
Last week, while on a trip down to London, we finally got to see the play live and it was most definitely worth the wait. Seeing the songs play out live only enhances the genius of Lin-Manuel's writing and the cast that we seen were absolutely stellar, (even though they were apparently mostly the understudy cast.)
Hamilton is one of the greatest things ever written and if you ever get the chance, I implore you to do everything that you can to see it live - and this is coming from someone who hates musical theatre.
Back before Cracked.com dissolved, I was a loyal listener of their weekly podcast. Each week the host, Jack O'Brian would play songs throughout the podcast from an album that he had been listening to that week. During an episode that they dropped back in early 2016, Jack explained at the start of the episode that he had been to see a musical called Hamilton the previous weekend and he would be playing songs from that through the episode. I rolled my eyes, expecting to be bombarded with cheesy broadway show tunes and was unbelievably pleasantly surprised by what I heard.
Right away, these songs grabbed me, to the point that I actively seeked out the rest of the soundtrack to listen to the rest of the songs. The following summer, my girlfriend and I were planning a trip to NYC and I was dying to go and see Hamilton live, even though Lin-Manuel Miranda had moved away from the title role, as had a lot of the other OG cast, I still wanted to experience the soundtrack live. However, after seeing that the price of 2 tickets equated to an amount equal to a deposit for a house, we had to let the chance pass us by.
Last week, while on a trip down to London, we finally got to see the play live and it was most definitely worth the wait. Seeing the songs play out live only enhances the genius of Lin-Manuel's writing and the cast that we seen were absolutely stellar, (even though they were apparently mostly the understudy cast.)
Hamilton is one of the greatest things ever written and if you ever get the chance, I implore you to do everything that you can to see it live - and this is coming from someone who hates musical theatre.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Becky and the Birds by Becky and the Birds in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Becky and the Birds (Thea Gustafsson) is a talented R&B/Soul singer-producer out of Örebro, Sweden. Not too long ago, she released her wonderful self-titled debut EP.
But creating the 7-track project had obstacles. The 21-year-old vocalist experienced dark emotions and even battled depression.
Ultimately, she overcame her frustrations and obstacles and stitched together her EP. She perfumed it with her unique genre-spanning blend of lush sounds.
Becky’s desire to have everything in an arrangement can be attributed to her time spent at the prestigious Musikmakarna Songwriters Academy of Sweden, the place that kickstarted the careers of LÉON and Skott.
Even though the Becky didn’t fit into the school’s pop agenda, she learned a lot there. Later, she interned at an EDM/House label but didn’t fit in there either.
Not knowing where to turn, she went through a dark period. But there was light at the end of the tunnel, and she walked towards it. Once in the sunlight, she created her self-titled album.
BECKY
The EP begins with a voice recording of a person named Becky, a 26-year-old Capricorn. The individual has a muffled, male-sounding voice, lives alone in an apartment, and has two friends, one a bird.
MALAYSIA
Becky, the singer, sings a beautiful song over a dreamy electronic composition perfumed with soul and passion.
The singer yearns to go to Malaysia. To see the birds in the sky and feed the ones on the ground. Also, she visions herself sitting, watching them fly.
The song highlights the meaning behind Gustafsson’s stage name. Apparently, she has a deep connection with birds.
DIE WHILE YOU LOVE ME INTRO
The intro begins with a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, entitled, “I Want to Die While You Love Me”, recited by Maya Angelou.
DIE WHILE YOU LOVE ME
Becky, inspired by the legendary poem, takes the tempo up a couple of notches. Also, she packages the song with dreamy vocals and crisp production.
CONCEPT STORE
The song incorporates jazzy pianos with bass and elements of hip-hop. Also, Becky’s lush vocals soar through the track alongside samples she plucked straight out of nature.
HOLDING ON
The song is one of Becky’s acclaimed singles. It features lush electronics, a splash of trip-hop, and elements of ‘90s R&B music.
MY MAN
Becky ends the 7-track EP on a smooth note. She wants us to know that her man is holding her strong, mentality and physically.
CONCLUSION
Becky and the Birds’ self-titled EP is short and sweet. Also, it leaves a lasting impression, prompting listeners to want to hear more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/becky-and-the-birds-ep/
But creating the 7-track project had obstacles. The 21-year-old vocalist experienced dark emotions and even battled depression.
Ultimately, she overcame her frustrations and obstacles and stitched together her EP. She perfumed it with her unique genre-spanning blend of lush sounds.
Becky’s desire to have everything in an arrangement can be attributed to her time spent at the prestigious Musikmakarna Songwriters Academy of Sweden, the place that kickstarted the careers of LÉON and Skott.
Even though the Becky didn’t fit into the school’s pop agenda, she learned a lot there. Later, she interned at an EDM/House label but didn’t fit in there either.
Not knowing where to turn, she went through a dark period. But there was light at the end of the tunnel, and she walked towards it. Once in the sunlight, she created her self-titled album.
BECKY
The EP begins with a voice recording of a person named Becky, a 26-year-old Capricorn. The individual has a muffled, male-sounding voice, lives alone in an apartment, and has two friends, one a bird.
MALAYSIA
Becky, the singer, sings a beautiful song over a dreamy electronic composition perfumed with soul and passion.
The singer yearns to go to Malaysia. To see the birds in the sky and feed the ones on the ground. Also, she visions herself sitting, watching them fly.
The song highlights the meaning behind Gustafsson’s stage name. Apparently, she has a deep connection with birds.
DIE WHILE YOU LOVE ME INTRO
The intro begins with a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, entitled, “I Want to Die While You Love Me”, recited by Maya Angelou.
DIE WHILE YOU LOVE ME
Becky, inspired by the legendary poem, takes the tempo up a couple of notches. Also, she packages the song with dreamy vocals and crisp production.
CONCEPT STORE
The song incorporates jazzy pianos with bass and elements of hip-hop. Also, Becky’s lush vocals soar through the track alongside samples she plucked straight out of nature.
HOLDING ON
The song is one of Becky’s acclaimed singles. It features lush electronics, a splash of trip-hop, and elements of ‘90s R&B music.
MY MAN
Becky ends the 7-track EP on a smooth note. She wants us to know that her man is holding her strong, mentality and physically.
CONCLUSION
Becky and the Birds’ self-titled EP is short and sweet. Also, it leaves a lasting impression, prompting listeners to want to hear more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/becky-and-the-birds-ep/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated The Life of Pablo by Kanye West in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Kanye West is an iconic rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Not too long ago, he released his seventh studio album, entitled, “The Life of Pablo“.
ULTRA LIGHT BEAMS
The opening track functions as a Sunday-morning church revival, where Kanye is the ordained minister. He’s standing in the pulpit, preaching a time-sensitive sermon to his loyal congregation.
His message: God over Satan, keep the faith, pray for Paris, pray for parents, and we’re living God’s dream.
West sets the tone and declares where he stands on religious and socially-driven issues.
A Gospel choir emerges. The Dream and Kelly Price reinforce West’s message by singing verses of encouragement, leading to a heartfelt testimonial by Chance The Rapper.
While the collection plates are being filled with hopes of a better tomorrow, Kirk Franklin concludes the service by praying for everyone. He uplifts those who feel they are not good enough or have said, “I’m sorry,” too many times.
Father Stretch My Hands (Pt. 1)
A spiritual figure, Pastor T.L. Barrett, ushers in the second track with praises to The Most High. Future appears for a brief moment and Kid Cudi delivers a stunning chorus.
A liberated West returns to the pulpit and gives a brief, but somewhat explicit testimony of his past and present relationships to Amber Rose and Kim Kardashian.
Father Stretch My Hands (Pt. 2)
West continues his testimony and raps about his personal experiences. He speaks on the importance of returning his wife’s phone calls and not wanting to make the same mistakes his father made. Also, he mentions the passing of the mother in Hollywood, being broke, and the reason why he broke his jaw.
West’s words hit home, making room for another liberated soul to tell his story of triumph.
Desiigner, a newly-signed artist of G.O.O.D. Music, emerges from the underbelly of the ghetto. He raps about getting money illegally, drugs, and violence-familiarized by urban-street hustlers.
Though his grim subject matter contradicts the song’s hopeful message of liberation, it somehow adds mysticism or substance to Kanye’s brutally-honest testimony.
Desiigner, blessed with a futuristic flow, highlights a few things that West’s congregation needs to examine in order to be totally liberated.
FAMOUS
Whenever an important event occurs in an urban community, an after party is sure to follow. And a host of celebrities are always on standby to attend it. The Life of Pablo is no exception.
The fourth song features Rihanna and legendary-producer Swizz Beatz. Also, it contains timeless vocals from Sister Nancy and Nina Simone.
West, no longer in church clothes, stands out lyrically with witty, braggadocios lyrics.
Whether that statement is factual or not, it’s doesn’t really matter because West believes it is.
FEEDBACK
The fifth song serves as a transformational period, where West shows signs of the old Kanye.
West doesn’t need a psychiatrist to diagnose his problems. He does that himself by wearing them on his sleeves.
LOW LIGHTS
On the sixth track, West wrote via Twitter, “I put Low Lights on my album just thinking about all the moms driving their kids to school, then going to work.”
Listeners can now relate to the everyday struggle that mothers endure.
The song features an acapella sample from “So Alive” by Kings of Tomorrow.
The woman gives a grateful-testimony of God’s graciousness over a laid-back, simple piano groove. Her honesty is felt. Also, she sounds liberated because her Creator has accepted her for who she is.
HIGH LIGHTS
From lows to high, the seventh track is in direct correlation to “Low Lights”.
West and Young Thug put on their festive robes because it’s time to celebrate life. El Debarge and The Dream chime in, and West addresses a lingering issue.
But this is only the beginning. West finishes strong with more thought-provoking lyrics.
FREESTYLE 4
The eighth track features Desiigner. Again, when he and West are together, all hell breaks loose.
The once festive scene transforms into a grimy underworld filled with a prostitute that West is explicitly lusting after. The temptation makes it difficult for him to stand on his opening statement of Jesus over Satan. But the power of darkness is more powerful than West thinks. So, he subconsciously indulges in sexual misconduct.
I LOVE KANYE
On the ninth track, West realizes that he’s at war with himself. The old Kanye, known for chopping up soul records is fighting against the new Kanye that everyone hates. But Kanye wants to go back to being sweet again if that’s even possible. His multiple egos are fighting for control over the ‘real’ Kanye.
WAVE
West doesn’t stare in the mirror for too long. On the tenth track, redemption happens. Chris Brown, disguised as an angel, comes to West’s aid by providing much-needed light.
Miraculously, the sun emerges from the shade, a bird flies out its cage, and a nostalgic feeling is felt.
West realizes that nothing is impossible because waves don’t die and feelings don’t really go away.
FML (FOR MY LADY)
On the eleventh track, West realizes what’s really important to him and that’s his wife. Someone he won’t jeopardize for no other woman. Also, his children are all layers of his soul.
The Weeknd appears in the form of West’s conscience.
West remains focused and listeners can feel the positive aura of God surrounding him. He is determined to remain faithful to only Kim, no other woman.
REAL FRIENDS
West continues his introspective outlook and raps about trust issues that everyone can relate to. His honest, down-to-earth lyrics, mixed in with Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals, paints a vivid picture. Also, it forms a collectible souvenir that hangs nicely in listeners’ collective memories.
WOLVES
The thirteenth track provides a cooling effect with wild emotions and bizarre-sounds.
The setting, maybe an extraterritorial realm in West’s subconscious mind. Perhaps, it’s the Milky Way Galaxy or a dream-state of Saturn.
A time for relaxation, preparing listeners for a surprise guest.
SILVER SURFER INTERMISSION
The fourteenth track features a phone conversation between incarcerated Max B and French Montana. Also, Max voices his gratitude to West for showing him love.
30 HOURS
On the fifteenth track, West takes a trip down memory lane and raps about an ex-girlfriend that he used to drive 30-hours to see. He used to drive from Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Chicago. He recalls the good times they shared. But unfortunately, her infidelity was the reason why they broke up.
NO PARTIES IN L.A.
The sixteenth track will go down in history as a legendary bar-fest between two elite emcees. Kendrick Lamar and West rap with dope punchlines and clever metaphors over a Madlib-produced track. Once again, West is flowing like the old Kanye that people love.
FACTS
The seventeenth track is a standout anthem where West brags that Yeezy just jumped over Jumpman. He’s in boss-mode, talking that big-money talk.
FADE
The final track features Post Malone and Ty Dollar $ign. The song has a reoccurring sample from Rare Earth, “Your love is fading/I feel it fade.”
The Eli Linnetz-directed video shows Teyana Taylor explicitly dancing.
CONCLUSION
Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” is a memorable hip-hop album with solid content and heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kanye-west-life-pablo/
ULTRA LIGHT BEAMS
The opening track functions as a Sunday-morning church revival, where Kanye is the ordained minister. He’s standing in the pulpit, preaching a time-sensitive sermon to his loyal congregation.
His message: God over Satan, keep the faith, pray for Paris, pray for parents, and we’re living God’s dream.
West sets the tone and declares where he stands on religious and socially-driven issues.
A Gospel choir emerges. The Dream and Kelly Price reinforce West’s message by singing verses of encouragement, leading to a heartfelt testimonial by Chance The Rapper.
While the collection plates are being filled with hopes of a better tomorrow, Kirk Franklin concludes the service by praying for everyone. He uplifts those who feel they are not good enough or have said, “I’m sorry,” too many times.
Father Stretch My Hands (Pt. 1)
A spiritual figure, Pastor T.L. Barrett, ushers in the second track with praises to The Most High. Future appears for a brief moment and Kid Cudi delivers a stunning chorus.
A liberated West returns to the pulpit and gives a brief, but somewhat explicit testimony of his past and present relationships to Amber Rose and Kim Kardashian.
Father Stretch My Hands (Pt. 2)
West continues his testimony and raps about his personal experiences. He speaks on the importance of returning his wife’s phone calls and not wanting to make the same mistakes his father made. Also, he mentions the passing of the mother in Hollywood, being broke, and the reason why he broke his jaw.
West’s words hit home, making room for another liberated soul to tell his story of triumph.
Desiigner, a newly-signed artist of G.O.O.D. Music, emerges from the underbelly of the ghetto. He raps about getting money illegally, drugs, and violence-familiarized by urban-street hustlers.
Though his grim subject matter contradicts the song’s hopeful message of liberation, it somehow adds mysticism or substance to Kanye’s brutally-honest testimony.
Desiigner, blessed with a futuristic flow, highlights a few things that West’s congregation needs to examine in order to be totally liberated.
FAMOUS
Whenever an important event occurs in an urban community, an after party is sure to follow. And a host of celebrities are always on standby to attend it. The Life of Pablo is no exception.
The fourth song features Rihanna and legendary-producer Swizz Beatz. Also, it contains timeless vocals from Sister Nancy and Nina Simone.
West, no longer in church clothes, stands out lyrically with witty, braggadocios lyrics.
Whether that statement is factual or not, it’s doesn’t really matter because West believes it is.
FEEDBACK
The fifth song serves as a transformational period, where West shows signs of the old Kanye.
West doesn’t need a psychiatrist to diagnose his problems. He does that himself by wearing them on his sleeves.
LOW LIGHTS
On the sixth track, West wrote via Twitter, “I put Low Lights on my album just thinking about all the moms driving their kids to school, then going to work.”
Listeners can now relate to the everyday struggle that mothers endure.
The song features an acapella sample from “So Alive” by Kings of Tomorrow.
The woman gives a grateful-testimony of God’s graciousness over a laid-back, simple piano groove. Her honesty is felt. Also, she sounds liberated because her Creator has accepted her for who she is.
HIGH LIGHTS
From lows to high, the seventh track is in direct correlation to “Low Lights”.
West and Young Thug put on their festive robes because it’s time to celebrate life. El Debarge and The Dream chime in, and West addresses a lingering issue.
But this is only the beginning. West finishes strong with more thought-provoking lyrics.
FREESTYLE 4
The eighth track features Desiigner. Again, when he and West are together, all hell breaks loose.
The once festive scene transforms into a grimy underworld filled with a prostitute that West is explicitly lusting after. The temptation makes it difficult for him to stand on his opening statement of Jesus over Satan. But the power of darkness is more powerful than West thinks. So, he subconsciously indulges in sexual misconduct.
I LOVE KANYE
On the ninth track, West realizes that he’s at war with himself. The old Kanye, known for chopping up soul records is fighting against the new Kanye that everyone hates. But Kanye wants to go back to being sweet again if that’s even possible. His multiple egos are fighting for control over the ‘real’ Kanye.
WAVE
West doesn’t stare in the mirror for too long. On the tenth track, redemption happens. Chris Brown, disguised as an angel, comes to West’s aid by providing much-needed light.
Miraculously, the sun emerges from the shade, a bird flies out its cage, and a nostalgic feeling is felt.
West realizes that nothing is impossible because waves don’t die and feelings don’t really go away.
FML (FOR MY LADY)
On the eleventh track, West realizes what’s really important to him and that’s his wife. Someone he won’t jeopardize for no other woman. Also, his children are all layers of his soul.
The Weeknd appears in the form of West’s conscience.
West remains focused and listeners can feel the positive aura of God surrounding him. He is determined to remain faithful to only Kim, no other woman.
REAL FRIENDS
West continues his introspective outlook and raps about trust issues that everyone can relate to. His honest, down-to-earth lyrics, mixed in with Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals, paints a vivid picture. Also, it forms a collectible souvenir that hangs nicely in listeners’ collective memories.
WOLVES
The thirteenth track provides a cooling effect with wild emotions and bizarre-sounds.
The setting, maybe an extraterritorial realm in West’s subconscious mind. Perhaps, it’s the Milky Way Galaxy or a dream-state of Saturn.
A time for relaxation, preparing listeners for a surprise guest.
SILVER SURFER INTERMISSION
The fourteenth track features a phone conversation between incarcerated Max B and French Montana. Also, Max voices his gratitude to West for showing him love.
30 HOURS
On the fifteenth track, West takes a trip down memory lane and raps about an ex-girlfriend that he used to drive 30-hours to see. He used to drive from Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Chicago. He recalls the good times they shared. But unfortunately, her infidelity was the reason why they broke up.
NO PARTIES IN L.A.
The sixteenth track will go down in history as a legendary bar-fest between two elite emcees. Kendrick Lamar and West rap with dope punchlines and clever metaphors over a Madlib-produced track. Once again, West is flowing like the old Kanye that people love.
FACTS
The seventeenth track is a standout anthem where West brags that Yeezy just jumped over Jumpman. He’s in boss-mode, talking that big-money talk.
FADE
The final track features Post Malone and Ty Dollar $ign. The song has a reoccurring sample from Rare Earth, “Your love is fading/I feel it fade.”
The Eli Linnetz-directed video shows Teyana Taylor explicitly dancing.
CONCLUSION
Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” is a memorable hip-hop album with solid content and heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kanye-west-life-pablo/