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Alexis Taylor recommended Picture This by Moodymann in Music (curated)

 
Picture This by Moodymann
Picture This by Moodymann
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I was quite a late-comer to Moodyman's music. I didn't really hear it when it was new to other people. Joe recommended Mahogany Brown to me. When I was in Germany on tour I brought a white label that had the track 'Pray 4 Love' on it that's on the Picture This album. I just fell in love with the sound - the Fender Rhodes and that kind of swung, half-time rhythm that is quite slow to this sort of disco groove, and it keeps going back and forth between those two rhythms, and being quite natural in the way that it does it. It suggests that it's going to explode into something, and then it just drops down into half-speed. It's a very teasing record in the same way that 'Shades Of Jae' by him was. He really understands the dancefloor, and a record that replicates sexual build-up. It's a very sensual and playful record. That in itself is a bit like Prince, but it's all sample-based stuff, and then the vocals as far as I can tell. Sometimes I'm playing in clubs where the expectation is that you'll just play very digital and harsh, abrasive music. I don't really like being known as an electronic artist because I don't think of myself like that. I like everything, predominantly soul music and music that is soulful, rather than just from the soul genre. Moodymann's inspiring because of his approach to production, and he's very inventive."

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Megalithic Symphony by AWOLNATION
Megalithic Symphony by AWOLNATION
2011 | Alternative
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"This is Aaron Bruno’s solo proect. I put this on the list because I’ve been listening to it recently. I tend to find an album that is eclectic enough to keep me interested and I listen to it over and over again, obsessing over it… and then I stop. And I just stopped with this! Ha ha! Well, I’ll probably give it a bit of space and then come back to it. I try and listen to new music as much as I can, but that’s probably the first genuinely eclectic new album that I’ve enjoyed in years. The story goes that somebody in Texas played one of the album tracks and it’s caught on and everybody’s playing it now on their radio stations. And it’s become a sort of mega hit. To me there is some stuff on it that sounds like the Pixies and some stuff that sounds like The Beatles, but it’s all slightly electronic and his voice is great. There’s loads of obviously ad-libbed stuff that they’ve kept in and it’s very cool. Rough round the edges in the right way. It’s not guitar heavy, but there is some really great live drumming happening in it. I think he’s a surfing man who’s influenced by hardcore and stuff like that, but some of it’s very poppy. I think it’s just a guy who is not afraid to explore songs and take them where they feel like they should go, rather than worry about what it’s supposed to sound like. It’s the best new album I’ve heard in years."

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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/
  
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Andy Gill recommended Hold My Liquor by Kanye West in Music (curated)

 
Hold My Liquor by Kanye West
Hold My Liquor by Kanye West
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Definitely my favourite song on that record [Yeezus]. I think it's a great record, if you can get past the ""bitches"" and what's that about Chinese pussy? Kanye, fucking grow up man, you're not 15. I was talking to Michael Azerrad, 'cause he's got me to do a couple of podcasts for him. And his clever little thing is to get musicians to review other albums. In conversation, I mentioned this track, and he said he got Lou Reed to write about the record. He said Lou Reed was in tears listening to this track. It's a very emotional track and it's very clever. He switches between making jokes and sounding very desperate indeed. One minute he's being very flippant, and I guess it's like being drunk and not drunk. The drink and the comedown, the hangover, whatever. Really beautiful, but also powerful, and quite punk in a way. And the arrangement is so clever and unexpected and unusual. He'll give you one thing and then give you something quite different, but it all works from section to section. I heard this while I was making What Happens Next and I was really impressed with the synth bass sounds, so I ended up having Thomas [McNeice] in, and we worked out where there would be a mixture of his bass playing and some electronic bass. You know, Lou Reed's point is that Kanye is demonstrating what he can get away with, which is good. I think there's quite a few ""I can do what I like moments"", including talking about ""sweet and sour pussy"" [sic]."

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Deadly Truths (Kiss Her Goodbye #3)
Deadly Truths (Kiss Her Goodbye #3)
Rebecca Royce | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
42 of 250
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Deadly Truths ( Kiss her Goodbye book 3)
By Rebecca Royce

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

I'm Everly Marrs.

Eighteen months ago the Letters took me to force my father's hand and turned my world upside down. A few months after that, a man named Ben took me from them and I went through hell before I saw them again and they turned my heart inside out. In fast moments I'll never get over, I killed my father and walked away from everything--the Alliance, the Letters, my heart.

Before D, W, T, K and J, I had plans. I was going to help people. After, I barely recognize myself, but I went through the motions, and I finished school. I had a job that paid under the table. I avoided electronic monitoring and I knew how to take care of myself. I was going off the grid. I was going to be safe and disappear.

Then one of my Letters walked into a bar...it sounds like a joke yet its anything but funny. Once again, I'm plunged back into their world, only they aren't taking me this time. No one is.

No, this time I know what it means to be Everly Marrs and what happens next is going to happen my way.


Yes!! Everly gets her happy ever after!! She worked hard for it and finally took control of her life. Love Rebeccas books and although sad to see this end it’s great to have a complete story that is compact and holds a punch! Brilliant RH series
  
Dakota Burn (Leine Basso #8)
Dakota Burn (Leine Basso #8)
D.V. Berkom | 2019 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent and a must-read series
I seem to have run out of superlatives to describe this series of books by D.V. Berkom and containing the awesome Leine Basso so will just say it's another fantastic read and a must-read addition to anyone's bookshelf be it a physical one or electronic.

With an extremely disturbing but, tragically, all too realistic story line, this book contains subject matter which is distasteful and abhorrent to the majority of the "normal" population however, it is treated with respect and restraint by the author.

Excellent and believable characters litter this book from the goodies to the villains with Derek being a particular favourite of mine along with Jinn who gets better and better with each outing. The setting amongst the bleakness of an oil town in North Dakota is perfect and adds to the atmosphere and darkness of the subject matter.

Full of action and a fair amount of violence, this book is written at a quick pace which had me devouring it at every opportunity with the only complaint I have being that I finished it too quickly!

Another hit for me and I have no hesitation in recommending any of them in the series; you don't particularly need to read them in sequence but I would certainly advise that you do in order to get the most out of the characters and to have a greater understanding of their motivations and thought processes.

I must thank the author for sending me a copy in return for a honest and unbiased review - I can't wait for the next one.
  
Symbolism by Caracol
Symbolism by Caracol
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Caracol is a bilingual singer-songwriter based in Montreal, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Flooded Field” single featuring Illa J (brother of the late Jay Dilla).

“I could be your island. Headlights in the distance reaching out in silence if you won’t tell me how the water came. How can I really get you out of it? Your heart is a flooded field. Tell me what it means. Don’t know how to get to you.” – lyrics

‘Flooded Field’ tells an interesting tale of a supportive woman who wants to comfort her significant other.

Apparently, he has built a wall, so she doesn’t know how to get to him. But she has patience, therefore, she urges him to open up so she can nurture him with love.

‘Flooded Field’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with an electro-reggae aroma.

‘Flooded Field’ is a featured track on Caracol’s latest album, entitled, “Symbolism”.

The 11-track project sums up her past musical experiences and her beginnings as a percussionist and back-up singer in reggae bands.

Also, it highlights her work as a sound engineer in film music and her presence in the songwriting community and pop music writing camps.

Her “Symbolism” adventure began when she met producer Joey Waronker during a creative trip to Los Angeles.

After falling in love with her demos, he decided to work with her, and during the recording process, Caracol reached new heights.

Caracol was recently nominated at the Canadian Indie Awards in the Electronic Artist of the Year category.

Her music influences include Santigold, Lykke Li, Grimes, Beach House, Wild Belle, and Portishead.
  
Richard D. James Album by Aphex Twin
Richard D. James Album by Aphex Twin
1996 | Electronic, Pop
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Well, what can I say? This is a hugely exciting record. Aphex Twin has got a huge reputation, obviously. When I was 16 it was one of the things which I had on MiniDisc, which we all had back in those days! I would just listen to it continuously. It was just around the time I was starting to make electronic music on my own, and I remember thinking, how can you make this? The technology I had and the software I had was absolutely shit, and I remember fiddling with it and thinking that I couldn't figure out how to make these drum beats so complex, and so delicately put together. Every five seconds or couple of bars something new happens. There's none of this copy and paste which all dance music at the time was doing, thinking in particular of that kind of Ibiza dirge that was shit and was on the radio 24/7. You just get 15 bars of the same thing, then one change, whereas Aphex Twin was the exact opposite of that. He would just keep your interest piqued the whole time, and that's one thing which I have always strived to do with the band, just to stop things being boring. Perhaps we push it too far, but I think all the 'inciness' and the whole thing about not letting it rest and be copied and pasted, I think is in my music as well. The other thing about that record is that it's not really a dance record at all, it's just music. I mean you can dance to it if you want, but there's lots of classical stuff on there really. There are lots of quiet moments, and lots of awkward stuff that is not really dance music."

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White Noise (2005)
White Noise (2005)
2005 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
7
6.9 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Ever since the phenomenal success of “The Sixth Sense”, films dealing with the supernatural have been an ever increasing presence at theaters world wide as studios attempt to find the next break out film in the genre to ensure lucrative box office and video returns.

The latest foray into the Supernatural is the new Michael Keaton film White Noise, which is based on the actual study of E.V.P. or Electronic Voice Phenomena which is reputed some paranormal investigators to be the voices of dead people speaking to the living via static in electronic devices.

Although the factuality of this is still a topic of hot debate, as after decades of study, no conclusive finding either way as to the legitimacy of E.V.P. have been found as many people attribute the supposed voices as simply the mind hearing what it wants to hear. Despite this, there are a growing number of groups and organizations worldwide who are dedicated to the study of E.V.P.

The film centers on Jonathan Rivers’s (Michael Keaton), a successful architect who is married to a best selling author Anna (Chandra West). The couple is anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child as Jonathan has a son from a previous marriage and is thrilled to see his family grow

Tragedy sets in when Anna goes missing and eventually is found dead after an apparent accident. Jonathan has his world collapse around him yet and is living in a state of despair. Shortly, a man named Raymond Price (Ian McNeice) comes to Jonathan claiming that he has been receiving messages from Anna from the afterlife. Jonathan is at first dismissive but when he gets calls on his cell that are originating from Anna’s cell number; he visits Raymond and learns about E.V.P.

Jonathan becomes drawn into the study of E.V.P. and soon becomes obsessed with recording voices and images from the afterlife as he is desperate to stay in contact with Anna. All is not well though as Raymond failed to tell Jonathan that there are evil and dangerous entities in the afterlife and they can also use E.V.P. as a way to access and influence the living.

Jonathan also meets a fellow E.V.P user named Sara (Deborah Kara Unger), who like Jonathan becomes involved in a deeper and darker mystery as Jonathan begins to decipher a pattern behind the messages as well as the intentions behind them.

White Noise starts well as a solid mystery and had a few moments where what you imagine is often more intense than what the reality really is. Early in the film there are some good chills and creepy moments as the story unfolds. Roughly ¾ of the way into the film, the tone of the film changes from supernatural thriller to that of a mystery and I suspect that the film will lose many people at this point. The film was working well as a thrill, yet the last ¼ of the film and the conclusion become confused and sporadic as the momentum and flow of the film is lost.

The conclusion was unsatisfying as I was able to see where it was going and based on the very promising first hour of the film, it was sad to see that the film took the easy way out and relied on tired premises instead of continuing to forge ahead with the new premise and take it to what should have been a much better and more logical conclusion.

Keaton does solid work and carries the film very well. It is great to see him back on the big screen as he is a gifted and versatile actor who is capable of handling a wide range of roles.

While not a bad film, White Noise is sunk by the issues with the finale that I mentioned above. That being said, it is an entertaining film that aside from the ending, does generally work and holds the attention of the viewer.
  
The Long Earth
The Long Earth
Terry Pratchett, Stephen Baxter | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.7 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Step Day. A day that changed the world. A day when the designs for a strange device went viral. Relatively simple to make with a few electronic components and a potato, this small device allowed most people to move sideways into a parallel dimension... and from there they could keep going exploring multiple copies of Earth, each different and all of them untouched and available for colonisation by the population of the overcrowded, overdeveloped and worn out original.

Joshua Valiente is an orphan who discovers that he doesn't actually need a box to move dimensions - to Step - he is a natural, like a few others before him that have already discovered what becomes known as the Long Earth and have kept it to themselves. Big business isn't slow to take advantage, particularly the huge, powerful and shadowy Black Corporation, whose distributed super computer Lobsang claims to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan mechanic. Together Joshua and Lobsang will discover a few of the secrets of the Long Earth, as well as witnessing the worst it brings out in humanity.

With this central idea, Pratchett and Baxter tell the tales of various people affected by the events of Step Day in very different ways. As with the rest of humanity, the narrative is restless, keen to both rush out and see how far along the Long Earth it can travel and to watch how it turns the Earth we all know on its head. This is a book of wonders, a little like Gulliver's Travels in finding interesting variations to explore.

Those expecting the usual slew of jokes, gags, footnotes and humorous characters that typify his Discworld novels will be disappointed. There are light touches to the situations and characters that betray his hand but this is straight science fiction by two great authors who between them manage to convey the huge scale of thousands - millions - of Earths while still being able to tell the story from a human perspective.