Since the 30 Days of Movies challenge was quite fun to do, I’ve decided to do the same with music. I’ve made some changes to some of the questions (and deleted some others) in order to reflect the medium better. I’m not sure if there’s an official list of music questions, and I’m too lazy to find out. No cutting it up this time either, all twenty items are right here in this update! Enjoy.
1. favourite song
It changes all the time, but I think it’s fair to say Anything Goes (from the same-named musical) is a good contender. I especially like the interpretation by John Barrowman.
Chances are I’d have picked a different song if I’d filled this in five minutes earlier or later, but right now, this feels like the proper choice. After all, in life, Anything Goes.
2. worst song
Friday by Rebecca Black would be such a conformist no-brainer answer… Besides, I don’t actually think it’s that bad.
My pick would be A Guy Like You from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Not that the song in itself is particularly bad, but it doesn’t fit with the rest of the film (album) at all. I always end up skipping this song.
Runner up: My Baby by Britney Spears. It has no place on Circus.
3. cheesiest song
Je Hebt Een Vriend by K3. Horribly sappy, yet somehow still fun.
4. album you can’t wait to hear
A couple of weeks ago, I’d have said the new album by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga or Flogging Molly. All three have been released, so I suppose I’ll now be waiting for the new Will Young, John Barrowman or Michael Bublé.
5. song you can listen to over again
The Song That Never Ends, mostly because it never ends.
6. your oldest album (not the one you had the longest, but the one that came out first)
I think I’ll have to say my Frank Sinatra boxed set. I don’t actually own many CD’s, and most I do own are recent releases (sort of).
7. your newest album
Speed of Darkness by Flogging Molly. Not bad, but their first free albums remain their best.
8. your most childish album
The first albums by K3. I’m not ashamed, they’re just uncomplicated fun.
9. album that failed to be as good as the first
The Angry Mob by the Kaiser Chiefs. I loved Employment and while TAM isn’t bad in any way, it failed to attract my interest in the same way.
10. favourite lyric
‘The rainbow still looks pretty when it bleeds’ from Almost Sorry by the Scissor Sisters. There’s an elegance and gloominess about this still positive sentence. I like how it works together.
11. song you like, but people you know hate
The Song That Never Ends again. I don’t know why, but people always end up asking me to stop singing it after about ten minutes…
12. album you thought you wouldn’t like, but then did
Friday’s Child by Will Young. I first listened to it years ago and didn’t like it. Then last year I gave it another go, convinced I’d still dislike it, but it was actually rather good. You never know when your opinion is going to change, it pays go give things/people another chance.
13. song you don’t want others knowing you like
Honestly? None. I checked my collection and there's not one song I'm ashamed of. Why would I? I like the song and that's what matters.
14. favourite singer
I think I’d have to go with Amy MacDonald. She’s simply brilliant.
15. singer that should get a different job
Gordon. So long as it’s a job outside of the spotlights, I’m sick of seeing him as well as hearing him.
16. favourite album title (not necessarily your fav album)
I’ve always liked how Aqua’s albums matched each other. Aquarium and Aquarius. I just hope their upcoming third album will continue this trend.
17. favourite genre
Musical isn't technically a genre, it's a medium. Thought I'd explain that before people started wondering why I hadn't picked that.
Easy-listening? Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Michael Bublé, Eliza Dolittle, Laura Janssen, Mark Salling, that kind of stuff.
18. hottest singer
Daniel Boys. Yes, I still have my crush. ADWD, baby! Make some noise for Daniel Boys!
19. most epic song
Oof, tough one. Right now, I think I’ll go with either I Know Him So Well (John Barrowman/Daniel Boys version) or Girls of the Night from the Jekyll & Hyde musical (demo version).
20. special mentions
Avenue Q – Original Broadway Cast Recording
Book of Mormon – Original Broadway Cast Recording
Legally Blonde – Original Broadway Cast Recording
Rent – Original Broadway Cast Recording
Wednesday 15 June 2011
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Marry the Night
It was a cool, clear evening, uncharacteristic for August. Michael took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He’d expect to cry, and worse, he’d expected Steph to cry. Neither of them had. In fact, the break-up had been easier than he would have dared to hope. He wondered why he felt so disappointed. Steph and he had discussed a possible break many times – perhaps they’d desensitised to the subject. Still, he felt as though something was missing. Something to close this chapter of his life – something definite. He wasn’t about to go back inside though. Amiable though it was, they’d split up for a reason. He needed to move on.
Michael slung his rucksack over his shoulder and looked back at the house. Stephanie had closed the door, so all he could see now was his reflection in the window. He straightened his short blonde hair and took a step back to admire himself. His swimmer’s body was complimented perfectly by his outfit. A tight tee with the arms cut roughly, hugging his biceps. Dark blue jeans and white leather belt with matching bracelet. Michael gave his reflected self an approving nod. Time to put this stud back on the singles market.
He prised his eyes away from himself and inhaled deeply again. He loved walking on summer nights. That was the reason he’d chosen to talk to Steph tonight. If it had turned out to be emotional, at least the walk home would lift his spirit. As it was, he hoped the light breeze might take away from this feeling of disappointment.
He took his time, elongating the trip home as much as possible. However, he reached his street much sooner than he’d wanted. He hesitated, then crossed the street. Not quite ready to go home, he’d postpone it by taking a walk through the park.
Vandalism had hit the park hard lately. Almost all lights had been broken, making it virtually impossible to see. Michael guessed there were some dodgy deals happening at night. He didn’t venture into the park after dark much anymore, even though he’d certainly be able to stand his own if he ever did get into a fight.
Tonight though, he was thankful for the darkness. Not being able to see around you meant you had to look at yourself more closely. It gave him a chance to be alone with his thoughts. Michael found a wooden bench which hadn’t been wrecked, though the lantern next to it was on its last leg. He threw his rucksack on the bench and sat down next to it. The flickering light next to the bench annoyed him, so he emptied his bag and placed it over the lantern. He was now engulfed in darkness.
Everything seemed so different in the dark. Michael got lost in his thoughts, losing all sense of time. The line between fantasy and reality seemed to blur; everything seemed possible, if only he knew how to take the first step.
Michael didn’t know whether he was asleep or not when he first heard the whispering. He opened his eyes and saw the world in flickering light. He must have been asleep, or he would have noticed his bag being stolen. He dozily looked around – no one to be seen. He had no idea how much time had passed, but it was still pitch-black out. Still not fully awake, Michael closed his eyes and listened intently. There was nothing to be heard – no whispers, no people, not even the crickets. The silence felt unnatural. Then he heard it – a voice. He couldn’t recognise any words, but the voice was perfect. It was deep and smooth, inviting you to relax and forget all your cares.
Michael had almost completely fallen asleep when a sudden body spasm brought him back to the conscious world. He jumped up from the bench and said ‘Who’s there?’ in a loud and gruff tone. There was no answer. Michael straightened his stance and called again.
‘Look, I know you’re there, I could hear you whispering. Return my belongings now and I promise you there won’t be any repercussions. Don’t return them, and we’ll see just how many kicks it takes to break a human skull.’ Michael flexed his muscles as he spoke, determined to intimidate whoever was hiding from him.
‘I did not take your belongings.’ The voice appeared to be coming from all around him.
‘Belongings aren’t important to me. They are to you as well, but I’ll let you decide on the reason.’ ‘What do you mean? Show yourself, you coward,’ Michael said, squinting around to spot the man.
At that moment, the light flickered violently and died, throwing Michael and the unknown person back into total darkness. Michael felt the wind flutter around him – something was moving.
‘There are two paths before you,’ spoke the man. His voice hadn’t changed at all, but Michael was no longer comforted by it. In fact, it now froze him to the spot.
Michael felt cold fingers on his shoulder. He wanted to turn around, but the man spoke again.
‘Once I’ve bitten you – yes, I will bit you, there are two possible outcomes. One; you die, plain and simple. I’ll feed on your flesh and blood and go about my night. Or you can choose to become like me; living at night, forever young, untouchable by all living, moving creatures. I don’t usually offer my food this choice, so think carefully before you answer. It’s an honour to be asked, after all.’
Michael weighed his options. If this was some loony tramp, he’d probably stand a chance in a fight. If the guy had a weapon, his chances of winning would be a lot slimmer. No way of finding out, it was too dark for that.
Then again, this guy could be telling the truth. Vampires belong in folklore, but folklore itself was usually based on truth. If this were the case, fighting would be futile. Joining him would be the obvious choice. Besides, if it was a nut job, this would give Michael the best opportunity to find out if he had a weapon. He tried to sound disinterested when he answered.
‘Alright, I’ll join you.’
As soon as he’d said it, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. He would have buckled over, if the grip on his shoulder hadn’t firmly kept him up. He felt a hot liquid drip into his mouth. The man told him to drink, and Michael obeyed. He’d barely swallowed his first drops when the darkness became absolute and Michael lost consciousness.
Michael slung his rucksack over his shoulder and looked back at the house. Stephanie had closed the door, so all he could see now was his reflection in the window. He straightened his short blonde hair and took a step back to admire himself. His swimmer’s body was complimented perfectly by his outfit. A tight tee with the arms cut roughly, hugging his biceps. Dark blue jeans and white leather belt with matching bracelet. Michael gave his reflected self an approving nod. Time to put this stud back on the singles market.
He prised his eyes away from himself and inhaled deeply again. He loved walking on summer nights. That was the reason he’d chosen to talk to Steph tonight. If it had turned out to be emotional, at least the walk home would lift his spirit. As it was, he hoped the light breeze might take away from this feeling of disappointment.
He took his time, elongating the trip home as much as possible. However, he reached his street much sooner than he’d wanted. He hesitated, then crossed the street. Not quite ready to go home, he’d postpone it by taking a walk through the park.
Vandalism had hit the park hard lately. Almost all lights had been broken, making it virtually impossible to see. Michael guessed there were some dodgy deals happening at night. He didn’t venture into the park after dark much anymore, even though he’d certainly be able to stand his own if he ever did get into a fight.
Tonight though, he was thankful for the darkness. Not being able to see around you meant you had to look at yourself more closely. It gave him a chance to be alone with his thoughts. Michael found a wooden bench which hadn’t been wrecked, though the lantern next to it was on its last leg. He threw his rucksack on the bench and sat down next to it. The flickering light next to the bench annoyed him, so he emptied his bag and placed it over the lantern. He was now engulfed in darkness.
Everything seemed so different in the dark. Michael got lost in his thoughts, losing all sense of time. The line between fantasy and reality seemed to blur; everything seemed possible, if only he knew how to take the first step.
Michael didn’t know whether he was asleep or not when he first heard the whispering. He opened his eyes and saw the world in flickering light. He must have been asleep, or he would have noticed his bag being stolen. He dozily looked around – no one to be seen. He had no idea how much time had passed, but it was still pitch-black out. Still not fully awake, Michael closed his eyes and listened intently. There was nothing to be heard – no whispers, no people, not even the crickets. The silence felt unnatural. Then he heard it – a voice. He couldn’t recognise any words, but the voice was perfect. It was deep and smooth, inviting you to relax and forget all your cares.
Michael had almost completely fallen asleep when a sudden body spasm brought him back to the conscious world. He jumped up from the bench and said ‘Who’s there?’ in a loud and gruff tone. There was no answer. Michael straightened his stance and called again.
‘Look, I know you’re there, I could hear you whispering. Return my belongings now and I promise you there won’t be any repercussions. Don’t return them, and we’ll see just how many kicks it takes to break a human skull.’ Michael flexed his muscles as he spoke, determined to intimidate whoever was hiding from him.
‘I did not take your belongings.’ The voice appeared to be coming from all around him.
‘Belongings aren’t important to me. They are to you as well, but I’ll let you decide on the reason.’ ‘What do you mean? Show yourself, you coward,’ Michael said, squinting around to spot the man.
At that moment, the light flickered violently and died, throwing Michael and the unknown person back into total darkness. Michael felt the wind flutter around him – something was moving.
‘There are two paths before you,’ spoke the man. His voice hadn’t changed at all, but Michael was no longer comforted by it. In fact, it now froze him to the spot.
Michael felt cold fingers on his shoulder. He wanted to turn around, but the man spoke again.
‘Once I’ve bitten you – yes, I will bit you, there are two possible outcomes. One; you die, plain and simple. I’ll feed on your flesh and blood and go about my night. Or you can choose to become like me; living at night, forever young, untouchable by all living, moving creatures. I don’t usually offer my food this choice, so think carefully before you answer. It’s an honour to be asked, after all.’
Michael weighed his options. If this was some loony tramp, he’d probably stand a chance in a fight. If the guy had a weapon, his chances of winning would be a lot slimmer. No way of finding out, it was too dark for that.
Then again, this guy could be telling the truth. Vampires belong in folklore, but folklore itself was usually based on truth. If this were the case, fighting would be futile. Joining him would be the obvious choice. Besides, if it was a nut job, this would give Michael the best opportunity to find out if he had a weapon. He tried to sound disinterested when he answered.
‘Alright, I’ll join you.’
As soon as he’d said it, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. He would have buckled over, if the grip on his shoulder hadn’t firmly kept him up. He felt a hot liquid drip into his mouth. The man told him to drink, and Michael obeyed. He’d barely swallowed his first drops when the darkness became absolute and Michael lost consciousness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)