Be the Cowboy by Mitski 🤠 Song by Song Analysis

            

Written by Tia

I love Mitski—this is no secret. I've loved her previous albums and I'm sure I'll love this one, too. But I haven't listened to her latest album Be the Cowboy yet, so I'll be reacting to each of the songs individually (in order) and offering my initial analyses of the lyrics, sound, and overall quality.

Because that's what review blogs do 😉!

I want this to be a place where people who don't know Mitski can give her music a try, starting with songs they think they'll like best, but also offer some of my more complex thoughts on her music for those who are familiar with it and would like to discuss it more in the comments.

Everyone's thoughts are welcome! Now let's get into it.

The Shape of Water 🐠 Film Review

Written by Thelonia

Have you ever wondered what an Amélie & Creature from the Black Lagoon crossover set in 60's Baltimore would look like? Well sit down for a second because if so, I'm going to blow your mind: you don't need to imagine any longer! Warning: may include more fish-man butt than you'd initially think.

Synthesis by Evanescence 🤔 Album Review

Written by Thelonia

On the same day as Taylor Swift released her much-anticipated (and dreaded) 5th album, band-I -heavily-associate-with-middle-school Evanescence also released an album (their 4th, and their first album in over six years). If you were in any way the kind of kid who listened to a lot of pretty sounding rock in your life (or has jammed to "Bring Me To Life" at karaoke; don't @ me, it's a good karaoke song), then this might come as both exciting news (new music!) and horrifying (oh god, here come embarrassing teen memories). I am here to tell you that your fears are both completely unfounded and terribly, terribly, real.

Horror Movies to Watch this Halloween 2.0 ✌

      

Written by Thelonia

It's Halloween month, which mean it's now, once again, socially acceptable to watch as many horror movies as your mind can take. We're continuing from last year's Halloween horror movie compilation list to give you recommendations on what to watch to get spoopy this October season (or, if you're like me, all year round).

Blade Runner 2049 🤔 Film Review

      

Written by Thelonia & Tia

The aesthetic impact of Blade Runner (1982) on science fiction cannot be overstated enough. Though it was met with mixed reviews, almost every major sci-fi film has tried to replicate Blade Runner aesthetically, with its mixture of neo-noir cityscapes that blend technology with automated and multicultural individuals.

The film did however become a quick cult classic, leading to years of rumors about possible sequels (to mixed derision and anticipation). And yet, more than three decades later, here it is: Blade Runner 2049 (2017), taking place, itself, three decades after its predecessor. Does it (and can it) live up to the hype of the original?

The Beguiled 💘 Film Review

Written by Thelonia

The Beguiled began life as a novel (originally titled A Painted Devil by Thomas Cullinan), was adapted into a film in 1971 (starring Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page), and has now been brought back to the cinema by Sofia Coppola, who works the film into aesthetic beauty with a tense narrative, but who also falls prey to many of her cultural blind spots.

What Remains of Edith Finch 😭 Video Game Review

 

Written by Thelonia

There's a curse on the Finches. From mysterious murders to bath-time accidents to strange disappearances, the family is just unlucky in life (and, more often, death). In this 2017 game from developers Giant Sparrow, you play as Edith Finch, a young girl who returns to her childhood home to uncover the secrets of her family - and to maybe understand the family curse once and for all.

"Bad Liar" by Selena Gomez 👸 Music Video Review

            

Written by Tia

In the music video for Selena Gomez's supremely catchy new song, "Bad Liar," she returns to the role she plays best—acting as a high school student. And... a creepy teacher that is also her cheating (step?) father? And... her own mother? And... the gym teacher she has a crush on? It's bizarre, comedic, a touch of genuine fun, and way too short!

Watch the music video for "Bad Liar" below.

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House 💀 Movie Review

Written by Thelonia

The Pretty Thing that Lives in the House is Ruth Wilson (armed with a saccharine American accent), who plays Lily Saylor, a nurse hired to take care of an aged writer living in a large empty house all by herself. Lily will soon discover the house’s dark secrets lurking just inside the walls.

Shore by Daniela Andrade 😍 EP Review

            

Written by Tia

Daniela Andrade's music career flourished on YouTube, and that's where she's continued to share her work with her 1.3 million subscribers. Although most well known for her covers, which are delicately stripped down to quiet, raw acoustics with lots of reverb, she came out this past year with an EP of four original songs, paired with gorgeous music videos, that any fan of indie female vocalists should look into.