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This Week’s Best New Songs: Sufjan Stevens, Big Thief, Yumi Zouma, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Big Thief’s infectious, heartwarming new single ‘Born for Loving You’; Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Will Anybody Ever Love Me?’, in which warm, gloriously enveloping instrumentation provides a home for the song’s titular despair; Yumi Zouma’s dreamy yet propulsive new single ‘KPR’; IAN SWEET’s caustic yet devastating new track ‘Emergency Contact’; ‘I Don’t Like My Mind’, a striking, relatable highlight off Mitski’s seventh album; Wild Nothing’s shimmery new song ‘Suburban Solutions’; and ‘Uh Oh’, a haunting, twitchy preview of Truth Club’s sophomore LP.

Best New Songs: September 18, 2023

Big Thief, ‘Born for Loving You’

Song of the Week: Sufjan Stevens, ‘Will Anybody Ever Love Me?’

Yumi Zouma, ‘KPR’

IAN SWEET, ‘Emergency Contact’

Mitski, ‘I Don’t Like My Mind’

Wild Nothing, ‘Suburban Solutions’

Truth Club, ‘Uh Oh’

Toyland temptations: Exploring pleasure tools in your foreplay

In intimacy, exploration and curiosity have paved the way for couples to expand their horizons and elevate their pleasure. One such avenue of exploration is the world of pleasure tools, also known as adult toys, which have gained popularity as tools that can enhance and intensify foreplay experiences.

This article delves into pleasure tools, exploring how they can add new dimensions to foreplay, encourage communication, and amplify intimacy between partners.

Discovering new sensations: The allure of pleasure tools

Pleasure tools offer many options to introduce new sensations to the foreplay experience. From vibrators, tentacle dildos and massage candles to blindfolds and restraints, these tools create a playground of sensory exploration. Each tool provides a unique touch, temperature, or vibration, allowing couples to discover uncharted territory and break from routine.

For example, consider the use of a feather tickler. The gentle, teasing touch of the feathers against the skin can ignite a cascade of sensations, evoking shivers and anticipation. This exploration of touch adds an element of surprise and heightened arousal to foreplay, encouraging partners to be present in the moment and attuned to each other’s responses.

Communication and consent: The foundation of exploration

Introducing pleasure tools into foreplay underscores the importance of open communication and mutual consent. It’s an opportunity for partners to converse about desires, boundaries, and curiosities. This dialogue creates a safe space for both individuals to articulate their needs without judgment, setting the foundation for a more intimate and satisfying encounter.

When partners explore pleasure tools together, they embark on a journey of mutual understanding and discovery. The process of selecting tools and discussing their use encourages vulnerability and openness. Partners learn to express their desires and preferences, fostering a deeper emotional connection beyond the physical act of intimacy.

Fostering shared exploration: The joy of co-creation

Exploring pleasure tools is not just about the tools themselves but the shared journey of co-creation. As partners navigate the world of toys, they engage in the process of discovering each other’s fantasies and desires. This shared exploration fosters a sense of adventure and trust, creating an atmosphere where both individuals feel valued and understood.

Consider the act of using a couples’ massager. The joint decision to introduce this tool involves a mutual understanding of the sensations it offers and the pleasure it can bring. As partners explore its use together, they co-create an experience that resonates with their unique connection. This shared exploration nurtures a sense of togetherness and deepens the emotional bond between partners.

Enhancing intimacy: The emotional impact

When introduced with care and intention, pleasure tools can have a profound emotional impact on a relationship. They create opportunities for partners to be vulnerable and explore aspects of their desires that may have previously been unspoken. By engaging in open conversations and shared experiences, couples strengthen their emotional connection and foster a more profound sense of intimacy.

Toys like blindfolds and restraints can heighten vulnerability and trust, enhancing the emotional connection between partners. Surrendering control to a partner and placing trust in their hands can lead to a heightened sense of intimacy and a deepened understanding of each other’s boundaries. By venturing into these territories together, couples create memories and experiences that strengthen their bond.

Celebrating individuality: Customizing the experience

One of the remarkable aspects of pleasure tools is their ability to be tailored to individual preferences. From the type of sensation to the intensity of stimulation, these tools offer a customized experience that resonates with each partner’s desires. This personalization ensures that the encounter remains uniquely satisfying and fulfilling.

As couples experiment with different pleasure tools, they uncover what brings them pleasure and fulfillment. This self-discovery enhances individual experiences and contributes to a more harmonious and pleasurable intimate connection. By celebrating each partner’s uniqueness, couples create an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation beyond intimacy.

Navigating boundaries: Mutual respect and consent

As couples browse anal dildos and navigate the world of pleasure tools, it’s essential to approach boundaries with mutual respect and consent. Pleasure tools can introduce new dynamics and sensations, making it crucial to establish clear boundaries and communicate them openly. These conversations create a framework of safety and trust, ensuring both partners feel comfortable and respected throughout the experience.

Introducing tools like restraints or impact play implements requires a deep understanding of each partner’s limits and desires. Partners must engage in honest discussions, outline boundaries, and continuously check in with each other during the encounter. By prioritizing consent and respecting boundaries, couples create an environment where both individuals can fully immerse themselves in the experience without fear or discomfort.

All in all

The realm of pleasure tools adds a dimension of exploration and excitement to the canvas of intimacy. By introducing these tools into foreplay, couples embark on a journey of shared discovery, communication, and vulnerability. Pleasure tools create opportunities for new sensations, open conversations, and the cultivation of emotional intimacy.

 

As partners venture into this world, they redefine pleasure, deepen their connection, and celebrate the diverse ways intimacy can be experienced. The journey of exploring pleasure tools is a testament to the beauty of shared exploration, communication, and the endless possibilities that await in the realm of intimacy.

The Best Casino Movie Of All Time: Casino (1995)

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‘Casino’ is perhaps the best casino movie of all time. The film was already released in 1995, so it is now almost 30 years old. Yet we keep talking about it as it is still popular in many countries around the world, such as Kuwait and the whole Middle East. It is a real crime film, with all the ingredients that a crime film should have: flashy editing, an energetic rhythm, excellent decoration and well-known actors.

At The Casino With Robert De Niro

Casino is a movie by Martin Scorsese, who you probably know from ‘Goodfellas’. Like ‘Goodfellas‘, ‘Casino’ is a movie adaptation of a book by Nicholas Pileggi. It’s about the Italian-American mafia. Robert De Niro plays Ace Rothstein, a charismatic mobster. He works for the mafia and controls a few casinos in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, Rothstein is a bit too charismatic. He falls in love with a call girl (Sharon Stone), which is the beginning of his downfall.

Then his former, murderous buddy (played by Joe Pesci) comes into the picture again. This gets Ace Rothstein even further into trouble. The film is not so much a mafia film, but it is a perfect representation of Las Vegas. The story is based on the life of Frank Rosenthal, who ran several casinos in the service of the mafia in the 1970s and 1980s.

Love Gone Wrong

As soon as Ace falls in love with Ginger, he lets his job at the casino grind to a halt. Previously, he earned a lot of money in the casino, which also made the mafia bosses very satisfied with him. But Ginger is a beautiful lady who will do anything in exchange for money. Ginger is also in love, but not with Ace’s personality. No, Ginger is all about money. With the money, Ace manages to persuade Ginger to get married.

Ginger keeps in touch with her ex-pimp, Lester Diamond. Diamond is addicted to drugs and penniless. That’s why Ace tries to keep Ginger away from him, but it doesn’t work. Meanwhile, the casino is financially collapsing. At one point he is officially kicked out of his casino and the end seems near.

Popular Games Featured In The Movie

Of course, Casino also features the well-known, typical Las Vegas games that are popular around the world, especially in Kuwait. You can’t get around Blackjack or Roulette. Blackjack is not only a popular game in the movie Casino but also in all kinds of other movies. The game is also in other blockbusters, such as License to Kill and 21.

These games are still popular. You play them in a physical casino with a croupier, or in real money online casinos in Kuwait through a video connection. In that respect, the time of gangsters running a casino is long behind us. In Kuwait, online gambling is legalized by offshore gaming agencies. Fortunately, certain elements, such as the exciting atmosphere and attractive decoration, are not just something from the movies.

Conclusion

The movie “Casino” touches its viewers sensitively and profoundly. This fantastic movie brilliantly reflects the tension and excitement that come with the world of gambling. This movie has strong performances from its actors. On top of that, the film’s strong storyline, superb visual rendition, and rare directorial potential all combine to give the best, most vivid portrayal of Las Vegas life at its peak. The horrific and decadent events of “Casino” detail gang life and corruption. In a connected frame, the events of the film also reflect the development of the industry and its impact on traditional games such as blackjack and roulette, which are still popular today in both real and online casinos. As for Kuwait, where casino games are very popular. In short, the film provides an insight into the world of casinos and games that resonate with modern Kuwaiti culture.

The National Release New Album ‘Laugh Track’ Featuring Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, and Rosanne Cash

The National have released a new album, Laugh Track, which they announced at their Homecoming music festival on Friday. It was recorded during the same sessions that yielded April’s First Two Pages of Frankenstein and serves as a companion album. Listen to it below.

Laugh Track features guest appearances from Phoebe Bridgers and Rosanne Cash, as well as the Bon Iver collaboration ‘Weird Goodbyes’, which originally came in April 2022. It also includes the recently released singles ‘Space Invaders’ and ‘Alphabet City’.

Watch Clairo Cover Mitski’s ‘My Love Mine All Mine’

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Clairo has posted a cover of Mitski’s ‘My Love Mine All Mine’ on Instagram. The track appears on Mitski’s new album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, which came out on Friday, along with a video for ‘My Love Mine All Mine’. “attempting to learn one of the most beautiful songs i’ve heard in a while,” Clairo wrote. Watch it below.

Earlier this year, Clairo joined Phoenix on a new version of their Alpha Zulu song ‘After Midnight’, and beabadoobee on a new version of ‘Glue Song’. She also shared a demo of a new track called ‘For Now’ for charity.

 

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A post shared by Claire Cottrill (@clairo)

The Art of Self-Presentation: Building Confidence on the Top Omegle Replacement Platforms

In the digital age, online chat platforms have grown exponentially in popularity, transforming the way individuals from varied backgrounds connect, converse, and create meaningful bonds. 

With the meteoric rise of Omegle came a wave of replacement platforms, each seeking to refine and enhance the user experience. 

No matter the chosen platform, mastering the art of self-presentation is crucial. It’s this skill that can distinguish your interactions, making them resonate deeper and stand out in a sea of digital dialogues.

Understanding The Medium

Evolution of Chat Platforms:

The transition from text to video platforms has ushered in a new era of communication. While text platforms remain popular for their ease and anonymity, video platforms provide a multi-dimensional experience, incorporating voice, facial expressions, and body language.

  • Text-Based Platforms: In a realm where visuals and tone are absent, the weight of your words magnifies. Precision in language becomes vital, ensuring misunderstandings are minimized.
  • Video-Based Platforms: While these offer a more holistic representation, they come with the responsibility of maintaining a suitable setting, choosing appropriate attire, and being aware of all visual cues you’re sending out.

Adapting to Technological Features:

The tech realm continuously innovates, and chat platforms are no exception. Modern enhancements, while exciting, require careful and authentic usage. It’s worth noting that while technology can enhance interactions, genuine human connection remains irreplaceable.

Crafting Your Digital Persona

Behind every screen lies a real person. The beauty of online platforms is that they offer a canvas to paint a vivid, yet genuine, representation of oneself.

Selectivity is Key:

  • Showcase Passion: Dive deep into topics that genuinely resonate with you. Authentic enthusiasm is often infectious.
  • Stay Updated: Delving into trending topics can be a conversation catalyst. However, select topics that align with your interests to maintain authenticity.
  • Cultivate Listening: Often, the potency of a conversation lies not in speaking, but in active listening. By paying genuine attention, you’re silently signaling your respect and interest.

Mastering First Impressions:

Initial interactions, fleeting as they may be, can significantly influence the trajectory of a conversation.

  • Open with Positivity: Whether it’s a cheerful hello or an earnest compliment, starting on a positive note often paves the way for fruitful discussions.
  • Avoid Over-sharing: A mystery can be intriguing. Share pieces of yourself gradually, ensuring the conversation flows organically.

Building Confidence Through Preparedness

While some exude natural confidence, for many, it’s a trait that’s nurtured over time. Preparedness often serves as the bedrock of confidence, ensuring you’re not just participating, but truly engaging.

Tech-Readiness:

  • Internet Stability: In a world that thrives on speed, a stable internet connection is essential. It not only ensures smooth conversations but also signals respect for your chat partner’s time.
  • Device Familiarity: Basic know-how of your device can prevent avoidable technical glitches, ensuring conversations remain uninterrupted and fluid.
  • Safety Protocols: Always prioritize your safety. Being aware of how to report or block individuals ensures you remain in control, even in unpredictable chat situations.

Mental Readiness:

  • Have a Few Topics in Mind: Think of it as a gentle guide rather than a rigid script. Having a handful of discussion points can steer conversations, especially during lulls.
  • Self-Care: Mental well-being is paramount. If you’re not in the right frame of mind, it’s entirely acceptable to step back and recharge.

Emotional Resilience and Adaptability:

The online realm is a diverse ecosystem, brimming with a myriad of personalities and perspectives. Navigating these waters requires not only a sturdy ship but also the ability to adjust your sails. 

Emotional resilience is about handling chats that may not go as expected with grace, understanding that each interaction is a unique experience. Adaptability, on the other hand, is about being open to new topics, cultures, and viewpoints, ensuring your conversations remain enriching and dynamic.

Conclusion

Venturing into Omegle replacements demands a dance of authenticity, digital savoir-faire, and emotional intelligence. By honing the art of self-presentation, you’re not merely engaging in ephemeral chats; you’re forging connections, one conversation at a time. 

And as you embrace these digital dialogues with poise and confidence, you inevitably find these skills echoing in real-life interactions, making every encounter more impactful and memorable.

For those seeking platforms tailored specifically for adults, don’t miss this guide on the best Adult Omegle alternatives.

Call Break Online: The Best Platforms and Apps To Play

Call Break is a card game played between four players. The game is popular in Nepal, India, and other South Asian countries. It is a trick-taking card game that lasts for about five rounds. The dealer shuffles the cards and distributes a total of thirteen cards. A total of thirteen tricks are available to players in each round, and players must play the same suit for each deal. Spades are the trump card for this particular card game. The winner is the player with the most number of deals. Due to this card game’s widespread popularity, Call Break is enjoyed across online platforms and applications. In the online realm, the game’s version includes multiplayer, one-on-one battles, tournaments, etc. You can even win cash rewards by winning matches. So, where do you play Call Break online? Here are some popular options.

MPL

Over 35 lakh people enjoy MPL’s Call Break, with over 3 lakh winners. The platform offers an easy-to-understand Call Break game with exciting gameplay. You can sign up and refer your friends to join to earn a referral bonus. The app works with Android and iOS phones, and the card game can be played for free or cash. You will also find the platform running exciting campaigns and offers occasionally. These allow players bigger winning opportunities. MPL is one of the leading Call Break earning apps where players can compete one-on-one or against multiple players in tournaments to win a jackpot. Players need to be on top of the leaderboard to win a jackpot. Besides Call Break, you can enjoy other card games like Rummy, Poker, etc. If you want to engage in shooting or racing games, the platform doesn’t disappoint with its collection of fun games.

PlayerzPot

PlayerzPot is another exciting gaming application with various games, including the famous Call Break card game. 10+ million users are registered, and the number proves the trustworthiness of the platform. It is exciting to play Call Break on this platform because you win the matches and make money while at it. If you are prepared for a challenge with multiple competitors, install this application on your device. Compete against real-life opponents and walk away with cash prizes.

AIO

AIO has a unique and fun version of Call Break, and Indian card game players seem to have grown to like this version a lot. A platform boasts 24/7 customer support, referral bonuses, and instant withdrawal schemes. Hence, there is no reason why you shouldn’t immediately download this application on your smartphone. The Call Break game on this platform suits everyone; all you must do is place intelligent bids. It is a game that offers players an extra source of income if they win the match. Beginners also have an excellent opportunity to win lucrative prizes from day one.

Call Break Empire

Call Break Empire application follows a simple rule. You must install the application, register, and deposit money to start playing cash games. The winnings can be quickly withdrawn to your wallet, UPI, or bank account. Furthermore, players are given a ₹10 sign-up bonus.

Players can compete against thousands of card game players at a private table and keep winning in real-time. You can even participate in tournaments. The platform’s interface is secure, and you can enjoy instant payout.

Rush by Hike

Rush by Hike provides you with several games on a single platform. Along with other exciting games, you can engage in challenging Call Break matches with real-life opponents and win real cash. This application allows you to play the game without any financial investment and win real cash if you beat your opponents. The app is downloadable on iOS and Android devices. The winnings can be instantly put into your UPI account.

Dangal Games

Dangal Games became famous for their Poker and Rummy games. Within a short time, the app acquired massive popularity, and its user base grew to 10 lakh. They achieved this incredible feat via an easy-to-play ecosystem emphasizing robust AI-based security gateways. People can play Call Break games on this platform and make real money. You can enjoy instant withdrawals and compete against real players.

Tips and Tricks to Play Call Break Online

Follow these hacks to improve your chances of winning Call Break online:

  • Get familiar with the rules – You must understand the rules before playing Call Break. Read all the rules relating to game variations, scoring, and cards. Having this knowledge is essential for compelling gameplay.
  • Lead with low cards – Conserve the high-value cards and lead with low-value cards when the match starts. This will prevent your opponents from easily winning valuable tricks.
  • Use the trump cards wisely – Trump cards are powerful and must be used strategically. It is best to save your trump cards when they can secure you valuable tricks or break the winning streak of your opponent.
  • Observe the game – It is essential to closely watch the game and keep track of the cards played. This will give you an idea about the cards that are likely with other players, and you can make informed decisions.
  • Bid strategically – Bidding is the most critical aspect of the Call Break game. You must assess the strength of your hand before making a big. Underbidding or overbidding leads to penalties.
  • Take calculated risks – It is essential to carefully evaluate your hand before placing the bid. Assess how many bids you can potentially make according to your cards. Accurately determine the tricks you will secure.
  • Keep practising – Do not stop even after you have learned the game’s rules and played a few rounds. You will learn something new whenever you play this game because the outcome is always unpredictable. The cards are shuffled and distributed via an algorithm, and nobody knows what combination of hands one will get. Hence, continue playing free practice matches to hone your skills.

So, what are you still waiting for? You know the top Call Break platforms and apps, along with tips and tricks to enhance your winning chances. Get playing!

The National Announce New Album ‘Laugh Track’

The National have announced they will be releasing Laugh Track, their second album of 2023, on Sunday (September 18). As Stereogum reports, the band’s Matt Berninger announced the follow-up to April’s First Two Pages of Frankenstein onstage at their Homecoming music festival in Cincinnati on Friday. The LP is set to arrive digitally Sunday night at midnight, with a vinyl release to follow in November.

Last month, The National shared the singles ‘Space Invaders’ and ‘Alphabet City’.

Drake and SZA Team Up on New Song ‘Slime You Out’

Drake and SZA have joined forces for a new song, ‘Slime You Out’. Drake worked on the track, which marks his first collaboration with SZA, with producers Bnyx, Noah “40” Shebib, Dalton Tennant, and Noel Cadastre. Listen to it below.

In 2020, on 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s track ‘Mr. Right Now’, Drake rapped, “Said she wanna fuck to some SZA, wait/ ‘Cause I used to date SZA back in ’08.” Following its release, SZA clarified on Twitter that this happened in 2009, writing: “I just didn’t want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening . Completely innocent . Lifetimes ago .”

Drake’s new album, For All The Dogs, drops on September 22. SZA just shared an acoustic version of her song ‘Snooze’ featuring Justin Bieber.

Album Review: Mitski, ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We reads as a dramatic title, but stress the second to last word and you hear the beginning of a question. The songs on Mitski’s seventh album sound like that, too: bold yet tentative, elegant yet knotty, drawing you in with their organic beauty until you realize you’re stranded in the dark alongside her, wondering what awaits us. The follow-up to 2022’s Laurel Hell is both her warmest and most challenging effort to date – not even handing out the questions to you, let alone any answers, but moving with multitudes – and so the first to be able to vividly capture the ostensible contradictions and chilling intricacies that have long been a mark of her songwriting. Think of ‘Heat Lightning’, an unconventional highlight off her previous record whose fluttering dissonance was resolved by an acceptance of futility, hopeful only in the act of surrender: “And there’s nothing I can do/ Not much I can change/ So I give it up to you/ I hope that’s okay.” On the new album, Mitski is equally attuned to, and devastated by, life’s inevitables, but she adjusts her gaze, no longer content to resign. It blows you away so naturally.

While inhabiting a similarly disquieting and liminal space as ‘Heat Lightning’, everything breathes so differently on The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. All sorts of things buzzing with aliveness keep her up and out through the night on ‘Buffalo Replaced’, where she finds hope – a kind, at least – “And though she’s blind with no name/ She shits where she’s supposed to, feeds herself while I’m away,” she somehow can’t do without it. On the astounding ‘The Deal’, Mitski describes a midnight walk alone that has her begging to bargain away her soul, and when she sings, “Then of course, nothing replied/ Nothing speaks to you in the night,” it sounds like capital-N nothing, personified. The music, intimate and quietly cinematic, softens as she makes her way home, until a bird reminds her of the sacrifice she almost made, what the darkness looks like without song: “Your pain is eased but you’ll never be free.” The instrumental elements that swelled carefully before dissipating then rumble back into thundering noise, with Ross McReynolds’ drums pummeling jaggedly forth; and while the singer sounds like she’s escaped the storm, she’s still haunted and weighed down by it.

Though the songs don’t quite explode or follow conventional paths the way some of her older material did, this is the least detached Mitski has sounded. Even the most dissociative songs sound incredibly alive; she frames her narratives through different angles, zooming out more than ever, but you always hear her up close. On several tracks, she complements her spare, country-leaning guitars with a 17-person choir and orchestral arrangements that evoke and cut through the unique logic of her lyricism in complex and sometimes surprising ways. ‘Bug Like an Angel’ introduces the atmosphere of the record as one of stark minimalism, with the narrator slipping into the haze of addiction: “Sometimes a drink feels like family,” she sings, and the choir suddenly twists the tenderness of the final word into something pungent and emotionally indecipherable; it’s all about punctuation. On the staggering ‘I’m Your Man’, Mitski constructs a chorus out of snarling dogs, chirping insects, and croaking frogs – real-world sounds that make the human voices sound otherworldly, ballooning like the end of a doomed and tangled relationship.

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We may not have infectious pop songs to counteract its more punishing moments, as Laurel Hell did, but it holds space for ones that are sweetly sentimental. The orchestral elegance of some tracks has a menacing edge, but on ‘Heaven’ it allows Mitski to lean into the softness of a love that’s full and wonderfully domestic. Her oohs mirror the bending willow and dancing storm she observes while tucked in the thought of her lover, a freedom miraculously removed from the dangers of ‘The Deal’. As a preview of the album, the track was paired with ‘Star’, in which another love is long gone but, in its own way, cosmically transcendent: “We just see it shining/ We’ve traveled very far.”

Take a step back, and the aloneness of The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, adorned as it may be, can feel overwhelming. ‘I Don’t Like My Mind’ offers a familiar portrait of toiling through solitude that calls back to Mitski’s 2021 single ‘Working for the Knife’ (“So yeah, I blast my music loud/ And I work myself to the bone”); faced with grief on the heartbreaking ‘The Frost’, she describes herself as “witness-less.” It’s not the desolate landscape that causes such pain, but the absence of something once present, or the presence of something unshared. You can hear, in a song as unexpectedly imposing as ‘When Memories Snow’, that there’s nothing more frightening than a memory, a part of you being shoved away for eternity. But just like Mitski’s music can make a beautiful thing – hope, nature, family – sound oddly cruel, it can also make a lonely thing burn brightly and beautifully. And so are we alone, really, when we let ourselves remember and be remembered like that? Are we in the dark when we let ourselves be seen so nakedly, out of love when we have it for ourselves? Are we not, while down here on earth, owed a place? And so, as Mitski sings finally on ‘Star’, “Isn’t that worth holding on?”