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David Byrne Shares New Holiday Song ‘The Fat Man’s Comin’’

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David Byrne has released a new holiday single, ‘The Fat Man’s Comin’’, for Bandcamp Friday. Jherek Bischoff produced and arranged the song, which was originally written in 2013. It can be purchased exclusively via Bandcamp until December 30 for an amount of your choosing, with a minimum contribution of $1. Proceeds from the track will benefit Byrne’s nonprofit online news magazine, Reasons to Be Cheerful. Check it out below.

Byrne said in a statement about the track:

I always wanted to write a holiday song. I wouldn’t call it a Christmas song, as the visitation of Santa (formerly known as St. Nicholas, who mainly did punishing) seems to have evolved to be a more secular consumer moment than a religious or spiritual affair.

I believe the foundation of this music might have been written at the same time as the collaboration I did with St. Vincent a few years ago, but somehow a literal view of the Santa phenomena was what came out. It wasn’t right for Annie and me – the story of a fat man in rather odd attire who breaks into people’s homes and leaves mysterious packages.

I’d worked with Jherek before and enlisted him to arrange and record the “orchestra,” which I wanted to sound sort of old-school creepy. The old song “Teddy Bears Picnic” may have been a reference.

Back then, I thought I’d use the song as a means to raise money for a good cause, but to draw attention to this thing I thought it might need a visual, so I storyboarded a video for the song which eventually ended up getting shelved.

But maybe helping celebrate another year of Reasons To Be Cheerful might be a good reason to resurrect this song, and let the storyboards allow folks to imagine what the video might have been.

Enjoy and thanks for listening/watching

David

Björk Shares New Video for ‘Sorrowful Soil’

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Björk has shared the music video for ‘Sorrowful Soil’, a track from her latest album Fossora. Shot at the Fagradalsfjall volcano, the clip was directed by Viðar Logi, who also photographed the LP’s cover art, which we just featured in our 50 Best Album Covers of 2022 list. Check it out below.

In a press statement, Björk said:

sorrowful soil is a song i wrote from random improvisations .. i kinda thought i was writing another song but then when i edited it i threw away most of the stuff and this is what stood there staring at me

for me, sorrowful soil and ancestress are the 2 songs on fossora written for my mother … ancestress is my take on funeral-music but sorrowful soil is written 2 years before and mirrors more that last chapter .

at the time i had been working with the fantastic hamrahlid choir and wanted to give them the piece they deserved , and with that intention unknowingly wrote what the conductor þorgerður ingólfsdóttir said was the most difficult piece they ever sang . it has 9 voices, not the usual 4 ( sopran, alt, teno , bass ) which took the choir evenings of a whole summer to rehearse, i am so incredibly grateful to them for this sacrifice and you can hear all of it in the recording

the lyric is an attempt for an eulogy and instead of the dry fact checking : place of birth , job, marriage , i wanted to celebrate the biological data like the fact that most girls are born with 400 eggs … and then in their lifetime they make 2-3 nests…

when my grandfather passed away there was a pamphlet at the hospital advising relatives how to talk to loved ones before they pass away. i loved how it went really generic and universal and said that all of them will give families to-do-lists (dry-cleaning and such)

but also ask if they did well .

the last part of the lyric is following this advice

Phoebe Bridgers Joins Storefront Church for Cover of Low’s ‘Words’

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Lukas Frank, who records under the moniker Storefront Church, has teamed up with his childhood friend Phoebe Bridgers for a rendition of ‘Words’, a song from Low’s 1994 debut I Could Live in Hope. Frank and Waylon Rector co-produced the track, which also features Spoon’s Alex Fischel on piano, Daniel Rhine on bass, and Cynthia Tolson on strings. Take a listen below.

Frank said in a statement about the cover:

Our cover of Low’s song, ‘Words’, is out today. In the wake of Mimi’s passing, I’d like to dedicate this to her. Low’s music has been incredibly useful to me; it’s like an antidote to anxiety, with Mimi’s voice at the heart of it—relieving, cathartic and honest. This cover features Phoebe, who I’ve known since we were little kids. I couldn’t be more grateful for her contribution and support, both now and over the years. My co-producer Waylon is also someone I’ve known for longer than I haven’t, but this is our first time officially producing something together and I’m proud of the result.

Adding to the nostalgia of it all, the cover art is by graphic design master @jamsayne and features a photo my mom took of my sister 30 years ago. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this song, to Low, and to all who listen.

B. Cool Aid (Pink Siifu and Ahwlee) Release New Songs

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Cool Aid, the duo made up of Pink Siifu and producer Ahwlee, have released a new double single. It features the songs ‘COO’ and ‘usedtoo’, which are accompanied by a video from director Jacob Nadir Gray. Check it out below.

The new tracks mark B. Cool-Aid’s first new music in over three years, following their 2019 full-length Syrup. Back in September, Pink Siifu issued a collaborative LP with Real Bad Man titled Real Bad Flights.

Albums Out Today: Metro Boomin, RM, Sophie Jamieson, Other Half

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on December 2, 2022:


Metro Boomin, Heroes & Villains

Metro Boomin has dropped his sophomore album, Heroes & Villains, via Boominati Worldwide. The follow-up to 2018’s Not All Heroes Wear Capes boasts guest appearances from the Weeknd, Future, Chris Brown, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Young Nudy, Mustafa, and the late Takeoff. A few days ago, Metro shared a short film to accompany the album, which is directed by Gibson Hazard and features Morgan Freeman, LaKeith Stanfield, and currently incarcerated YSL labelmates Young Thug and Gunna. The album is dedicated to the producer’s late mother, Leslie Wayne, who was shot and killed earlier this year.


RM, Indigo

BTS leader and rapper RM has released his debut solo album, Indigo. Following his mixtapes RM and Mono, the LP spans 10 tracks and features collaborations with Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Paul Blanco and Mahalia, electronic duo Honne, Kim Saweol, Tablo, and more. Last week, RM teased the album’s themes with a visual that read: “From the colors of nature, human, etc. Documentation of my youth in the moment of independent phase. Sun-bleached record faded like old jeans. The last archive of my twenties.”


Sophie Jamieson, Choosing

Out now via Bella Union, Choosing is the debut album by London-based singer-songwriter Sophie Jamieson. Following her 2020 EPs Hammer and Release, the record was produced by longtime collaborator Steph Marziano and includes the previously released singles ‘Sink’, ‘Downpour’, and ‘Runner’. “The title of this album is so important,” Jamieson explained in a press release. “Without it, this might sound like another record about self-destruction and pain, but at heart, it’s about hope, and finding strength. It’s about finding the light at the end of the tunnel, and crawling towards it.”


Other Half, Soft Action

Norwich-based post-hardcore outfit Other Half have returned with their sophomore album, Soft Action, following 2020’s Big Twenty. Released via Big Scary Monsters, the LP was recorded at Sickroom Studios in Narborough, Norfolk with longtime producer Owen Turner and includes the advance tracks ‘Slab Thick’ and ‘Like a Dog’. “Someone described our last record as one of the great ‘drug albums’,” vocalists Cal said in a press statement. “Going by the lyrics for ‘Slab Thick’, that might make this record our ‘sex album’. A debased 3 bears-style allegory about the search for something that doesn’t exist. It doubles up as a comment on the process of writing our second album and how most of the time it’s good to just stick to what you know. ”


Other albums out today:

White Lung, Premonition; Babyface Ray, MOB; NOFX, Double Album; Leftfield, This Is What We Do; TOBACCO, Skids and Angels; Sarchasm, Conditional Love; Melvin Gibbs, Anamibia Sessions 1: The Wave; Olli Aarni, Koko maailma.

New Fashion Trends for Men: 2022 Runways

Fashion Trends – For Men Who Want to Look a Ten

Keeping up with what’s happening in the frequently perplexing world of fashion is worthwhile if you want to add some newness to your wardrobe or spice up your go-to pieces. This isn’t a list of transient, fleeting trends. Instead, we’ve chosen to concentrate on contemporary works that will undoubtedly become classics. These are the things that are now in style, and we would personally wear; they are simple to work into your current wardrobe and will look great for years to come. These are the most wearable men’s fashion trends of the year, ranging from the comeback of military style to the traditional men’s shirt.

Cardigan Coats

This season, the world’s smartest menswear designers had the brilliant notion of making jackets out of cardigans. Sweater jackets! Heavy-knit cardigans, also known as coats, are actually cardigans. Both are cosy when slipped on over the top of a suit or worn with some sweats for a long day of working from home.

Double Denim

Men’s and women’s fashion trends sometimes overlap, so we’re not shocked to see a spike in full-denim outfits taking over the men’s fashion scene. The denim game is won by baggy pants, ragged hems, oversized shirts, and bucket hats made of the material. If a complete denim look intimidates you (though we guarantee you’ll look incredible), start by incorporating one unconventional denim piece into your overall look. From there, add layers as the weather gets colder.

Adidas Gazelles

These Gazelles are the footwear that all fashion critics are raving about. Adidas’s Gazelle line debuted in 1968 and quickly became popular among handball players before Noel Gallagher’s embrace in the 1980s. But, thanks to yet another A-lister, business is growing once more. Most of Harry Styles’ recent tour has seen him sporting the Adidas x Gucci Gazelles. The classics and Spezials, which come in muted green and blue suede, are much more affordable; however, they will cost you a little more.

Printed Shirts

When Hawaiian shirts first became popular in the 1930s, printed shirts were among the most popular options. These striking pieces of clothing are an excellent way to dress up a basic outfit, such as jeans or pants. There are many different types available from designer brands, but you can also discover less expensive options with similar effects. Depending on the aesthetic you want, you can choose a traditional look with palm trees or something more graphic with colour blocking or logos. Keep the rest of your outfit simple to make the branded design stand out even more. Alternatively, a colour theme, such as black or blue, can unify the entire ensemble.

Varsity Jackets

When varsity jackets were last in style, it was all about the slim, ultra-tailored variations. The ones that matter most this time are cut wide and boxy, similar to the varsities from the early 1990s.

Dust Coat

The dust coat is a must-have in your wardrobe and your suitcase because it is big, light, and casual. The trench coat, peacoat, and parka inspired the dust coat, which shares the trait of being made to withstand any climatic event in style.

Loafers

Everyone loves slip-on shoes. You recognize the allure of a shoe without laces, whether you’ve succumbed to a Birkenstock clog or wish you could wear sliders everywhere. The slip-on footwear you’ve been looking for is a pair of robust leather loafers you can wear anywhere. They look terrific with flat-front trousers, twill pants, and jeans. But, of course, you should spend a little more on loafers to ensure quality and style.

Menswear is currently in an exciting position. Men’s fashion is gradually becoming more colourful, daring, and unconstrained by outdated regulations and dress codes. Change is pervasive as white-collar workers wear hoodies to the office and streetwear designers reinvent tailoring. It’s time to start putting together your winter wardrobe for 2022 now that you are aware of the top menswear trends of this year. You may easily locate a range of on-trend menswear items to add to your new seasonal outfit, regardless of your style.

Lindsey Buckingham Shares Tribute to Christine McVie: “A Friend, A Soul Mate, A Sister”

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Lindsey Buckingham has shared a statement on social media following the death of his Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie, calling her “a musical comrade, a friend, a soul mate, a sister.”

“Christine McVie’s sudden passing is profoundly heartbreaking,” Buckingham wrote. “Not only were she and I part of the magical family of Fleetwood Mac, to me Christine was a musical comrade, a friend, a soul mate, a sister. For over four decades, we helped each other create a beautiful body of work and a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today. I feel very lucky to have known her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on through that body of work and that legacy.”

McVie’s family confirmed the news of her passing on Wednesday, saying that she “passed away peacefully at hospital” from what was termed “a short illness.” Shortly after, Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood took to Instagram to pay tribute to McVie.

“She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,” Fleetwood Mac wrote on Twitter. “She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.”

100 gecs Announce ‘10,000 gecs’ Release Date, Share Surprise New EP ‘Snake Eyes’

100 gecs have shared a surprise EP called Snake Eyes. The three-song effort features a guest appearance from Skrillex on the track ‘Torture Me’. Along with the release, the Los Angeles duo have revealed that their new album, 10,000 gecs, will arrive on March 17, 2023 (via Dog Show Records and Atlantic Records). Listen to the Snake Eyes EP below.

10,000 gecs will include the previously released singles ‘mememe’ and ‘Doritos & Fritos’. 1000 gecs & The Tree of Clues, a remix album of their debut 1000 gecs, came out in 2020.

8 Hobbies to Pursue in 2023

What will you be doing in 2023? If you’re not sure, don’t worry! This article has you covered. That said, this blog post will discuss eight hobbies that you can start pursuing in the new year. Whether you’re looking to get into a new activity or simply want to learn more about a particular hobby, we’ve got something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s jump into it!

1) Gardening

The joys of gardening are many, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re cultivating a small patch of land in your yard or using your balcony as a container garden, there’s something special about growing plants from seed to harvest. Gardening is an excellent hobby for those who want to get outside, bond with nature, and create a beautiful space for themselves. Plus, it’s great exercise too!

To get started, find out what type of plants will thrive in your area and research the best soil, fertilizer, and watering techniques. You can also find local nurseries or greenhouses that can provide you with all the supplies you need.

Next, you can start to explore the world of flower arranging, terrariums, and container gardening. Both of these activities require a steady hand and an eye for detail—two skills that can help you develop your artistic side.

2) Cooking

Cooking is another excellent hobby to pursue in 2023. Not only is it rewarding to create delicious meals that other people enjoy, but it’s also a great way to learn new culinary techniques and expand your repertoire of recipes. Plus, there are so many different types of cuisines out there that you’ll never run out of ideas!

Before you get started, think about what type of cooking interests you most: baking cakes or breads, making pastries from scratch, mastering sauces, or learning how to prepare exotic dishes.

Once you’ve chosen a type of cuisine, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Try taking an online cooking class or watching videos on YouTube to learn the basics. You can also buy recipe books and experiment with different ingredients in your own kitchen.

3) Woodworking

Woodworking is an incredibly rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful objects with your own two hands. Whether you’re making furniture, sculptures, or jewelry boxes, woodworking is a great way to flex your creative muscles and learn new techniques. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce stress and bond with the natural world by working with raw materials from nature.

Before getting started on any woodworking projects, you’ll need to invest in the right tools and materials. From saws to drills and chisels, find out what type of equipment is required for your project. You can also attend a local woodworking class or watch tutorials online to learn the basics.

4) Photography

Photography is a great hobby to pursue if you’re looking for a creative outlet that allows you to capture beautiful images. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, there’s always something new to learn. Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore your surroundings while developing an eye for detail.

Begin by researching different types of cameras and lenses. Once you’ve acquired the right equipment, it’s time to start experimenting with different lighting and composition techniques. You can also join a local photography club or take an online course to learn more about the art of shooting stunning photos.

5) Board Games

Board games offer a great way to gather your friends for an afternoon of fun competition—and these days, there are plenty of board games to choose from! Whether you’re into classic strategy games like Chess and Go, cooperative adventure titles such as Pandemic, or classic party offerings like Monopoly, you’ll never run out of options.

6) Knitting/Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are two great hobbies that allow you to create beautiful pieces of clothing while learning new techniques. Whether you’re making sweaters, hats, or scarves, these activities offer a great way to relax and express your creativity—plus, they make wonderful gifts!

If you want to explore knitting or crocheting in 2023, begin by researching basic patterns and tools needed for each activity. Once you’ve acquired the right materials, it’s time to practice your stitches until they become second nature. You can also join a local knitting or crochet club to share ideas and connect with other crafters.

7) Cycling

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore new places while getting your daily dose of exercise. Whether you’re planning to take part in competitive races or just want to cruise around town with friends, cycling can be both fun and rewarding. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air!

Before taking up cycling as a hobby, be sure to research the type of bike that best suits your needs. From mountain bikes to road bikes and hybrids, there are plenty of options for every terrain and budget. Then, once you’ve purchased the right set of wheels, it’s time to get out and explore! A bicycle accident lawyer Laborde Earles can also help if you’re ever involved in an accident while cycling.

8) Home Improvement

Home improvement projects are a great way to improve the value of your home while also providing something fun to work on. Whether you’re refinishing furniture, renovating a room, or taking on larger projects like adding an extension or fixing up a deck, there’s plenty of opportunity to get creative and make your house look just how you want it.

To get started, consider tackling some small projects first before moving on to bigger ones. It could be as simple as repainting walls or organizing closets. You can also research local home improvement stores for materials and tools or even take a class to learn new skills.

No matter what hobby you choose to pursue in 2023, the important thing is that it’s something you enjoy doing. So take some time to explore different activities and find one that fits your needs and interests. With time and patience, you’ll soon find yourself creating beautiful projects with your own two hands!

9) Playing an Instrument

If you’re innately creative and have always had a passion for music, this could be the ideal hobby to pursue this year. There is something extremely fulfilling and satisfying about fine tuning your skills and learning something completely new. Even if you don’t have much time to dedicate to your new hobby, you will start to see improvements in your abilities with just a couple of consistent practices. You may be wondering how much time does it take to learn violin, or how quickly can you grasp the basics of any other instrument? Well, it very much depends on your personal goals and what you want to achieve. It takes a lot of time and dedication to become highly skilled at any instrument, but if you’re playing for fun, you will soon get to know the foundations pretty quickly if you have a good instructor.

How to Create Raving Fans for Your Small Business

As a small business owner, you know that it is essential to take care of your customers. They are the lifeblood of your company! However, if you want to create raving fans for your business, then you need to provide excellent services. This blog will discuss how you can take care of your customers and make them happy.

1) Provide Quality Products and Services: 

This is the most important element to creating happy customers. Make sure you are providing quality products and services at an affordable price. Offer a warranty or satisfaction guarantee on all your items so that customers feel secure in their purchases. Additionally, ensure that any repairs or replacements are done promptly and correctly the first time.

2) Listen To Your Customers: 

Listening to your customers is essential for taking care of them. Ask for feedback regularly and take it seriously when they provide it. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your business practices as needed. This will show your customers that you value their input and want to make sure that they’re satisfied with their experience.

3) Ensure Business Premises are Clean and Up-to-Date: 

Regularly clean and maintain your business premises to ensure that customers feel comfortable and safe in the environment. Keep furniture and fittings up-to-date, repair any malfunctioning items, and make sure hazardous areas are addressed.

Hazardous areas can injure customers, which would lead to bad reviews and negative word-of-mouth. A customer can even hire a premises liability attorney to handle the matter if they choose. This will cause harm to your business, so it is important to address those areas promptly! 

4) Show Appreciation For Loyal Customers: 

Show appreciation for those who have supported your small business over the years with discounts, exclusive offers, or loyalty cards. Doing this will make them feel appreciated and valued and more likely to keep coming back for more. Additionally, it is a great way to increase word-of-mouth advertising by encouraging them to tell others about your services. 

5) Provide Excellent Customer Service: 

Excellent customer service is essential for small businesses. Make sure you always provide a friendly and helpful attitude so that customers feel valued. Be knowledgeable about the services and products you provide, as well as the industry in general. Additionally, always try to resolve any issues that pop up quickly and efficiently.

6) Utilize Follow-up Features: 

Utilizing follow-up features such as automated emails and text messages will show customers that you care about them. Reaching out after a purchase or service to ask how it went can help identify any issues early on so that they can be addressed quickly. Additionally, it’s a great way for your business to stay top of mind with customers, so they remember to come back when they need something else. 

7) Don’t Give Up: 

No matter how hard you try, not every customer will be 100% satisfied. Don’t take it personally and don’t give up. Instead, use these experiences as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

By taking care of their customers, small businesses can create raving fans that will help promote the business and increase sales.