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Shannon Lay Covers Nick Drake’s ‘From the Morning’

Shannon Lay has shared a cover of Nick Drake’s ‘From the Morning’, which will appear on her forthcoming album Covers, Vol. 1. The California singer-songwriter announced the LP last month with a rendition of Elliott Smith’s ‘Angeles’. Listen to both covers below.

Covers, Vol. 1 is due out April 14 via Sub Pop and features covers of songs by Ty Segall, the Velvet Underground, Arthur Russell, Vashti Bunyan, and more. “I absolutely love doing covers,” Lay said in an earlier statement. “It’s such a joy to offer my perspective on songs I admire and spread the word about amazing artists. Covers Vol. 1 is the first in a series of cover records celebrating my obsession with shannonizing songs.”

Lay released her latest album, Geist, in 2021.

Making A Statement: How To Accessorise Your Car

For those who want to make a statement with their car, accessorising is the way to go. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch or want to stand out from the crowd, there are plenty of options available to help you customise your ride and make it truly yours. From decals and bumper stickers to car wraps and personal number plates, there are endless ways to accessorise your car and make it truly yours. Even small changes can make a big difference, so if you’re ready to take your car to the next level, read on to learn more about the different ways you can accessorise your car.

Personal DVLA Number Plates

If you’re looking to make a statement with your car, a personalised DVLA number plate can help you achieve this. It is possible to personalise your car’s number plate to have a plate that’s all your own. Number plates may seem like a simple accessory, but they can be a great way to help make a car feel more like yours. If you’d like to personalise your car’s number plate, head over to Regtransfers and check out their helpful guide on DVLA number plates. This can help you to understand the rules and regulations that is associated with DVLA number plates.

Dash Cams

If you want to keep track of everything that’s going on in and around your car, a dash cam could be the perfect addition to your vehicle. These cameras are designed to record everything that’s happening in your car, including the road, your journey, and any passengers you have on board. If you have an accident and have a dash cam in your car, you’ll have proof of what happened, which could be crucial if you need to make a claim.

Decals & Bumper Stickers

Decals and bumper stickers are a great option for those who want to accessorise their car but don’t want to make a permanent change. These items can be easily removed and repositioned, meaning you can change your car’s look whenever you want. Decals are easy to apply, so you can add them to your car’s bodywork. Bumper stickers are another option that lets you show off your favourite things and interests. While they’re most commonly used to show support for a cause or person, they can be used to show off your passions too. With bumper stickers, the options are endless, and you can find one to suit any subject matter and personality.

Smartwatch As Your Car Key

Anyone who’s ever lost their car key knows how stressful it can be. But there are ways you can reduce the chances of this happening. One way to keep your car key safe is to get a car key clip, which can be clipped to your bag or belt, meaning your key stays close by at all times. Another option is to invest in a smartwatch that can work as your car key. This means you never need to worry about losing your keys again, and with keyless entry and touch start, you can be on your way without having to check your pockets or bag.

Car Wraps

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to accessorise your car, car wraps are the way to go. You can use car wraps to change the colour of your car or to create a bold design that truly reflects you and your personality. Car wraps are designed to fit snugly on your car’s exterior, protecting your car’s paint job while also adding a unique look. There are plenty of companies out there that offer car wrap services, so you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from. Some companies will allow you to design your own car wrap, while others will provide you with pre-made designs you can choose from.

In-Car Chargers

In-car phone chargers are designed to plug into your car’s power outlet and give your phone a quick boost of power while on the road. These handy accessories are a great way to keep your phone charged while on long road trips or while running errands around town. An in-car phone charger is a fun and unique way to accessorise your car. They’re great for families, too, as you can use them to charge your kids’ phones too. They’re available in a wide range of designs, colours, and styles, so you can choose one that best suits your car’s interior and your taste.

Seat Belt Covers

If you’re looking for a simple way to accessorise your car and make a statement, seat belt covers are a great option. These covers are designed to fit over your existing seat belt and can come in a range of designs and colours. They can be customised with your initials or a message and make for a great gift for anyone who loves to drive. They’re easy to apply and can be removed when you want to make a change.

Built-In GPS

If you’re planning to make long journeys more frequently, you could consider investing in a built-in GPS. A built-in GPS can be added to your car to let you know exactly where you are and where you’re going, making it easier to navigate and get to your destination on time. A built-in GPS can be added to any car and is a great alternative to having a GPS device attached to your windscreen. A built-in GPS can help you navigate the road ahead and let you know the fastest way to get to your destination. It can also help you avoid traffic and find alternative routes if the road ahead is congested. This makes it easier to keep to your driving schedule and arrive at your destination on time, no matter what the traffic is like.

Smart Phone Projection Capabilities

Many people stream music or podcasts from their phones while they’re driving. But for those who don’t want to risk breaking the law and looking down at their phone, there are plenty of hands-free options out there. By investing in a built-in dash display with phone projection capabilities, you’ll be able to use the music and GPS apps on your phone from your car with your voice commands. This means you will never have to spend time searching for the right radio station again as you’ll have access to all your music from your car. Additionally, you’ll also have access to your contact, which means you can make and receive calls without remembering numbers or wondering who’s calling you.

Seat-Back TVs

If you want to take your car’s entertainment system to the next level, you may want to consider installing a seat-back TV. A seat-back TV can be installed in the back of your car’s seat, and it can be used to play movies, TV shows, music, and even games, making them the perfect way to keep kids entertained on long journeys. Seat-back TVs can come with a wide range of different features and can be used to play a wide range of different media, so you can pick a seat-back TV that suits your needs and budget.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking to make a statement with your car, accessorising is the way to go. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch or stand out from the crowd, there are plenty of ways to customise your ride. From installing new seat-back TVs to adding custom number plates, there are endless ways to accessorise your car and make it truly yours.

5 of the Most Influential Male Fashion Icons

Throughout the 20th Century (and into the 21st Century), there have been many men who have become influential – both in terms of fashion and in their general lifestyle.

These are the men that people want to follow, they define a generation and provide someone for men to follow. This isn’t about politics, but about fashion, style, and attitude, shifting mindsets by creating an emotional connection.

Influential male fashion icons are not necessarily as common as female icons – whether that is because many men do not put themselves in the position to become fashion leaders, or whether being a follower of fashion is more of a female pursuit is unclear – but those that are on this list have made it because they have left a lasting legacy on the style scene.

Steve McQueen

The well-known and beloved American actor Steve McQueen was known just as much for his antihero persona as he was for his movies – and that earned him the nickname ‘The King of Cool’.

In 1974, McQueen was the highest paid actor in the world despite being notoriously hard for directors to work with.

His style was all about the battered leather jacket, the chunky knit cardigan, and the chukka boots, but he also wore elegant suits with silk printed ties or a pinstripe blazer really well too.

Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley has often been described as one of the most influential characters of the 20th Century. While more modern depictions may have shown him as an overweight shell of the man he once was, in his heyday he was considered to be the epitome of sex appeal.

His early gospel and country influences were part of his rockabilly persona, and when it came to personal style he was all about the performance. His early fashion included Cuban-collared shirts with wide-leg pleated trousers; he did not enjoy wearing jeans as he found them to be too constricting. This is what led to him favoring the sparkly jumpsuits when performing – not only to be center of attention, but for the freedom of movement.

The biggest style decision for Elvis was always that shiny, black pompadour hair though.

Mr. T

Born Laurence Tureaud, Mr. T shot to fame after starring as BA Baracus in the A-Team. His signature men’s denim shorts and copious amounts of big, chunky gold jewelry was something that followed him from his BA Baracus persona into his real life.

Aside from acting in movies and TV shows, Mr. T also worked alongside Hulk Hogan on the then-named WWF, later being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

While Mr. T may have dropped all the gold and reinvented himself as a born-again Christian, his look is something that has been copied again and again.

David Bowie

Bowie was a true pioneer of music, choosing to make art with both sound and the way he looked. Whether it was the androgynous style of the dress he wore on the cover of the album The Man Who Sold the World or the kimonos he favored when he was in his Ziggy Stardust phase, Bowie always wore really interesting clothes.

One of his signature looks as ‘The Thin White Duke’ included oversize suits in Monochrome, although later he worked with designer Alexander McQueen who created the iconic Union Jack coat he wore on one of his later albums.

Harry Styles

A more modern entry on this list, Harry Styles shot to fame as part of the supergroup One Direction. While in the band, he was recognized as a bit of a ‘cheeky chappy’, and favored skinny jeans and sheer blouses or floral prints to portray his flamboyant nature.

After 1D went on hiatus, Harry has been known to wear custom pink suits, sequined tops, and satin flares, as well as pairing pearls and a sweater vest – but perhaps his most controversial outfit choice was a Vogue cover shoot in 2020 where he wore a beautiful blue Gucci dress.

He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he is definitely a style icon.

Album Review: M83, ‘Fantasy’

Doesn’t it feel like there should always have been an M83 album called Fantasy? For any other act, the title would sound too bland and generic – certainly not as evocative as Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. But then, Anthony Gonzalez possesses an uncanny gift for using lyrical clichés and cheesy instrumentation to relay a kaleidoscope of feeling. His grand, splendrous synthpop revels in outsized emotions and the power of imaginative world-building, steeped in nostalgia but transcending its vast swathe of influences, from old films to the familiar comfort of classic video games. When he repeats the words “Beyond adventure!” over and over on the first single ‘Oceans Niagara’, longtime fans have every reason to believe that’s precisely where we’re headed. And even if you’ve never heard of this band (unlikely), it doesn’t take long for him to prove it. There isn’t a time in M83’s career when the name Fantasy wouldn’t have felt incredibly on-brand, but nine albums in and after years of wrestling with the overwhelming success of ‘Midnight City’, it seems like Gonzalez has found the confidence to go all in again. Fantasy has a lot to live up to, and it does not disappoint.

For one thing, Gonzalez makes no attempt to shy away from maximalism, like his vision was to make the whole thing feel like a cosmic embrace – think Beach House’s Once Twice Melody without the veil of mystique. (Mimicking that record’s extended rollout, he even shared the first half – or “chapter” – of the LP a month ahead of its release.) “I’m in love with some sadness,” Gonzalez sings on the ‘Amnesia’, whose new wave sound is so blown-out and exhilarating it’s no wonder the darkness ended up being buried in the mix. What ultimately shines through isn’t melancholy but the miracle of love burning “fast and bright,” and it’s impossible not to fall for it. Fantasy doesn’t run at that pace for its full hour-long runtime, though; it might give the impression Gonzalez is traveling across space and time, but really, he’s an architect, meticulously structuring and sketching out the voyage. Everything has its rightful place: the tender ballad ‘Radar, Far, Gone’ doesn’t just offer temporary reprieve, but serves as a poignant centerpiece as revelatory as any blissful crescendo. Even at its dreamiest moments, the record eventually succumbs to rhythm and form: ‘Us and the Rest’ is bathed in serene melancholy, but before you know it, the track ascends back into that higher plane.

Press materials describe Fantasy as Gonzalez’s “most personal album yet,” which may be hard to dispute, but it’s personal in a way that invites you to project your own image into the horizon. “If my sister calls/ Tell her I’m diving into the deeper end/ To the age of wonder/ Where the wire stretches,” goes the euphoric chorus of ‘Earth to Sea’, and the exact words may not even register when he later proclaims, “The deeper end/ I fucking love it/ It licks your soul, before you know it,” but they sure pack a punch. M83 songs have a strange way of describing their own emotional impact without coming off as too on-the-nose, because it’s more like they’re responding to the music: “When you hold us/ It’s electric,” he sings against the celestial expanse of ‘Laura’. The outro of ‘Sunny Boy’, propelled by the question “Can we just make it last?”, seems poised to fulfill its own wish; yet even as the song sprawls over six minutes, its flame seems to die out a little too soon. Perhaps it will stretch out further in a live context – Gonzalez has said he “wanted this record to be very impactful live” – but here, the moment is subtly bittersweet.

Which would explain why he follows it up with ‘Kool Nuit’, the longest track on the album, and one where he truly doesn’t hold back. It keeps morphing as it goes on and on and on, even allowing the introverted artist to let out a scream amidst a rush of imposing strings and ravenous electronics. It’s too startling to doze off to, and when he’s spent so much of the album enchanting the listener with pure romanticism, it’s too late to turn away when the dream suddenly turns haunting. It’s too late to say anything other than: “I’m in love with the darkness!” In a recent interview, Gonzalez explained that, when he’s making songs, “I want to feel like I want to drive fast, I want to run fast, I want to feel like the sound is actually taking over my whole body.” It strikes me as a little too modest. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been behind the wheel, and maybe there’s just too much gravity involved in running, but when I listen to Fantasy, my mind vibrates to the tune of a different kind of magic, beaming out far and wide.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Lana Del Rey, JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown, Midwife and Vyva Melinkolya, 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 Lana Del Rey’s latest single, the beautifully cinematic ‘The Grants’, which is named after Del Rey’s own family; Feist’s turbulent, sweeping new song ’Borrow Trouble’, taken from her upcoming album Multitudes; ’NMP’, the gorgeously soul-crushing first single from Midwife and Vyva Melinkolya’s upcoming collaborative record; JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brow’s, dense, frenetic new track ‘LEAN BEEF PATTY’; and Isabella Lovestory’s playful, celebratory one-off single ‘Latina’.

Best New Songs: March 20, 2023

Lana Del Rey, ‘The Grants’

Feist, ‘Borrow Trouble’

Song of the Week: Midwife and Vyva Melinkolya, ‘NMP’

JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown, ‘LEAN BEEF PATTY’

Isabella Lovestory, ‘Latina’

Parliament-Funkadelic Vocalist Fuzzy Haskins Dead at 81

Clarence ‘Fuzzy’ Haskins, vocalist and original member of Parliament-Funkadelic, has died at the age of 81. His former bandmates revealed the news on social media, writing, “Resting on the verge of getting it on, Clarence Eugene “Fuzzy” Haskins (born June 8, 1941-March 17th, 2023) of Parliament-Funkadelic!” No cause of death has been disclosed.

Born in Elkins, West Virginia, in 1941, Haskins got his start singing in the ’50s and ’60s in New Jersey in the doo-wop vocal group the Parliaments, which was led by producer George Clinton and later became known as Parliament-Funkadelic. In addition to writing and co-writing early P-Funk classics like ‘I Got A Thing’ and ‘I Wanna Know If It’s Good to You’, “He was a good drummer as well, as he proved on ‘Can You Get To That,’ which he also co-wrote,” according to a biography on Clinton’s website. “Some of Fuzzy’s best vocals appeared on Funkadelic’s 1972 LP America Eats Its Young, most notably on ‘Ms Lucifers Love.’ But singing wasn’t the only thing that Fuzzy brought to P-Funk. He was known, during live P-Funk shows, to don skin-tight bodysuits and gyrate against the microphone pole as he whipped the crowd into a frenzy, especially when they performed ‘Standing on the Verge of Getting it On.’”

Haskins remained a full-time member of P-Funk through the 1976’s Hardcore Jollies and briefly rejoined the group on their Live Earth Tour the following year. “By this time, he claimed he was through with singing all the ole dirty songs and began studying the Lord’s Word,” Clinton’s site states. He issued his first solo album, A Whole Nother Thang, in 1976, followed by Radio Active in 1978. Later in life, Haskins became a preacher and focused on recording gospel music.

Haskins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with other core members of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997. “Parliament-Funkadelic pushed boundaries further and further on classic albums like Mothership Connection and Maggot Brain, and set a futuristic pace for Black music,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame spokesperson Dawn Wayt said in a statement. “But Clarence ‘Fuzzy’ Haskins kept things connected to their street corner harmony roots.” In 2019, Haskins  received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy for his contribution to P-Funk.

“Fuzzy was not only a talented singer & musician, he was a leader & team player,” P-Funk member Bootsy Collins wrote in an email to NPR. “He was always a light at the party, the shows or wherever he would go. He commanded attention on stage & off. Not in a boastful way, but just being his natural Werewolf self. He could have played the Wolfman. That was an inside joke that got out there in the atmosphere. Fuzzy was so much fun to hang out with. But on stage is where he gave his full attention to entertaining the audience. He was dedicated to his family & friends but anybody that knew Fuzzy knows that he would give u the shirt off his back. He will be missed dearly. R.I.P. my friend.”

How Lights Can Instantly Make Your Home Feel Warmer

Lighting is an essential part of any home decor. It has the power to transform a space, create a mood, and evoke emotions. With the right lighting, you can instantly make your home feel warmer and more inviting. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways lights can enhance the atmosphere in your home and make it feel cosy.

Flexible LED Strip Lights

If you’re looking for a versatile lighting solution to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room, consider flexible LED strip lights. These lights can be used to create an accent wall, highlight artwork or create a soft glow under cabinets or shelving. They are also ideal for adding a warm and cosy glow to your bedroom or living room. LED strip lights are energy-efficient and can be controlled using a remote or smart device. You can choose from a variety of colours and colour temperatures to create the perfect mood in your home. They are easy to install and can be cut to fit any space, making them a flexible lighting solution for any home.

Warm White vs Cool White

The colour temperature of light plays a significant role in creating a warm or cool atmosphere in your home. Warm white lights have a yellowish hue and are similar to the colour of candlelight or firelight. They create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Cool white lights, on the other hand, have a bluish tint and are similar to daylight. They create a bright and energising atmosphere that’s ideal for workspaces and kitchens.

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, choose warm white lights for your living room, bedroom, and dining room. You can use cool white lights in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and study, where you need bright and clear lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lights are like the unsung heroes of home decor, quietly but effectively transforming your space into a warm, inviting haven. Think of them as the spotlight in a cozy, intimate theater, turning each room into a stage where your decor pieces become the stars. By strategically placing accent lights, you can create a soft, ambient glow that envelops the room in warmth, making it feel more homely and welcoming. But it’s not just about illumination; it’s about setting a mood. And when it comes to your famous paintings, these lights work their magic by drawing the eye, enhancing the colors and textures of the art, and giving them a life of their own. 

Dimmer Switches

Installing dimmer switches is an easy way to adjust the lighting in your home and create a warm and cosy atmosphere. With a dimmer switch, you can control the intensity of the light and create a soft and relaxing glow. Dimmer switches also help to save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs.

Candles and Lanterns

Candles and lanterns are a great way to add warmth and ambiance to any room. They create a soft and cosy glow that’s perfect for relaxing evenings. You can place them on tables, shelves, or even on the floor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also use scented candles to add fragrance to your home and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Lampshades

Lampshades can transform the look and feel of a room. They can add colour, texture, and warmth to any space. Choose lampshades that are made of warm materials such as fabric or paper to create a soft and cosy atmosphere. You can also use lampshades to create a focal point in a room or to add a pop of colour to a neutral space.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are a great way to add warmth and style to your home. They create a soft and inviting glow that’s perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere in your living room or bedroom. Wall sconces are available in a variety of styles and designs, so you can choose one that complements your decor. They are also easy to install and can be used to create a focal point in any room.

Author Spotlight: Haruki Murakami

If you haven’t read any of the surreal and engrossing works by Haruki Murakami, you should consider doing so. The Japanese author has become a cultural sensation in the west, and his work is often mentioned by critics and booklovers.

Murakami: A Fashionable Author?

Murakami is one of the most famous writers from Japan, and nearly all of his works have been translated into English. The great thing about his novels and short stories is that they are highly accessible for new fans of Japanese literature, as there are many similarities between Japanese and western literature.

The extensive works of the 74-year-old are popular because they spark discussion and can often be interpreted in a myriad of ways. More people than ever are reading books now, as shown by PIA. Thanks to the rise of eBooks and social media influencers like Jimmy Fallon, reading is more popular among young readers than in previous years.

Murakami is considered fashionable because his works span a range of genres and themes. His style is so unique that you can’t really compare it to other popular authors. However, if you like his fiction, there are other Japanese authors recommended by Tokyo Weekender that explore similar themes. Discussing Murakami’s books in a bookclub or on social media will allow you to delve further into other Japanese authors such as Banana Yoshimoto, Mieko Kawakami, and Sayaka Murata.

Murakami often deals with the concepts of existence and interactions between random characters. His work paints an intriguing picture of Japan and the daily dilemmas that people face; loneliness, masculinity and the magic within mundanity. Murakami’s work is often coupled with strange things happen that are not usually explained, adding a sharp, compelling contrast to his novels.

The striking thing about Murakami’s immersive storytelling is that characters go about mundane tasks such as cooking food and listening to music, but the reader is completely absorbed.

The Best Murakami Books for Beginners

For anyone wanting to get into Murakami, many of his fans would recommend starting with his short story collections. The best of these is The Elephant Vanishes, which was released in 1990. It has sold more than 250,000 copies in the USA and features memorable entries like ‘Barn Burning’ and ‘The Second Bakery Attack’.

The first novel that many readers will pick up is Norwegian Wood, which is Murakami’s most famous work. It was published in Japan in 1987 and has since sold more than four million copies around the world. It’s also one of the least surreal in the author’s catalogue and acts as a good introduction to his writing style. Readers who are more interested in detective noir could pick up A Wild Sheep Chase and Dance Dance Dance.

For readers in search of a Murakami offering at the opposite end of the surreal scale to Norwegian Wood, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is an excellent choice. The story flits between two completely different characters, seemingly existing in opposite worlds. The 1985 book is referred to as one of Murakami’s best by The Resting Willow.

Murakami is one of the most famous authors in the world, and you should consider reading his books. The great thing is that he has penned a lot of fiction, so there are plenty of options for hungry readers to get through.

Five Tips to Spot Reputable Online Gaming Sites

Online and video games are a source of entertainment that fosters connection and interaction among people. Playing games on consoles, computers, or mobile devices is a beloved pastime for many. However, the competition for entertainment is fierce, not just from other games, but also from streaming and digital platforms. Therefore, when players encounter hacking or cheating, they may be inclined to abandon one game for another.

Nevertheless, online gaming is not without its hazards, particularly regarding dubious and fixed online gaming sites. The use of such sites can lead to severe negative consequences and side effects, including:

  • Malware and viruses
  • Identity theft
  • Data breaches
  • Account takeover
  • Cyber bullying
  • Phishing emails

To minimize such attacks, gamers can protect themselves by confirming a site’s legitimacy before entering any credentials. Also, they should refrain from opening unsolicited emails or text message links from unknown senders. To learn more about how to spot reputable gaming platforms, read on for our top five tips.

Watch for License and Encryption

First things first, online gaming sites that are legitimate put forth significant effort to safeguard your financial and personal data. This commitment starts at the website level, where SSL certificates protect data transmitted between your device and the gaming site’s servers.

In some instances, reputable gaming sites take additional steps to secure all data on their servers, thereby preventing malicious third-party actors from accessing it. An excellent example of such a site is IgnitonCasino.eu, which is licensed under the Curacao eGaming authority. More so, the site’s owners have gone the extra mile to provide added protection features such as SMS and reCaptcha validation, account verification, one account for one user policy, and cryptocurrency, among other measures.

That’s how you need to evaluate any website that captures your interest. At a minimum, you should examine the site’s homepage for licensing and regulation details, or search for a recognized authority’s logo.

Avoid Pirated Games

While we understand that games can be expensive, and times are tough, downloading pirated games is not a viable solution. Hackers often embed malware into “free” copies of popular games, making it incredibly risky to download them. It is always advisable to download games from official stores or safe websites.

Despite the popularity of certain platforms, such as Steam, vulnerabilities can impact users, making it crucial to remain vigilant. In December 2020, critical bugs within the Steam gaming client had to be patched after remote attackers crashed users’ games and, in some cases, even took over their computers. Thus, it is essential to stay alert as security issues can arise on any gaming client, no matter how popular it may be.

Read Online Reviews

In addition to taking precautions such as downloading from safe sites and official stores, it’s important to read online reviews to ensure that you don’t unknowingly download malware or other harmful software.

There are many resources available online where you can find user-generated reviews. As opinions on games can be subjective, it may be helpful to read multiple reviews from regular players in addition to or in place of professional articles. With some research, you’re likely to find discussions about the specific website that you’re interested in.

To further protect yourself, always be cautious about opening or clicking on links from unknown sources, pop-ups, or unsolicited messages. Pay attention to the website address, especially if you were directed to a site. If something feels suspicious or unusual, it’s best to steer clear.

Check Customer Support

Although the saying goes that a good website shouldn’t need customer support, the reality is that sometimes it’s necessary. After all, we’re only human, and issues can arise that we can’t handle on our own. When choosing a gaming site, it’s important to consider the quality of customer support provided.

Trustworthy sites offer responsive and helpful support, with representatives available 24/7 via live chat. These representatives work to resolve players’ issues, compensate for lost games, and give ample warning before suspending or closing an account.

Unfortunately, not all online gaming platforms are created equal. Some less reputable sites will shut down accounts without reason and replace real customer service representatives with bots. As a result, it’s important to do your research before committing to any particular gaming site.

Pay Attention to Details

Lastly, it is essential to be attentive to even the smallest details that may seem odd. Always trust your instincts, and if something seems off, it probably is.

Some unscrupulous gaming operators will repeatedly ask new players to provide sensitive verification documents, and even require them to transfer them through unsecured channels.This is a serious red flag, and you should stay away from such websites at all costs.

The payment options the website accepts are a vital consideration as well. Whether it be by credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies, reputable gaming websites must offer secure payment alternatives that are completed in a timely manner. This also holds true for the increasingly well-liked play-to-earn games.

It’s likely that a gaming website is unreliable if it has lengthy payout intervals or demands waiting periods before withdrawing money, especially if it takes three months or longer. As a result, it’s crucial to give gaming websites’ customer care a high priority.

Album Review: Yves Tumor, ‘Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)’

If there is a correct way to say the title of Yves Tumor’s new album, Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), it’s without stopping for breath. Try it, and pay attention to the heaviness of the next out-breath, how quick it is to leave your body. You have to before you even consider the meaning behind that long string of words, which tease out some of the album’s themes but shouldn’t be treated as more than a poetic evocation. Hot Between Worlds is the first thing you feel right when it kicks off; people will point out the scream that opens ‘God Is a Circle’, but driving the song is a relentless, mechanical panting – nervous, sinister, eager, or ecstatic, it’s not clear, even as it’s the same sound that loops over. In the lyrics, Tumor drifts between self-conscious introspection (“There’s places in my mind that I can’t go/ There’s people in my life I still don’t know”) and an otherworldly kind of pleasure (“I feel like I’m fluorescent holding you”). This might be their definition of heaven, but it’s no resting place.

Tumor has evolved from experimental sound collagist to glam-rock star, but even as they have become more “hook-focused,” as the artist recently told Courteny Love, the sensual, elusive, and divine qualities of their music remain at its core, interacting in rich and captivating ways. Praise a Lord is not a drastic shift from 2020’s glamorously theatrical Heaven to a Tortured Mind, but it carries its creator’s boundless vision with the same urgency. Tumor is a master of tension and release, and on Praise a Lord, they linger in the space between the two in a way that feels physical more than just explorative. Listening to the record, you’re struck by sounds whose main influence must have been breath – and not just as rhythm, which is natural and common, but in giving texture to guitars (except on ‘Meteora Blues’, where the reference point is clearly just Smashing Pumpkins), direction to vocals (on the gripping ‘Echolalia’), and heat to deconstructed samples (the chaotic, chopped-up dance of ‘Purified by Fire’). Even when it feels out of control, the breath has an almost stubborn way of falling into constancy and comfort, and Tumor channels this palpable tendency to be pure and full into a deeper, more tangled yearning.

No single framework can do justice to the complexity of Tumor’s work, even if Praise a Lord, which was produced by Noah Goldstein and mixed by Alan Moulder, seems more intent on solidifying disparate sounds than stretching them further apart. ‘God Is a Circle’ perfectly encapsulates the liminal state Tumor keeps diving headfirst into, revealing bits of what they find and obfuscating others. By contrast, the following ‘Lovely Sewer’ is less multi-faceted, offering a more a more mundane picture of a relationship while still triggering the imagination: “You cannot start a war/ Just for the feeling/ What if our friends see/ We stared at our ceilings.” Tumor is known primarily as a sonic innovator whose mysterious, abstract lyricism is always in service to their (increasingly approachable) music, but their choice of words is often incisive and powerful more than simply aesthetic. The lyrics on ‘In Spite of War’ are vague but not inscrutable, with lines like “The absence of our isolation can tear our fears away” suggesting a certain longing for communion while betraying an inability to surrender to it.

In the album’s most pivotal moments, Tumor reaches for transcendence as much as they embrace primal desires. The title of ‘Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood’ brilliantly describes the feeling, and the song lives up to it. At once heady and anthemic, tender and vicious, it’s a thunderous frenzy that glistens with possibilities, breaking only for Tumor to declare: “This world feels so ugly when life makes a fool of us.” And maybe this explains their strange devotion to beauty, a human construct so fragile and important we’d rip ourselves open for it, like the key to a higher power. Tumor’s music doesn’t ache for any sort of godly destination, but it is transfixed by the potential for transformation, and Praise a Lord proves they’ll harness all the beauty and horror necessary to breathe life into each striking form.