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4 Albums Out Today to Listen to: Bon Iver, Mamalarky, Ribbon Skirt, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on April 11, 2025:


Bon Iver, SABLE, fABLE

Bon Iver have delivered their most rapturous album to date with SABLE, fABLE, the project’s first album in six years. The record’s ecstatic tone springs right out of the soulful darkness of last year’s SABLE, EP, whose songs are sequenced at the very beginning. It’s expectedly lush in unpredictable ways, foraying into a shimmering blend of pop, soul, and R&B but rarely straying from its commitment to unabashed joy. The singles ‘If Only I Could Wait’, ‘Walk Home’, and ‘Everything Is Peaceful Love’ previewed the LP.


Mamalarky, Hex Key

Mamalarky have returned with a breezy yet dizzying new record called Hex Key, the follow-up to 2022’s Pocket Fantasy. The indie quartet recorded the 14-track LP at their LA home studio. “We would be getting our heart rate up while we figured out the details of the record,” the band’s Livvy Bennett recalled. “I would be like, ‘I think we need to re-record the guitar. And the chorus needs to have some sort of lift happening.’ And then, once we would get up to the top of the mountain, we would see this really beautiful pond. It was somehow always reassuring.”


Ribbon Skirt, Bite Down

Ribbon Skirt, the Montreal art-rock band formerly known as Love Language – led by Anishinaabe musician Tashiina Buswa – have come out with their debut LP, Bite Down, via Mint. Frantic yet dreamy, haunting yet playful, the record was preceded by the tracks ‘Cellophane’ and ‘Wrong Planet’. “To be Anishinaabe is to move through the world in respect and reciprocity, taking what you need and giving back whenever you can, while always acknowledging the gift that is the journey itself,” the band reflected. “It’s a way of life that was interrupted and severely damaged by the ravages of settler colonialism. But in our ongoing recovery from those harms, we as a people have found beautiful ways to restore those gifts, and create something regenerative and enriching for future generations. Bite Down is one of those gifts.”


Joni, Things I Left Behind

Joni’s reflections on Things I Left Behind are hazy yet tenderly beautiful. Having spent most of her twenties writing for other artists, the American-born, London-based artist’s songwriting is a strikingly personal document of the kind of heartbreak that’s tied to relocation, drawing inspiration from the likes of Feist, Sparklehorse, and Daniel Johnston. “During my previous relationship, the process for recording was very unhealthy,” Joni explained. “I believed that my music was only good because of my ex’s production and his extreme way of working. Most of our recording sessions would end in tears; nothing was ever good enough. It took some time to come out of the shadows. I was touring with Luke [Sital-Singh] when I had a breakdown one night and told him how lost I felt. He offered to try and record with me and see how it went – and as soon as I started working with him it felt so effortless.”


Other albums out today:

Ken Carson, More Chaos; Nell Smith, Anxious; Röyksopp, True Electric; Valerie June, Owls, Omens, and Oracles; Dope Lemon, Golden Wolf; Eyedress, Stoner; Real Lies, We Will Annihilate Our Enemies; Bedridden, Moths Strapped To Each Other’s BacksMaria Usbeck, Naturaleza; Idle Heirs, Life Is Violence; Vegyn, Blue Moon Safari; Various Artists, Chet Baker Re:Imagined; Elvenking, Reader of the Runes – Luna; Magnolia Park, VAMP; Spin Doctors, Face Full of Cake; Larum, The Music of Hildegard von Bingen Part II; The Album Leaf, ROTATIONS.

Lana Del Rey Releases New Song ‘Henry, Come On’

Lana Del Rey has finally released ‘Henry, Come On’, a song she’s been teasing for over a year. Produced by Luke Laird, Zach Dawes, and Drew Erickson, the lush, poignant single arrives in advance of Del Rey’s new album The Right Person Will Stay, which she’s said will come out on May 21. Take a listen below.

Lana Del Rey’s last album was 2023’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Later this month, she’s set to perform at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California.

Art Without End: The Radical Temporality of Yang Yumeng’s “Untitled” (2024–ongoing)

At a time when much of contemporary textile art pursues precision through digital mastery or post-digital hybridity, Yang Yumeng issues a conceptual challenge with her ongoing work Untitled (2024– ). First exhibited in Milan in December 2024, and measuring 12 meters at the time, the installation has since expanded to over 20 meters as of April 2025. Comprised entirely of studio waste and assembled using a variation of the Chinese traditional Liezhibu (crackle weave) technique, the work resists finality, instead presenting itself as an open-ended process—a material archive that is perpetually in flux.

In direct defiance of the art world’s fixation on completeness, authorship, and fixed form, Yang’s refusal to finish her work reads as both aesthetic and political provocation. At once intensely personal and structurally rigorous, Untitled is built from discarded fragments of past works—reassembled not for reuse, but for redefinition. This act transforms creative residue into conceptual fuel.

Exhibition and Material Ethics

The reception of the work during its Milan showing sparked considerable critical attention. Some praised its embrace of fragmentation as a regenerative gesture; others questioned whether the refusal to resolve a work risks falling into performative incompleteness. But such critique overlooks the core of Yang’s method: an embedded material ethics that interrogates how value, waste, and process are framed within contemporary art systems.

The work’s subsequent expansion to 20 meters is not merely a logistical change but a conceptual intensification. It repositions the textile from static object to living system—a breathing document of accumulated time, failure, repetition, and renewal. In doing so, Yang advances an alternative temporality that runs counter to the finished-product logic of capitalist production.

Gender, Craft, and the Poetics of Refusal

Born and raised in a region with a significant Yi minority population in China, Yang’s return to visit local women engaged in traditional embroidery practices informs her approach—not as mimicry, but as critical encounter. Notably, she foregrounds the creative intelligence of using leftover scraps, rejecting both exoticization and victimization. In her own words: “Sympathy is the luxury of the privileged.” This is not a project that celebrates scarcity; rather, it insists on recognizing beauty as resistance, even in marginal conditions.

By drawing on a historically feminized craft medium and refusing to finish her work, Yang mounts a subtle but forceful critique of both the masculinized cult of completion and the commodification of textile labor. Her weaving is not merely decorative; it is theoretical, feminist, and insurgent.

Visual Language and Critical Frameworks

Formally, Untitled refuses aesthetic coherence. The surface is unruly—tonally inconsistent, frayed, and visibly spliced. There is no central motif, no orchestrated palette, no diagrammatic plan. Instead, the textile embodies what theorist Rozsika Parker termed “the subversive stitch”—an interruption of expectation through material discontinuity. It also recalls the work of El Anatsui, whose monumental tapestries made from industrial detritus interrogate consumer cycles, though Yang’s scale is intimate and emotionally raw by contrast.

What she offers is a visual logic of rupture and recovery—a method of thinking-through-making where formal incompleteness is not deficiency, but a deliberate ethical stance.

Critical Recognition and Future Relevance

Leading critics, including myself and colleagues across Europe and Asia, have recognized Yang’s work as one of the most urgent contributions to contemporary fiber practice in the post-pandemic period. Her Milan presentation and subsequent studio-led expansions have already generated invitations for further exhibitions and publications.

In Contemporary Textile Review’s spring symposium, Yang’s installation was referenced repeatedly as an exemplar of transnational material politics—its integration of indigenous techniques, feminist theory, and waste economies positioned as a template for future craft-based research.

Yang Yumeng’s Untitled is not an unfinished artwork—it is a perpetually finishing one. It does not merely recycle material but reconfigures the grammar of textile itself. By embracing rupture, excess, and incompletion, Yang confronts us with the uncomfortable truth: that beauty, memory, and authorship do not emerge despite fragmentation, but precisely through it.

Her work is not only a testament to personal history, but also a critical intervention in global conversations on sustainability, authorship, and the ethics of making. And in declaring that the work will never be complete, Yang has paradoxically delivered her most complete statement yet.

9 Mistakes Retailers Make With Women’s Swimwear Product Displays

When it comes to selling swimwear, first impressions matter. Providing a well-designed product display can make the difference between a customer browsing or walking out the door. Retailers often make some common mistakes when setting up their swimwear displays that can hurt sales and brand image. In this article, you will learn the nine key mistakes that you need to avoid for better results.

1. Cluttering the Space

While it’s tempting to showcase every item, a cluttered display overwhelms customers. Instead of creating a visually appealing arrangement, it results in a chaotic and uninviting shopping experience. To avoid this, keep the space neat and organized. Focus on showcasing best-selling items or the season’s most popular styles. Allow each product enough space to stand out and grab attention.

2. Poor Lighting Choices

Dark or harsh lighting can make colors and textures appear dull or unappealing. Many retailers overlook the power of good lighting and settle for basic overhead lights that fail to highlight the swimwear effectively. Opt for soft, bright lighting to enhance fabric colors. Spotlights or adjustable track lighting can help focus attention on specific styles or new arrivals, creating an inviting space that draws customers in.

3. Ignoring Size Variety

If customers can’t find the size right away, frustration may lead to them leaving. While some retailers focus on showcasing only the most popular sizes, it’s essential to represent a variety in swimwear displays. Also, you should place larger sizes next to smaller ones and make the entire range easily accessible. This way, it encourages a diverse range of customers to shop without feeling overlooked.

4. Neglecting Seasonal Trends

Swimwear is highly influenced by seasons, and ignoring trends can hurt your store’s sales. Retailers sometimes display outdated designs long after new collections arrive, missing the chance to show what customers want. Always remember to stay on top of the latest womens swimwear trends and update displays regularly. Pus, highlight the seasonal prints, colors, and styles that appeal to your target market.

5. Forgetting About the Customer’s Experience

A product display is not just about showcasing products; it’s about creating a fun shopping experience. Retailers overlook how the shopping environment influences consumer decisions. If the store layout isn’t welcoming, shoppers become frustrated and leave. Ensure the swimwear section is easy to navigate with clear signage and accessible displays. Create spaces where customers can touch and try on products.

6. Failing to Highlight Key Features

Whether it’s the cut, fabric, or unique design elements, each piece has its own selling points. If these features aren’t highlighted effectively, customers may miss out on what makes the product special. Use clear signage or tags to point out unique features of each swimsuit. For example, mention if a suit has UV protection, adjustable straps, or a flattering design. Let customers know why each product stands out.

7. Not Using Mannequins or Models

Simply hanging swimsuits on racks may leave potential buyers wondering how the piece will look when worn. Retailers who don’t use mannequins miss an opportunity to help customers visualize how the swimwear will fit and flatter different body types. Place mannequins in the display area to highlight key pieces. Opt for diverse body types and styles to reflect various looks customers may be aiming for.

8. Disregarding the Power of Accessories

Accessories like hats, cover-ups, beach bags, and sunglasses can complement swimwear and enhance a display’s appeal. Retailers often forget to include accessories or overlook matching them with swimwear, missing an opportunity to increase sales. That’s why they integrate accessories with swimwear displays. Plus, pair swimsuits with matching cover-ups or stylish beach bags to inspire complete outfits.

9. Overlooking the Importance of Cleanliness

Take note that retailing swimwear is a tactile product, and customers want to feel the fabric and inspect it up close. Dusty displays or disorganized items send the wrong message about the quality of your store’s offerings. Don’t forget to regularly inspect swimwear displays to ensure everything is clean and neatly arranged. Also, make sure swimsuits are properly steamed or ironed to look their best.

Perfect Your Swimwear Display and Boost Sales!

Retailers have a lot to think about when it comes to swimwear displays. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a customer-friendly environment that encourages purchases and boosts your sales. From cluttered spaces to poor lighting and outdated designs, small changes can make a difference. By focusing on the right details, retailers can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Transform Your Learning Experience with a Tutor

Learning new skills and grasping academic disciplines might be difficult in the hectic environment of today. Having a tutor can make a big impact whether your needs are personal passion-driven, professional trying to upskill, or student struggling with a challenging topic.

Personalised direction from a tutor helps you understand difficult ideas, keep motivated, and quickly reach your learning objectives. This article will show how tutoring could change your educational process if you have ever questioned whether it is worth it.

The Power of Personalized Learning

Working with a tutor offers one of the best benefits—the customised learning experience. A tutor adjusts their approach to fit your learning style and needs, unlike in conventional classroom environments where teachers follow a set curriculum at a given pace. Accordingly:

  • Customized lessons: Your tutor focuses on your weak points while reinforcing your strengths, making learning more effective.
  • Flexible pacing: When you understand a concept, you may spend more time on difficult subjects without feeling pressed for time or rushing forward.
  • Interactive engagement: Tutors can use real-world examples, hands-on activities, or digital tools to enhance your understanding.

With this personalized approach, learning becomes more efficient, enjoyable, and less frustrating.

Boosting Confidence and Motivation

Often resulting in a loss of drive, struggling with a topic can be demoralising. Through encouragement and positive reinforcement, a tutor helps one develop confidence. Knowing you have someone to help and advise you can help you lower learning-related stress and anxiety.

While professionals can get the self-assurance required to implement fresh talents in their professions, students may find better academic performance resulting from this confidence increase. Having a tutor ensures you never go alone on your educational path; this emotional support can be quite beneficial.

Enhancing Academic Performance

Students often find that working with a private tutor helps them immensely, both academically and conceptually. Studies have shown that students who receive tutoring often perform better on tests and exams compared to those who rely solely on classroom instruction. Tutors provide:

  • Clarification of difficult concepts: Should a subject feel overwhelming, a tutor can dissect it into more manageable chunks.
  • Exam preparation: To guarantee preparedness, tutors assist with test-taking techniques, practice tests, and review sessions.
  • Better study habits: A tutor can teach effective note-taking, time management, and study techniques that last a lifetime.

Tutoring may close knowledge gaps and provide you with an academic edge whether your needs call for assistance with math, science, languages, or any other subject.

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

A tutor promotes deeper thinking and problem-solving in addition to fact-memorising support. Many teachers employ questioning strategies meant to push you to examine material, establish connections, and hone your answers. This sort of education promotes:

  • Independent thinking: You pick up confident and logical approaches to difficulties.
  • Creativity in learning: Rather than depending just on rote memorisation, tutors inspire investigation of several answers.
  • Lifelong learning habits: Beyond the classroom, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are quite useful abilities that help both personally and professionally.

Flexibility and Convenience

Conventional classroom education is accompanied by strict timetables and restrictions. By comparison, coaching gives freedom in terms of:

  • Scheduling: Whether it’s after school, on weekends, or during breaks, you can pick session times that work for your schedule.
  • Learning environment: Online tutoring choices let you learn from the convenience of your house, therefore cutting travel time and expenses.
  • One-on-one or group sessions: Your learning style and budget will determine whether you choose small group sessions or private tutoring.

This adaptability guarantees that education fits perfectly into your way of life and facilitates constant commitment.

Tutors for Every Learning Goal

One does not only tutor failing kids. Working with a tutor benefits persons from all backgrounds and ages. Here are some situations where tutoring might be beneficial:

  • School and college students: From elementary school through college, tutors assist with academic skill-building, coursework, exam preparation, and homework.
  • Professionals: A tutor can offer targeted instruction for everything from technical skill improvement to new language acquisition to certification exam preparation.
  • Lifelong learners: If you are learning for personal development—that is, for mastery of an instrument or enhancement of your writing—a tutor can keep you responsible and direct your development.

A tutor can hasten your development and simplify the procedure regardless of your learning goal, therefore improving your enjoyment of it.

Making the Most of Your Tutoring Experience

Think about these ideas to maximise the outcomes of tutoring:

  • Set clear goals: Clearly state your goals—passing a test, honing your writing, or learning a skill.
  • Communicate openly: Tell your tutor your preferences for learning and your difficulties so they can adjust their approach.
  • Stay committed: Consistency is essential. Practice and frequent meetings will assist you in strengthening what you discover.
  • Be proactive: Participate actively, probe more, and use what you discover outside of tutoring sessions.

Approaching tutoring with the correct attitude can help you to maximise its advantages and notice an amazing improvement in your knowledge.

Invest in Your Learning Journey

A tutor can be a game-changer whether your needs are related to a subject, test preparation, or acquisition of new abilities. Among the advantages of having a tutor are customised training, more confidence, improved academic success, and higher problem-solving ability.

Investing in a tutor might be among the best choices you make for your development both personally and professionally since learning is a lifetime trip. Now is ideal if you have been thinking about instructing but haven’t jumped. Start changing your learning experience right now by finding an instructor that meets your needs!

15 Fun Activities to Include in Your Christmas Party

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the magic of Christmas. But to be honest, no one wants a dull party where people just sit around, awkwardly sipping eggnog. Fun events that unite everyone, start laughing, and create lifelong memories can help your Christmas party to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a big festive bash, here are some exciting activities to make your Christmas party a hit.

1. Christmas-themed trivia Night

Put everyone’s holiday knowledge to the test with a Christmas-themed trivia game. Divide guests into teams and prepare questions about Christmas movies, holiday traditions, famous songs, and even Santa Claus himself. You can offer small prizes for the winning team, like festive mugs or holiday treats. It’s a great way to engage guests of all ages and ignite some friendly competition.

2. Ugly Sweater Contest

Christmas without a little fashion catastrophe sounds strange. Ask visitors to wear their most over-the-extreme holiday sweaters—wackiest. Arrange a little runway and let everyone vote for the best, or worst, sweater. Create other categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest Sweater,” or “Most Festive” to liven it more. Provide entertaining awards like custom jewellery or seasonal gift baskets.

3. Christmas Charades

An old party game with a holiday spin! On slips of paper, list Christmas-related terms, films, or songs; have guests play them out while their team guesses. It’s a sure approach to have folks laughing and lighten the mood. You might include “Building a snowman,” “Silent Night,” or “Santa stuck in a chimney.”

4. DIY Christmas Ornament Station

Set up a crafting corner where guests can create their own Christmas ornaments. Provide blank ornaments, paint, glitter, stickers, and other decorations. This is an excellent activity for both kids and adults and the best part? Everyone gets to take home a keepsake from the party.

5. White Elephant Gift Exchange

If you want a gift exchange with a fun twist, go for a White Elephant game. Each guest brings a wrapped gift within a set budget, and participants take turns picking or stealing presents. Some gifts are awesome, while others can be hilariously ridiculous, making for some surprises and laughs.

6. Christmas Karaoke

Warm up those vocal cords because it’s time for a Christmas sing-off! Set up a karaoke station with classic holiday hits like “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Feliz Navidad.” You can turn it into a friendly competition or just let guests sing their hearts out. Bonus points if someone shows up dressed as Mariah Carey!

7. Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

Nothing says Christmas like building (and eating) a gingerbread house! Give teams or individuals pre-made gingerbread house kits with icing, candies, and sprinkles, then let the decorating begin. Set a timer and have a panel of judges (or the whole party) vote for the best design. Families with children especially should enjoy this activity.

8. Hot Chocolate Bar

Treat your guests to a cozy and delicious hot chocolate station. Offer a variety of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and flavoured syrups. You can even include an “adult” version by offering Irish cream or peppermint schnapps for a little extra holiday cheer.

9. Christmas Movie Bingo

Create bingo cards with popular Christmas movie clichés, things like “Someone learns the true meaning of Christmas,” “A snowball fight happens,” or “A character wears a Santa hat.” Play classic holiday films in the background, and guests can mark off squares as they spot the scenes. The first person to get a bingo wins a festive prize.

10. Santa’s Mystery Box

For this game, fill a box with mystery Christmas-themed items, like a candy cane, a pinecone, a mini ornament, or a Santa hat. Blindfold guests and have them reach inside to feel and guess what’s inside. It’s a simple but hilarious game, especially when people’s guesses are way off.

11. Christmas-themed Pictionary

Just like charades, but with drawings. Have guests sketch out holiday-related words or scenes while their team guesses what they’re drawing. It’s always fun to see artistic attempts at “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

12. Secret Santa with a Twist

Instead of traditional Secret Santa, add a fun twist. Ask each person to write a small wish list, but instead of receiving their own requested gift, their Secret Santa gets creative and finds something unexpected but related. For example, if someone wishes for “something cozy,” they might receive fuzzy socks and hot cocoa mix.

13. Festive Photo Booth

Set up a holiday-themed photo booth with fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf ears, and a backdrop with Christmas lights. Guests can take silly or sweet pictures to capture the holiday spirit. If you have a Polaroid or instant camera, let them take home printed snapshots as souvenirs.

14. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Hide small holiday-themed items around the party space and give guests a list of things to find. Items could include mini stockings, candy canes, Christmas bows, or a hidden elf. The first person (or team) to find everything wins a prize. This is a fun and engaging activity for both kids and adults.

15. Holiday-Themed Relay Race

End the night with a high-energy game like a holiday relay race. You can set up challenges like carrying a gift box on a spoon, wrapping a teammate in toilet paper like a snowman, or hopping with a Christmas ornament between their knees. It’s a hilarious way to get everyone moving and laughing.

Make Your Christmas Party Unforgettable

A great Christmas party is all about creating joyful moments, bringing people together, and sharing laughter. By incorporating a mix of interactive games, creative activities, and festive traditions, you’ll ensure that your guests leave with smiles and warm holiday memories. 

Whether you go all out with competitions or keep it simple with cozy traditions, the key is to have fun and spread the holiday cheer. So, which of these activities will you include in your Christmas party? If you need more help, check out a Christmas party hire service to assist you in planning the most unforgettable festive celebration.

Why Your Child’s First Fishing Trip Should Be at Lake Guntersville

Okay, get ready. We’re diving into planning your kid’s first fishing trip – and why Lake Guntersville in Alabama should be the spot. Forget just catching fish; think about the memories, the stories, the whole shebang. Let’s do this.

For families seeking an unforgettable introduction to the world of angling, Lake Guntersville stands out as an ideal destination. Renowned for its epic bass fishing, the lake also provides a fantastic environment for beginner anglers. The abundance of various fish species, coupled with accessible shorelines and numerous family-friendly amenities, makes it a top choice for creating lasting memories with your children.

The Magic, Seriously, of a First Fishing Trip

Remember your first time? The wobbly-legged excitement, maybe some line-tangling disasters, but then that tug? It sticks with you, right? Your kid’s first time is way more than just a day at the lake. It’s a classic rite of passage, a chance to actually bond with nature (not just screen-time nature), and a pure memory-maker. Seriously, these outdoor moments, especially with your kiddo, are formative, important, and – let’s be honest – just plain fun. Lake Guntersville, tucked away in northern Alabama, is calling your name. It’s beautiful, it’s easy to get to, and here’s the kicker: it’s ridiculously kid-friendly. This ain’t just a sales pitch; it’s a real promise. This lake offers – the perfect combo of charm and ease for a first-fishing-trip win.

Why All This Fuss? The First Time Matters

So, why the big deal about a first fishing trip? It’s simple: first impressions count. It’s not just dipping a line; it’s about building confidence, learning patience (a super-power, really), and connecting with your kid in a real way. Picture their face when they actually reel something in – pure, amazing joy! But, let’s get real here. A bad first time – think blazing sun, meltdown-level crankiness, and zero fish – could sour them on fishing for good. Weather, how easy it is to get there, decent bathrooms these things matter. Picking the right spot? Key. It can literally make or break this whole memory-making thing.

Lake Guntersville: Family-Friendly Fishing Heaven

Lake Guntersville? Let’s talk specifics. Imagine: you’re in north Alabama, rolling Appalachian foothills all around, breathing in that fresh air. You’re smack-dab in the heart of Guntersville State Park. Stunning, right? Great for snapping photos you’ll actually frame, but even better, it’s super family-friendly. Calm waters (usually), decent public access, picnic spots everywhere It just works. Keep an eye out for wildlife. You might see deer munching, herons wading with that graceful heron wade, or even a bald eagle soaring by. Stuff the kids will actually remember. And bathrooms? Campgrounds? Playgrounds? The essentials are right there. Imagine your kid, rod in hand, casting a line at sunrise. Just about perfect.

The Fishing: Young Anglers, You Got This

Okay, let’s get down to the fish. Lake Guntersville is loaded with species that are great for younger anglers. Think bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The reason? They’re easier to catch! You’ll get more bites, and they’re manageable sizes, making it way more rewarding for little hands. Shoreline access is also plentiful, so no boat needed. That makes things easier and safer for the kiddos. Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t. There are a bunch of guided trips and family-friendly charters around. These pros can provide all the gear and, more importantly, the know-how to make your trip a success. Plus, local bait shops sell kid-sized rods and starter kits. Safety first, though. Park rangers and local guides are always around to help and give tips. “My son could have cared less that he only caught one fish – he just wanted to net it himself!” says a dad I talked to about his recent trip. That’s what this is all about.

More Than Just Fish: The Full Adventure

Lake Guntersville is more than just a place to toss a line; it’s a full-on family adventure waiting to happen. Need a break? No problem. Hiking trails are everywhere, from easy strolls to slightly-more-challenging climbs. Rent kayaks or canoes and see the lake from a different angle. The bird-watching is incredible, and the nature centers? Packed with cool stuff. And when the hunger hits, local restaurants and lakefront snack bars are ready to roll. Turn it into a whole weekend by camping or renting one of the cozy cabins. Not a hardcore fisherman? No worries! Lake Guntersville truly has something for everyone.

What You Need: Gear, Supplies & Simple Prep

Okay, let’s get practical. What to pack? For the kids: light rods, life vests (safety!), and lots of sun protection. For you: Alabama requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Easy to grab online or at the local bait shops. Don’t forget snacks, a ton of water, and a well-stocked first-aid kit. Weather changes fast, so pack layers. And let’s be real, attention spans are short, so bring backup activities. Camera, snacks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses check, check, and check! Knowing you’re prepared? Huge.

When To Go & Seasonal Expectations

When’s the sweet spot for visiting? Spring and early summer are usually the best for fishing. The fish are active, and the weather’s pretty fair. Temperatures are nice, and there’s usually decent shade. Check out local events, too. Fishing festivals and community kids’ clinics pop up now and then. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, too.

Stories From the Lake

“The grin on my daughter’s face when she reeled in her first bluegill? Worth everything,” says Sarah from Huntsville. “She hasn’t stopped talking about it!” Local guides and park rangers have countless stories about families bonding over fishing on Lake Guntersville. “We see kids come in nervous, and leave feeling like they can conquer the world,” says Ranger Tom, down at the park HQ. These stories? They highlight the joy. Share your own stories in the comments below!

A Memory That Lasts Forever

So here’s the deal—Lake Guntersville isn’t just some random fishing spot. It’s a memory-making machine. With its calm waters, beginner-friendly fish, and all the family perks you didn’t even know you needed, it takes the stress out of planning and lets the fun shine through. Whether your kid reels in a monster catfish or just gets the hang of casting, the moment will stick. And honestly? That’s the real win. You’re not just fishing—you’re giving your child a first adventure they’ll talk about for years. The best part? It’s all doable. Easy drive, great weather, plenty to do. No boat, no problem. Just you, your kid, and the kind of experience that brings everyone a little closer. So why wait? Pack the rods, grab some snacks, and head to Lake Guntersville. First trips only happen once—make it count.

Say Sue Me Announce New EP ‘Time Is Not Yours’, Share New Single Featuring Silica Gel’s Kim Hanjoo

Korean indie rock band Say Sue Me have announced a new EP, Time Is Not Yours, which lands on April 30 via Damnably. Along with the news, they’ve shared ‘Vacation’, a collaboration with Silica Gel’s Kim Hanjoo that’s full of hooks and swagger. Check it out below.

“Modern people overthink everything and live in constant haste,” the band stated. “But it’s time to pause for a moment and just breathe. Kim Hanjoo, vocalist of Korean powerhouse band Silica Gel, lent his voice to ‘Vacation’. We first connected at a festival in Japan in 2022, where he expressed his desire to collaborate with us. His words left a lasting impression, and when it came time to record Vacation, we knew his voice would be the perfect fit. Thanks to his contribution, the song took on a richer, more vibrant energy—adding a whole new layer of colour to the track.”

Say Sue Me’s last album was 2022’s The Last Thing Left.

Time Is Not Yours Cover Artwork:

Time Is Not Yours Tracklist:

1. Time Is Not Yours
2. Vacation [feat. Kim Hanjoo]
3. In This Mess
4. Mexico
5. Bone Pink

Pulp Announce First Album in 24 Years, Release New Song ‘Spike Island’

Fans have been asking for more Pup for over two decades, and it’s finally official: the band’s follow-up to 2001’s We Love Life, called More, is out June 6 via their new label home, Rough Trade. ‘Spike Island’, one of several new songs they’ve been playing on tour, is out today. “Dead in my tracks/ I was heading for disaster, then I turned back,” Jarvis Cocker sings. “The universe shrugged, shrugged and moved on.” Check it out and find the album cover and setlist below.

More was recorded at London’s Orbb Studio over three weeks in November 2024 with producer James Ford. “This is the shortest amount of time a Pulp album has ever taken to record,” Jarvis Cocker noted in a statement. “It was obviously ready to happen.”

About the video for ‘Spike Island’, which he directed himself, Cocker said:

I was told that someone was interested in investigating A.I. & did I have any ideas?

The first idea I had was to animate the photographs that Rankin & Donald took for Different Class: after all, back in 1995 they had been an “artificial” way of dropping us into real-life situations & getting an album cover done whilst we were too busy recording the music for that album to pose for pictures. No brainer.

It was my initial idea to produce a kind of “making of” video that showed how the photos had come to be taken – but as soon as I fed the first shot into the A.I. app I realised that wasn’t going to happen. So I decided to “go with the flow” & see where the computer led me.

All the moving images featured in the video are the result of me feeding in a still image & then typing in a “prompt” such as: “The black & white figure remains still whilst the bus in the background drives off” which led to the sequence where the coach weirdly slides towards the cut-out of me.

The weekend I began work on the video was a strange time: I went out of the house & kept expecting weird transformations of the surrounding environment due to the images the computer had been generating. The experience had marked me. I don’t know whether I’ve recovered yet…..

I have to thank Julian House for some expert post-production work & Rankin & Donald Milne for allowing me to use their work in this way. As it says in text at the end of the video, I think what they did for Pulp back in 1995 was “Human Intelligence at its best”.

My final thought? H.I. Forever!

Discussing the new album, Cocker went on:

This is the first Pulp album since “We Love Life” in 2001. Yes: the first Pulp album for 24 years.

How did that happen?

Well: when we started touring again in 2023, we practiced a new song called “Hymn of the North” during soundchecks & eventually played it at the end of our second night at Sheffield Arena. This seemed to open the floodgates: we came up with the rest of the songs on this album during the first half of 2024. A couple are revivals of ideas from last century. The music for one song was written by Richard Hawley. The music for another was written by Jason Buckle. The Eno family sing backing vocals on a song. There are string arrangements written by Richard Jones & played by the Elysian Collective.

The album was recorded over 3 weeks by James Ford in Walthamstow, London, starting on November 18th, 2024. This is the shortest amount of time a Pulp album has ever taken to record. It was obviously ready to happen.

These are the facts.

We hope you enjoy the music. It was written & performed by four human beings from the North of England, aided & abetted by five other human beings from various locations in the British Isles. No A.I. was involved during the process.

This album is dedicated to Steve Mackey.

This is the best that we can do.

Thanks for listening.

More Cover Artwork:

More Tracklist:

1. Spike Island
2. Tina
3. Grown Ups
4. Slow Jam
5. Farmers Market
6. My Sex
7. Got To Have Love
8. Background Noise
9. Partial Eclipse
10. The Hymn of the North
11. A Sunset

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