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So, following up on that šum video on YouTube, the algorithm just kept rolling with these artists... It’s not quite the same vibe as the last NP, and honestly, nothing groundbreaking here either, but it's still worth a spin (well, maybe for someone else, just a heads-up!): E-Play

Listening to šum in this dim twilight, and I’m reminded of a genuine gem—one of those bands that drifted through the post-rock scene back when I was in my twenties. I feel lucky I caught them live. I can't recommend their discography enough. It still feels intimate, even seventeen years later. Rachel's :

Water from the Same Source

Poison Idea-Slum lord

Classes start tomorrow and I can’t say I’m feeling particularly optimistic about any of it.
Basically, schools are being forced to operate under absolutely impossible conditions; my school manages to scrape by because our class sizes are smaller due to our specific needs, which helps us meet some of the standards, but even then, it's a struggle. Teachers are expected to wear masks constantly—if not full-on hazmat suits—which puts my school in a terrible spot since many of our students are deaf and rely on lip-reading to communicate.
On top of that, kids are expected to sit there wearing masks for hours on end.
And if a teacher dares to let a student take their mask off, they're expected to just send them home immediately, which creates another mess for my school because several of our students aren't independent enough to navigate getting home on their own.
The ones who are independent will be squeezed into overcrowded city buses just to get to school, and they'll be fighting through those same packed buses just to get back.

Of course, the government is supposedly deeply concerned about the well-being of children and the elderly, because we all know how much the state actually cares about looking after people.

That’s why the government feels the need to stir the pot here and there, which inevitably gives the mob an excuse to gear up and organize some massive, pointless protest.😁

For example: Vuco

🙂
Jamie Davis9, hang in there! I feel for the kids, and honestly, this whole communication mess is such a massive headache. I can't even wrap my head around how they’re going to manage this in high schools, let alone elementary schools or preschools. Like, what happens with the little ones when parents need to pick them up? I read somewhere—maybe it's outdated, who knows—that they aren't even allowed inside the buildings anymore, so everyone just has to wait outside... it's wild. And I guess college students will handle it better since they're more independent, but maybe now we'll finally see some actual organization with certain courses, from lectures to exams. A lot of stuff could be handled online way more efficiently. Not all universities have made life easy for students, though. It's not like being at a place like NYU or similar.

Sorry, I've been a bit of a wreck since yesterday morning. I was finally supposed to get away for a few weeks to a private island, just to escape work and everything else. But now, everything is up in the air. That's not even the main issue, though; I might just head north by myself, just to get away. This whole thing happened because a friend of mine—who was supposed to stay at this little cabin—didn't realize she had been in close contact with two people who tested positive for the virus (they only found out yesterday). That couple already knew they'd been exposed, but they didn't say anything and went ahead with their stay anyway, hanging out and swimming for a few days, even though my friend has a small child... She's still stuck there waiting to hear tomorrow if she needs to go get tested in Chicago or New York, or if she just has to isolate for two weeks. I think the biggest problem is that people just aren't acting responsibly. Most people are just looking out for their own damn selves. It feels like everyone has gotten too relaxed, but the numbers definitely haven't. And don't even get me started on the discarded masks and gloves littered all over the city; I won't even comment because it just makes me angry.

No problem, today is just about staying calm.
Mental cleansing and rest,
about:

the daily planet ♡

Lisa Davis46 said:Look, I’ve been losing my mind since yesterday morning. I was finally supposed to pack up, leave work and all this chaos behind, and head out to a private island for a few weeks of peace. Now? Everything is up in the air. Honestly, that isn't even the part that's killing me; I might just end up heading north on my own just to get some distance from everyone. The whole thing fell apart because a friend of mine—who had no idea what she was walking into—was staying at her place and ended up in close contact with two people who tested positive for the virus. They only found out yesterday. The kicker is that this couple already knew they’d been exposed, but they didn't say a damn thing. They went ahead with the visit anyway, hanging out and swimming for a few days like nothing was wrong, even though my friend has a small child. She’s still stuck there right now, waiting to hear from the health department tomorrow if she needs to go get tested in a place like Chicago or D.C., or if she just has to quarantine for two weeks. To me, the real issue here isn't the virus itself; it's the fact that people simply refuse to act responsibly. Most people are just looking out for their own damn selves. It feels like everyone has suddenly gotten careless and relaxed, even though the infection numbers aren't dropping one bit. And don't even get me started on seeing used masks and gloves tossed all over the streets of the city; I won't even go there because it just makes my blood boil.

People are still hiding their contacts, too. It’s like when they’re being interrogated and they intentionally withhold names just so they don't end up in total isolation. It really shows how selfish people can be and how little they actually care about anyone else. Personally, I follow most of the guidelines; I’m relatively young and in great shape, so I’m not exactly worried about my own health. But you don't do this for yourself—you do it for the high-risk people you might run into, like your own parents. Then you have these absolute legends out there protesting all over the country, screaming about freedom and "level playing fields" or refusing vaccines. Honestly? Eat shit.

I honestly don't have much to say about Maniacal Vale, but if you want my two cents, here it is. It’s one of those things that people either absolutely love or just don't get at all, and frankly, I can see why. I remember sitting around a dive bar in Chicago back in the day, listening to some guy try to explain why this specific sound was the future of everything, and I just rolled my eyes. It felt pretentious then, and it still feels a bit like that now. You can argue about the technicality or the atmosphere all you want, but at the end of the day, it’s either hitting for you or it isn't. There's no middle ground with stuff like this.

Lisa Davis46 said:🙂
Jamie Davis9, hang in there! I feel for the kids, and honestly, the communication breakdown is becoming a massive headache. I can't even begin to wrap my head around how this is going to work for high schools, let alone elementary schools or preschools, where parents need to pick up their little ones after class but aren't allowed inside—they supposedly have to wait outside on the sidewalk. I think I read somewhere that they're still enforcing that protocol. Even at the university level, young adults will probably manage better, and maybe this will finally force some much-needed organization for certain courses (from lectures to exams), since so much of it can be handled online far more efficiently. Not all universities have been as accommodating to students as, say, NYU or similar places.

The first day went fine; we stayed out front instead of heading inside. My boss mentioned we’re welcome to stay outside whenever we want, sitting on a bench or just in the grass while teaching. 🙏 😁
Look, we'll find a way, give it our best shot, and hope for the best.

Lisa Davis46 said: I'm sorry, I've been a total wreck since yesterday morning because I was finally supposed to escape everything—work, stress, all of it—for a two or three-week getaway to Nantucket. But now, everything is up in the air. That's not even the main issue; I might just head further north alone just to get away. This mess happened because a friend I was supposed to stay with in her cottage had, without knowing it, close contact with two people who tested positive (they only found out yesterday). That couple already knew they'd been around someone infected, but they didn't say anything and still went to her place to hang out and swim for a few days, even though my friend has a small child... she's still stuck there waiting to hear tomorrow if she needs to go get tested in Boston or New York, or if she just has to quarantine for two weeks. Honestly, I think the biggest problem is that people just don't act responsibly; most people only care about their own skin. It feels like everyone has gotten too relaxed while the numbers continue to climb. And don't even get me started on the discarded masks and gloves scattered all over the city, because it just makes me angry.

I know, it's a disaster. People being people.
But the real issue, as I mentioned earlier, is that even when you try your absolute hardest to do everything by the book, you often end up feeling like you haven't achieved much at all.
On top of that, people are losing jobs and some are even losing their homes; the situation looks grim, so it's easy to lose your cool and run out of patience.
Don't let yourself get worked up over things that are completely out of your control! 🧐

Saint Tropez - The Beatles

I had this dream last night about massive daily death tolls from some virus—hospitals just overflowing. I can’t really recall the surroundings, but I know it was set in New York City. Dream logic is such a mess, but that sense of pure dread stays with you for days sometimes. This was definitely one of those dreams.
For context, about a week before the big earthquake hit, I actually dreamed about it—probably for the first time in 10 years. I dreamt I was standing in my living room and the whole building was swaying like a ship at sea. And man, it actually happened—I jumped out of bed and instead of being terrified, I was just fascinated watching everything swing around.

Don't want to freak you guys out, just one cheerful update. 😁

Jamie Davis9 said:The first day went okay, I guess. We were just hanging out in front of the school, not actually inside. The boss said we can hang out out front whenever we want—on the benches or just chilling on the grass—so we can basically have class outdoors. 🙏 😁

Total madness! If nothing else, I’m spending today at least down at Dog Beach.

Jamie, here's one for you:

School in Nature 😁

+

The whole album is for me, since I don't know when I'll ever see a lagoon again:

Return to the Lagoon No. 07

(First comment: This album is a cheap vacation to another dimension. 😁)
This was mastered by Mr. Chris Stevens from Soundscape Studios,
A friend of mine—who happens to be his buddy—recommended him.
It's pretty decent, smooth, and feels kind of (late) summer!

Jamie Davis9 said:Yeah, it sucks. People are people.
(...)
Don't stress over things you can't control! 🧐

Yeah, thanks. I really needed someone to tell me that yesterday.

Dennis Hall41 said:Last night I dreamed about massive daily death tolls from a virus and hospitals being completely full.

Oh, wonderful!
This prophetic dream stuff is seriously creepy. It happened to me once and it wasn't good, not in the dream or in real life. Just eerie. And you totally spooked me more—just when I finally felt brave enough to go to the movies this week after months of staying home... I think the last thing I saw was *The Notebook* at AMC back in February. Let's stick to positive topics today.

no okay, Dennis Hall41, one for you too:

weird dream 😁

Dennis Hall41 said:Don't want to overwhelm you guys, just one happy thought. 😁

I just played it and it doesn't feel depressing at all like it used to,
(way back, maybe 15 years ago) I don't know what's happening to me...

I’ve always used that stuff to get myself hyped up, even if it sounds a little dark 😁 And look, I really hope what Dennis Hall41 is dreaming about is just a fluke. I mean, the pandemic is still hanging around, but as for that earthquake... man, nobody could have seen that coming. (Not that I actually ordered it for my birthday ☕ )

Anyway, I'm feeling some pretty chill, late-night vibes tonight: Fleet Foxes (that side project from the GY!BE guys)

isuse how good they are! anything I play on YouTube by them ends up being my new favorite song ever! 😁 😬
but seriously...

The Comet is Coming - March of The Rising Sun

found them right here in this thread, obviously 😍

Steven Newman50 said:I honestly don't think anyone saw this coming. (not that I was planning on ordering one for my birthday ☕ )

Joe, is that you? 😲

https://www.nytimes.com/news/article-link-placeholder

Getting close! Kelly Clarkson is 🙂

Gerald Jackson48 said:Joe, is that you? 😲

Joe just can't get himself worked up if he actually tried.

It’s like sitting through some prehistoric, unthawed caveman jam session where nobody actually knows how to play their instruments.

Quote: Weekend Warrior

I can't write anything for you without the source text. Please provide the posts you want me to rewrite. kaže: First day went alright. We hung out in front of the school instead of going inside. The boss said we could just chill out front whenever we feel like it—on the benches or just hanging on the grass—and run classes from there... : s : D Look, we'll figure it out. We'll give it everything we've got and just hope for the best... ...

Mimma, look on the bright side! At least you actually made it out there in person... 🙂
Quote: Weekend Warrior

Lawrence Ross4 said:The Beach Boys - Live Volume 1 Sweet.

👍
Quote: Weekend Warrior

Henry Mitchell29 said:Man, these guys are insane. Every single time I pull up one of their tracks on YouTube, it ends up being my new favorite song... 😁 😬
But seriously...
The Comet is Coming - March of The Rising Sun
Found them right here on this thread, obviously... 😍

😁 I remember how you reacted—honestly, I felt the exact same way... 😍 Man, that concert back in February was honestly the last decent show I went to. I remember jumping around in a massive crowd of happy people with my friend... now it just feels like some distant dream... 🕺

What the hell is with all this damn cheering?!... 😛

Just some morning stretches... ...

Totally missed that on the first pass. 😁

Dennis Hall41 said:Alright, I think the first and last ones are in there somewhere. Too bad we don't see Pangloss more often; KC's pretty quiet lately, and it looks like old soul, dile, and suburbian have basically checked out completely.

Ennio & Quote

&

Steven Newman50 said:There's enough post-rock elements in here to grab my attention. But honestly, when it comes to pure math rock, I can't say I'm a huge fan. That being said, the stuff you linked sounds more than good.

The NP thread isn't great, but the rest of this sub is popping. I've discovered a lot of new stuff through those weekly album threads we started recently, and I actually dig the direction this is heading. Check it out sometime 😉

Funny you mention that, because this is playing right now: NP

Oh yeah, I meant the NP thread—I lurk and read other topics, but I don't really write reviews. September's starting off nice, so I'm hitting the outdoors whenever I'm free... maybe I'll change my mind by winter if something truly mind-blowing drops (within my musical bubble). Or maybe not?! 😁

np idles ...

Jason Mendoza said:Chuck can't even get worked up if he tried.

Total caveman vibes here

Chuck + Steven + Jean +... and then some

Dark angel

The Finnish quartet with strings 😁

Lisa Davis46 said:man, that's wild!
this whole prophetic dream thing is actually terrifying—happened to me once and let's just say it wasn't a vibe, either in my sleep or when I woke up. gave me the chills. you totally spooked me too, right when I was finally feeling brave enough to hit the movie theater this week after months of staying grounded... I think the last thing I saw was some documentary at AMC back in February. strictly positive vibes today, though.

anyway, Dennis Hall41, here's one for you:

weird dream 😁

I'm letting myself feel it now and it doesn't even feel depressing like it used to,
(way back, like 15 years ago) I have no idea what's going on with me...

Think we're good for now—at least until it gets colder or the flu hits hard. Chill out, we still have a few months.😁

Yeah, Dead Souls isn't even that dark. Maybe I should've checked this one.😁

Lisa Davis46 said:Jamie Davis9, here's one just for you:

summer camp 😁

Yeah! 😁 It's awesome! Thanks! 🙂

wiredmason61 said:Jamie Davis9, stay positive! At least you're there in person. 🙂

Absolutely, we'll keep this outdoor camp going as long as the weather holds up.
Honestly, I am more than satisfied with how everything turned out.
Even though it’s my day off, I couldn't help myself from hiking up to the site to make sure everything was running smoothly and see if anyone needed anything; we grabbed lunch together, then sat outside while the kids hung out on the benches or the swings and V. taught math. 🙏 It's perfect! 😁

That's why I'm Easy Aah
Aah, aah, aah, aah