Mood Bored #4
Jazz Fusion, metroid-vanias and crushing on a stripper
Mood Bored #4
Intro blabber- Winter is here, and so is my seasonal depression. Work is piling up, I’m working on a few side projects including a custom expansion for a board game, and writing articles for a dream client soon! I go on vacation next week as well in Japan, so I’m sure to come back refreshed and inspired. but in the meantime, here's a surprisingly vibrant edition of the Mood Bored despite the weather.
Anyway, here are my current inspo. As always- If you found something you enjoy here please consider subscribing. Feel free to drop a blurb in the comments or chat me up if you want to geek out on these things I’ll mention!
Music - Masayoshi Takanaka and Japanese Jazz Fusion
Sounds like: Tunes you’d hear in Mario Kart/Party games.
I've been digging into more instrumental jazz stuff, mainly Japanese jazz fusion with plenty of technical guitar work. Takanaka and this album in particular, “Jungle Jane”, was the first of its kind in my collection. I really enjoy the mix of mathy jazz instrumentals along with city pop vibes of the 70’s and 80’s. It’s awesome to game to, playing platformers or digital pinball games ( I wish they’d play these at pinball bars).
Other than Takanaka, I’ve been listening to Casiopea and Omega Tribe.
Movie - Anora
After seeing high critical acclaim from people I trust when it comes to taste in film, I’ve yet to see a trailer or know what it’s even about before deciding to see it in theatres this week. Boy them critics were not lying. One of the more moving films I’ve seen this year, in a while!
Mikey Madison is a mfkn STAR. The Russian guy also played a spoiled brat that I should hate, but just found so funny and oddly charming. And the goons.. Yes, let’s talk about the GOONS, was much of the entertainment. From the awkward bodyguard yet kind Igor, to that priest who has obvious anger issues. This movie is hilarious while showing tons of vulnerability. It’s uncomfortable, it’s over the top. Not to mention, Anora is a very fascinating character.
Anime - My Hero Academia Season 7
The past season has been so strong, and this season did not let its foot off the pedal as it started with a bang without yet losing any momentum (I’m about 11 eps in). It’s an all-out war. This feels like the Marineford (One Piece), the 2nd act of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood of MHA. With all the heroes and villains clashing, but not without the revealed backstories of every character who fights in each episode.
With the anime coming to an end, I’m hoping it finishes strong. While this has never been one of my top favourite series, you have to applaud how it manages to stay engaging for 7 seasons straight. The growth in the Main hero Deku, as well as the focus on not just his friends and mentors, but the villains who gets plenty of shine as well.
Gaming - Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
I downloaded this game randomly just cause of the cute art, and what is a highly entertaining puzzle platformer. One of the better-looking metroid-vania type games I’ve played with plenty of Zelda inspiration. Reminds me of Majora’s Mask being able to transform into different types of creatures to solve riddles.
I will say that there is a big difficulty spike near the end, to the point where I’d get really frustrated and can’t bring myself to play it sometimes. But nothing in terms of bugs, or annoying mechanics, just actual hard as f*ck platforming.
I’ve also been playing Rouge Legacy 2, another metroid-vania but rouge-lite. More on that another day, but if you have any recommendations of games like these, throw em at me!
Event - Linking Park “From Zero” Listening Party
More music news for ya. Last weekend, I attended an official listening party for LP’s new album at my local record store. And I gotta say, why don’t we do these more?!?
Being surrounded by fellow fans as we just vibe to the album front to back, sparking conversations between strangers and seeing each other’s first authentic reaction (like some cringy YouTubers), I just felt so involved. All in all, I say this is the band’s strongest effort in a long time. It’s back to their roots, but obviously with a new female lead in Emily Armstrong who puts on a tremendous performance that’s convincing as both a tribute to the band’s history, while bringing her own ideas to the table.
My favourite part of this event was overhearing a dad and daughter next to me discuss the album. The young daughter (maybe 12) talks about how she wants to sing like Emily and has no knowledge of the band’s history with Chester, and the dad teaches her about their past which he obviously grew up in. The passing of OG fans to new is too beautiful. The power of music man.
More Music - Better Lovers “Highly Irresponsible”
For fans of: Dillinger Escape Plan, Everytime I die
Sounds like: A car crash
Dillinger Escape Plan and Everytime I Die are both my favourite hardcore bands ever. And the marriage of old members of both bands, including one of my favourite vocalist in Greg Puciato, sounds exactly what I’d expect: the sounds of chaos both of those bands brought combined. This is the super band of ‘core’ bands. It has some of the brutal technicality of Dillinger, combined with the rowdiness and southern-influenced riffs of Everytime.
While I think up my album of the year list, this one will be on there somewhere. Just by the album cover alone, how can you not be intrigued?
Let me know which of these you’ve experienced, or looking to get into. Let’s geek out in the comments or chats! Thank you, and have a fantastic weekend :)
Cheers,
Lamar
haha thank you sir, and this was actually my first Sean Baker movie and I'm impressed! Which of his would u say has similiar vibe to watch next?
My favorite roundup on Substack! Anora rocked, sean baker doesnt miss