Rushmoras

Started, or rather, re-started Epica discography yesterday. IMO, best song in The Phantom Agony (2003) album:

And with The Bitter Truth (2021), completed Evanescence discography. The last album was... in alright, I guess? At least it had ton of new songs as opposed to all others that I've listened to since Open Doors lol. As always, subjective assessments of each album: 1. Fallen (2003) - 6.7/10 2. The Open Door (2006) - 6.9/10 3. Evanescence [DELUXE EDITION] (2011) - 5.6/10 4. Lost Whispers (2016) - 6.7/10 5. Synthesis (2017) - 6.9/10 6. The Bitter Truth (2021) - 8.3/10* * While I did not find any of the songs to be that good to warrant such a high score, however, since this time they actually made some new songs, this album stood out the most. However, my complaint, ever since their 3rd album, is that most of their songs and vocals sound exactly the same...

Well, listened to penultimate album from Evanescence and this is their second or third album that they simply do their old songs in different style. Am I even allowed to say that I find this lazy?

It's just cinematic trailer, the original product will be downgraded for sure.

The more I listen to them, the more I realize that, sadly, Amy Lee did not create anything better since Fallen album (at least for me)... Though, only three albums in; here's hoping to hear at least something on par with their first album... But I get the feeling it will be a Within Temptation thingy...

Started Evanascence discography. I actually still have their first CD somewhere along with Live in Paris DVD lol. Nostalgia is hard thing, especially when you haven't listened to a band in decades. At first glance, the album for me was 10/10, but after a second hearing, nah, handful of songs went out from Spotify library list ;)

So, Sonata Arctica also released a new album on Spotify this year called Clear Cold Beyond (2024). It was alright. 7/10

That's at least what I remember.

So, Norah Jones released her newest album a couple of days ago called Visions (2024). Decided to listen to it. Well, it's classic Norah Jones jazz/blues songs. I think it's more or less on par with her penultimate album, which I've rated before. 5.8/10

Just finished watching Basketball Diaries (1995) with L. Dicaprio. Never watched it before, so imagine my surprise that it was not about basketball, but about teen junkies getting more and more high to a point of total degradation... It was very edgy to say the least (not as edgy as, let's say, Trainspotting, but more or less within the same level of ickiness). Though, it was entertaining to watch this train wreck of a life the main character leads, 7/10

Is it Czech?

For a couple of days been listening to local artist Žilvinas Žvagulis discography on Spotify. In Lithuania, we have a term for such music - užstalės dainos, which would roughly translate to "songs that you'd sing in a group while feasting and drinking" 😀Anyway, here's one of the better songs of his called "Vargšas Turtuolis" (eng. Poor Richguy). Approximate lyrics: Verse 1: A bench in city's park and an endless Sky above my head is my home. All I have are a couple of coins in My pocket and this dusty old road, but it's enough... Verse 2: On the street, the passerbies will flow as if a river, While my fingers will touch the strings that buzz. Afterwards, I will stretch out my hand - give me what you can Or, if you can't, then let this song play for free... Verse 3: Only one thought you all have in your mind: Without lot he still smiles, Without home he's still happy and does not owe anyone. His biggest treasure - another day that goes by... Chorus 1: As it is, so let it be. I'd never tried this happiness for anything. Let the dogs bark, let the caravan flow, Let the content mob laugh. You can never weight happiness, cause it is priceless. What then makes you happier than me? Verse 4: Where are you heading, what do you still want? Come hither and look at me: Lotless, but happy; homeless, but rich, Even though that all of my treasure is only this song... Chorus 2: As it is, so let it be. I'd never tried this happiness for anything. Let the dogs bark, let the caravan flow, Let the content mob laugh. You can never weight happiness, cause it is priceless. What then makes you happier than me?

And yesterday completed the last part of the TV Movies about Maigret - Maigret at Montmartre (2016), wherein Maigret is investigating a murder of a showgirl. Was kinda meh. In general, 2 good films followed by 2 mediocre ones. Overall, I'd rate the movies a weak 6 out of 10.

Yesterday, watched the penultimate part of Maigret - Night at the Crossroads (2016). wherein, the police are investigating the murder of a Jewish jeweller, the body of whom was found inside the car located in a garage of an odd brother and sister family... It was a solid 7.

On a side note, decided to listen to local artists again, and picked Kardiofonas (an old, old band) on Spotify. And... well... let's just say that there is a reason why most people in my country only know one single from them (and even that was covered by much better bands). The album... most of it is pretty... awful for lack of better words lol. EDIT: maybe I was too harsh, because the second part of the album from 12 to 18 track is significantly better, but the overall quality of music is... yeah... Here's their best single "Kalėdinė eglutė" (Xmas tree) Approximate lyrics for anyone interested: Speckled cuckoos Sway on Christmas Tree. Who knows what they are cuckooing about, Who knows what they will cuckoo-out. Spider travels on the branches, While beeswax drips from candles On the table With unopened letters. Hang, oh, hang On the Christmas Tree A magical necklace Of Archibald's images: How mice run on ice, How eyes sinisterly glow. And moon shines over the window While the crater smokes. A dusty passerby Watches me from the window gap. And through telephone I hear the sea. Then, I hear a woman laugh, But suddenly all sounds become mute, And from the radio antenna A bullet will slowly increase speed. Hang, oh, hang A garland of restless quiet, A choking calm of fighter-jets Locked-up under ground. Hang, oh, hang A garland of restless quiet, A choking calm of fighter-jets Locked-up under ground.

And with Push and Shove (2012) completed No Doubt Discography. As always, subjective assessments of each album: 1. No Doubt (1992) - 6.4/10 2. The Beacon Street Collection (1995) - 6/10 3. Tragic Kingdom (1995) - 5.7/10 4. Return of Saturn (2000) - 8.7/10 5. Rock Steady [Expanded Edition] (2001) - 6.7/10 6. Push and Shove [Deluxe Edition] (2012) - 7.9/10 Average score: 6.9/10

Take me to your hear from Rick Astley definitely sounded better live over the music video.

Watched another part of Maigret - Maigret's Dead Man (2016). In it, Inspector Maigret gets a strange call from a man claiming that someone is going to kill him. Soon after, the police finds a badly beaten body, which was thrown on to a pavement from a moving car... Probably, not as good as the first one, did not hold my attention too much. Let's say 5.5/10