In less than a couple of days, the whole world will again turn a new leaf and welcome the new year with all sorts of merry festivities. And I sit here, half asleep with a… More
10 Life Lessons I Learned From Living Independently.
It’s been close to three years now since I moved out. And I still stick to what I said before that leaving and finding myself the perfect place I can temporarily call mine is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
And throughout those three years, I have learned so many lessons in life. A handful of things that I’m sure every guy who’s moved out can relate to. So without further ado, here are 10 things I have learned from living independently.
1. The most gourmet of meals are made from left overs.
You don’t need a cookbook to whip up something great. All you need is a little creativity and a strong faith to the gastronomy gods and you’re good to go. Tip: Always have fresh eggs in the fridge. There a hundred ways you can cook an egg and almost every leftover can be made into an omelet.
2. Always have liquor in your fridge. That and a bag of chips.
The lot is for me (when I need to unwind on a weekday – I’m an old man) and for random people who pop up in the house. I like entertaining guests so I always keep a bubbly ready. Aside from taking the edge off after a long day, a decent bottle of alcohol will give your friends the impression that you’re always ready to entertain. Also. That extra bag of potato chips is optional. Would be nice but entirely optional.
3. Doing chores in your skivvies is the best.
This is something I’ve discovered long before I moved out. But I’ve had more freedom doing this because there are no other people with me in the house (there’s the S.O. but really, who cares?) Sweeping the floor, changing sheets and running the laundry is best done with so much freedom. You have got to give it a try. Really.
4. Bleach and baking soda are the answers to everything.
Yup. Bleach will remove most stains in the house and disinfect the grossest of corners. Baking soda is the answer to unpleasant odor in the fridge and doubles as a kitchen grout cleaner too. There are a hundred ways you can use these two but that’s how I’d find use for them. Tip: Got soiled white sneakers? Brush it with a water-baking soda paste and leave to dry overnight or under the sun all day. Always does the job.
5. It’s OK to be OC.
I’m one of those people who wake up in the middle of the night to check the locks or the faucets or the light switches. I’ve learned throughout my years of living independently that this is absolutely fine. It has saved me a lot money (from a leaking faucet from my first apartment) and potential intruders. Peace of mind and a sense of security is worth every step from the bed to the door.
6. Invest in a good internet service provider.
In this time and age, a good internet connection is more of a necessity than a luxury. Everyone needs to be connected now and there’s no better way to stay connected than having a stable internet connection. Get yourself a reliable wireless router so you have access to the internet wherever you are in the house through your mobile gadgets. Tip: Write or print out your wifi password and display it somewhere your guests can see. Saves you the trouble of spelling it out every single time.
7. Natural light is everything
This is something to keep in mind when you’re out looking for a new apartment. Natural light eliminates the need for costly artificial lighting. And it makes your space feel more open and airy. Plus, your flat lays are going to look amazing next to a huge window. A well lit room is always conducive to productivity so I figured I’d use my den as my work space.
8. Nothings beats the sight and smell of fresh and clean laundry.
I repeat. Nothing beats the smell of freshly laundered clothes and sheets. Not even the smell of warm, brewing coffee. So I’ve designated a day in the week for me to do the laundry. Because the sight and smell of clean clothes is DIVINE. Oh and also because I need clean clothes to wear.
9. Keep a bug repellant close. ALWAYS
Not all apartments are immaculate and bug-free. So I’ve learned that having a bug-repellant ready in your cupboard is an absolute must. You will never know when you’re going to need that can to ward off that pesky flying cucaracha. Tip: Leave coffee grounds near corners where you frequently see ants. They’ll bring it back to their hill and poison every single ant in the process.
10. This is the prefect time to learn more about yourself.
Living independently is the perfect time to discover so many things about yourself. It gives you an opportunity to sit back and look at your self and the see the direction you’re going. it may sound painfully cheesy but this is the time for you to be who you are without any inhibitions and reservations. Trust me, it took me this long to learn that I prefer Coke over Pepsi. You’ll find out so many things about yourself that will still surprise you so go ahead and take the time to.
So there you have it. Living on your own is never an easy feat but with it comes a sense of excitement and thrill and a whole lot of discoveries. I would have never thought I could do it but I’ve managed so far. Of course that’s with a little help from friends and family and a healthy dose of faith.
Hats off to all the indies out there hustling to maintain the perfect balance between chasing their dreams and fixing a leaking faucet!
Wardrobe Decluttering 101
The new year is upon us! In just a couple of months, we’ll all be bidding adieu to 2016 and heralding 2017! There’s the wild kind of palpable anticipation to the many things that the new year promises. And just around the corner, there’s so much to look forward to and definitely a handful to let go of.
Speaking of letting go and moving forward, there’s always been that one aspect in our daily lives that we tend to oversee. Or rather, AVOID. Our Wardrobe! We’ve all had a full year to buy new pieces to add to our ever-expanding wardrobe and we all know that sooner or later, that “small” pile of unused clothes will eventually lead to an uncontrollable, nagging mess.
You have to hear me out when I say that there’s no better way to organise our closets than now – when we’re all drunk in excitement! So let’s do it! Free up a day (believe me it will take up a whole one!) and get ready to break a sweat.
It helps to do the laundry the day before your chosen date. This gives you an opportunity to see all of your clothes and include everything in the process. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s time we take on the task! Prepare three bins and label them as KEEP, DONATE and DISCARD. Put on some relaxing music and have a couple of sips of your favorite wine (or a swig of tequila if that’s your idea of a good afternoon).
I’ve come up with 5 questions to ask yourself while going through your clothes. You have to answer them as honestly as you can to get the best results. Also, it’s important that you don’t dwell on a piece for too long. Mainly to keep it fast and painless. – that’s what we all want right?
1. Am I in love with it? – Go through your clothes one by one and rate them from 1 to 10. Keep the process fast so the guilt won’t have any time to set in. Keep only those that you gave a rating of 7 and higher.
2. What condition is it in? – Be absolutely objective about this. Check for holes and loose seams. Look out for missing buttons and details. If the piece is beyond simple repair, I say it should go to the DISCARD bin.
3. Does it still fit my lifestyle? – People’s lifestyles don’t take long before they start shifting. Do your clothes still fit the lifestyle that you lead? Do you find yourself running through party or clubbing clothes that you know you will never wear anymore? It’s time to make sure your clothes are lifestyle AND age-appropriate.
4. Do I feel confident in it? – Did you lose or gain weight over the last few months? Does it still fit you like a glove? If you see that the piece is not flattering you the way it used to then it’s definitely a no-go. Keep items that look good on you. These items should make you feel like a million bucks. Nothing more, nothing less.
5. Does it represent my current aesthetic? – We are all constantly evolving. This includes our taste and style preferences. Make sure that the clothes you’ll be keeping represent your current style. These pieces should shout no one else but the present you.
Answer these questions as truthfully as you can and you’ll soon find yourself clearing more closet space than you initially imagined. Keep a level head while doing this “purge” and try your hardest to detach yourself from the memories behind some pieces. It’s best to keep in mind that there will always be more memories to make after. Happy memories with all the extra closet space to boot.
Why I Don’t Post Much About My Relationships Online
There was once a time, during our pre-pubescent years, when someone’s relationship status was solidly cemented when you’ve finally told everyone in school about you and your paramour. That or someone spilled the tea and everybody learned about it before you had the chance to announce it yourself. It was all part of the thrill of being coupled- the reveal and you catch yourself mindlessly talking about your beau and the million things you two do.
Today, in the time of Facebook and Twitter and a thousand other social channels, there is the relative ease that we feel in being able to formally put a label on our relationships. And it is not very uncommon for people to share details about their relationships online. It is, after all, the age of “receipts or it didn’t happen”.
And quite honestly, I don’t see anything wrong with this. I think everyone has every right to post whatever they want on their social media page. It is their space and they’re allowed to be whoever they want to be in their space. – But. Yes, there is a but. I think it would be way better if people would filter what they post especially in the relationships department. I think it’s nicer when couples post only highlights of their relationship and not every mundane detail of their collective lives. Perhaps an anniversary dinner or an out of town trip is just enough to keep the mystery. Things that people wouldn’t know about you two unless they’re part of your close circle.
You see, what makes things more interesting is how social media has started to become an extension of who we are. It has become some sort of our “online persona” that we have to nourish and feed ever so often. Some people even quantify their self-worth by the amount of visibility, likes and comments that they receive from their online audience. Social media has become some sort of measure of where we are in the social totem pole. And that’s exactly where the problem arises.
If you know me well enough, you know that I’ve never been keen on posting anything about my relationships online. I’m very open when it comes to myself and I have no qualms sharing my thoughts to people (hence this blog). But there are areas of my life, my relationship status being one, that I just want to keep to myself. I’ve listed a couple of reasons why I don’t share deets about my relationships online. You may or may not agree but who cares?
1. The happiness I seek can be found in my relationship and not somewhere else.
Now, this doesn’t hold true to all relationships you see on Facebook okay? This is based on my personal experiences. Disclaimer right there before you all start slinging pies at me (I don’t mind banana creme tbh). When I’m in a relationship and I feel fulfilled, I seek no other bliss but from the joy I’m getting off it. I don’t need to worry about how people perceive me and my relationship because I’m happy and that’s all that matters.
2. I feel the need to be more present in my relationship.
I’m over the moon with my relationship so I don’t see why I should be distracted by all the online presence around me. No need to take and post photos on Facebook all the time. Again, absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s just, I’m trying to be very much present in the relationship that I can’t afford that kind of distraction.
3. There is no need for validation from other people.
This goes back to the point I was making little earlier. That sometimes, we go as far as quantifying the validity of our relationships by the amount of attention we are getting from people online. I don’t feel the need to post cheesy or emotional messages on someone else’s wall to express my feelings to them. Telling them personally just sounds a bit more.. human.
4. I try to be sensitive to other people’s feelings.
I’ve read in an article before (online of course!) that people who post a lot about their relationships are more often perceived to be less likeable. Not that I care about how people see me but I’ve always tried to be sensitive to my friends who are single and unattached. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being single. But not all people feel that way. Some of my friends are actually actively looking for love and seeing how they sometimes feel inadequate because they’re not with someone is enough reason for me to hold back on the mush.
I’m never an expert when it comes to relationships. I’ve had numerous failed attempts on love before. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my shenanigans throughout the years, it’s that for a relationship to work, both parties should be present and fully committed. Social media has become a significant part of our lives but we shouldn’t let it occupy a huge chunk of the time we spend with our loved ones. Let technology bring us closer and not further apart.
Now stop reading this blog, put down your phone and tell your beau how much you adore them.
Annie Finds a New Home in Manila
So last night, we were given the rare opportunity to attend the technical dress rehearsal for the highly-anticipated staging of the Tony Award winning musical, Annie. Held at the Newport Perfoming Arts Theatre in Resort World Manila, hundreds of people lined up to catch an advanced sneak peek of the beloved show. And boy were we blown away.
Annie’s original Broadway production first opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years. It has brought forth numerous productions and adaptations in several countries on top of their national tours. The musical has been nominated for numerous Tony awards and has won seven to date including Best Musical. It’s been known to have catapulted the careers of many actors we know today such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Allison Smith and Alyson Kirk. Here in the Philippines, one of the most notable actors who’ve ever played Annie was none other than the Broadway superstar herself, Lea Salonga.
Krystal Brimner and Isabeli Araneta Elizalde headline the show. During last night’s run, Krystal has proven how out of the thousands of Annie hopefuls who auditioned early this year, she came out victorious and snatched the titular role. The child is a genius! Her voice was as magnificent as her acting is delightful and winsome. Her star was at its brightest as she sang the emotional “Maybe” and the ever famous, “Tomorrow”. She was a true Annie in every sense of the word. And she was not alone. The child actors who played Annie’s orphan friends were mind-blowing! Their talent is bursting at the seams and served as impressive supporting characters to Krystal’s Annie. They were amazing to watch as they perform the popular “It’s the Hard Knock Life” number to the delight of the audience. These children gave us a glimpse of the bright future ahead for Philippine theatre.
The adults were not be outshined too. Michael de Mesa was an endearing Oliver Warbucks who learns to open his heart to Annie. His acting bravado was in full display as he reminds the audience how astounding of an actor he is. And Menchu Lauchengco Yulo. The woman was a brilliant Agatha Hannigan, the disillusioned matron of the orphanage who resorts to alcohol to forget about her hatred towards children. She was brilliant, displaying her vocal chops singing “Little Girls” resulting to a deafening applause form the audience. Adding to the strong set of main characters was the astonishing performance of the ensemble. The chorus’ vocals was on point and the choreography was incredibly tight. They have definitely made for a stronger and more compelling show. Also, if I may add, Tony the labrador did such a phenomenal job as Sandy! I swear, my eyes started to well up when I saw that lovable dog. Adorable!
To compliment the wonderful performance of the cast, the show boasts a production design unlike any other. Now, I’ve never been a fan of LED screens on a show but Annie has managed to incorporate the technology to stage an experience you’ll never forget. The costumes were beautifully made and detailed down to very last seam. The set uses several devices that incorporate classical designs with modern day innovations. Scene changes were thoughtful and flawless and I found myself asking “how did they do that?” more than a couple of times. It was a visual feast for the eyes!
Of course, all of this is not possible without the guidance and the direction of the formidable, Michael Williams, known for being part of the original Miss Saigon cast and his memorable performances in several productions including “The King and I”, “La Cage Aux Folles”, “Les Miserables” and just recently, one of the lead roles in Resorts World’s production of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”.
Catch the limited run of Annie this September at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World Manila. The production will open this Friday, 30 September and will last until 4 December. It’s the perfect show to see with friends and family this holiday season. Be sure to bring your kids and let them find out what the magic of Annie is all about! Set a date with your closest friends and re-live the music that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. And if you’re feeling all sad and blue, see the show! It will, without a doubt, clear the cobwebs an the sorrow. ‘Til there’s none…
PS. I may or may not have run out of synonyms of the word AMAZING while writing this entry. Because really, the show was that good!
Book your tickets here and here!
Featured photo courtesy of Resorts World Manila Facebook page.
Kimi no Na wa: Makoto Shinkai’s Pièce de Résistance
Fleeting. Aching. Beautiful. These are words that would best draw the most vivid of our dreams. Words that are also fitting to describe Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 animated science-fiction fantasy offering; Kimi no Na wa (Your Name).
Touted as one of the “New MIyazakis”, a title most japanese animators try to veer away from no thanks to the insurmountable pressure that goes along with it, Shinkai has managed to flawlessly weave a story of friendship, young love and self discovery. Unlike Miyazaki,who often tells stories of young heroines in different adventures, Makoto Shinkai places the focus on the romantic relationships formed between lovers of his tales.
The film is about star crossed lovers, separated by time and distance. It tells the story of two Japanese teenagers, Mitsuha, an unhappy girl from the province who thinks there’s more to life in the countryside and Taki, a boy from the city who dreams of becoming an architect one day. The two go through an experience that connects them in the most unusual way: They switch bodies in their dreams.
With a premise brimming with comedic potential, the film succeeds to deliver funny moments courtesy of not only the leads but also from a cast lovable and rollicking supporting characters. What makse the film more enjoyable is that instead of going overboard on the hilarity, it renders a rather light-hearted seriousness to it. From the pair’s awkward adjustments whenever they’re in each other’s bodies, to Mitsuha’s troubles with her politician of a father and Taki’s adolescent crush on his boss.
In the core of the story is a once-in-a-thousand year comet that passes through the Earth weeks before the story begins. Could it be an omen to the pair’s fate? This and the mystery behind the cords of Itomori and “Musubi”, an ancient belief of the presence of God in everything including time itself lends the story the prefect amount of fantasy for it to take its twists and turns.
And just like a dream, when the story has finally come to its sensory crescendo, Shinkai wakes you up. The connection he cuts short and the longing he leaves dangling in mid-air. But the beauty of the film lies on what remains. After the celestial display of colours that resembled a dream, a faint and escaping memory lingers. A painful yearning for something hidden in the recesses of your memory. The glimpse of love that not everyone gets to see.
Kimi no Na wa is a visual masterpiece. The gorgeous animation that made Shinkai a favourite among fans can be seen frame by frame. It is, simply, a stunning sight to behold. Adding to the film’s greatness is the beautiful score and the original music written especially for the project by the prominent Japanese rockband, Radwimps. Pretty much everything that makes for an outstanding film.
Makoto Shinkai has definitely carved himself a name with Kimi no Na wa (if he hasn’t already with his past works). He has proven, yet again, that he is no Miyazaki. He is his own person and one that is surely destined to be the next big thing.
PS. Thank you Jappy for telling me all about this! (You’ve just made me a Shinkai fan!)
Watch the film’s trailer here.
Why Stranger Things is More Than a Retro Rollercoaster Ride.
So it was a nippy Friday evening when we finally found the time to binge-watch the inevitable. I’ve been putting it off for the longest time now because as with every TV series I’ve ever loved, I was afraid I might like it too much it would add to my separation anxiety when it ends. But the time had come. And my 90’s heart loved every minute of it.
Okay, so Stranger Things was set in 80’s I know. But here in Manila, the 80s trends were so late that we were enjoying them in the early 90’s. We 90’s kids were the beneficiaries of the remnants of the 80’s that had been. And boy was it good. Netflix’s newest offering was everything but a mere nostalgic fan service. It could have easily been one but the beauty behind the show’s writing is its subtle modern-day relevance.
What the show succeeds at is its unique ability to capture the interest of the older Gen-X Dungeon and Dragons fans and the retrograde-loving kids of today drawn to the era of bicycles and soda fountains. The show is oozing with Spielberg and King references at every corner you look and the themes are taken straight out of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “ET”. Eleven, played by the genius Millie Bobby Brown, gave us a glimpse back to a younger Drew Barrymore in “Firestarter”.
The series revolves around the search for a missing boy – Will. His group of rowdy and Supernatural-loving boys-Mike, Lucas and the charmingly awkward Dustin (he gets the best lines) believe that there’s more to the mystery than being a simple missing person’s case and goes out on a real-life, Goonies-inspired, DnD campaign to find their friend. They of course get entangled with a mysterious girl with an enigmatic past. An alcoholic cop and a single mom, played by the brilliant Winona Ryder, team up to find her missing son and stumble upon a scandalous government cover-up that might solve the case. And a teenage prom queen, in search of herself in the middle of all the chaos.
All of these small arcs are tied together by an amazingly written plot that could easily be pulled straight out of a “The Twilight Zone” and “Outer Limits” episode. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers have been quoted to have cited Stephen King and Wes Craven as inspirations to their writing and Spielberg and John Carpenter for their vision. And if you are to cite inspirations for a Sci-fi horror TV flick, there are no better names to say than those four.
Make time for this TV series. The writing is just sublime and the cast is just bursting at the seams with so much sincerity. If you’re up for a retreat from the modern-day hodgepodge of repetitive TV programming, this rebel of a show is just the perfect getaway. It’s fantasy without being escapistic. I mean, if that OBB with the red glowing retro font doesn’t lure you in, I don’t know what else will.
The Halal Guys Opens in the South
After a very long wait, The Halal Guys finally opened their branch in the south last Saturday (Sept 10) to a crowd brimming with wild anticipation.
Founded in 1990 by Egyptian-descendent Mohamed Abouelenein, The Halal Guys has been a solid mainstay in the streets of New York with waiting lines lasting for an average of an hour. They’ve been cited to be responsible for the decline of hotdog stands in New York and have consequentially caused many imitation carts to sprout all along the big apple.
Jaime Daez, the man behind Fully Booked, and Master franchisee of The Halal Guys in the Philippines says that we have his love for basketball and the San Antonio Spurs to thank for bringing the New York staple here in the Philippines. He has already opened a branch in Megamall and the Fort last year before he decided to bring it here to us in the south.
The Halal Guys are known for their gyro or chicken meat with rice dish. It offers three sizes for their customers; small, regular and New York size (enough to be shared by two) to make sure that those who have experienced the dish abroad can have the same experience here in terms of serving size.
I personally wanted to try everything so I ordered the sampler platter (175Php) so I can get a taste of everything they had to offer. The food was, as expected, amazing and the serving were pretty hefty. I’m a big guy and the small-regular platters were enough to satisfy me. The menu is focused and no-fuss so you won’t have a hard time finding something to eat. Be careful of that red hot sauce! It’s quite the potent one!
Visit the latest branch of The Halal Guys to open located right beside Fully Booked Alabang Town Centre along Commerce Avenue.
Man Up and Drink
In the chill of this rainy evening, I prop my feet up on the couch and try recall the last time I got crazy floored from drinking. It really has been a while. It prides me to say that I don’t get drunk too easily. Always took me a while before I lose a bit of sobriety. And usually by the time I feel a little buzz, most of my friends are either hailing a cab home or sleeping on their stools. I only know a couple of friends who can last longer than I do. I guess we’ve always had a way of handling our alcohol since we learned how to drink.
So I try to come up with a bunch of things I do to keep myself (sorta) sober throughout an entire evening of drinking. Whether by myself or with a group of friends. And I’ve listed quite a few. Here are pointers to keep in mind so you don’t find yourself wiping the floor with your face next time you go out for drinks. Coz really, nobody wants to see that.
- Keep it Light – When I’m in a bar (quite a rare occurrence) and I know I’ve a long night ahead, I always start of with the classic gin-tonic. I don’t wanna fall off my stool this early with non-ending rounds of tequila. If you don’t like gin-tonic, a dry martini’s good. If you’re having wine, progress from the whites to the reds. Think of it as whetting your bar appetite. Afterwards I progress towards the darker, more potent ones.
- Don’t Gorge on Food – I always try to eat a little before I drink. That way, I don’t drink with an empty stomach. And throughout the session, I fuel myself with small bites of food. Drinking requires energy too! And believe me, by the time you’ve had your fourth drink, you would want to nibble on something just to keep you from downing another glass.
- Keep Hydrated – The rule is to keep a glass of water near all the time. I’d try to drink a glass every after I finish my liquor. The Science kids say it helps your liver filter the alcohol easier. And if they say it does, I’m not one to argue. It’s also a good way to cleanse your palate so you can go for the next drink in line.
- Engage in Conversation – This of course applies to drinking with your friends. I’ve always found it harder to get tipsy when I’m constantly talking to my friends throughout the evening. It keeps me alert and snappy. And it takes my attention away from my next shot. Also, I make sure I’m with good company. Who wants to drink with a bunch of snoozeballs anyway?
- Take a Break – It’s okay to stop for a while when you’re starting to feel incoherent. Say no to the next round of shots. There’s absolutely nothing emasculating about refusing the next shot. A pint of beer is good too if you’re not as buzzed. It’s refreshing and light. Being all macho and taking all the shots will do you no good. You’ll just soon find yourself in the nearest restroom cubicle and whining about how you shouldn’t have taken that shot for Emma.
If all else fails and you fall face first after your second drink, then I guess it’s time for you to consider the Playstation 4 or that new Deus Ex game. Drinking’s simply not for you. I’m no bartender nor a diagnosed alcoholic (trust me) but after years of drinking, I’ve seen a lot of people make complete fools of themselves when they’ve had a drink or two. It never is pretty. It’s always good to know your limits and work your way around it.
Remember that anybody can drink, but it takes a real man to drink responsibly. Now who wants a glass of scotch?
Why Frank Ocean Refuses to be Put in a Box.
I’m gonna start by saying that I’m a huge Frank Ocean fan since I first heard him back in 2012. His debut album “Channel Orange” has been part of my playlist since then. I would reach for it every time I’m in the mood to dance to a beat, grin to a joke only I get or sob because his lyrics resonate to the deepest recesses of my soul. It’s one of my favourite albums sharing shelf-space with the likes of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black and MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular.
So imagine the giddy anticipation I felt when rumours started spinning that Ocean was about to spill his sophomore album over the weekend. I couldn’t contain myself! I haven’t been this excited about an album in a while. So the weekend came and I see that it was out. I was in Starbucks doing my slew of work-related deadlines when I got my hands on it. Ocean’s puzzlingly and grammatically and homogeneously titled Blond. Instantly, (and expectedly) I was intrigued.
Blond, in a nutshell, is Ocean’s resounding bellow to not be categorised in a 4×4 box. It is a trippy and less than melodic journey through the mind of a true craftsman. There are periods of sanity in between irregular intervals of abstract. In his lead single, “Nikes”, Ocean warps his voice in a distort that makes the vocals sound almost like chipmunks. It’s a weird choice but I was along for the ride. He then starts to reveal his sultry tenor towards the end. “Pink + White” is definitely a bomb waiting to happen. Soulful beats backed up by the haunting vocals of the one Beyoncé. You can never go wrong with that.
watch Frank Ocean’s music video of “Nikes” here.
The recurring theme in Blond is Ocean’s exploits with drugs. Particularly marijuana. Pretty evident in the psychedelic synthesisers and dizzying lyrics of some of his songs like “Solo” and that off-putting bridge “Be Yourself” where one hears a supposed telephone recording of Frank’s mother telling him to stay away from the drug. Of course, Ocean sings of heartaches and love too. On “Ivy”, he sings of breaking someone’s heart but knowing that that he’ll be alright the week after and thinking he was dreaming when someone said he loved him. It’s atypical but absolutely relatable. There is confidence in the lyrics but a perverse shyness in the delivery.
Blond stands solidly on its dazed vibe and dissonant atmosphere. What other might see as a catastrophic and almost deliberate weakness is what most might consider its monolithic strength. The album is an experience itself. It’s dizzying, inharmonious and sometimes enigmatic. But that’s the whole point of the album. It refuses to be confined to a specific genre that clearly, Ocean has been delinquently pushing the borders of. Something I believe more artists should definitely be doing.
Backs Against The Wall 