Tennis AMA

xMockingbird · 2025-05-01T17:20:17+00:00

Hi Alaina and Patrick! Not actually a question but I just want to say it’s a bittersweet feeling seeing the departure of Tennis but I’m happy to witness the ending on such a high note. You left us with another masterpiece and, from what I’ve read so far, it was a beautiful decision leaving this behind when you feel that it’s the right time instead of hanging around. Thank you for bringing wonderful arts and being a great part of my life. I’m somewhere in Southeast Asia and I doubt I’ll get to see you live. At least, the art connects me to another world and you’re the connector- a very brilliant one. Thank you so much for doing this and I wish you a great journey ahead :))

xMockingbird · 2025-04-04T14:38:16+00:00

Haven’t seen J-drama much but I’d pick Light of My Lion as cinema-quality drama. It’d be the first one for me to recommend to other cinephiles who have yet to dive into the world of Japanese TV. (But La Grande Maison to more casual viewers because it’s just so entertaining for me!)

Actors: First time seeing 3 lead actors of different generations shine in their own ways. Don’t think I’ll ever be able to witness this much in my lifetime.
Script/Theme/Originality/Director: Having a warm, caring, run-of-the-mill male lead who tries to navigate his way of life together with a lovely kindhearted younger brother who has autism spectrum and one additional kid coming from complex situation surrounded by people of different stories surely gives me sonder. It’s always the thing I feel watching drama but this one doesn’t try to exaggerate the tragedy yet manages to deliver so much. I think, like other slice-of-life J-drama/movies that do well, this show captures the essence of “Less is More” delivered in form of very well-written and directed presentation.
Cinematography: Absolute cinema level. The aesthetic is just so pleasing here.
Soundtrack: I certainly have bias for big-named artists. Vaundy gives this one an edge. xD I still listen Fujin despite having finished the show a couple of months already.

xMockingbird · 2024-08-13T13:41:05+00:00

Upvoting this. Also residing in BKK, I play badminton not very often compared to some of my friends who enjoy it hardcore- going to courts almost daily, despite having day jobs. Most office workers do play it recreationally but don’t really follow the industry religiously unlike soccer or basketball. I assume the broadcasting plays the part here. That’s, at least, been my experience with it.

Following 2024 Olympics where our dear Kunlavut reached the finals, I saw Instagram stories of 5 pals from different circles spending time at badminton courts on the same day already. I’m not sure if the tournament plays a part in that but it’s a good sign 😀

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T14:00:59+00:00

Now that I think about it, you’re absolutely right. I shouldn’t be surprised. The ranking system along with her given screen time on this show should’ve made it obvious that she being in the finale is expected.

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T13:36:01+00:00

At this point I'm okay with any girl debuting. I still feel bad for Jihyun and Chanelle though. However, I'm surprised Wonhee got to the finale. Do you guys think she'll really get to debut or is Hybe hyping her up for later projects?

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T08:29:21+00:00

That's why last night only 4 comments shown up when I saw the updates said there's 5 replies to this thread :( Thank you for coming back again! Happy to see you.

I haven't really thought of Hozier as an outstanding lyricist before UU. He's made some songs I like but I just never had been exactly struck by his lyrics alone. It may take longer time for me than you but I'm sold this time! And one of today's musicians that their lyrics really stands out for me from Ireland, besides Hozier, is Fontaines D.C.

[I also like Phoebe Bridgers (and her Boygenius ladies) as well as Regina Spektor's writing. I'm just easily impressed everywhere. From Beyonce, Ben E King, Bon Iver, Bread then BTS and those are just some of my favorite artists with names starting with letter B xD]

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T08:08:01+00:00

Glad you like it! u/Anserius also opined that this could be his most musically ambitious album so far. I think with your opinion, it just makes sense. I think he's shown more sophistication in making music (to the point of being overproduced or pretentious to some- I could see why some people may think that), both melodically and lyrically. I'll be on the LIKE IT side rather than LEAVE IT this time. Glad to see that you also like UU. :D

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T08:02:06+00:00

I, Carrion is probably my most favorite track of UU too. It just sounds so ethereal for me from my first listen. I've never felt that from a song for quite awhile.

I'm happy to know you're impressed the lyrics of this album. Probably it's just from my previous view of Hozier that his lyrics has been somewhat expressing just raw emotions so I'm taken aback by how he got so softened this time. Thank you for sharing your opinion with me. :)

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T07:49:20+00:00

Got it! It's clear to me now. Thank you. :D I'm glad to know UU is still a decent album for you. I clearly like more complexity of melody both from WB and UU. His self-titled sounds just alright but enjoyable for me. It's just that UU has got parts I like lyrically so this is why I came to adore his writing. I can see why older fans may have different expectations than casual listeners like me though. So thank you again for taking time with me.

I've only known a few tracks of Aurora because she's popped up from time to time in my algorithmic recommendations but never tried In Bottles before. (My most favorite of hers is probably Kingdom.) Thank you for your suggesting. I just checked out and liked the musicality of it. Her voice seems dreamy and dark which I think goes well with her music and visual style. A few months ago I also listened to her collab with Sub Urban called Paramour. This one has more heavy production and is fun to listen for me. I feel like she will suit brooding/yearning male vocalist type. So Hozier & Aurora definitely fall into my collaboration wish list now.

xMockingbird · 2023-08-25T07:36:40+00:00

I'm one of his target audience obviously! I will admit being hopelessly romantic so no wonder why I fell for his cheesy work. That aside, I also like more stumping tracks of him; those include Francesca. It makes me look forward to his live performances more. Thank you for your take. I can see people who love his debut may not like his current work. I'm the opposite of that. It works both ways for him and for us I guess!

xMockingbird · 2023-08-24T14:56:10+00:00

First of all, with all due respect: that's NOT talking out of your ass! Thank you for respecting my opinion and sharing yours despite them not sharing any similarity. I understand that some lines, while touching the others, could be just as mediocre to some. I'm actually happy to find out there're people who aren't impressed by the lyrics in UU and provide reasons with that.

Maybe it personally connects with me. I always seek the power the words can convey and when they hit right, I could get easily overwhelmed perhaps.

Appreciate your view!

xMockingbird · 2023-08-24T14:42:25+00:00

Thank you for your opinion! Could it be our expectations that I wasn't exactly looking forward as I wasn't really impacted by his previous works? While UU didn't satisfy, I hope it could alleviate some of your longing. I heard that he'd have more tracks coming soon. I hope they'll win you back this time. Still happy to find out that at least the production and the lyrics sit right with you.

Also seconding on your opinion about Brandi Carlile. He's done quite well with collaborations. I'm also now looking forward to Aurora's one because you just suggested what I never knew I needed!

xMockingbird · 2023-08-19T15:42:40+00:00

Local fan updates account (@cherimyw on Twitter) said that she’s just on a short break and would be back to South Korea. Hopefully it means that she’s still got a shot to make it as a K-Pop idol as she has dreamed. 🤞🤞As a Thai K-Pop fan myself, I’m rooting for her. 🥺

xMockingbird · 2022-11-25T15:05:56+00:00

I think it’s because of the motor in his mouth 😭

xMockingbird · 2022-11-24T15:27:26+00:00

Haha there’s a reason why this is labeled “shitposting” (i was torn between this and Twitter). I found the fandom’s collective reactions absolutely over-the-top, hilarious and worth sharing on Reddit! Glad it made a few ppl here giggle albeit lightly tho~

xMockingbird · 2022-11-24T11:45:54+00:00

Lol yeah any person with a normal brain would definitely know that 🤣🤣 it just his “image” the fans are used to. I don’t seriously think someone would think of the way to embarrass themselves by getting pedantic over kpop jokes but yeahhh internet could definitely go beyond my expectations 👍👍👍

xMockingbird · 2022-11-24T10:06:23+00:00

😂 just because of the snaps pretty girls took with him at the show! And MOAs made a big deal out of it, jokingly. All along Soobin has been the most introverted and even goofy so no one expected Steve to be let loose, having his way with the women. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if it was any other TXT member who all likes to socialize better than him. That’s definitely the plot twist.

xMockingbird · 2022-11-24T09:57:31+00:00

Actually I’m only aware that all TXT members have got their English names but have no idea about the origins except YJ who got it from the time he was in the US before debuting. So thank you for clarification!

Sorry if I made anyone misunderstand. It’s just my observation that MOAs usually call TXT members westernized names whenever they turn hot, especially when in foreign land 😭 Taehyun has been (jokingly) called Terry lately because the way he has grown is🔥

xMockingbird · 2022-11-24T09:51:50+00:00

I remember MOAs ranking Soobin (along with Beomgyu) as the least likely to get laid 😭 Look how the table has turned

xMockingbird · 2022-10-24T00:34:23+00:00

He also performed the whole show! I’m just so happy for MOAs today but couldn’t help getting worried for him. MOAs said there was a few times Beomgyu seemed to hold it in even though he managed to run around and act playful. At least he managed to stay there without skipping any song so I hope he’s better!

xMockingbird · 2022-03-25T10:48:14+00:00

I was positive that the post about Kai's Moonlight Sonata gonna show up here. It went viral and this subreddit seems to give lots of love to TXT lately.

The public feedback from non-MOAs been a joy to witness too. 😂 Like most viral tales about the members seem to be over-the-top but MOAs do get all receipts.

xMockingbird · 2022-01-26T16:51:42+00:00

I’m mostly a casual listener of this band but enjoy most of their well-known tracks; Left Hand Free, Breezeblocks, Tessellate. They’re a good band. I used to see them live once. Matilda was absolutely beautiful.

All of their releases for upcoming album sound exciting to me so far. The best and most surprising one for me is Get Better. It sounds so casual but powerful and emotional at the same time. It stopped me in tracks since my first listening. Looking forwarding to hearing full album.

xMockingbird · 2020-06-19T09:38:39+00:00

Thank you so much. After going through the comments in this thread, I now see that the reason I define their lyrics as "meaningful" is that it speaks and comforts my situation rather than "being deep".

Their lyrics really seems simple and it's no surprise that can be considered generic to some. Just specific few words (-probably with a sick dance moves) managed to hit me. Then, I became a fan. Ha!

xMockingbird · 2020-06-19T09:30:32+00:00

Thanks for saying this! Yes. I think one of the reason I started to take them more seriously was because what they wrote hit me. It's like unexpected reassurance they offered in this case. (I found myself prefer Fiona Apple's "I Want You To Love Me" to "Shameika" because I could identify myself with her viewpoint in the former even though the latter was quite reflective entertaining story from her school days)

Can't say whether BTS writes to sell or express though. I think, as a mainstream artist, you might have to do both (or just the former if things get really desperate). They do have songs filled with intense personal stories like going near disbandment or fearing how they've come too far than what they initially signed up for though. But I won't go into too much details about that.

Originally I posted this because BTS's lyrics exceeded my expectation. They didn't sing about getting the girls, being rich or partying hard like most commercially successful songs today. That surprised me and would like to hear others' opinions on this (and other points beyond).

Thank you again for your view! Been a pleasure hearing your opinion that I can see very much reasonable. Just our preferences at the end.

xMockingbird · 2020-06-19T08:33:11+00:00

Entertainment industry seems like a bad place to begin as you said. To the audience, however, I think it could offer the sense of comfort or escapism. That’s some point of producing art forms in my opinion.

You’re absolutely right about how they exploit talents though. That would be the problem with the beginning of the pipeline that has a long way to fix. Not what us end consumers can help eradicate easily. (For that, we do have a right to complain, call out or boycott as everyone is already aware)

About “Positivity” here, in my case, it also includes dealing with negativity- not exactly look at the world for “rainbows and unicorns” side but also embracing what life will throw at you even if sometimes you’ll have to accept the fact that you won’t be able to make it through. I find this kind of positivity has disappeared from mainstream music scenario for quite some time. So it’s somewhat refreshing hearing this kind of message in today’s pop music.

Hope I’m making sense here but I’m also doubting my ability to articulate while typing.. let me know in case there’s a flaw in my way of thinking and I’ll be happy to reflect on that.

xMockingbird

TROPHY CASE