United States ☂️ WV203 ☔ 150th Entry ALL STARS NF

[RainyWoods]

​

 

[RainyWoods]

This edition of WorldVision, I'm sharing with you an artist very close to my heart. If you've been here with us long enough, you may remember, The Kiss, a stunning, devastatingly beautiful ballad by Oakland's Judee Sill, the first ever artist signed to the iconic Asylum Records label. Sharing that song and witnessing people get as moved by it as I've always been is still my most cherished moment playing this game with you all. More recently I shared another one of her songs, the lighter, dreamy Bach-esque number, Lady-O.

This time I give you what some might consider to be Sill's magnum opus. Certainly the darkest, most complex composition of her short career, The Donor is an 8 minute requiem Judee wrote to give others a break. It closes 1973's Heart Food, the second and last album Judee released whilst still with us.

Judee said of the song once during a live performance of it: "Most of my songs, I always try to write them so they’ll make people feel better, or make them feel that their warm, human spirit is affirmed…. but I thought one day when I was depressed, you know when you’re real depressed and you see everything comes to nothing, well, I thought maybe I ought to take a different approach, and write a song that, instead of directed at people, would somehow musically induce God into giving us all a break, cause I was getting a little fed up by this point. So I put some combinations of notes in there that I worked on a long time hoping it would work.. since that time I’ve decided that I shouldn’t get any more breaks, cause I already squandered them in weird places. But I’d like to sing this song for you in the hope that you’ll get a break."

I recently finally got to watch Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill, a film that tells the story of this special lady's life. I was an emotional wreck, in absolute ruins during it. Just hearing her story retold by those that knew her and then seeing today's artists like Weyes Blood and Adrianne Lenker share the profound effect Judee's music has had on their own life and works.. it was deeply moving. I'm so grateful after years waiting, I finally got my chance to experience it.

​

The Donor's presence during the movie really stuck with me. I always admired the song, almost feared it as Julee's most overwhelming piece. As much as The Donor is a beautiful song, it's never been a comfortable listen. I've always felt a great sense of desperation and urgency as "silence cried" and she begged for the lord to have mercy, "kyrie eleison". In the movie this piece soundtracked her darkest moments, which made a whole lot of sense when you understand the meaning behind it. Judee hit a low and wrote it for others, not herself. That's why I want to share it with you in hope that you can get something from it too. May her music become unhidden and continue to be found by new generations to come.

Chasin' to the bottom
'Til I've finally caught 'em
Dreams fall deep
Where voices come a-chimin'
Moanin' and a-rhymin'
Warnin' me their words are
Ringin' and a-whinin'
Hear 'em weep

Songs from so deep
While I'm sleepin'
Seep in
Sweepin' over me
Still the echo's achin'
"Leave us not forsaken"

Kyrie eleison, kyrie eleison
Kyrie eleison
Eleison, Eleison, eleison
Kyrie eleison, kyrie eleison

So sad, and so true
That even shadows come
And hum the requiem

Oh waters of the moon
Your vapors swirl and swoon
Your wake is wide
And sorrow's like an arrow
Shootin' straight and narrow
Aimin' true, its sting goes
Reachin' to the marrow
Silence cried

Now songs from so deep
While I'm sleepin'
Seep in
Sweepin' over me
Still the echo's achin'
"Leave us not forsaken"

Kyrie eleison, kyrie eleison
Kyrie eleison
Eleison, eleison, eleison
Kyrie eleison, kyrie eleison

So sad, and so true
That even shadows come
And hum the requiem

Kyrie eleison
Kyrie eleison

 

[RainyWoods]

​

This edition I'm sharing with you a collaboration between my favourite filmmaker and a mysterious singer and actress. As you may or may not unfortunately know, David Lynch, the mastermind behind Twin Peaks and other cult classics like Mulholland Drive, passed away last month. It really hit me hard as his work holds such a special place in my heart, in ways even shaping me. I've shared with you in the past multiple songs from his works. Most recently you would have heard a beautiful composition of his at WorldVision courtesy of Scania. This edition in tribute to Mr. Lynch, I want you to hear a song from his movie that's most special to me.

When Polish Poem plays towards the end of Lynch's 2006 experimental film, Inland Empire, I break down. It's a struggle to explain how it makes me feel. Every time I've watched that movie, the scene has made me cry (weep even I were to be honest). I wish I had the vernacular to explain where this song takes me. I find it to be something not of this world. To me the lyrics encapsulate so perfectly what it's like to live with a deep, numbing depression and yet still possess the human nature to long for something, anything beautiful to come your way. You hear it, you sense it in the distance, you remember it. To feel again. To want to exist.

When I come to think about it, that's actually what I've always loved about the worlds that Lynch would create. They were dark stories. Lynch truly was the master of creating an ominous atmosphere and making you feel icky and uncomfortable when he wanted to, and yet there were always these achingly beautiful moments that would often come, derived from an intense, terminal pain or longing. You would witness something horrific, so hideously primal, and then it would cut to Julee Cruise singing The World Spins like an angel as you come to terms with what had just happened. You'd release with them in these moments and feel yourself healing.

The silky smooth, haunting vocals you hear on Polish Poem are from the wonderful Chrystabell. She met David in 1999 and collaborated with him for two and a half decades until his passing, releasing three albums together, and starring as Agent Tamara Preston in the Twin Peaks revival series back in 2017. David became Chrystabell's mentor, shaping her life and art, and in return, she was his muse. It must have been like being in a dream, working with a mind as surreal as David's for all of those years. A lot of people are going to dearly miss him. I'll never be able to forget David Lynch, nor stop thinking about that magic he created. These images and sounds are ingrained in me now. Rest in peace, sir. I hope they serve you the best coffee and cherry pie up there.

I sing this poem to you
On the other side I see
Shining waves glowing
It's far away, far away from me,
I can see it there
I can see it there
The wind blows outside
and I have no breath
I breathe again and know I'll have to live
To forget my world is ending I'll have to live

I hear my heart beat fluttering in pain missing something
Tears are coming to my eyes
I cry
I cry
I cannot feel the warmth of the sun
I cannot hear the laughter
Choking with every thought

I see the faces
My hands are tied as I wish
But no one comes
No one comes
Where are you?
Where are you?

What will make me want live
What will make me want to love

Tell me tell me

I sing this poem to you
To you
Is this mystery unfolding
as a wing floating

Something is coming true
The dream of an innocent child
Something is happening
Something is happening

​

 

[RainyWoods]

​

This month we introduce WorldVision to SPELLLING, an experimental pop artist from California. I've had my eye on her music for a while but this new one from her upcoming fifth album, Portrait of My Heart, really caught my attention. I love how Destiny Arrives shimmers as it builds itself up so wondrously. The vibe this song creates I think is magical. I hope you enjoy listening to it.

All I can say for now
The path has been never ending and still
I wouldn't want to give it up, give it up
Why so would fall

All I can give my heart
The path has been unrelenting, I know
Every time I take it up, take it up
I rise then I fall

There's a hole in the sky that's draining my mind
It's more than I can take
And I see the signs and the horizon
When I don't know if I can wait

Destiny arrives
Full of surprises, don't hesitate
What you would do for love, do for love? Oh, woah

A miracle grows at night
Quietly like a flower so shy
Hoping not to see the sun radiance
It's time to unfold

There's a hole in the sky that's draining my mind
It's more than I can take
And I see the signs and the horizon
When I don't know if I can wait

Destiny arrives
Full of surprises, don't hesitate
What you would do for love, do for love? Oh, woah

The changes I feel inside
Are wild and riddles with pure delight
I want this but I'm scared because it's dangerous
To love in the bold

All I can give my heart
The path has been unrelenting, I know
Every time I take it up, take it up
I rise then I fall

Destiny arrives
Destiny arrives
Destiny arrives
Full of surprises, don't hesitate
What you would do for love, do for love? Oh, woah
Destiny arrives, oh-huh-huh
Full of surprises, don't hesitate
What you would do for love, do for love? Oh, woah

 

[RainyWoods]

​

The wonderful Debbii Dawson is the artist we're sharing with you this month with her song, Try. I very recently got recommended one of her newer songs on Youtube and then immediately fell down a rabbit hole, exploring her work. Love her dreamy, nostalgic vibe so much. It was hard choosing a song to share with you as I was pretty much loving everything but Try enchanted me the most with its melancholy, the relatable lyrics and the charming little synth instrumental part at the end which someone at tonight's LL quite endearingly described as sounding like something from Animal Crossing (which I now won't ever not be able to think about when I listen to the song.) I hope you enjoy the entry!

Same house
Same place
Finding faces on the wall
New day
No change
Why go anywhere at all
No one to blame
Tell myself I’ll leave
Say words I don’t believe

In my final hours how will I remember everything

I
Waste too much of my time
Using up this life, as if it has no end
Like there’s a million more to spend
If all
All I ever do
Is sit and sing the blues
Ahh ahh
I’ll never get it right
If I never try

Get through
The night
Lay in bed till afternoon
Window
Sunlight
Dust dancing in the room
I’m wide awake
But somehow still asleep
To be or not to be?

In my final hours how will I remember everything?

I
Waste too much of my time
Using up this life, as if it has no end
Like there’s a million more to spend
If all
All I ever do
Is sit and sing the blues
Ahh ahh
I’ll never get it right
If I never try

I’ll never get it right
If I never try

​

 

[ShoeFlo]

Wow, this is wonderful

 

[RainyWoods]

​

This edition of WorldVision (199, before the biggie) we're going to Shaka Buku U with the fabulous Tammie Brown. She's the drag queen persona of Keith Glen Schubert. Tammie shot to fame on the very first season of RuPaul's Drag Race as well as a couple of All Star seasons, admittedly performing a bit (excuse mon français) shitty each time. Despite her brief appearances though, Tammy has gone on to become a beloved icon, with so, so many unforgettable, highly quotable moments. Factoring in her gorgeous bohemian style, her crazy, weird (often nonsensical) ramblings and of course, her catchy songs, she's easily one of my favourite queens, up there with the likes of Kelly Mantle and Latrice Royale.

Shakubuku "break and subdue" is a term that originates in the Chinese version of the Buddhist text, Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra (thank you Wikipedia.) It's used to indicate the rebuttal of false teachings, to break the negative patterns in your thoughts, words and deeds. Yeah, so despite how fun the song is, there's a nice little serious message there too. As someone who all too often dwells on negative thoughts, I appreciate being shakabukued by Tammie.

Look inside my heart
Know these words are true
You're giving life to people when you're giving life to you

Long time ago so the story went
The buddha said you better seek enlightenment
And so I climbed on high to the mountaintop
And then I chanted until my wig fell off

The feeling I was feeling was nirvana sent
The fires all went out and not by accident
So if you're trying to get out and change your karma down below
Then I can show you where you wanna go

Hey, don't you know it's true, baby
I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
It's what I do, don't you know it's true, baby?
I'm gonna shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-Shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u

Walking down the street
With the sandals on my feet
And my robe is really sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, you say!
Let's boogey to your place
You will say my smiling face
And the world is full of grace, grace, grace, grace, baby!
I can tell you're wishing
To change your life permission
You're in the right position
Cause you make you own decision
Come boo-boo like my shaka shaka buku u

Hey, don't you know it's true, baby
I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
It's what I do, don't you know it's true, baby?
I'm gonna shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u

I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-laca-baku shaka baku u
I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-laca-baku shaka buku u

Look inside my heart
Know these words are true
You're giving life to people when you're giving life to you
You'll see in your reflection
The buddha connection
Is giving you the right direction

Hey, don't you know it's true, baby
I'm gonna shaka baku, shaka buku u
It's what I do, don't you know it's true, baby?
I'm gonna shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u

I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-shak-a-shaka buku
A-shaka shaka shaka shaka buku u

I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-laca-buku shaka buku u
I'm gonna shaka buku, shaka buku u
I'm gonna shak-a-laca-buku shaka buku u

​

 

[RainyWoods]

​

The fact we've reached the 200th edition of WorldVision feels like a very special occasion. I’m using it as my excuse to share with you my favourite artist again with another song from his latest album, Mahashmashana, after we pinched Screamland from it last year. I now want YOU to pick the Father John Misty song we’ll be sharing to mark the contest’s big milestone, not because I’m utterly in agony trying to pick one myself… ok, it’s because I’m utterly in agony trying to pick one myself

I’ve been obsessed with each of these tracks since the album dropped, and can't make my mind up. I'd love for you to hear them. I haven't done an NF in a hot minute either so this will be fun.

If you enjoyed any of the previous Father John Misty songs I’ve shared over the years, I’m quite hopeful you’ll find something from this new batch to enjoy. If you’re unsure, there’s a recap of the songs you can watch to see if you vibe with any of them enough to know it's worth taking the plunge (this NF will take 20 minutes of your time so be careful.)



Kicking us off here is the poignant Mental Health. A song about being gaslit by capitalism. It questions if maybe we’d be better off embracing some of the madness in our lives. This one on a lyrical level personally hits me really hard. That final section does its job stupendously well, as it builds into a powerful grand finale. Such a swirl of emotions.

Next up is Mahashmashana, the title track and opener of the latest album. I’m aware that I'm taking quite extreme liberties here by making you sit through 9 minutes (my apologies) of what I think is quite possibly the magnum opus of Father John Misty’s career. It’s a humongous piece that soars from the outset and yet continuously flies higher and higher. When that sax comes in at the start of the second chorus, I ascend. Bonkers production.

Closing for us is the beautiful, softly lush, Summer’s Gone. I consider this one a comfort food track. Sort of gazing into nothing whilst clutching a glass of wine and being all wistful kind of fantasy. It’s my most listened to song from the new album as it’s just so easy to go back to and zone out with. “But you eat a peach or you skin your knee, and time can’t touch me” might be my favourite line from any of the songs he's ever written. It's been living rent free in my head.

VOTING: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, SIMPLY GIVE EACH SONG A STAR RATING
YOU CAN GIVE EACH SONG UP TO FIVE STARS (repeats allowed)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

MENTAL HEALTH | MAHASHMASHANA | SUMMER'S GONE

DEADLINE: ROUGHLY MIDNIGHT, JUNE THE 5TH

A big thank you in advance for helping me ♥ I hope there's something enjoyable here for you.
And may everyone have fun at the big 200th edition! Can't wait to see what people have planned!


​

 

[RainyWoods]

Big thank you to Looren, Ashley, Calvin, Robert and Gera for helping me out Voting is now CLOSED and I've sent in our Father John Misty entry for the 200th edition. It won this by a singular point. Modest turnout for the selection but that just makes me more excited for the LL as this tune will be fresh for most people. Also, to be honest, this was the song my heart was leaning quite strongly towards in the end (especially after a couple of the comments I received) so I'm secretly relieved no one voted last minute to change it

 

[RainyWoods]

​

We're sending Father John Misty to the 200th edition of WorldVision with the title track of his latest album, Mahashmashana. This record has quickly risen to probably being my favourite of his career, certainly sitting right beside I Love You, Honeybear. There's so many great songs on it that tread and combine all corners of his back catalogue, and this bad boy I think is the cream of the crop. I really find Mahashmashana to be such a resplendent track. Overwhelmingly so, in fact. That leadup part into the second chorus as Misty's voice grows and grows, followed by that jubilant sax and "Mahashmashana".. I find it a sublime wall of sound.

I'll be honest with you, this was the song I always had planned to mark this milestone edition of WorldVision (either that or using it for my 150th entry which was coming up very soon) but I got cold feet because of the length. I don't shy away from sending 6 minute tracks on occasion but 9 minutes felt like too much of an ask. That's why I held the national final to test if people liked it enough or if another song would be a better option. Thank you again to the five of you that stopped me being silly and pushed me into letting this special one go.

Hope you enjoy your time spent with Mahashmashana and Mr. Misty this edition, and I wish you all also a very happy 200th edition of WorldVision Oh yeeeeah!

NF RESULTS

His body is the Gelson's
Her soul, the fallen star
At midnight twice a week
She comes, she leaves and no one's hassled her so far

The courters have arrived
In nail polish, in tailored slacks
Reformed past, all recognition
Resplendent in donor class panache

Is a scheme to enrich assholes
What the godhead had in mind
When he hid here such revelations
As only singers could describe?

Mahashmashana, all is silent
And in thе next universal dawn
Won't have to do thе corpse dance, do the corpse dance
Do the corpse dance with these on

The one about the country's boyfriend
That he never ever would live down
Must not have made it to the angels
Who passed the holy Roman noses 'round

His pale bullets found your bloodline
In a midnight blue cayenne
She is patient, the act of creation
May one day produce a happy man

Shaken like a pawl fly
Obscene as a lick
Love's the birthright of young people
And she ain't leaving without his

Mahashmashana, all is silent now
And in the next universal dawn
Won't have to do the corpse dance, do the corpse dance
Do the corpse dance with these on

He spoke into a hot mic
He sang like a bird
He hadn't had a single drink yet
There's no mistaking what you heard

A perfect lie can live forever
The truth don't fare as well
It isn't perched on lips mid-laughter
It ain't the kind of thing you tell

Like there's no baby in the king cake
Like there's no figure on the cross
They have gone the way of all flesh
And what was found is lost

Yes it is, yes it is
Yes it is, yes it is
Yes it is, yes it is
Yes it is, yes it is

Oh!

​

 

[RainyWoods]

This edition we're sharing with you the wonderful Dallas native, JMSN (Christian Berishaj) and his song, Cherry Pop.

I've been into this man's music for quite a while now but it was difficult choosing which song of his to share with you. My heart was leaning towards a melancholy piano ballad that wouldn't feel out of place at Festivali i kenges (JMSN has Albanian heritage actually,) and he has a lot of great vibey R&B tracks but I wanted to venture down the boldest route possible, sharing this slice of very naughty, dare I say.. sexy rock. I hope you enjoy it.

Let's meet up in the parking lot
Light a cigarette, then we hit the spot
Let's not wait for the bass to drop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop

Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop

Imma take you back to my secret spot
Pump the thermostat, gonna get you hot
Open up your safety deposit box
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop

Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lеmme just suck on your cherry pop
Said lemmе just suck on your cherry pop

Lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop, pop, pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop
Lemme just suck on your cherry pop, pop

LIVE VERSION

​

 

[RainyWoods]

​

Being a bit scandalous for WV202 But hey! Hear me out. I feel I have some good excuses to bring JMSN immediately back after the really bad luck from the previous edition (and this is my favourite song of his so the need to share it after the flop grew stronger.) We're in Albania for one thing (JMSN has Albanian blood) and it's a Festivali i kenges theme. His song Heals Me wouldn't feel out of place being performed on their stage with the beautiful, iconic Fik orchestra providing backing. Has that melancholy to it, sophisticated strings and longing. It's the polar opposite sound to Cherry Pop but I hope you'll find this one equally as enticing, just in a different way. I couldn't send anything else to Looren's first edition, hosting for us in Albania.

When I feel alone
Stripped down to the bone
When I get restless
And my options are gone
When I feel ready to give up and go back home
There you are
There you are, yeah

My blood gets cold
And I get low
And the pressure just rolls on
Through my body and soul
Yet I still hold on to the only thing I know, yeah
And I can see
What's been hiding from me, yeah

And every time I start to lose my faith in everything

Your love it heals me
Your love it heals me
Your love it heals me
And all it takes is a little faith

You keep me safe
You take my breath away
You're worth the wait
Every single day
You never let me down
You stick around
Yeah, you stick around

And no matter the time or place you're always there for me

Your love it heals me
Your love it heals me
Your love it heals me
And all it takes is a little faith

Your love it heals me
And all it takes
Is a little faith

Hmm-mm-mm...

​

 

[RainyWoods]

He did it! Hooray! Phew.. I'm glad the cheeky gamble paid off to go for round 2 immediately.


Next edition will be my 150th, and every fifty editions it has been a tradition that I hold a national final to select the milestone entry. It's sort of like an all stars thing where I bring back some of my most beloved old faces I've sent previously whilst introducing you to one or two new ones. Those past selections were won by Nicole Atkins and Skeeter Davis. There will be a third name soon so watch this space. Admittedly I'm a little behind on my plans but I'll try and whip something up nice and varied for you before this edition finishes. I just need to finish picking the artists and songs. It's very difficult deciding who deserves to be brought back.

 

[RainyWoods]

GREETINGS, HUMANS & WELCOME TO A VERY SPECIAL ALL STARS NATIONAL FINAL!
WE'RE USING IT TO HELP DECIDE OUR 150TH WORLDVISION ENTRY
SO PLEASE DO COME IN AND ENJOY THE SONGS..
AND OUR TOTALLY NOT RECYCLED BANNER TEMPLATES FROM THE PREVIOUS ALL STARS NF..

VOTING: TRADITIONAL EUROVISION STYLE
12 - 10 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1

DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT 5TH OF SEPTEMBER

THANK YOU FOR VOTING:




Copy and paste list of names:

Dessa - Fighting Fish
Charley Crockett - Night Rider
Charly Bliss - Calling You Out
Weyes Blood - Andromeda
Mikal Cronin - Turn Away
Toni Braxton - He Wasn't Man Enough
Harp - Seven Long Suns
Hunx and His Punx - Wild Boys
Madeleine Peyroux - Ophelia
Mike Mictlan - Prizefight

​

 

[RainyWoods]

Whew, I’m glad I got this out. I was starting to think it wouldn’t happen. I’ve been feeling really tired lately, had been under the weather and kind of was missing my inspiration, but it’s been a tradition to hold this selection every 50 editions. It basically brings together a bunch of dear personal favourites I’ve shared with you in the past, along with some new faces (in this case: Charly Bliss, Toni Braxton, Madeleine Peyroux, and I guess Mike Mictlan too if we don’t count his participation with the hip hop collective, Doomtree.) I always try and make this particular national final as varied as possible in terms of genres so there might just be something there for you to enjoy. If you’re curious you can always just check out the recap video.

Appreciative of anyone who wants to help out Thanks for looking.

 

[RainyWoods]

Big thank you to our first voters, and Things are off to an interesting, exciting start. Still four days left if you'd like to listen and vote!