Shevanel's recent activity
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Comment on 2025 Spotify Wrapped is now out in ~music
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Comment on Skarven | Teaser trailer in ~games
Shevanel LinkI’m tentatively interested as a huge fan of boomer shooters! At least, that’s what I’m hoping this ends up being. Arguably more importantly, I’d also like to point out for those who might be...I’m tentatively interested as a huge fan of boomer shooters! At least, that’s what I’m hoping this ends up being.
Arguably more importantly, I’d also like to point out for those who might be familiar with it that the art director of this game is the creator of the old animation short The Backwater Gospel (link goes to his newer 4k reload). The art style looked so familiar and I was pleasantly surprised when I came to the realization upon checking out the uploader’s channel!
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Comment on 2025 Spotify Wrapped is now out in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentI’m convinced that it’s bugged. My wife and her sister’s listening ages were both in the 70s and neither of them recall listening to a single song on Spotify more than 10-15 years old.I’m convinced that it’s bugged. My wife and her sister’s listening ages were both in the 70s and neither of them recall listening to a single song on Spotify more than 10-15 years old.
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Comment on 2025 Spotify Wrapped is now out in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentThey lean more death than black, but given your proclivities, I’d suggest Kardashev if they aren’t already on your radar. You can still very much feel the shoegaze influence (they tongue-in-cheek...They lean more death than black, but given your proclivities, I’d suggest Kardashev if they aren’t already on your radar. You can still very much feel the shoegaze influence (they tongue-in-cheek call themselves deathgaze). I’ll definitely be checking out the others of yours that I’m not hip to, given what I’m familiar with on your list already!
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Comment on 2025 Spotify Wrapped is now out in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentI don’t have anything of substance to add, but wanted to mention that Deafheaven / Lonely People With Power were my number 3 spots as well. What a trip! Didn’t even know this band existed a few...I don’t have anything of substance to add, but wanted to mention that Deafheaven / Lonely People With Power were my number 3 spots as well. What a trip! Didn’t even know this band existed a few months ago and they’ve quickly become a constant presence in my rotation.
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Comment on Flea - A Plea (2025) in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentHe was also featured on the trumpet for two tracks on The Mars Volta’s Frances the Mute - "The Widow" and "Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore”.He was also featured on the trumpet for two tracks on The Mars Volta’s Frances the Mute - "The Widow" and "Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore”.
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Comment on Modern Christmas carol renditions that aren't mediocre CCM? in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentI’ll piggyback onto your comment with something that sounds entirely different, but with the same idea - it probably isn’t what OP is looking for, but maybe somebody else might enjoy it. The metal...I’ll piggyback onto your comment with something that sounds entirely different, but with the same idea - it probably isn’t what OP is looking for, but maybe somebody else might enjoy it.
The metal band August Burns Red has put out two LPs (and a few random singles) of metal Christmas carol covers. They are almost entirely instrumental, so even if you don’t normally listen to metal, they are still really fun to listen to. Any vocals that do occur are singalong style, not aggressive/typical “metal vocals.”
Super fun to blast when cleaning up the house this time of year!
Sorry for the Spotify link, but a user put together all of their Christmas releases into one playlist so it’s an easy share: August Burns Red Christmas
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Comment on Save Point: A game deal roundup for the week of November 23 in ~games
Shevanel LinkValley Peaks is ~50% off on Gamersgate with an additional 10% off coupon that might work at checkout (CHILLFRIDAY), though YMMV as I didn’t try it myself. Huge fan of the game, definitely worth...Valley Peaks is ~50% off on Gamersgate with an additional 10% off coupon that might work at checkout (CHILLFRIDAY), though YMMV as I didn’t try it myself.
Huge fan of the game, definitely worth the price of admission! I tried the demo when it first released a while back and told myself it’d be an instant buy when I saw it on sale. It feels very much like a first person “A Short Hike” for those familiar with that game, though instead of trying to reach a single specific summit, you’re climbing a series of increasingly challenging peaks with lots of fun mechanics added along the way. The climbing mechanics are easy to pick up though the different elements of each peak make for a good variety throughout. This is paired with lots of small side quests with cute writing (weaker writing that “A Short Hike” but still solid) and decent rewards throughout. You’re also rewarded extra tools for completing peaks via multiple color coded routes. All of the above is well paired with cute music and a fun visual aesthetic.
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Comment on What are some of your favorite stews/soups? in ~food
Shevanel (edited )LinkCarla Lalli Music’s pasta e fagiole is a mainstay in our house. She also has a video on her personal channel for a new and improved version - I can’t speak to that version, but we make this at...Carla Lalli Music’s pasta e fagiole is a mainstay in our house. She also has a video on her personal channel for a new and improved version - I can’t speak to that version, but we make this at least once every 3-4 weeks and it is one of my very favorite meals to put together. Easy and cheap, too!
Caveats: it is time-intensive (2-3 not-totally-inactive hours if you want to pull all the goodness out of the base ingredients), and I’m sure it’d be a PITA to prep the soffrito without a food processor. But if none of that concerns you, I highly recommend giving it a go!
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Comment on What's your video game comfort food? in ~games
Shevanel (edited )Link Parent+1 for DOOM. I’ve downloaded a ton of Cacoward-winning WADs from the last 20 years and, if I don’t know what to do or play, I’ll just pop one on and work through a couple levels. Great fun to pick...+1 for DOOM. I’ve downloaded a ton of Cacoward-winning WADs from the last 20 years and, if I don’t know what to do or play, I’ll just pop one on and work through a couple levels. Great fun to pick up and play, and the natural momentum break of a level system encourages breaks which I really appreciate.* The map modding community, especially the efforts highlighted by the Cacowards, are phenomenal, and match (if not exceed) the quality of the original game most of the time.
*can’t tell you how many times the “endless” gameplay loop of open world games has caused me to burn 4 hours because it never feels like there’s a good place to stop.
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Comment on What is your 'Subway Take'? in ~talk
Shevanel Link ParentOh for sure, I’m right there with you. I was coming more from the approach of “how do we make this take not-so-hot?” I think everyone should at least try an instrument for sure, maybe even a...Oh for sure, I’m right there with you. I was coming more from the approach of “how do we make this take not-so-hot?” I think everyone should at least try an instrument for sure, maybe even a couple if the first one doesn’t stick. So many instruments feel so different. I grew up a percussionist but had to learn all of the wind instruments during school to become a teacher. I tried flute for the first time at 20 years old - turns out I really really like it. In a different life, someone would have convinced me to give it a shot in 5th grade and I would have saved myself a lot of load-in time at gigs ;)
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Comment on What is your 'Subway Take'? in ~talk
Shevanel Link Parent90% agree (but I’m a gigging musician so I’m definitely biased), and think you might get more buy-in if the take was that everyone should have to participate in some form of the arts, or artistic...90% agree (but I’m a gigging musician so I’m definitely biased), and think you might get more buy-in if the take was that everyone should have to participate in some form of the arts, or artistic creation. Lot more broad, potentially a lot more appealing, same end result (IMO).
Mind you, I also used to be a HS band director so I had a very vested interest in everybody playing an instrument lol. I just know that it’s a tall order, and just doesn’t click for some. But I DO think that participating in the arts in some way, shape, or form offers the potential to enrich anyone’s life.
Edit: I share this quote way too often, but Kurt Vonnegut is once again apropos:
"[The arts] are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”
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Comment on What's your favorite hobby? in ~hobbies
Shevanel Link ParentNever have I resonated more strongly with a comment! If I look around my office right now, I can see my hobby home server, my halfway stood up server-turned-router, my repair kit I set up for tech...Never have I resonated more strongly with a comment! If I look around my office right now, I can see my hobby home server, my halfway stood up server-turned-router, my repair kit I set up for tech tinkering, my unfinished drum set restoration project stacked in the corner, and my recording/production setup for my chiptune project. My whiskey inventory is packed up in boxes in the crawlspace because my one-year-old is moving around the house too much, so I’m not holding tastings, cataloguing reviews, or chasing bottles anywhere near as much. And don’t even get me started on all my partially finished hobby apps and sites I’m trying to stand up :)
(Though if any of my pilot testers see this comment, I promise that my work on plots.club is actually still actively ongoing)
I really appreciate your perspective on allowing yourself to see them as trials that you choose to pursue or let go. I’m still in denial - I keep telling myself that one day I’ll get back to them all, as unlikely as that might be…!
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Comment on Suggestion request - My 75 year old mentor has gone blind in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentI’m certainly interested in hearing more myself, including your presentation and notes if you’re willing to share! My specialization in college was jazz education, but I played in my university’s...I’m certainly interested in hearing more myself, including your presentation and notes if you’re willing to share!
My specialization in college was jazz education, but I played in my university’s wind ensemble all through college and always enjoyed it even though I never dug into the literature as much. Our director was huge on Grainger but I always wished we did more Giroux and Mackey especially.
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Comment on Suggestion request - My 75 year old mentor has gone blind in ~music
Shevanel (edited )Link ParentGotta call out 2SAXY whenever Leo P. / Too Many Zooz are mentioned. Their long form “walking” improv sessions around cities are always a joy to watch and listen to!Gotta call out 2SAXY whenever Leo P. / Too Many Zooz are mentioned. Their long form “walking” improv sessions around cities are always a joy to watch and listen to!
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Comment on Suggestion request - My 75 year old mentor has gone blind in ~music
Shevanel Link ParentLove Chris Thile, I didn’t realize he led the Punch Brothers! I’m excited for his upcoming classical release as well; will definitely check this out knowing that he’s involved.Love Chris Thile, I didn’t realize he led the Punch Brothers! I’m excited for his upcoming classical release as well; will definitely check this out knowing that he’s involved.
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Comment on Suggestion request - My 75 year old mentor has gone blind in ~music
Shevanel (edited )LinkThis is hardly exhaustive, and quite vague, because I'm just going off of the broad fact that he likes jazz, but I figured I could at least share a list of somewhat more modern jazz acts, i.e....- Exemplary
This is hardly exhaustive, and quite vague, because I'm just going off of the broad fact that he likes jazz, but I figured I could at least share a list of somewhat more modern jazz acts, i.e. perhaps musical acts that a 75-year-old might have missed if he stopped regularly seeking out new artists in his 20s-30s. Some of these cats were putting stuff out in the 1980s and 1990s, though, so he's likely heard of some of them, but hopefully this might help him find a few new discoveries in here.
You'll get plenty of musical results back just plugging any of these names into Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc...
Caveat for other commenters: I'm specifically aiming for musical acts that aren't quite modern, but are not so old/"classic" in the jazz sense that it'd be a no-brainer for a 75-year-old jazz fan to know of them. Hence why you'll see a name like Chris Potter but not John Coltrane (both world-famous saxophonists, but one is a lot more of a "household name," and I'm assuming @boxer_dogs_dance's mentor would have heard of them). Jazz is, very thankfully, somewhat healthy and alive today, though the jazz of today feels a heck of a lot different than what one might think of as "jazz," so I'm trying to bridge the gap here and find things are modern and still accessible, but not so old-school that they'd sound trite to your mentor. I hope this helps!
Individual musicians
(lots of these names will appear with others in collaborative albums, but searching for one name will bring up lots of albums of which they were a part)
Brad Mehldau
Keith Jarrett
Joshua Redman
Chris Potter
Kenny Garrett
Dave Douglas
Kenny Wheeler
John Scofield
Pat Metheny (he's probably heard of Metheny at the very least but I'd be remiss not to mention him)
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Avishai Cohen (there are two of them - bass and trumpet players, both stellar)Ensembles
Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Steps AheadMore modern stuff
Caveat that he may not like any of this because it's a far cry from a lot of traditional-sounding jazz, but I would be remiss not to mention it because every step of jazz's evolution has been spectacular to witness IMO!
Tigran Hamasyan
Esperanza Spalding
GoGo Penguin
Donny McCaslin
Yussef Dayes
BADBADNOTGOOD
Nate Smith
fox capture plan
The Bad Plus
Waldo's Gift
T.R.A.M.
Jacob Collier
Snarky Puppy... Not jazz
The crop of musicians that have orbited around Vulfpeck and its affiliates are an absolute joy in the world of modern music (i.e. still actively putting records out today and showing no signs of stopping). I wouldn't call any of it jazz, but many of the musicians grew up in the study of jazz, or at the very least went to school for music before their paths diverged. I'll share a smattering of musicians in this vein, again with the caveat that these are all a lot closer to funk/pop, but I would hope that anyone who appreciates jazz might appreciate what these acts are putting out.
Vulfpeck
Cory Wong
The Fearless Flyers
Mark Lettieri
Vulfmon
Theo Katzman
Louis Cole (Louis is very weird - if he really likes this direction, you can try this one, but maybe shy away if this is getting too modern for him)This is truly just scratching the surface -- if you happen to share any of this with him and he likes any of it, please let me know and I'll try to recommend more in that vein. I'm sorry that he has lost his eyesight, and I hope that some of this might bring him some comfort!
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Comment on Saros | Gameplay reveal trailer in ~games
Shevanel Link ParentI felt similarly at first watch but the more I think about it, I would be okay with this playing like (a hopefully very well fleshed-out) Returnal DLC on a new planet(?) with a new main character,...I felt similarly at first watch but the more I think about it, I would be okay with this playing like (a hopefully very well fleshed-out) Returnal DLC on a new planet(?) with a new main character, different progression systems, etc… because my favorite part of Returnal was that incredible story told via the gameplay mechanics and the world itself. Once I got to the true “end” of Selene’s story (in both the main game & the Tower), I basically felt like I could put the game down. Having a reason to re-enter that world, even if it feels same-y, doesn’t bug me too much.
Returnal mid-game spoiler
I still think about the buildup and reveal of the Hyperion fight to this day. Anything even coming close to that would be a real treat.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~books
Shevanel (edited )Link ParentFor writing that is really quite tame, I’m always taken out when Jordan makes it a point to call out an item (medallion / necklace / whatever) that’s hanging between a female character’s breasts....For writing that is really quite tame, I’m always taken out when Jordan makes it a point to call out an item (medallion / necklace / whatever) that’s hanging between a female character’s breasts. It’s such a specific thing, and the rest of his writing is so un-sexualized, that it surprises me every time it comes up, which is weirdly often. I feel like said item “hugging her chest” or “close to her bosom” would have been way less tonally jarring and conveyed the same point, but again, this is so anatomically specific that the entire premise of it always throws me a bit.
One other totally unrelated thing: Jordan often starts new chapters or paragraphs with “He” or “She” or “They” referring to a character from a previous chapter as if it was a contiguous passage. If you’re reading the sections in one sitting, it’s not a big deal, but it’s always felt like a bad practice to me and I’ve had to flip back a page more than once to remember who “he/she/they” is in context.
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Comment on What's a setting that you'd recommend? in ~tech
Shevanel Link ParentAgreed. I went with a hatchback and have nothing but good things to say about it. It fits my whole drum set in it better than half of the subcompact SUVs we tried out. Big fan!Agreed. I went with a hatchback and have nothing but good things to say about it. It fits my whole drum set in it better than half of the subcompact SUVs we tried out. Big fan!
*looks at username*
*looks at posting history*
…it’s gotta be Cannibal Corpse.