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Over the last weeks, I’ve come across some amazing music, both known and unknown artists. Last week, I wanted to bring you the first of two recent artists and new music offerings, until a certain Ms. Mara Hruby changed that up. Well the first of those artists is the aforementioned The Weeknd. You can download “House Of Balloons” here.

“House of Balloons” is an amazing offering from the artist that some say is who Drake should have been. Though from the same general area, what The Weeknd offers is an refreshing and decadent look at a fast tiring lifestyle. Abel Tesfaye weaves a dank atmosphere, bringing images of post concert hotel rendezvous, touring road life, and the sins of those late hours that suegway into the coming day. Those time of bad intentions, hedonism, and debauchery. The 9 song offering offers a lush diaspora filled with sex, drugs, prostitutes, loft and hotel living, but at the base of the work, as with much art/music/film, is the longing for love.

Having used the momentum of their initial single, “What You Need,” Abel crafts his album of sorts, laying claim to a conflagration of sounds, that come together to create ONE anew. One can only imagine whether, if left to this originality, the true album will continue to match this product?  And also hope.

Though not for the squeamish, who cannot separate the music and subject content form the actual work, House of Balloons is a look into the good and bad of the life that some aspire to, and think would be great, but then do not know how to handle it’s rigors.

Am I by description saying that this work is a cautionary tale, or look into a life you really don’t want…no, at the end it is music, but it is likely a story that you can listen to, but not understand fully upon one listen.

The music also sets a great backdrop, as I left it on repeat for an entire weekend (no pun intended).

The manuscript Blue Lines is the fictional coming of age narrative of a young California woman Key Yemaya Walker, and her 2 year growing journey through school, love, and life period piece, written by Kenneth Suffern, Jr., taking place at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between the years of 1997 – 1998. Loosely based on true events, and experiences during that time, told through the eyes and voice of the main female protagonist, a freshman first attending the school.