Favourite TV Shows of 2022

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

I know it’s getting a bit late to talk about 2022 favourites, but I think it should be fine until the start of March!

Wednesday

What can I say about the very popular TV show except that I thought it was brilliant! It had me hooked from the first episode, though I’m a fan of the 90s films too. I like how there was more comedy in this TV show. I loved the storyline which evolved and kept me guessing. I loved the characters and the whole vibe. What was not to love? There was a character at the end whose status I was rather miffed at, like many shows I get frustrated by the writers unfair handling of some characters; without giving too much away. There are some great memes from this show which provide more entertainment. I’m not sure how they are going to continue the storyline for other seasons but colour me intrigued.

Locke & Key

Last year the third and final season of Locke & Key was released. It is based on a comic series, from what I’ve read online the writers of the TV show didn’t stick to the comic storyline and other details. That is a shame but I love the show plus I haven’t read the comic. I loved the final season and the how they decided to end it. I feel they could have extended the season a bit though, as a lot happened in a fairly short space of time. Or at least it felt as though the show had more to give. It was nice to see the return of some characters.

Shadow & Bone

This one has been on my watchlist for a long time and I was so glad that I decided to watch it when I finally got round to it! Another book adaptation, also haven’t read the book. I thought the concepts were original. I love the female hero. I liked the story buildup and seeing how the characters became connected. There were twists, suspense, and chases, I’m hooked. Season two will be released very soon!

Bridgerton

I was hoping to watch the second season of Bridgerton in the lead up to our wedding and I did in part. I didn’t finish the season until after the honeymoon in the end. Obviously nothing will beat the first season but this was very good too. This season focuses on the eldest Bridgerton courting to be married. We know that he has been against marrying, this has been a source of friction between him and his mother. He sets out to obtain a bride that would benefit him, his family and their social standing. What he finds though is a softer side and a woman he doesn’t expect to love. I didn’t like Anthony in season one but he grows on me in season two as we discover his backstory.

Stranger Things

I know this one will seem like an age ago but the latest volume was released last year! I think our collective hearts were in our hands continuing on with this story. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout the two volumes that were released. There were some surprising reveals through two backstories. Some things I was able to guess before the reveals as the episodes developed. We just don’t know what will happen next! I know some of the actors have complained that none of The the main characters have died yet but I’m so glad that they haven’t! I’m not sure that my heart could take one of their deaths! Obviously one character’s seemingly death was dramatic enough, I assume the writers didn’t expect their viewers to fall in love with him as much as we did.

The Last Kingdom

I’ve been watching the next two series for a number of years as they both have five and six seasons respectively. The Last Kingdom is based on the books by Cornwell based in the time of Saxon Kings and Viking invaders. A fact I find very interesting is that the author Cornwell grew up in the same village I did of Thundersley. I have loved Uhtred’s story of being removed from his home and family and his quest to take lordship of what is technically his to inherit. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced plus the development of the characters that we all know and love. There were some surprises this season too! This show provides lots of action with many battles taking place, there is always some form of romance too. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres of any media type.

Outlander

This last season ended dramatically with a shocking cliffhanger! The story admittedly has become rather dark, although it has always been a dark storyline. Still I thoroughly enjoy following the story of Claire, Jamie and co. It’s certainly eventful!

I found this written in a previous draft:

For all those who are fans of Outlander, I have been dealing with Draughtlander by rewatching the first TV series on Prime. I have even managed to get my boyfriend to watch a couple of episodes! He loves Scotland and likes history, so this was a TV series I was really hoping he would enjoy as he doesn’t like most films or TV shows that I would pick. I just love the chemistry between Claire and Jamie. This is the second time I have watched the first series, so it is nice watching their relationship develop and bloom from the beginning. I don’t however, like the end of the season. Nor did I particularly like the second series. The third was quite good, but it’s not the first. I am hoping series four and beyond will be just as good as the first.

So 2022 was a great year for TV.

All images are screenshots from Netflix or Prime and are posted in the context of a review.

Signing off,

Amy xx

Country Music

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

Over the past seven years I have gotten into the American country genre of music. I wrote about this previously in 2016 https://amyoncloudnine.home.blog/2016/06/03/country-music/ . I find the genre easy to listen to plus the lyrics relatable. I think technically the sound I like is contemporary country.

Taylor Swift

Taylor is the main reason why I branched into country music, as she transitioned from country to the pop genre almost a decade ago. She was a huge artist when I was a teenager, like her, I believe she is the same year group as me. I remember at break times during college her music videos playing on the TVs. It actually wasn’t until I left that college at 18 that I became interested in her music when my friend recommended I give her a listen. She is one of my all time favourite artists. Her country albums are so relaxing and I still love them to this day.

Try listening to: Fearless, Mine, Everything Has Changed

Carrie Underwood

I believe I started listening to Carrie around 2016. She has a strong distinctive voice, with catchy songs that usually tell a story. I’m still not familiar with her earlier albums outside their singles but I love her albums since the 2015 Storyteller. Before that I listened to her greatest hits album. She has some great Christmas hymns and holiday songs too.

Try listening to: Clock Don’t Stop, Southbound, Crazy Angels

Sam Hunt

Sam is one of my favourite male singers now. I love his style of music that seems to me, to merge country and RnB. There are a fair number of his songs that are on my relaxing country Spotify playlist. I love every album that he has released and look forward to his next one! I’m usually always in the mood to listen to his music.

Try listening to: Take Your Time, Kinfolks, 23

Miranda Lambert

This was part of an earlier draft. To be honest I don’t listen to Miranda much anymore but I love her album Platinum. She is the most country sounding of the main artists listed here, clearly she is deep rooted in the genre. I find her songs more emotionally charged than other artists when they are about love and her own experiences. I can’t quite explain it but there is something unique about the intensity somehow. She is a sassy lady, especially on Platinum.

Try listening to: Gunpowder & Lead, The House That Built Me, Holding on To You

Cassadee Pope

Cassadee is another singer with a powerful voice, especially at a higher pitch. I confess that I prefer her earlier albums best, I need to listen to her newer ones. I love the lyrics of those earlier songs, the songs themselves are pretty catchy too. I believe Cassadee is going back to her pop punk roots.

Try listening to: Summer, Alien, Original Love

Kelsea Ballerini

I like Kelsea’s lighthearted, coming of age love lyrics. The focus on love and romance songs keep me hooked. Both this lady and the next have lyrics that make me think.

Try listening to: Dibs, Legends, LOVE IS A COWBOY

Lauren Alaina

Again like the above I like her coming of age love songs, though she sprinkles some sass too. Lauren is featured in a few songs from other artists that I like too.

Try listening to: Next Boyfriend, Country In Me, Road Less Traveled

Breland

One of country’s new rising stars is Breland. He creates such catchy songs that get me hooked, he mixes the genre with hip hop and RnB, stretching the limits. For the most part his songs cheer me up and provide a boost. He has a lovely voice, I’ve been quite taken back at how quickly I fell in love with his music.

Try listening to: In The Woulds, For What It’s Worth, Praise The Lord

Luke Combs

Luke is one of the most recent artists that I’ve been interested in, my husband likes his music too. Although I’ve enjoyed a couple of his singles for years, I am now taking time to listen to his albums. He has a lovely voice with thoughtful lyrics, his songs are mostly chilled out.

Try listening to: Hurricane, Beer Never Broke My Heart, The Kind of Love We Make

Other country stars

Other country artists that I like but haven’t got their own section are: Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Dylan Scott, Russel Dickerson, Keith Urban.

Hot Country Playlist by Spotify

This is one of the best ways to catch up on all the hottest country releases.

All images are screenshots from Spotify and are posted in the context of a review.

Hope you enjoyed reading.

Amy xx

Absence

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

Hello, I just wanted to address my most recent absence from this blog. I’ve been struggling with my MC and chronic fatigue as stress caused a flare in May last year. I got engaged in March last year and married in August by the way too! Although I have quite a few drafts written so hopefully I’ll post those soon.

Thank you and take care,

Amy xx

Birthday Voucher Purchases

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

For my birthday this year I received an iTunes voucher. I usually listen to music on Spotify but when I listen to music in the car, I tend to plug in a USB with my owned music. Here is what I chose to spend it on:

McFly – Greatest Hits

Not a band I would usually listen to but I decided to give them a try after hearing about their new album. I chose their greatest hits as they’re not a band I’m familiar with, well other than their earlier most famous songs. I’m pleasantly surprised! My favourite band is Fall Out Boy; McFly are more poppy than they are but they still sound like a band rather than normal pop. I like their happy music, it’s so uplifting. It’s nice to sing and dance along to happy-in-love songs nowadays. I think I will be checking out their full albums on Spotify. Very pleased with this pick.

Favourite song: Shine a Light

Good Charlotte – Greatest Hits

Another greatest hits album as I love a couple of songs at least from a few of their albums, these songs were nicely collated on to the greatest hits and it just made sense. For some reason I threw out their Good Morning Revival album that I used to own. What has struck me with the songs included on this album is that the lyrics are really trying to help people, I didn’t realise how kind and supportive this band were. This hopefully will continue to help me in my adult life, though it would have been great during my teenage years.

Favourite song: Hold On

My Chemical Romance Greatest Hits – May Death Never Stop You

Following on from throwing out albums, again for some reason I threw out The Black Parade years ago at the same time. This band don’t make the most cheerful music I have to say. There’s more angst to their music which can be motivating and I just like most of the songs. They are more metal than Fall Out Boy, with their guitar riffs. I don’t however like Mama or Cancer but they were included, so there you go. They were a band I liked as a teenager.

Favourite song: Famous Last Words

Sam Hunt – Southside

Saving possibly the best til last and also the one album that is not a greatest hits is Sam Hunt’s 2020 album Southside. I’ve been listening to this album on Spotify since it was released and Sam is an artist that I absolutely love and is in my top 5 favourite music artists. I think his sound is a merge between country and RnB, his voice is lovely and soothing. His lyrics to me are heartfelt and are his own personal experiences. Go check him out!

Favourite song: Kinfolks

All images are screenshots from Apple Music and are posted in the context of a review.

Thanks for reading,

Amy xx

Favourite Xbox Games of 2021

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

I have been playing a lot of computer games during 2020 and 2021. I prefer to relax indoors rather than venture outside to be honest. I have long loved computer games! I think it was 2011 or 2012 that I bought my first Xbox though. Prior to that I was a PC gamer. Anyway the games below are my favourite of 2021 so far.

Dead By Daylight

This is my current favourite game. I am absolutely obsessed with it at the moment and can’t seem to get enough. I think the gameplay is original; merging the objective of completing generator repairs, with running and hiding from the killer. The survivors can also block and sprint whilst the killers can set traps and temporarily become undetectable. Computer games are usually some form of RPG, shoot-em-up or strategy game. I find it very refreshing to play a game that doesn’t shoot a gun, or attack anything else for that matter. If you play as a survivor, that is. If you play as the killer then you injure the survivors and place them on to hooks as a sacrifice to the entity.

I always kind of like thriller films, as you experience anxiety and the thrill of the jump. That is also what I like about this game. It can help when I am feeling anxious in real life, as it focuses the anxiety on something actual.

When the developers added the Stranger Things chapter, that’s when I decided that I needed to try the game! The characters all start with their individual ’perks’, the benefits that they have in the game. There are four slots available for all characters in the game. The is a bloodweb where you can spend points earned or bought on items or perks. The characters can learn other’s perks, the items are universal to either a survivor or killer.

The best way to get a feel of the game is to watch a YouTube video of the gameplay.

https://deadbydaylight.com/en

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/dead-by-daylight-special-edition/c0n22p73qz60?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Now I am very late to this scene, this is the first COD game that I have owned and played on my own console! I have the Xbox Game Pass and had been hoping that this number would end up on the list of games. I was advised by my friend that sadly this was unlikely to ever happen, so when I saw that the latest version was on sale, I jumped at the chance to buy it. As it is so popular, there will always be a lot of people to play with. Although I like playing solo on computer games, it is nice to be social sometimes. My favourite gameplay mode is zombies. As a newbie I really struggle with player vs player multiplayer. Zombies can get a little scary when playing without a friend talking to you though.

Through the Xbox Game Pass, I’ve also played Conan Exiles, Dragon Age: Inquisition and Warhammer: Endtimes – Vermintide. I used to love Final Fantasy X so now that it has been released on Game Pass I hope to actually finish it this time round! I’ve also played Risk of Rain 2 with my siblings, but it isn’t on Game Pass.

Keep gaming,

Amy xx