by orionontv | Jun 13, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
“Brat” by Charli XCX being this good does not make sense: the forward-thinking production, the cunning and introspective lyricism, the sincere tribute to old and new friends. There’s also other components as well: the album’s camp, its sporadic pacing and its need for self-indulgence. These clashing elements should not make for an album as cohesive and complete as it is.
However, it just works.
Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, “Brat” is confusing as it is liberating. It fuses pop and electronic music in such a stylistic way that makes it exciting to listen to. Instead of meandering electronic dance music over a catchy albeit basic pop chorus, it tackles interesting themes that Charli has never written about before such as motherhood, death, bodily insecurities, etc.
This mixing of lyrical and production prowess by both Charli and executive-producer A.G. Cook, makes for the perfect storm for Charli to top the charts critically and commercially. She has received rave reviews from huge music outlets such as theneedledrop (10), Pitchfork (8.6), The Line of Best Fit (9) and Paste (9).
Charli’s multi-conglomeration of her queer, women, young and old fans might be enough to get her positioned on a whole other level critically and culturally.
To talk about the music for a second again, “Brat” succeeds on multiple levels and throughout its runtime it proves to the listener that it will be in their memories for years to come.
The first track, “360,” which is looped into by its sister-remix track, “365,” at the end of the record, talks about Charli’s commercial success and what it took to get her there.
“That city sewer sl*t’s the vibe/Internationally recognized/I set the tone, it’s my design/And it’s stuck in your mind/Legacy is undebated/You gon’ jump if A. G. made it/If you love it, if you hate it/I don’t f***ing care what you think,” Charli sings on “360.”
The other singles on the record including the electric “Von Dutch,” the hypnotic “B2b” and the bass-thumping “Club Classics,” each have their own strengths but share the same weakness: they are not long enough. I simply cannot get enough of each song.
“Brat” does not peak at the singles however, “So I” “Everything is romantic,” “Apple” and “Talk Talk” are also exceedingly fantastic. Normally, singers drenched in auto-tune for an entire record does not work, but for Charli, the effect paints her in a synthetic and futuristic light; someone who is damaged by the fast-moving pace of the world.
This is especially true with the track, “Sympathy is a knife.”
“’Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried/I’m opposite, I’m on the other side/I feel all these feelings I can’t control/Oh no, don’t know why/All this sympathy is just a knife/Why I can’t even grit my teeth and lie?/I feel all these feelings I can’t control (Oh no),” Charli sings.
Charli is torn between herself in reality and her twisted perception of herself in her mind. This is a very common idea that a lot of young people struggle with, especially in internet-focused circles like Charli’s – someone who is constantly being engaged with online para-socially.
The most impactful songs on the record for me have to do with lyrics and themes that the 31-year old has never put to song before, like on “So I,” a song dedicated to the late, great singer-songwriter and producer, SOPHIE.
“Wish I’d tried to pull you closer/You pushed me hard, made me focus/Your words, brutal, loving, truthful/I was petrified/You’re a hero and a human/Track was done, I’d make excuses/You’d say, “Come on, stay for dinner”/I’d say, “No, I’m fine” (Now I really wish I’d stayed),” Charli sings.
A regretful Charli also makes her voice on her own potential motherhood heard on “I think about it all the time.”
“I went to my friend’s place and I met their baby for the first time/How sublime/What a joy, oh my, oh my/Standing there/Same old clothes she wore before, holding her child, yeah/She’s a radiant mother and he’s a bеautiful father/And now they both know thesе things that I don’t,” Charli sings.
These conflicting feelings stay for most of the tracks on the record; these lyrics are personal and beautiful, along with gorgeous and jaw-dropping electronic production to go along with it. Charli XCX shines on this record, even when she does not want to.
The only criticism I have with the record is its overall theming, which is also filled with conflict and vitriol, however, I think for now, “Brat” stands as a record that feels one way on paper, but is completely different in practice. It is a tonal shift, which is perfect for Charli XCX.
by orionontv | Jun 12, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Saturday, June 11, 2024, volunteer workers from Faith Works and Faith in Action of Oakland County (FIAOC) came together to build an aluminum wheelchair ramp for an Orion Township resident with mobility issues.
The volunteers arrived early Saturday morning to put together a donated aluminum ramp for a resident on Chalice Rd. ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Chris Sturges of Faith Works on the day the ramp was installed.
“These are all aluminum ramps, they’re very lightweight and they don’t rust so it’s a lot easier to put in than the wooden ones…” Sturges said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
In just a few hours, the volunteers built and installed the ramp for the resident. This grateful act was made possible in part by Mission Possible.
‘Mission Possible’ is a subset of the non-profit group FIAOC, created in 2019, and is a dedicated team of volunteers that help residents across Oakland County with mobility-related needs.
“We bought some of the pieces, but most of the material is donated,” Sturges said.
According to the Faith In Action website: “In Oakland County we are still Faith in Action of Oakland County (FIAOC) but our name has added another more explicit definition regarding what we are doing as we are calling our program ‘Mission Possible’ that will focus on more specific help for our poverty level elderly and disabled homeowners.”
Aluminum ramps are traditionally expensive, however, if they are donated, they can be reused over and over again. This helps a lot with the volunteering aspect of these programs since the non-profits do not have to spend a lot of money in order to install the ramps – volunteers can bring their own tools as well.
If you or someone you know has an aluminum wheelchair ramp that is no longer in use, reach out to FIAOC or Faith Works and they will send volunteers to disassemble it and store it until a new residence needs it.
“You’re more than welcome to donate anything you want, we’re desperately in need of any resources all the time… and it goes to bless someone who can’t do it for themselves,” Sturges said.
For more information on how to get involved with these groups, or to put in a request, visit faithworksmichigan.org or faithinactionoakland.org.
by orionontv | Jun 11, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Orion Township Public Library hosted their annual Summer Reading Kickoff. The event featured several different activities, community partnerships, and fun performers.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Ashley Lehman, Head of Youth Services at OTPL about the event on Saturday and what the summer reading program entails this year.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“We turn the backyard of the library into a big huge party, we have circus performers, we have food trucks, we have bounce houses and a bunch of other community organizations hosting activities,” Lehman said. “Our summer reading program is online and we also have a bingo sheet for kids – it kicks off today and runs through August third – so kids can do reading challenges and library related activities to earn bingo squares and adults can do library challenges weekly to earn prizes and free books.”
The event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. filled the parking lot with families of eager kids wanting to have fun on a gorgeous Saturday outside the library. The Summer Reading Kickoff was funded by several different means, Lehman expanded on this speaking to ONTV.
“This is possible mostly through our Friends of the Orion Library organization we also have a couple sponsorships from community organizations like Kids Tooth Team and Flip Spot and then we also got a grant through Michigan Humanities Council to fund this,” Lehman said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The event fortunately coincided with the library’s reopening after a small electrical fire that occurred last month. The library started and stopped pickup services in-between the library’s reopening in order to fully dedicate time to clean out the smoke and to keep the staff inside safe.
“We were almost down to the wire but we opened back up on Thursday fully… everything got cleaned up after the fire, there was no damage so we are ready to go for the summer,” Lehman said.
According to the Lake Orion Review, around 500 kids participated in OTPL’s Summer Reading Challenge. But how much time do adults and kids have to dedicate towards reading new books in order to get in on some prizes? Lehman also answered that question to ONTV.
“So, they have to read 600 minutes or 1000 minutes, or read 50 books if you are a little kid and then adults have various library related challenges throughout the summer and then we end with a fun finale party where we raffle off prizes for kids and adults as well,” Lehman said.
Overall, the myriad of different fun activities and community partnership helped encourage kids and adults to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Lehman summed up why these events are important for the library to host.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“You learn best by reading and the library is a great place to just… expand your knowledge and suck in that information and having these parties just entices people to come to the library and see what we are all about,” Lehman said.
The finale for the Summer Reading Challenge will be a Meet and Greet with Reptarium, an interactive reptile zoo. That event happens Saturday, August 3.
For more information on events like these visit oriontownship.librarycalendar.com.
by orionontv | Jun 11, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday June 11th at 10:45 AM
This article will be updated often with the most updated information
District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
FARMINGTON
Farmington Hills Mercy
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Detroit Renaissance
DARKHORSE: Farmington
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be better than last season for Coach Rebecca Kunselman. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for Coach Ashlee Hampton. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn’t look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.
District 25 @ Lakeland
WEST BLOOMFIELD
South Lyon
Lakeland
Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
FAVORITE: Lakeland
NEXT: Walled Lake Northern
DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central
EARLY THOUGHTS: This will be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.
District 26 @ Holly
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
Holly
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Oxford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.
District 27 @ Rochester
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
AVONDALE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Orchard Lake St. Marys
FAVORITE: Adams
NEXT: Orchard Lake St. Marys
DARKHORSE: Stoney Creek
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is what in soccer terms is considered the “group of death.” These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been really improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.
District 28 @ Berkley
BERKLEY
NORTH FARMINGTON
GROVES
SEAHOLM
ROYAL OAK
Birmingham Marian
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Groves
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they will have a new coach in Derick Williams taking over the program. Groves has been rising as of late under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.
District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford II
Utica
FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower
NEXT: Troy
DARKHORSE: Utica
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.
District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Detroit Henry Ford
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Old Redford
FAVORITE: Ferndale University
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Detroit Henry Ford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I’m not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won’t play the competition as both Eagle teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale doesn’t have a coach in there yet but they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.
District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Eastpointe
Warren Lincoln
St. Clair Shores South Lake
FAVORITE: St. Clair Shores South Lake
NEXT: Harper Woods
DARKHORSE: Harper Woods Chandler Park
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.
My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0
