live – The Diary of The Deranged Writer

Song of the Moment XCVII: Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Yes, you read the title right. And I promise you: there are no rickrolls here.

I definitely enjoyed listening to many Nine Inch Nails songs lately (notably “Every Day is Exactly the Same”, a previous Song of the Moment). But since last weekend, I needed to slowly step out of the darkness and enjoy more light. I enjoyed the light again by listening to upbeat songs ranging from “Walking on the Sun” by Smash Mouth to “Treasure” by Bruno Mars (my ultra-talented doppelgänger, according to many people).

But the most upbeat song that stood out for me is Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”, the most popular song not just in Mr. Astley’s catalog but also on the Internet. Many people have fallen into the rickroll trap, and I’m included on that list. But Internet history aside, I believe it’s one of the best pop songs ever, and I love the fact that the chorus is a written promise of total commitment. Who doesn’t want someone who will never give up on them? Those are the reasons it’s my Song of the Moment.

The music video of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”.

Oh, there’s another reason “Never Gonna Give You Up” is my Song of the Moment: Foo Fighters, my all-time favorite band, performed the song with Astley himself in 2017. Seriously, it happened! Please watch the video below. (And don’t worry, it’s a real live performance, not a rickroll. It’s more of a rickgrohl.)

Not a rickroll… Foo Fighters and Rick Astley really performed “Never Gonna Give You Up”.

See? As I promised, no rickrolls.

See you in the next post!

Song of the Moment XCVI: Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender”

Last.fm tracks every song, artist, and album I listen to on my music apps since I joined the website in January 2010. And, to the non-surprise of everyone who knows me personally, my most listened-to song is my favorite of all time: Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender”.

The music video of Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender”.

How many times have I listened to the song from the day I joined Last.fm to yesterday, September 9? 23,999 times. I’m not kidding.

Notes to Self XVIII

Lately, aside from being consistent in my daily rituals (e.g., updating my journal system, skincare, listening to music), I have been exploring uncharted territory. Every week, I would visit a different café or watch a show I should have watched years ago. (Sorry for being late to the party, fans of the iconic action drama 24. Now I get it.)

But since September started, I need to sacrifice exploring new things—for the next few weeks, at least.

This is my 18th Notes to Self. (Also, I think this is my first time-pressured one?)