Musicality - Florence and the Machine, Mika, Monique Gabriel Salazar, Ryn Weave

Florence and the Machine
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
(Island)
I have yet to be disappointed by the English indie rock band Florence and the Machine. They have been doing nothing but rising and improving, and they’re keeping that up on this album, their third. It’s serious, enthusiastic and celebratory. Florence Welch’s vocals are haunting and soulful. The brilliant songwriting never sounds repetitive or dull, and every song is its own journey, with zero shortcuts. This album is a treat. My only complaint is that it made me too happy. Even the serious songs made me happy, mostly because the compositions were so good. My favorites are “Delilah,” “Third Eye” and “Mother.”
Mika
No Place in Heaven
(Republic)
British artist Mika’s voice stands out, not because it demands attention, but because it is subtle and very good. I enjoy his clarity. That facet of the album and the well-composed songs make music that’s a delight to listen to. My favorite songs from Mika are the ones where he adds a bit of funk, such as “Oh Girl You’re The Devil.” Conversely, I’m also a sucker for a good piano melody, and the song “Hurts” is beautiful and heartbreaking. Lyrically, this is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. It reminds me of the storytelling style of songs used in musicals. I’m particularly drawn to the vocals because they don’t take themselves too seriously, making most of the album rather lighthearted. My favorite songs are “Last Party,” “Hurts,” and “Good Wife.”
Monique Gabrielle Salazar
Devil’s Pool EP
It’s nice to get back to the basics sometimes. Monique Gabrielle Salazar, one of Kansas City’s own, uses her voice and the simplicity of a ukulele. Though the ukulele is the glue that holds it all together, it’s the vocals and lyrics that truly stand out. The EP is a rough demo recording, but what it lacks in recording quality, it makes up for in fervor and vocal melody. Use a pair of headphones to really get a good listen. My favorite song is “Blood Pool,” for its addictive melody. Salazar is honest in her lyrics and undaunted in sharing her view of the world. I look forward to hearing more. If you are looking for something new that isn’t synthesized and overly polished, definitely check this out.
Ryn Weaver
The Fool
(Interscope)
If you enjoy pop-alternative and you’re looking for something to round off your summer, this new album from Ryn Weaver is a good one for that kind of mood that can happen between summer and fall. It reminds me a bit of the musical style of Florence and the Machine, using a similar dramatic voice with heart-thumping background music and drums with really good build-ups. This is especially prevalent in songs like “Promises,” which I love. The song “Here is Home” has a slight country feel, mostly in the pacing. Although it’s a little less dramatic than the rest of the album, it’s the song that stayed in my head the most. Other good ones to check out are the title track, “The Fool,” and “Traveling Song.”

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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