SPN and J2 Big Bang Recs

And now it's time to put into practice what I learned in my last post about reccing!

Black Swans by omphalos and wolfling; Sam/Gabriel; Adult
This story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. Lucifer has been defeated, but the planet's taken a beating in the process. Sam and a wounded Gabriel have been separated from the others and must find their way back across treacherous terrain. I really like the way that both Sam and Gabriel are characterized here. This is a Sam who's very much portrayed in terms of hunger and addiction, and even when those needs shift into something more positive, they still disturbingly echo a Sammy with his mouth painted in demon blood. This Gabriel is the perfect combination of the Trickster, the ineffable superbeing, and the forlorn son who has just helped to kill the brother he still loves. That aspect of Gabriel's character was so well done--the way he could kill Lucifer while hating himself for having to do so. The sex is fun and interesting--nice use of supernatural elements during sex that I found really hot. I might have to add "grace play" to my list of kinks. I also like that what Gabriel did to Sam during the loop of Tuesdays is not glossed over in the least. This isn't a completely unqualified rec. I think that Sam descends into some annoying and slightly ridiculous, "OMG, Gabriel, you are so awesome, dude!" from time to time, but other than that, this is a highly enjoyable and well-written story featuring a rare pairing.

Coming Down on a Sunny Day by maychorian; Castiel-centric gen (references to, although not depictions of, child abuse); I'd say PG-13
After the apocalypse ends horribly, Castiel flings himself back in time to try to stop what's coming. Unfortunately, he doesn't bring his vessel back with him as he's intended, leaving him injured and stuck in the body of a young Jimmy Novak who is adopted by John Winchester in the immediate aftermath of Mary's death. I have to suspend my disbelief that John would so easily trust Castiel and accept him into the family, but once I do that, I have no complaints about this story whatsoever. This unique vision of Castiel/Jimmy, these two beings superimposed on each other and forced to share the same space, is utterly riveting. I really like the commentary on what it means to be a vessel, to be the physical embodiment of an entity of such power. It's a painful existence for both of them. I also like this look at a John Winchester who's told what his quest for revenge will do to his children and chooses to put Sam and Dean first. He's still John Winchester, but he's nobody Sam will ever need to walk away from and I love that.

In Becoming Who We Are by elizah_jane; Jensen/Jeff; Jensen/Jared; Adult
After he's hurt by a failed relationship with Jeff, Jensen doesn't let himself get close to anyone again. Until he meets Jared. First, I love that you get such an extended look at Jensen and Jeff's relationship, thus fulfilling my dire need for more JDM in fic. I love the extended network of friends Jensen has, particularly Misha and Clare and the way their relationship is characterized. I adore that Jensen and Jared take so long to get on the same page, misreading each other and misunderstanding what the other wants (yes, yes, this is totally my narrative kink and I OWN it!). This feels like an instant classic to me, one of those wonderful long romances with an ensemble cast that's got pitch perfect dialogue, more than a handful of funny, and enough pathos to make everything that much sweeter. My favorite J2 so far.

Vid Recs

SGA

What is Eternal by Gnine
This song is just ridiculous and over the top in its gravitas. Josh won't allow me to play it any longer in his presence; in fact, I started the vid up for a rewatch pre-reccing and no lie two seconds in he's telling me I have to go listen to it in another room. LOL But there's something incredibly endearing and tongue-in-cheek about applying this song to SGA because, yes. It's kinda funny to think of the show in these melodramatic terms, but at the same time, we do! It's true. I love the way this vid acknowledges those two levels--how much we care about these characters while also kinda making fun of us for it.

SPN

Gaston by LeBluu
This is Dean reimagined as Gaston from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Very cleverly edited. Fun watch.

Smile Like You Mean It by Snooglyshnork
This is the best vid I've seen in a long, long time. It's so short and yet packs such a wallop. I found it when I was searching for Castiel vids and I instantly loved it because Misha Collins has such a beautiful, well, everything, and I was digging on watching him grin. But then, the more I watched it, the more disturbed and haunted I became by his smiles and all the pain they mask. This is really intensely good work.

Hallelujah
Okay, so I'm a sucker for this song. This is Rufus Wainwright's cover which is my second favorite version of the song after Jeff Buckley's. The lyrics work so well for SPN.

Speaking of "Hallelujah," thanks to thelastgoodname, I can point you to this seriously awesome article about the evolution of the song that includes clips of a ton of different covers that you will find, alas, all too short and tantilizing, especially since some of them are not Youtube-able. Definitely listen to the excerpt of the author's very funny take on the song (last clip of the article). "You don't really care for music, do ya? It's alright!" LOL Good times.

Star Trek

When I'm 64 by Killa and T. Jonesy
This is just all kinds of sweet. Not very descriptive, I know, but if you're familiar with the song, you probably already know that this is a perfectly fluffy tribute to TOS Kirk/Spock.

Steady as She Goes by Jrbatfan
This begins with a clip of TOS Kirk saying, "Helmsman, steady as she goes," and then segues into the Raconteurs song of the same name. I love the fast cuts between clips, the way that certain shots are manipulated to the rhythm of the song. This song makes you wanna dance, and this vid does the dancing for you vicariously. The repeated theme of things *not* going quite steadily is very amusing.