Then, a journey through all 31 tracks from this brilliant, emotional excavation of an album that turned into something else entirely. I'm sure the NYT will think I, too, need an editor. But f*ck it.
I'm still digesting TTPD (have only listened up to track 18, but have done repeated listens of that) so I will definitely be coming back to your article when I've made more progress, but I really enjoyed reading your thoughts thus far! I've been irritated by quite a lot of reviews around the album, mostly because they were so rushed and this is an album which requires long and close attention. Like many others I have a similar tale (got out of a 6 year relationship and then dove into a painful situationship with an old friend/ flame) which no doubt helps it resonate more, and Red was my favourite album so I obviously like angry Taylor the best 😂 but there's a self awareness and maturity to this album which shows enormous growth, and many of the songs are brilliant. One thing I haven't seen anyone comment on until you, was the sarcasm in many of the songs- they are frequently funny although a darker humour. Two people came to mind for me after listening to it a lot (especially I Can Do It With a Broken Heart) , Bo Burnham and Jerrod Carmichael. Have you seen Bo Burnham's Inside? It's musical comedy (though also confronting and bleak at times) which is very personal and honest. Jerrod also has his new show out, which sees him being honest and confronting with loved ones in his own life. Of course I don't know that they were influences for Taylor, although she does know them both, but this album sees her at her most honest and personal, to the point of it being uncomfortable at times. I'm sure I'll have more thoughts to share and look forward to ploughing on with it all when I have a tiny bit of brain space!
Are there people who *didn't* have on/off sturm und drang relationships that stretched out for years? That *didn't* drive 2+ hours in the middle of a workday fearing the whole way the person they were racing toward was going to do something drastic and irreversible? I'm glad I grew beyond her, but I'm not sorry to have been her.
You? Legendary. This is incredible. I will be circling back to this with more thoughts but I cried about 13 times reading this. The eldest daughter stuff was particularly 🔪💔 because 🎯. And the White Horse/the Manuscript links too because the former was the song I used (a decade + later) to process how My Matty toyed with me aged 16-19.
I cannot believe (well, of course I can, but you know) the cards you pulled in advance of this release. Just bonkers. Also - thank you again for trusting us with this. It—and you—are a gift, one your future students are so incredibly lucky to receive.
And I imagine that Blondie herself would be so, so touched by this piece. She’d feel seen, and she’d appreciate how you were inspired to produce your own Manuscript.
I have to let myself go back and savor every word because let me tell you that I INHALED THIS. More to come but ohmergerd did I need this and love this. Seattle neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds you!
Circa 1977 eldest daughter checking in for duty and to co-sign all of this 🫡
I'm still digesting TTPD (have only listened up to track 18, but have done repeated listens of that) so I will definitely be coming back to your article when I've made more progress, but I really enjoyed reading your thoughts thus far! I've been irritated by quite a lot of reviews around the album, mostly because they were so rushed and this is an album which requires long and close attention. Like many others I have a similar tale (got out of a 6 year relationship and then dove into a painful situationship with an old friend/ flame) which no doubt helps it resonate more, and Red was my favourite album so I obviously like angry Taylor the best 😂 but there's a self awareness and maturity to this album which shows enormous growth, and many of the songs are brilliant. One thing I haven't seen anyone comment on until you, was the sarcasm in many of the songs- they are frequently funny although a darker humour. Two people came to mind for me after listening to it a lot (especially I Can Do It With a Broken Heart) , Bo Burnham and Jerrod Carmichael. Have you seen Bo Burnham's Inside? It's musical comedy (though also confronting and bleak at times) which is very personal and honest. Jerrod also has his new show out, which sees him being honest and confronting with loved ones in his own life. Of course I don't know that they were influences for Taylor, although she does know them both, but this album sees her at her most honest and personal, to the point of it being uncomfortable at times. I'm sure I'll have more thoughts to share and look forward to ploughing on with it all when I have a tiny bit of brain space!
Are there people who *didn't* have on/off sturm und drang relationships that stretched out for years? That *didn't* drive 2+ hours in the middle of a workday fearing the whole way the person they were racing toward was going to do something drastic and irreversible? I'm glad I grew beyond her, but I'm not sorry to have been her.
Still loving and envious of how your work is your passion and your passion is your work.
You? Legendary. This is incredible. I will be circling back to this with more thoughts but I cried about 13 times reading this. The eldest daughter stuff was particularly 🔪💔 because 🎯. And the White Horse/the Manuscript links too because the former was the song I used (a decade + later) to process how My Matty toyed with me aged 16-19.
I cannot believe (well, of course I can, but you know) the cards you pulled in advance of this release. Just bonkers. Also - thank you again for trusting us with this. It—and you—are a gift, one your future students are so incredibly lucky to receive.
And I imagine that Blondie herself would be so, so touched by this piece. She’d feel seen, and she’d appreciate how you were inspired to produce your own Manuscript.
I have to let myself go back and savor every word because let me tell you that I INHALED THIS. More to come but ohmergerd did I need this and love this. Seattle neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds you!
Congrats on the class! It is so necessary. Those kids are lucky to have you!