DeepSummary
In this episode of the Switched on Pop podcast, the hosts Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding analyze Taylor Swift's latest album 'Midnights' through a literary lens. They explore various literary genres and styles that Swift has incorporated into her songwriting, such as pulp fiction, diary entries, period pieces, and epic poetry. The hosts also discuss how Swift has created her own distinct genre, drawing from her previous work and weaving a tapestry of musical and lyrical references.
The episode delves into songs like 'Fresh Out the Slammer' and 'Florida,' which exhibit a noir, crime fiction vibe. Tracks like 'Down Bad' and 'High School' are seen as capturing the essence of teenage diary entries. 'But Daddy, I Love Him' and 'Clara Bowe' are analyzed as period pieces, while 'The Prophecy' and 'The Albatross' are considered to evoke epic poetry.
Sloan and Harding also discuss how Swift has created a distinct 'Taylor Swift' genre, incorporating elements like the 'teardrop' melody and lyrical references to her previous work. They explore whether the album is a work of fiction or a 'roman à clef,' drawing from Swift's personal experiences and relationships.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Taylor Swift's album 'Midnights' draws from various literary genres, including pulp fiction, diary entries, period pieces, and epic poetry.
- Swift has created her own distinct 'Taylor Swift' genre by weaving musical and lyrical references from her previous work into her songs.
- The album blends elements of fiction and personal experiences, with some songs potentially acting as a 'roman à clef' inspired by Swift's own life.
- Swift incorporates literary references and poetic devices, such as rhyme schemes and alliteration, into her songwriting.
- The hosts analyze Swift's 'literary era,' where she explores her literary aspirations and 'legendary' status.
- Swift's distinct sound and style, including elements like the 'teardrop' melody, contribute to the creation of her own genre.
- The album raises questions about the line between fiction and memoir, and the balance between personal experiences and creative expression.
- Swift's ability to captivate her dedicated fanbase allows her to explore more unconventional and experimental styles without sacrificing commercial success.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I did my best to lay to rest all of the bodies that have ever been on my body and in my mind they sink into the swamp. Is that a bad thing to say in a song?“ by Taylor Swift
- “Now I'm down bad crying at the gym everything comes out teenage petulance, fuck it if I can't have him I might just die would make no difference.“ by Taylor Swift
- “And it was written, I got cursed. Like Eve got bitten. Oh, was it punishment?“ by Taylor Swift
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Episode Information
Switched on Pop
Vulture
4/23/24
The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, finds the songwriter in the world of literature. She interweaves personal romance with mythical creation and quotations from high and low culture: Genesis, Peter Pan and even Playstation. Despite calling herself a "modern idiot," less-than-subtle nods to Sylvia Plath, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Dylan Thomas, and Patti Smith reveal the artist’s literary aspirations and “legendary” status. The full length Anthology version contains a bookshelf of many genres: pulp fiction, diary entries, period pieces, epic poems, and her very own genre, Taylor Swift.
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