A Sea Of Synchronized Spandex
November 7, 2014 11:11 AM Subscribe
One of two YouTubes that made me lol today. The other is only seven seconds long but is magnificent.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2014 [18 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:19 AM on November 7, 2014 [18 favorites]
Perhaps the reason they synch so well together is that they are of equivalent cultural worth? Just a thought.
posted by Perko at 11:23 AM on November 7, 2014
posted by Perko at 11:23 AM on November 7, 2014
Or because they're both so much fun!
posted by OverlappingElvis at 11:27 AM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
posted by OverlappingElvis at 11:27 AM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
Try this one?
It's... hard to imagine the original link was better than that. Wow. Who knew there was such a thing as the Crystal Light national aerobics championship??
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's... hard to imagine the original link was better than that. Wow. Who knew there was such a thing as the Crystal Light national aerobics championship??
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 11:28 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
As a former club VJ, I can attest that 80s aerobics videos synch up eerily well to almost everything.
posted by louche mustachio at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2014 [22 favorites]
posted by louche mustachio at 11:31 AM on November 7, 2014 [22 favorites]
Perhaps the reason they synch so well together is that they are of equivalent cultural worth?
155ish BPM of cultural worth. Yeah that makes sense...
posted by aesacus at 11:32 AM on November 7, 2014
155ish BPM of cultural worth. Yeah that makes sense...
posted by aesacus at 11:32 AM on November 7, 2014
The main link got blocked in what seems to be record time. I think NoMich found a replacement link, but it's also on YouTube so I presume is also vulnerable to blocking. Sigh.
posted by JHarris at 11:35 AM on November 7, 2014
posted by JHarris at 11:35 AM on November 7, 2014
That shit pumped me up to do some aerobics!
posted by batfish at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by batfish at 11:38 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Saw this yesterday and while anything choreographed to a similar beat would probably work the choreography really just makes this perfect.
Is there any version with Soul Train Dance Lines yet?
posted by vuron at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2014
Is there any version with Soul Train Dance Lines yet?
posted by vuron at 11:40 AM on November 7, 2014
Perhaps the reason they synch so well together is that they are of equivalent cultural worth?
So edgy! So insightful! Surely you must have produced so much music that has touched the lives of millions of fans just like Taylor Swift. Or changed musical genres while still writing and performing your own songs. I bet you're a Beatle. Which one are you?! Are you Ringo? I LOVE RINGO!!!!
posted by einer at 11:45 AM on November 7, 2014 [24 favorites]
So edgy! So insightful! Surely you must have produced so much music that has touched the lives of millions of fans just like Taylor Swift. Or changed musical genres while still writing and performing your own songs. I bet you're a Beatle. Which one are you?! Are you Ringo? I LOVE RINGO!!!!
posted by einer at 11:45 AM on November 7, 2014 [24 favorites]
I love "Shake It Off." So much. It is probably my Official Jam of 2014. I have evidently sung it to my seven-month-old enough that she gets all smiley and excited when she hears it.
Also this is roughly how I dance to it. No, really.
posted by uncleozzy at 11:46 AM on November 7, 2014 [7 favorites]
Also this is roughly how I dance to it. No, really.
posted by uncleozzy at 11:46 AM on November 7, 2014 [7 favorites]
Try this one?
It's... hard to imagine the original link was better than that. Wow. Who knew there was such a thing as the Crystal Light national aerobics championship??
The original link was to a video that Youtube pulled. I found one that still hasn't been pulled, so enjoy it while it lasts.
posted by NoMich at 11:52 AM on November 7, 2014
It's... hard to imagine the original link was better than that. Wow. Who knew there was such a thing as the Crystal Light national aerobics championship??
The original link was to a video that Youtube pulled. I found one that still hasn't been pulled, so enjoy it while it lasts.
posted by NoMich at 11:52 AM on November 7, 2014
I love it too, but I'm starting to try to avoid it because that shit gets stuck in my head for days. She is really good at cranking out some catchy pop.
Does anyone know if these insane aerobics competitions still exist? At the beginning of the video I was wondering what was up with the type of person who would decide to attend one of those things as an audience member but by the end I wished I was there myself.
posted by something something at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
Does anyone know if these insane aerobics competitions still exist? At the beginning of the video I was wondering what was up with the type of person who would decide to attend one of those things as an audience member but by the end I wished I was there myself.
posted by something something at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
I'm super-here for the VERY VERY ENTHUSASTIC tall blonde guy in the center BIG SMILES CRAIG BIG SMILES GET THE SHOW
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2014
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on November 7, 2014
So edgy! So insightful! Surely you must have produced so much music that has touched the lives of millions of fans just like Taylor Swift. Or changed musical genres while still writing and performing your own songs. I bet you're a Beatle. Which one are you?! Are you Ringo? I LOVE RINGO!!!!
I'm sure Perko did it all by the age of 25, too, and visits hospitalized children every week too.
When do we get to come to your Manhattan penthouse (that you paid for in cash) for cookies and snacks and listening session? Tomorrow? Well, you'd better have a cute as hell Scottish fold kitten for me hold, goddamn it.
Do you even know who Kendrick Lamar is?
posted by discopolo at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'm sure Perko did it all by the age of 25, too, and visits hospitalized children every week too.
When do we get to come to your Manhattan penthouse (that you paid for in cash) for cookies and snacks and listening session? Tomorrow? Well, you'd better have a cute as hell Scottish fold kitten for me hold, goddamn it.
Do you even know who Kendrick Lamar is?
posted by discopolo at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
The 80s were a more innocent time.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by a lungful of dragon at 11:55 AM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Nelson here recently posted a few similar videos as an answer in AskMe. Very entertaining.
posted by exogenous at 11:56 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by exogenous at 11:56 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I love "Shake It Off." So much. It is probably my Official Jam of 2014. I have evidently sung it to my seven-month-old enough that she gets all smiley and excited when she hears it.
Same here. My 5 month old just loves it. I put it on for her all the time. For instance, on my iPhone while I'm walking to work. Wait, what? I said The Damned, you misheard me.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Same here. My 5 month old just loves it. I put it on for her all the time. For instance, on my iPhone while I'm walking to work. Wait, what? I said The Damned, you misheard me.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:57 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I love Taylor Swift, but my relationship to "Shake it Off" is complicated. I know, on some level, that it's not a great song. When I ranked the songs off 1989, it came in ninth.* The part of my brain that says its not a great song, however, is capable of being completely silenced by the experience of actually listening to it. Whenever I actually listen to it, I just want to sing along and dance around like a stupid idiot. I even love the spoken bit which I feel like should absolutely make me cringe, but it doesn't it just makes me want to make sassy faces at the mirror like someone who is definitely not the 30 year old man I am.
*Looking at these rankings after having listened to the album continuously for couple weeks, I would make some significant changes. "Shake It Off" is probably still eighth or ninth, though.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:01 PM on November 7, 2014 [11 favorites]
*Looking at these rankings after having listened to the album continuously for couple weeks, I would make some significant changes. "Shake It Off" is probably still eighth or ninth, though.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:01 PM on November 7, 2014 [11 favorites]
Shake It Off demonstrates that even using a little bit of that cheerleader march sound will hook me every time.
posted by The Whelk at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:06 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Perhaps the reason they synch so well together is that they are of equivalent cultural worth? Just a thought.
I'm kind of disappointed that people didn't give you more credit here. Perfect set-up for "Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate..."
posted by explosion at 12:15 PM on November 7, 2014 [15 favorites]
I'm kind of disappointed that people didn't give you more credit here. Perfect set-up for "Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate..."
posted by explosion at 12:15 PM on November 7, 2014 [15 favorites]
We where too busy listening to this. Sick. Beat.
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on November 7, 2014 [13 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on November 7, 2014 [13 favorites]
I'm super-here for the VERY VERY ENTHUSASTIC tall blonde guy
I have to say my eye was drawn to the short haired blonde woman, who had that sort of sensible but not too strict haircut that every woman on eighties television had to indicate that she was both a tough, no nonsense cop|business woman but was still looking for romance.
posted by MartinWisse at 12:21 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
I have to say my eye was drawn to the short haired blonde woman, who had that sort of sensible but not too strict haircut that every woman on eighties television had to indicate that she was both a tough, no nonsense cop|business woman but was still looking for romance.
posted by MartinWisse at 12:21 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
The 80s were a more innocent time.
Sometimes dancing in the closet is the sassiest dancing...
posted by ennui.bz at 12:23 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Sometimes dancing in the closet is the sassiest dancing...
posted by ennui.bz at 12:23 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
I want to make fun of the people in this video. Then I realize that they're getting more exercise in that YouTube video than many of today's Americans get in an average week...
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2014
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2014
I was alive in the 1980s, but a kid in the Midwest, so I would like to ask the group: did adult people really put tapes in their VCR and actually try to keep up with routines like this? Wouldn't you crash into a bookshelf or trip over an ottoman or tear your hamstring and be left writing on the floor until someone found you there after nightfall?
posted by wenestvedt at 12:32 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 12:32 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
ya personally i super enjoy this version that I think the TS one is made from: 1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championship Opening
posted by rebent at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by rebent at 12:36 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I would like to ask the group: did adult people really put tapes in their VCR and actually try to keep up with routines like this?
People were more coordinated in the 80s. Also bouncier, especially the men. Much bouncier.
posted by fshgrl at 12:39 PM on November 7, 2014
People were more coordinated in the 80s. Also bouncier, especially the men. Much bouncier.
posted by fshgrl at 12:39 PM on November 7, 2014
The beats sync up, but there's that moment at about 2:26 where there's the shimmying toward the camera in the aerobics championship that's really funny to me.
Also funny to me is how quick people are to rush in and talk about how T.Swift is talentless trash.
posted by sweetkid at 12:39 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also funny to me is how quick people are to rush in and talk about how T.Swift is talentless trash.
posted by sweetkid at 12:39 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Whoa, this is wacky, that aerobics video is not unknown to those of us who delight in cultural ephemera found in the wilds of the internetz.
In fact, many moons ago I made an animated gif of my favorite part.
For your hypnotic viewing enjoyment.
posted by jeremias at 12:40 PM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
In fact, many moons ago I made an animated gif of my favorite part.
For your hypnotic viewing enjoyment.
posted by jeremias at 12:40 PM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
So edgy! So insightful! Surely you must have produced so much music that has touched the lives of millions of fans just like Taylor Swift. Or changed musical genres while still writing and performing your own songs. I bet you're a Beatle. Which one are you?! Are you Ringo? I LOVE RINGO!!!!
You don't need to play music (which I do) to critique it. When Bob Dylan went electric, his verses tended not to be quite as repetitive as this
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (haters gonna hate)
I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break (mmmm)
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake (and fake, and fake, and fake)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
play, play, play, play play. You are right. HOW ON EARTH COULD I OR ANYONE ELSE HAVE WRITTEN THIS?
Sure, Dylan didn't have to write pop, but this has lowest-common-denominator appeal written all over it. In one sense, that's all pop is (appealing to the lowest common denominator of listeners). But I would argue truly great pop is pop that transcends this limitation, either beyond mere danceability or lyrically. Swift's songs do neither.
posted by Perko at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
You don't need to play music (which I do) to critique it. When Bob Dylan went electric, his verses tended not to be quite as repetitive as this
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (haters gonna hate)
I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break (mmmm)
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake (and fake, and fake, and fake)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
play, play, play, play play. You are right. HOW ON EARTH COULD I OR ANYONE ELSE HAVE WRITTEN THIS?
Sure, Dylan didn't have to write pop, but this has lowest-common-denominator appeal written all over it. In one sense, that's all pop is (appealing to the lowest common denominator of listeners). But I would argue truly great pop is pop that transcends this limitation, either beyond mere danceability or lyrically. Swift's songs do neither.
posted by Perko at 12:42 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Well you've definitely proved that Taylor Swift isn't Bob Dylan, I guess.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2014 [26 favorites]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:43 PM on November 7, 2014 [26 favorites]
What? Taylor Swift pulled her tunes from spotify? This video mashup gets pulled as quickly as it is posted? You don't like Taylor or 80s aerobics?
Well...
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 12:46 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
Well...
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 12:46 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
From what I can see in YouTube covers, Taylor has been getting a lot of young girls into guitar/songwriting. She has really simple chords and not a huge range, so it's very accessible for them. Also, I took guitar classes a few years ago and we didn't learn a single song written or even mainly performed by a woman. It makes it a little difficult to connect, especially when you're trying to sing along. I liked learning 'Blackbird' and 'Free Falling' but I wouldn't have minded "Mine" or "Mean" or "We Are Never Getting Back Together" also.
posted by sweetkid at 12:47 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 12:47 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
beyond mere danceability
But why? "Mere" danceability isn't so mere, is it? Pop is an incredibly challenging craft. Achieving earwormishness on this level does, I'd say, qualify as "truly great."
(That said, I do recognize that some people do find lyrics more important than the sounds they make... I'm just not one of them.)
posted by uncleozzy at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
But why? "Mere" danceability isn't so mere, is it? Pop is an incredibly challenging craft. Achieving earwormishness on this level does, I'd say, qualify as "truly great."
(That said, I do recognize that some people do find lyrics more important than the sounds they make... I'm just not one of them.)
posted by uncleozzy at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
When I ranked the songs off 1989, it came in ninth.
I must know your rankings. I too have been attempting this. I think we'll all agree Welcome to New York comes in Last. But WHAT TO PUT FIRST? Out of the woods? Wildest Dreams? Wonderland?
HOW ON EARTH COULD I OR ANYONE ELSE HAVE WRITTEN THIS?
People are still using this line as a way to critique art? lulz.
I compose really esoteric and complex music that requires a lot of math and pretension and long hair to appreciate and I think 1989 is fucking awesome and rocking as shit and T. Swift is a talented motherfucker. I'd give almost anything to be able to write a hook as ear-wormy and addicting as she can.
posted by Lutoslawski at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
I must know your rankings. I too have been attempting this. I think we'll all agree Welcome to New York comes in Last. But WHAT TO PUT FIRST? Out of the woods? Wildest Dreams? Wonderland?
HOW ON EARTH COULD I OR ANYONE ELSE HAVE WRITTEN THIS?
People are still using this line as a way to critique art? lulz.
I compose really esoteric and complex music that requires a lot of math and pretension and long hair to appreciate and I think 1989 is fucking awesome and rocking as shit and T. Swift is a talented motherfucker. I'd give almost anything to be able to write a hook as ear-wormy and addicting as she can.
posted by Lutoslawski at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
But why? "Mere" danceability isn't so mere, is it? Pop is an incredibly challenging craft. Achieving earwormishness on this level does, I'd say, qualify as "truly great."
(That said, I do recognize that some people do find lyrics more important than the sounds they make... I'm just not one of them.)
Guys, this argument is a scene in This is Forty because it is a universal musical debate. WE CANNOT SOLVE THIS HERE.
INT. SADIE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Pete and Debbie walk in mid-argument. Sadie is listening to a
song on her iPhone.
DEBBIE
Sadie. Sadie, what are you
listening to?
(MORE)
20.
DEBBIE (CONT'D)
Okay, this is music that makes
people happy. And this is what
people buy. Right, girls?
She puts Sadie's iPod in a dock and plays the Nikki Minaj rap
"Roman's Revenge." They all start rapping along to it.
They all laugh and dance and go crazy. Pete turns the iPod
off.
DEBBIE (CONT'D)
Why did you take it off?
PETE
Now, something that really rocks.
Pete puts on "Rooster" by Alice In Chains.
PETE (CONT'D)
This is called good music. From
somebody's heart.
SADIE
This is bumming me out. This isn't
fun.
PETE
Just listen to these words, okay?
CHARLOTTE
I don't understand the words.
PETE
This is lyrics, this is poetry.
This is what is going to survive in
a hundred years.
DEBBIE
It just doesn't make people happy.
PETE
It makes me happy. I can dance to
it.
Pete starts dancing around like it is fun.
DEBBIE
You're the only one in the room
who's happy.
<>
posted by edbles at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
(That said, I do recognize that some people do find lyrics more important than the sounds they make... I'm just not one of them.)
Guys, this argument is a scene in This is Forty because it is a universal musical debate. WE CANNOT SOLVE THIS HERE.
INT. SADIE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Pete and Debbie walk in mid-argument. Sadie is listening to a
song on her iPhone.
DEBBIE
Sadie. Sadie, what are you
listening to?
(MORE)
20.
DEBBIE (CONT'D)
Okay, this is music that makes
people happy. And this is what
people buy. Right, girls?
She puts Sadie's iPod in a dock and plays the Nikki Minaj rap
"Roman's Revenge." They all start rapping along to it.
They all laugh and dance and go crazy. Pete turns the iPod
off.
DEBBIE (CONT'D)
Why did you take it off?
PETE
Now, something that really rocks.
Pete puts on "Rooster" by Alice In Chains.
PETE (CONT'D)
This is called good music. From
somebody's heart.
SADIE
This is bumming me out. This isn't
fun.
PETE
Just listen to these words, okay?
CHARLOTTE
I don't understand the words.
PETE
This is lyrics, this is poetry.
This is what is going to survive in
a hundred years.
DEBBIE
It just doesn't make people happy.
PETE
It makes me happy. I can dance to
it.
Pete starts dancing around like it is fun.
DEBBIE
You're the only one in the room
who's happy.
<>
posted by edbles at 1:54 PM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
I must know your rankings. I too have been attempting this. I think we'll all agree Welcome to New York comes in Last. But WHAT TO PUT FIRST? Out of the woods? Wildest Dreams? Wonderland?
Okay Welcome to New York comes dead last, obviously. I also only ranked the 13 tracks on the non-deluxe album although Wonderland is great, agreed. I've revised my initial rankings based on more listenings, but here's where I am right now:
13. "Welcome to New York":
12. "This Love"
11. "How You Get The Girl"
10. "Bad Blood"
9. "Shake It Off"
8. "All You Had to Do was Stay"
7. "I Wish You Would"
6. "Clean"
5. "Out of the Woods"
4. "I Know Places"
3."Wildest Dreams"
2. "Style"
1. "Blank Space"
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
Okay Welcome to New York comes dead last, obviously. I also only ranked the 13 tracks on the non-deluxe album although Wonderland is great, agreed. I've revised my initial rankings based on more listenings, but here's where I am right now:
13. "Welcome to New York":
12. "This Love"
11. "How You Get The Girl"
10. "Bad Blood"
9. "Shake It Off"
8. "All You Had to Do was Stay"
7. "I Wish You Would"
6. "Clean"
5. "Out of the Woods"
4. "I Know Places"
3."Wildest Dreams"
2. "Style"
1. "Blank Space"
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:01 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
Somehow I'm living in a cave enough that this was the first time I've heard that song. It was a good way to be introduced to it!
posted by aka burlap at 2:15 PM on November 7, 2014
posted by aka burlap at 2:15 PM on November 7, 2014
play, play, play, play play. You are right. HOW ON EARTH COULD I OR ANYONE ELSE HAVE WRITTEN THIS?
And yet, you didn't write it. Hmmmm.
posted by discopolo at 2:27 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
And yet, you didn't write it. Hmmmm.
posted by discopolo at 2:27 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
What is it with those 80s bikini bottoms
Man what's that about
Does Bob Dylan know
posted by Ray Walston, Luck Dragon at 2:37 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
Man what's that about
Does Bob Dylan know
posted by Ray Walston, Luck Dragon at 2:37 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
Most of the comments railing against me say that just because I myself haven't written a hit pop song nor touched the lives of many means I can't judge it unfavorably. These are logical fallacies from the sort of people who lack the ability-- or at least willingness-- to define or create their own aesthetic criteria for pop music, and as a result find Taylor Swift's brand of pop perfectly palatable! Ignorance, as they say, is truly sometimes bliss.
I'm sure some people could make a good case for Swift's music, though I've yet to see it here.
...
I'd give almost anything to be able to write a hook as ear-wormy and addicting as she can.
Then surely you'd likewise give almost anything to be Barry Manilow, who wrote the Folgers, State Farm, and Band-Aid jingles. Fine, but it still smacks of vapidity. I'll give Manilow my pop vote over Swift, because he's relying less on repeating the same words/notes over and over again-- one of the laziest, unimaginative things a songwriter can do-- and more on ACTUAL melodic progressions, with tension and resolution.
Here's a catchy jingle of a local attorney. It's catchy, it uses sustained repetition just like Swift, and yet you'd be a loon to put it on your iPod based on that criteria. Obviously repetition is an effective pop music trope, and I'd be willing to give Swift the benefit of the doubt, except I can't overlook the hook to her previous single ("trouble, trouble, trouble!" Thanks Ms. Swift... I think that person might have been trouble!)
I'll now take my leave of this thread, though I will surely illicit more contemptuous responses, but it's okay and all is forgiven... I'm going to go listen to good music. :D
posted by Perko at 3:03 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
I'm sure some people could make a good case for Swift's music, though I've yet to see it here.
...
I'd give almost anything to be able to write a hook as ear-wormy and addicting as she can.
Then surely you'd likewise give almost anything to be Barry Manilow, who wrote the Folgers, State Farm, and Band-Aid jingles. Fine, but it still smacks of vapidity. I'll give Manilow my pop vote over Swift, because he's relying less on repeating the same words/notes over and over again-- one of the laziest, unimaginative things a songwriter can do-- and more on ACTUAL melodic progressions, with tension and resolution.
Here's a catchy jingle of a local attorney. It's catchy, it uses sustained repetition just like Swift, and yet you'd be a loon to put it on your iPod based on that criteria. Obviously repetition is an effective pop music trope, and I'd be willing to give Swift the benefit of the doubt, except I can't overlook the hook to her previous single ("trouble, trouble, trouble!" Thanks Ms. Swift... I think that person might have been trouble!)
I'll now take my leave of this thread, though I will surely illicit more contemptuous responses, but it's okay and all is forgiven... I'm going to go listen to good music. :D
posted by Perko at 3:03 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
God, snobs are boring.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 3:11 PM on November 7, 2014 [30 favorites]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 3:11 PM on November 7, 2014 [30 favorites]
I've always liked the idea of Taylor Swift (a young woman writing and singing about her own experiences, awesome!) more than a lot of her actual songs, but 1989 just hits that sweet spot for me. Great songs, great hooks, and having first listened to music in the '80s, the songs resonate in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
My favourite song on the album is probably Wonderland -- actually, I love all three bonus tracks and am surprised they've been relegated to the place usually reserved for misfits and cast-offs. Least favourites are Clean and This Love, and I like How You Get The Girl quite a bit more than Bulgaroktonos does. But generally, I'm digging his list.
Pop album of the year for me, easily. If it's not yours, I'd love to know what is because I want to listen to it, too!
posted by Georgina at 3:12 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
My favourite song on the album is probably Wonderland -- actually, I love all three bonus tracks and am surprised they've been relegated to the place usually reserved for misfits and cast-offs. Least favourites are Clean and This Love, and I like How You Get The Girl quite a bit more than Bulgaroktonos does. But generally, I'm digging his list.
Pop album of the year for me, easily. If it's not yours, I'd love to know what is because I want to listen to it, too!
posted by Georgina at 3:12 PM on November 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
These are logical fallacies from the sort of people who lack the ability-- or at least willingness-- to define or create their own aesthetic criteria for pop music, and as a result find Taylor Swift's brand of pop perfectly palatable! Ignorance, as they say, is truly sometimes bliss.
Because obviously, aesthetic criteria that differ from your own are impossible.
I'm going to go listen to good music. :D
"Hide away and find your peace of mind / With some indie record that's much cooler than mine..."
posted by Starmie at 3:20 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
Because obviously, aesthetic criteria that differ from your own are impossible.
I'm going to go listen to good music. :D
"Hide away and find your peace of mind / With some indie record that's much cooler than mine..."
posted by Starmie at 3:20 PM on November 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
"Hide away and find your peace of mind / With some indie record that's much cooler than mine..."
Love that sick burn.
Also the first lyrics of Shake It Off --
I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That's what people say, mmm-mmm
That's what people say, mmm-mmm
I go on too many dates [chuckle]
But I can't make them stay
At least that's what people say, mmm-mmm
That's what people say, mmm-mmm
I mean she's super aware of her critics and pokes fun at them constantly. How daring is it to call her out on her work if she's so comfortable with that that she's putting it in her material?
posted by sweetkid at 3:27 PM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
God, snobs are boring.
Crystal Light is just not very good, I'm sorry.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 3:28 PM on November 7, 2014 [11 favorites]
Crystal Light is just not very good, I'm sorry.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 3:28 PM on November 7, 2014 [11 favorites]
But spandex leotards with feathered hair are just right
posted by The Whelk at 3:47 PM on November 7, 2014
posted by The Whelk at 3:47 PM on November 7, 2014
I'll now take my leave of this thread, though I will surely illicit more contemptuous responses, but it's okay and all is forgiven... I'm going to go listen to good music. :D
You were pretty rude, Perko, at the expense of some of us here, which is why I personally still think your remarks are unnecessary and immature and rude/asshole-ish. Your forgiveness is unnecessary,as well, but if you want to pay for our tix to the 1989 tour.....
posted by discopolo at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
You were pretty rude, Perko, at the expense of some of us here, which is why I personally still think your remarks are unnecessary and immature and rude/asshole-ish. Your forgiveness is unnecessary,as well, but if you want to pay for our tix to the 1989 tour.....
posted by discopolo at 3:54 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
I mean she's super aware of her critics and pokes fun at them constantly. How daring is it to call her out on her work if she's so comfortable with that that she's putting it in her material?
Also, I want that cat dance sweatshirt. Where can I get it pls?
posted by discopolo at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also, I want that cat dance sweatshirt. Where can I get it pls?
posted by discopolo at 3:56 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
You jerks are going to make me buy this album, aren't you. I really wasn't planning on this. Ugh.
posted by uncleozzy at 4:09 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by uncleozzy at 4:09 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Anyone this much hated must be doing something right
posted by Lanark at 4:13 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Lanark at 4:13 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
I'll give Manilow my pop vote over Swift, because he's relying less on repeating the same words/notes over and over again-- one of the laziest, unimaginative things a songwriter can do-- and more on ACTUAL melodic progressions, with tension and resolution.
If you can't even tell that repetition is intended not as lyrical filler but as a form of sound effect then you really have no business critiquing music, period.
posted by psoas at 4:27 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
If you can't even tell that repetition is intended not as lyrical filler but as a form of sound effect then you really have no business critiquing music, period.
posted by psoas at 4:27 PM on November 7, 2014 [4 favorites]
Only the fact that the sheer age of the gag makes a handy YouTube clip impossible to find stops me from posting Steve Allen's dramatic reading of the lyrics to "Tutti Frutti."
Steve also thought he was bring marvelously clever exposing a terrible song as the ephemera he thought it was.
Nearly everyone knows and loves "Tutti Frutti." Steve Allen is a historical figure largely unknown to people under thirty and largely left undocumented in online videos.
He may have been less marvelously clever than he thought.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:52 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Steve also thought he was bring marvelously clever exposing a terrible song as the ephemera he thought it was.
Nearly everyone knows and loves "Tutti Frutti." Steve Allen is a historical figure largely unknown to people under thirty and largely left undocumented in online videos.
He may have been less marvelously clever than he thought.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:52 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'd give almost anything to be able to write a hook as ear-wormy and addicting as she can.
Not to take anything away from TS, but both of her No. 1 pop songs (“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and “Shake It Off”) were co-written by Swift with Swedish pop megaproducer/writer Max Martin and his frequent partner Johan “Shellback” Schuster.
posted by GrammarMoses at 5:16 PM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
Not to take anything away from TS, but both of her No. 1 pop songs (“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and “Shake It Off”) were co-written by Swift with Swedish pop megaproducer/writer Max Martin and his frequent partner Johan “Shellback” Schuster.
(Fun, shocking footnote, by the way: This is Max Martin’s 18th No. 1 hit as a songwriter. With this, the 43-year-old who wrote such pop dominators as “…Baby One More Time” and “Teenage Dream” moves into third place among the Hot 100’s all-time list of writers of No. 1s. The guys in first and second place? Paul McCartney and John Lennon.)Source.
posted by GrammarMoses at 5:16 PM on November 7, 2014 [9 favorites]
Sssssshhhhhhaaaaaakkkkkkeeeeeee iiiiiitttttt oooooofffffffffffff
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:23 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 5:23 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Counterpoint:
posted by Mothlight at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2014
The really striking thing about 1989 is how completely Taylor Swift dominates the album: Martin, Kurstin et al make umpteen highly polished pop records every year, but they’re seldom as clever or as sharp or as perfectly attuned as this, which suggests those qualities were brought to the project by the woman whose name is on the cover.I tend to agree with this, as articulated by a critic in The Guardian. "Baby One More Time" and "Teenage Dream" were big hits and arguably great pop songs, but "Shake It Off" is exceptionally fresh and ebullient and evinces less of the cynicism that I detect in those other two earworms. I look forward to hearing the rest of the album ... sometime in December (because I'm a big ol' hipster and I'm waiting for the vinyl).
posted by Mothlight at 5:36 PM on November 7, 2014
Someone in this thread probably despises the fuck out of Steve Reich.
posted by exogenous at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by exogenous at 5:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
it's a single-beat pop song in 4/4 meter. It probably syncs up with a lot of stuff.
You'd think that, sure, but it's much more than that -- it's uncanny to the point that I'm sure the original mash-up had some clever (but not very technically precise) edits in it. The dancers' moves seeming to match the lyrics at many points, the silly grins they're all having to wear, and in the original there was a cut to Alan Thick (again, probably edited in) to back the rap portion.
No, I don't think it's a great song, but it's really amazing how effective it is as a lowest-common-denominator song. Is there anyone on earth who can say they would never identify with the sentiment?
I don't think Swift is particularly attractive (bony legs!) or talented (repetitive lyrics! dancing ability limited to that one hip move! rapping ... well, let's not say anything about the rapping at all) but especially when paired with this video it's disarming as hell.
posted by dhartung at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2014
You'd think that, sure, but it's much more than that -- it's uncanny to the point that I'm sure the original mash-up had some clever (but not very technically precise) edits in it. The dancers' moves seeming to match the lyrics at many points, the silly grins they're all having to wear, and in the original there was a cut to Alan Thick (again, probably edited in) to back the rap portion.
No, I don't think it's a great song, but it's really amazing how effective it is as a lowest-common-denominator song. Is there anyone on earth who can say they would never identify with the sentiment?
I don't think Swift is particularly attractive (bony legs!) or talented (repetitive lyrics! dancing ability limited to that one hip move! rapping ... well, let's not say anything about the rapping at all) but especially when paired with this video it's disarming as hell.
posted by dhartung at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2014
Question for the assembled: Is there a point at which an artist starts writing about being a "star," subject to all the indignities of the press, hardships of The Road, etc., and stops writing about universally recognizable situations to an extent that the artist is in the foreground rather than the song?
I've seen this happen with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette and others and wondered if Taylor Swift is now on that path where her songs are about Taylor Swift's Life rather than about experiences that the audience can appreciate on the basis of their universality.
I'm not a fan and, so, don't really have the long view of her output.
posted by the sobsister at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2014
I've seen this happen with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette and others and wondered if Taylor Swift is now on that path where her songs are about Taylor Swift's Life rather than about experiences that the audience can appreciate on the basis of their universality.
I'm not a fan and, so, don't really have the long view of her output.
posted by the sobsister at 5:51 PM on November 7, 2014
did adult people really put tapes in their VCR and actually try to keep up with routines like this?
Yes. We also went to classes and tried to keep up with routines like this. The danger wasn't necessarily that we would crash into or trip over things, but that we'd get shin splints from high-impact aerobics done on concrete floors to the point where we could barely walk. And heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis and stress fractures and tendinitis.
posted by caryatid at 6:25 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Yes. We also went to classes and tried to keep up with routines like this. The danger wasn't necessarily that we would crash into or trip over things, but that we'd get shin splints from high-impact aerobics done on concrete floors to the point where we could barely walk. And heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis and stress fractures and tendinitis.
posted by caryatid at 6:25 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
If cheer leading could be transmogrified into sound it would be this song. I mean this as a compliment. I hear a phantom "READY? OK!" every time this comes on. Even the spoken bit has beats like a cheer:
MY ex-MAN brought his new GIRLFRIEND
She's like OH MY GOD but I'm just gonna shake.
And to the FELLA over THERE with the HELLA GOOD HAIR
posted by supercrayon at 6:59 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
MY ex-MAN brought his new GIRLFRIEND
She's like OH MY GOD but I'm just gonna shake.
And to the FELLA over THERE with the HELLA GOOD HAIR
posted by supercrayon at 6:59 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
my FAVORITE SONGS are those that incorporate Cheerleader chants/Military march time. There is NOTHING BETTER for doing a 20 min morning cardio routine in your Star Trek Robe than a GOOD FUCKING CHEER LET'S GO READY OKAY
posted by The Whelk at 7:17 PM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 7:17 PM on November 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
Also as catchy as this song is I would like it more if it didn't sound so similar (in sound and lyrical content) to the far superior Tightrope by Janelle Monae.
posted by supercrayon at 7:30 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by supercrayon at 7:30 PM on November 7, 2014 [2 favorites]
Really enjoyed some of those dance moves.
This is the first Taylor Swift album I've bought and I've been listening to it a ton. If you enjoy pop music, 1989 is a really wonderful album.
posted by SarahElizaP at 7:34 PM on November 7, 2014
This is the first Taylor Swift album I've bought and I've been listening to it a ton. If you enjoy pop music, 1989 is a really wonderful album.
posted by SarahElizaP at 7:34 PM on November 7, 2014
Hey guys, it's time for your Swiftamine
posted by discopolo at 7:47 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by discopolo at 7:47 PM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't think Swift is particularly attractive (bony legs!)
Newsflash: no one cares about who or what does or doesn't give you a boner.
posted by discopolo at 7:56 PM on November 7, 2014 [19 favorites]
Newsflash: no one cares about who or what does or doesn't give you a boner.
posted by discopolo at 7:56 PM on November 7, 2014 [19 favorites]
Martin, Kurstin et al make umpteen highly polished pop records every year, but they’re seldom as clever or as sharp or as perfectly attuned as this, which suggests those qualities were brought to the project by the woman whose name is on the cover.
So, in other words, these guys work 9-to-5 turning shit into gold, and when you give them someone that can REALLY write a hook they can soar. Sounds about right.
The Swedes got Liz Phair on the charts, didn't they?
posted by JoeZydeco at 8:07 PM on November 7, 2014
So, in other words, these guys work 9-to-5 turning shit into gold, and when you give them someone that can REALLY write a hook they can soar. Sounds about right.
The Swedes got Liz Phair on the charts, didn't they?
posted by JoeZydeco at 8:07 PM on November 7, 2014
The Whelk's own home aerobics cheerleader morning exercise mix
Hey Mickey
Gimmie All Your Luvin
Be True To Your School
The Power Is On
Girlfriend
Shake Your Pom Pom
That's Not My Name
and Shake it off
(and we end with)
posted by The Whelk at 9:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [10 favorites]
Hey Mickey
Gimmie All Your Luvin
Be True To Your School
The Power Is On
Girlfriend
Shake Your Pom Pom
That's Not My Name
and Shake it off
(and we end with)
posted by The Whelk at 9:44 PM on November 7, 2014 [10 favorites]
As a Cocteau Twins fan, I get so lost in these conversations when someone explains that a Taylor Swift song or other pop song I like is bad because the lyrics are empty or meaningless or repetitive. I mean...if you're that focused on lyrics, why are you listening to music? Don't the instruments and percussion get distracting? Wouldn't it be better to just go read a book of poetry?
posted by Bugbread at 5:11 AM on November 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Bugbread at 5:11 AM on November 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
Well that blew up fast: 800,000 views in one day. The original edit (by Thomas Jung) is still up on Daily Motion - the video is lower quality but it includes the whole song, which is probably why it got pulled.
posted by Lanark at 5:37 AM on November 8, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Lanark at 5:37 AM on November 8, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also, I want that cat dance sweatshirt. Where can I get it pls?
It's from Aritzia but currently unavailable, unfortunately. (I may have spent the better part of a boring workday trying to figure out where to get half of the outfits in this video.)
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:31 AM on November 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's from Aritzia but currently unavailable, unfortunately. (I may have spent the better part of a boring workday trying to figure out where to get half of the outfits in this video.)
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:31 AM on November 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
Incidentally, I love that a not-insignificant chunk of MeFi seems to like this song. I think it's a fun song! I enjoy some mainstream pop music! Like oh my god.
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:38 AM on November 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:38 AM on November 8, 2014 [3 favorites]
Also as catchy as this song is I would like it more if it didn't sound so similar (in sound and lyrical content) to the far superior Tightrope by Janelle Monae.
Can't argue with this.
posted by sweetkid at 12:17 PM on November 8, 2014
Can't argue with this.
posted by sweetkid at 12:17 PM on November 8, 2014
Is there any other (mirror) link to this currently live? Can't seem to find anything.
posted by Mchelly at 3:13 PM on November 8, 2014
posted by Mchelly at 3:13 PM on November 8, 2014
There are various videos on YouTube if you search for "shake it off aerobics" or similar.
posted by katrielalex at 6:30 AM on November 9, 2014
posted by katrielalex at 6:30 AM on November 9, 2014
Perko. Bob Dylan wrote All The Tired Horses. Half the lyrics of that song are in the title. He absolutely wrote repeating lyrics too. There's nothing wrong with that, it doesn't mean someone has a lack of talent or imagination.
It's almost like some people are going to hate on what you do no matter what. I bet I could write a song about that...
posted by einer at 8:30 AM on November 9, 2014
It's almost like some people are going to hate on what you do no matter what. I bet I could write a song about that...
posted by einer at 8:30 AM on November 9, 2014
I'd like to remind the haters that Manilow or Abba or The Beatles had just as many clueless fucksticks calling them vacuous hacks in their prime as Swift or Minaj have now.
posted by fullerine at 8:52 AM on November 9, 2014
posted by fullerine at 8:52 AM on November 9, 2014
Taylor Swift isn't really my thing, but the song really did work with that video. Almost a little too well.
(Gods save me from aerobics class flashbacks!)
posted by MissySedai at 6:18 PM on November 9, 2014
(Gods save me from aerobics class flashbacks!)
posted by MissySedai at 6:18 PM on November 9, 2014
Swift has a new video! Its messages are stark and unignorable! This hyperbole brought to you by The Guardian. Yes, that one.
posted by psoas at 8:38 AM on November 10, 2014
posted by psoas at 8:38 AM on November 10, 2014
Is the Guardian article supposed to be humorous? Because I don't understand what's supposed to be funny about it at all.
Love the actual video though. Did the Guardian writer not understand that Swift is poking fun at the media's characterization of her romantic life?
posted by discopolo at 9:00 PM on November 10, 2014
Love the actual video though. Did the Guardian writer not understand that Swift is poking fun at the media's characterization of her romantic life?
posted by discopolo at 9:00 PM on November 10, 2014
My brain has been flip-flopping between Shake It Off and Too Many Cooks for days now. I'm worried it's permanent.
posted by desjardins at 11:18 AM on November 11, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 11:18 AM on November 11, 2014 [1 favorite]
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posted by pipeski at 11:12 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]