The Life of A Showgirl
Here are three versions of my opinionated review for The Life of A Showgirl album. The first two were written with help from two major artists that were known for their use of reinventing poetry into folk music and then later reinventing folk music into electric guitar driven poetry, also known as a genre called Rock & Roll.
First, my simplest and to the point version with the help of my favorite delusional glam rock artist and for the non-committal reader.
“It’s a rip-off” - Marc Bolan
My second simple review samples Bob Dylan’s words from an interview where he was asked to define folk music in the 1960’s.
“A constitutional replay of mass production.” - Bob Dylan
And my full length review, which to be honest, 50% of words did not make it onto the final post. This is me trying… to be nice. I’ll add the disclaimer that I like this album at a disconnected and surface level with minimal engagement and this does not and should not reflect other perspectives I have of this artist or other work from her.
No one can relate. Pixies are rumoured to sue. Black women are offended. Swifties are rummaging through 34 multitudes of the same munge called easter eggs to find the meaning of life. If I were to stick to my core values which are derived from a pact that my younger self made with The Man in black, then I’d have to default to dislike without second thoughts on account of principles. Thankfully there’s no need for that because listening to The Life of A Showgirl by Taylor Swift eradicates any sense of musicality in my soul. I find myself humming portions of samples from previously published work of other artists that went uncredited to make this manufactured corporate slop encrypted with subliminal marketing strategies. Brainwashing for a buck, Americana at its finest. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve known about her gig for consumerism since day one but that doesn’t negate the bonds I have with some of her past albums. Life of a Showgirl attempts a cord cutting technique but I’m still holding on in hopes of a revival with future work. Until then, If you are like me and more prone to her Tortured Poet’s era I highly suggest checking out Jeff Tweedy’s new three part album called Twilight Override. For the recovering Swifites looking for places to spend their hard earned coin then for you I offer up Madonna. Her re- releases and limited editions, for the most part and especially what has been rumored to be coming out, offer more value and rarity. In other words, Bedtime Stories - The Untold Chapter is scheduled for release on the 28th of November and that is a beautiful place to start a new relationship with music royalty rich in history and sex.