Further Explanation: The Taylor Swift Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Swiftie Sisters
There may be no further explanation from Taylor, but there will be from us. Co-hosted by two sisters and songwriters who grew up watching and listening to Taylor Swift from the very beginning, not only will you glean a deeper understanding of her music and artistry, but an appreciation for Taylor herself - past and future - that only fans who lived through it all can recount.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @furtherexplanationpod
Easily offended Lover stans be warned. It’s no secret that we loathe this album. Now get ready to understand why Lover will always fall to the bottom of our rankings. From the dazzling highs of 'Cruel Summer' to the cringe-worthy lows of ‘You Need to Calm Down', we're sharing our unfiltered takes on every song, daring to ask: where did it all go so wrong? Why does Lover lack that special sauce that is innate to every other Taylor album? VIDEO EPISODES: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Mentioned in the episode:
Cali's Revised Lover Album Playlist
Where to find us:
Instagram
Threads
Twitter
What if we told you we're back? After a short hiatus, we are diving into your TTPD unpopular opinions. We defend Fortnight as the perfect lead single, discuss whether Taylor's releasing too much at once, and Ciah explains her mixed feelings for My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys. Plus, why Swifties should be grateful for the food we are given and stop complaining about track five placement! So join us, why don't you, for all this and more. VIDEO EPISODES: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
You've waited long enough, besties. Part 2 of our TTPD first review and breakdown is here! On the docket today: How does The Anthology fill in the cracks of The Tortured Poets Department narrative? Should Taylor have left some of these songs on the cutting room floor? And of course, a thorough discussion of our favorites. VIDEO EPISODES: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
Has the Eras Tour reached its final form? We're talking about the setlist changes to the Eras Tour, sharing our feelings on the newly added Tortured Poets Department set (the THEATRICS!), and waxing poetic on why this new addition to the show makes us nostalgic for album tours. Join the Patreon for video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
- Threads
We hereby conduct this review of The Tortured Poets Department, an album that sees Taylor shedding her previous skins to reveal raw honesty with a theatrical narrative. Gone are the days of hiding behind fictional characters; Swift now bares her soul in such an extreme and candid manner that decoding each lyric becomes a journey in itself. Join us as we dissect the album's themes, from the intricacies of morality in art to the wild west of Taylor's fame. Join the Patreon for video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Mentioned in the episode:
- Ciah's TTPD movie list on Letterboxd
- Ciah's album The Pink Room: Spotify | Apple Music
Where to find us:
- Threads
As the European leg of the Eras Tour swiftly approaches, we've decided to rank the setlist before any alterations are made. Through an analytical lens, we evaluate which eras resonate vibrantly on stage and which ones fall flat for long-time fans. Join us on a journey through Taylor's musical eras as we dissect the production elements, choreography highlights, and the pulse of each performance.
VIDEO EPISODES: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
Happy Tortured Poets release month, Swifties! You asked us to share our TTPD predictions playlist, so we're here to deliver. Consider this your formal invitation to create your own Tortured Poets predictions playlist and kick off release week early with us. And stick around for the end as we rank the upcoming tracks based on nothing but vibes and Swiftie senses. All this and much more...
Mentioned in this episode:
Cali's Tortured Poets Predictions Playlist
For video episodes and exclusive content, join our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
Your favorite sisters are back for a chatty catch-up episode to discuss the chaos that ensued on the Eras Tour when Taylor unleashed mashups on the Swiftie fandom. We're sharing our favorite combinations, the mashups we'd like to see next, and why Fifteen should have been replaced with a different song in the You're On Your Own, Kid mashup.
For video episodes and exclusive content, join our Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
For video episodes and exclusive content, join our Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
Get settled in for a late night hang with your Swiftie Sisters as they attempt to guess each other's top 13 favorite Taylor Swift songs. Spoiler alert: this is the most fun we've had recording an episode. So join us, won't you?
This episode is even better if you watch the video version. But how can I do that, you might be asking? Join us on the Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Cali's top 13 Taylor songs playlist
Ciah's top 13 Taylor songs playlist
Where to find us:
Threads
Honey we rose up from the dead, we do it all the time! Did you miss us? The Swiftie Sisters are back for season two and we're kicking things off with a slithering album breakdown. What makes the lyrical composition of this album so unique? Has hindsight changed how Taylor sees Reputation? Take a look beyond the snakes and strobe lights with us at Taylor's most candid and high octane pop album to date.
Are you ready for it...?
For video episodes and exclusive content, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FurtherExplanation
Where to find us:
Threads
The Swiftie Sisters sink their teeth into 1989 TV. First item on the agenda? Noticeable changes to the original tracks. What does this Taylor’s Version says about Taylor’s current intentions for the re-recording project. The icing on the cake: a track-by-track lyrical analysis of the vault. What do these songs being held back say about Taylor’s motivations at the time? How much did Taylor really change the production of the vault? And what song do we think came closest to making the album?
Grab your favorite drink, cozy up, and let's take a deeper dive into the revealing 1989 vault...
Join us on Patreon for video episodes and exclusive content here
Cali's 1989 Era Playlist:
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Where else to find us:
- Threads
It's the 1-year-anniversary of Further Explanation and to celebrate, The Swiftie Sisters are answering questions sent in by YOU, dear listener. We're sharing our honest and unfiltered thoughts on the re-recording process, who the contenders are for Taylor's best album, the closest we've been to meeting Taylor, and much more. This episode is a special gift to you: thank you for being here. Get yourself a little treat and settle in for a chat with your Swiftie Sisters.
More 1989 episodes coming very soon...
Cali's 1989 Era Playlist:
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Mentioned in this episode:
- Stream Ciah's album The Pink Room on Spotify
- The Pink Room moodboard playlist
- Wildest Dreams (Live at the GRAMMY Museum)
- Red (Live at Harvery Mudd College)
- Begin Again (Live at Harvey Mudd College)
- Safe & Sound (Live with The Civil Wars)
Where else to find us:
- Threads
Welcome to the 1989 breakdown...it's been waiting for you! Join the Swiftie Sisters as they take a closer look at how 1989 transformed Taylor's songwriting identity, positioning her toward a more mature artistic path. They'll touch on the ways her pop craft has evolved since making her first pop album, where the 80s influence shows up on this record, and how 1989 forever changed the way Taylor made music. And of course, a track-by-track review of the best and the worst 1989 has to offer...
Note from the hosts:
We had a technical issue with one of the mics while recording part of this episode. The audio is still listenable, but if you prefer to skip it, fast forward to the 45 minute mark. It's less noticeable if you're able to listen to the first 45 minutes on a speaker rather than headphones. Thank you for understanding!
Mentioned in this episode:
- Taylor's Nova Red Lounge Performance
- Taylor writing How You Get the Girl
Where else to find us:
- Threads
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
We're sharing our commentary on the 1989 music videos and all the drama and lore surrounding them. The Swiftie Sisters fathom a new interpretation of the ending of the Wildest Dreams video, share the way Taylor's acute awareness her public persona at the time influenced how she saw herself, and thus how it was reflected in this era's visuals, and recall the Blank Space video going over everyone's head. All this and much more...
It's here, Swifties! Live it up: Cali's 1989 Era Playlist
Where else to find us:
- Threads
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
The Swiftie Sisters prelude the 1989 era by recapping the events of closing night in LA. The 1989 (Taylor's Version) album cover is reviewed and hotly debated, the crook who was caught returns to the scene of the crime, prophecies are made for the elusive vault that seems to be missing a track. Plus, has Taylor set a precedent of including her exes in re-recording projects? If so, in what capacity does Harry Styles belong on 1989 TV? All this and more!
Where else to find us:
- Threads
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
Welcome back to our discussion and exploration into the magical forest that is folklore. The Swiftie Sisters pick up the track-by-track where they left off with the last great american dynasty and consider how this song, as well as this album as a whole, is not about Taylor...while being all about Taylor. The Swiftie Sisters close out this album breakdown by reflecting on the moment in time this album came to us, how it impacted Taylor's art and the trajectory of her career, and so much more...
Where else to find us:
- Twitter
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
Was folklore as fictional as Taylor led on? Is it a pandemic album, or just an album made in the pandemic? Tune in to part 1 of the folklore album breakdown as the Swiftie Sisters take a closer look at what inspired the first surprise drop, what it meant for Taylor as an artist to make something (seemingly) less confessional, and begin our track-by-track discussion. Are you ready to think about this album in a deeper way than you ever have before?
Don't miss part 2 coming soon...
Where else to find us:
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
Drop everything NOW for our Speak Now (Taylor's Version) first impression. The Swiftie Sisters dive Speak Now TV, the changes Taylor made (looking at you, Better Than Revenge), and share initial feelings on the vault tracks: how they correlate to the concept of Speak Now and why they somewhat differ from the standard tracks. All this and much more...
Mentioned in the episode:
- Archival 2010 Taylor Speak Now interview
- Ciah's album The Pink Room: Spotify | Apple Music
- Ciah's Speak Now era playlist
Where else to find us:
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
Surprise! Speak Now TV release week celebrations are kicking off early on the podcast, and The Swiftie Sisters have a Castles Crumbling theory that might excite you. Peek into the Speak Now vault one last time before these new songs are unleashed to consider how the track names on Speak Now have always subverted expectations, where these new stories might fit into the album concept, and much more. Grab a coffee or a snack and get settled in because your Swiftie Sisters are brimming with excitement to make their final predictions for all that is about to change for their shared favorite Taylor album, Speak Now.
Where else to find us:
https://twitter.com/swiftiepod13
https://www.instagram.com/furtherexplanationpod/
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
We're ramping up the Speak Now era on the pod by sharing some glimmering commentary on the Speak Now music videos. With Taylor first starting to write treatments for her videos, they began to reveal glimpses into her personal life. Back to December is one of Taylor's most underrated videos and we're here to enlighten. We also reflect on Taylor's Speak Now era fashion and how it's represented in the visuals, how Taylor strayed away from typical country music visuals, and share the changes, if any, we would make to each video. All this and more...
Ciah’s Speak Now Era Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6fcInwUxBgZAMB6pb4WSbE?si=Vc-W6hpLTOaVlmUjdYmBOQ
Where else to find us:
https://twitter.com/swiftiepod13
https://www.instagram.com/furtherexplanationpod/
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
Midnights is the album that keeps on giving. In today's episode, Cali and Ciah examine the Karma visuals, share how You're Losing Me fits into Midnights conceptually & what the song might say about the direction Taylor will take for ts11, why Taylor keeps announcing things on stage, and so much more...
Where else to find us:
https://twitter.com/swiftiepod13
https://www.instagram.com/furtherexplanationpod/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/further-explanation/support
So glad we were around when she said Speak Now... herstory was made when Taylor announced Speak Now TV right in front of our eyes. In this episode, we discuss what we'd like to see from the Speak Now TV era and our feelings on the album cover & announcement, Taylor is recognized as originator of the sad girl sub-genre, answer YOUR questions, and - as always - share our thoughts on the current events in la nación de Taylor. All this and much more...listen now!
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In this episode we’re using Midnight Rain like a torch to illuminate the inner psyche of our songwriter and understand who our narrator truly us, with all of her opposing forces, complexities, and unique aptitude for self exploration and reflection. As a metaphor, Midnight Rain offers a compelling contextualization for the rest of Taylor Swift’s discography. With lyrics and motifs spanning across Taylor's catalogue, a narrative of a woman driven by her ambition is revealed. Join us as we take a look at the blood, sweat, and tears that got Taylor Swift where she is today.
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We can't shut up about the Eras Tour. In this episode: previously unnoticed sensational moments from the show are praised, canons are sounded for the fallen surprise song tributes, and what does it mean if the setlist is not set in stone? All this and more...
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In the span of 24 hours, Taylor Swift released four "new" songs and kicked off the Eras Tour. After a touring hiatus that produced four brand new albums and two re-records, there was much trepidation about how much of an "eras" tour the Eras Tour would actually be. Will Taylor continue to release music before her weekend shows? And what's with the Speak Now erasure? In this episode, Taylor's setlist choices are dissected, her return to theatrical tour production is celebrated, and so much more.
Follow us on Instagram @furtherexplanationpod and Twitter @swiftiepod13
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Taylor Swift has not toured since 2018. Since then, she has released four brand new studio albums, and two re-recorded albums. With endless possibility as to what Taylor will do on that stage in a matter of DAYS and Speak Now TV still looming over everyone's heads, excitement is at an all-time high. We share our (realistic) dream set lists, fantasize about the way Taylor will visually represent the past eras, our thoughts on the stage, and much more.
We're on Instagram! Follow us @furtherexplanationpod
Note From The Hosts: We had a technical issue with one of the mics for the first 7 minutes of this episode. The audio is still listenable but if you prefer skip it, fast forward to the 7 minute mark of the episode.
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Welcome to the Speak Now World Tour! In this episode we're reliving what is arguably Taylor Swift's best tour so far. For a bit of extra fun, watch the tour movie for yourself, then join us as we regale the artistry behind the live arrangements of these songs, the theatrical thread running through this live show, the superior costumes, the set list, and the hidden gem to what made this tour so special: the ensemble cast. All of this set against the red curtain backdrop of where Taylor was in her career at the time, and how she got there from the Fearless Tour. Taylor Swift voice Are you ready?
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There actually is something Taylor Swift does better than revenge, and that's writing an album all by herself. We are taking you back to 2010 with this one as we examine the themes and motifs of Speak Now as an album and concept, give you an in-depth look at these songs with our track-by-track breakdown and review, and share why this album is still some of Taylor's best, most authentic work to this day. Of course, we can't talk about Speak Now without raising the question: WHERE is Speak Now TV?? Well, we have a theory...
All this and more - listen now!
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Is Would've Could've Should've set to dethrone All Too Well 10 as Taylor's best song? That's what we're here to find out. In this episode, the 3am tracks are called into question...? How do these songs fit into the Midnights universe? And if they don't, was Taylor was just smart enough to call them 3am tracks instead of bonus tracks?
Episode Highlights:
[2:18] I feel like a lot of these songs sound more like Evermore. And I mean, you could probably chalk that up to Aaron Dessner being the producer on most of these.
[4:25] The Great War
[7:49] I love her ability to zoom out on something and just create an atmosphere.
[8:56] She's kind of been condemned for writing about relationships that didn't last as long as people felt like they should have to warrant a song, but that's not how emotions work. Taylor, even in a long term relationship, proves that you can still feel an emotion for something that happened a long time ago, even if it was a fleeting thing.
[11:04] I love the synth that's used in Bigger Than The Whole Sky and the guitar. It kind of feels like an Evermore song, but not an Evermore song.
[12:34] Hoax and The Great War parallels.
[13:34] Paris sounds like a pop song from the Red era. Specifically, like a pop song from the Red era that we didn't get. It sounds like a vault track on Red (Taylor's Version).
[18:09] Is that change at the end just her being like, "no, we really were in Paris," or is that her saying they really were in Paris?
[23:12] High Infidelity discussion. Can we clear up the Getaway Car/Glitch/High Infidelity timeline please?
[32:56] That was pretty clever of Taylor to call these the 3am tracks and not just vault or deluxe. She's expanding the Midnights universe instead of just tacking some extra songs on the end of the album.
[34:08} Would've Could've Should've lyrical analysis.
[39:44] Dear Reader lyrical analysis.
[47:46] How do the 3am tracks fit within the concept of "what keeps you up at night?"
[50:19] The Swiftie Sisters share their top 5 songs on Midnights.
[51:23] Midnights as a concept/motif in Taylor Swift's songwriting.
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Well Swifties, it only took 10 albums but we finally have the same favorite song on a Taylor album. In this episode: our opinionated review and breakdown of the 13 tracks on the standard edition of Midnights. We can not contain our excitement over the evolution of Taylor's songwriting on this record! Join us for an epiphany or two about these abstract lyrics, how Midnights is the perfect bookend to Taylor Swift's discography up to this point, why we think this is Red's sister album, and an ode to Jack Antonoff: Blesser of Weird Sounds.
But what about the 3am tracks, you say? Don't worry, we're as annoying as the woman (Taylor) who raised us. Our part 2, where we discuss the 3am tracks and wrap up our Midnights album breakdown, is coming next!
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Happy Midnights release week! This is our last chance to talk about this album with you before we hear it, and things were fathomed. The Swiftie Sisters break down the puzzling Midnights Mayhem episodes, propose solid predictions for the more ambiguous track names, and share their top 3 predictions for Midnights! So, in true Taylor Swift fashion...meet us at midnight.
Welcome to our first episode of Further Explanation: The Taylor Swift Podcast.
We are in the single digits until Taylor Swift drops her tenth (or is it her twelfth?) album, Midnights! In this episode, the Swiftie Sisters Cali and Ciah sharing their hopes and predictions for this new, ever-mystifying Midnights era. How did Taylor get to Midnights from the re-recording era? Is this about to be her biggest era yet?? Grab your coffee and your cardigan, we have mayhem to unpack.