News Update & Commentary: A playlist for your consideration. Taylor’s first GQ cover.

Today is never too late to be brand new, Taylor Nation.

Just in case you’re not aware, we’re talking about this playlist – released by Taylor Swift on October 6, 2015. Since I am not a Spotify fan, I built it using iTunes. Here are the links:

• No Words – Eric Hassle
• Mine – Phoebe Ryan
• Poetic – Seinabo Sey
• How I Want Ya (feat. Hailee Steinfeld) – Hudson Thames
• New Obsession – Frankie
• Alive (feat. Coucheron) – Kehlani
• I’m Yours – Alessia Cara
• Sleep On It – Emmi
• Return To The Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo) – Elvy
• Swords – MIA
• It’s Strange (feat. K. Flay) – Louis The Child

In Canada, that’s about 13 bucks. But does it make your life more awesome?

Well, no.

Here at the Swift Agency, just a guy who does think outside the hive mind once in a while, we didn’t like it. Musical taste is something that varies more than favorite pizza toppings from one person to another. I dare say even for the same person, some songs might sound better depending on when they hear it. All that to say, this is really not my cup of tea overall. Individually, there’s one or two that were ok. The rest I didn’t quite dig or perhaps I need another listen to see if there’s another I’m willing to keep in my phone. As a playlist, I didn’t enjoy it.

Feels strange to say this, but it seems my musical taste and Taylor Swift’s are not in the same timezone. I don’t necessarily like my music per genres. Usually the songs that I like are exceptions rather than favorites. Rare is the artist of whom I love all their songs as a whole. Yes, I do like Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, but stray into any other artists that play pop music – specially so-called radio-friendly pop music – and I’d be hard pressed to find one single act that I enjoy. You have to like what you like. I do enjoy the exercise of listening to something new. This just wasn’t it.

I know this probably kicks me out of the squad (plus the fact that I was never a part of it) but the truth is I can remain a fan of Taylor even if I don’t love everything she loves. As I say way too often, the only people that determine if you are a Taylor Swift fan are you and Taylor Swift. Everyone else’s opinion is irrelevant.

GQ has revealed Taylor Swift’s first cover. Ok, actually it was leaked yesterday. It was planned for next week. So this is now the official picture.

Coming up in the Calendar!

• October 8: The 1989 World Tour – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena.
• October 9: The 1989 World Tour – Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center.
• October 10: The 1989 World Tour – Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center.
• October 12: The 1989 World Tour – Fargo, ND – Fargodome.
• October 17: The 1989 World Tour – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium.

(Sources: Taylor Swift via Twitter, GQ)