Shake it Off (Like a Polaroid Picture)

Taylor Swift vs. OutKast

This was a fun challenge. Many have tried to do something with “Hey Ya”, often to mixed effect. Most people try to edit down the weird time signature into something more conventional, and the result usually sounds awkward or boring. I tried my best to make the Taylor instrumental sound like it was written for Andre’s vocal. It ended up making the Best of Bootie 2018, so I’m counting that as a success.

You Belong with El Scorcho b/w Island to Burn

Weezer vs. Taylor Swift

Very silly stuff. “You Belong with El Scorcho” is pretty shaky on the verses but really brings it on the chorus.

American Song

Tom Petty vs. Taylor Swift

You’ll never believe this, kids, but there was a time when it wasn’t cool to like Taylor Swift! At least, not if you were a Serious Male Music Fan. Funny to think about. Although I gotta say, and I realize is this isn’t very progressive or open-minded of me: still a bit perplexed by the continued embracing of Taylor Swift and other mainstream pop artists in ostensibly alternative publications and spaces, and I think it may be Bad Actually to cede territory that was occupied by independent artists and give it to products of the labels that already dominate popular culture. I could go on about this at length. Not the venue!