Two of the best selling albums of 2020 were from Taylor Swift. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with music critic Kristin Stahlke about Swift’s remarkable year and what led to it. They also review a new album from singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, bid farewell to New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and discuss Phil Spector.
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Convicted murderer and abuser Phil Spector died in prisoner from complications of Covid-19 at age 81. Many decades before, Spector produced music with artists like The Beatles and Ike and Tina Turner using his "wall of sound" technique for which he was famous. Jim and Greg focus on highlighting the female artists who were at the center of Spector's hits like Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love and Tina Turner.
New York Dolls' guitarist Sylvain Sylvain died January 13 at age 69 after a long bout with cancer. Jim and Greg pay tribute to his songwriting and work as a "glue guy" and essential part of the Dolls' success.
Jim and Greg review the new record from singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, Heaux Tales. They both really enjoyed Sullivan's soulful voice and skillful songwriting on the theme of women's sexual empowerment.
Jim and Greg are joined by pop music critic Kristin Stahlke of the blog Chicago Haze to talk about Taylor Swift's two 2020 albums folklore and evermore. They also discuss her musical evolution and production choices over the years.
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