08.17.2020 - By Joseph R. Lilore
In this episode Joe examines the song "Cardigan" by Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner, which is a masterpiece of modern songwriting construction. The underlying architecture and techniques, many so subtle and nuanced - seemingly hidden, create a work of depth containing many layers of tonal colors. Highlighted are both the expected and unexpected: surreal imagery, altered sections, ambiguous harmonic shifts, melodic harmonic and rhythmic hooks, register change and counterpoint. A textbook model for all songwriters of every level.