It's a special bonus episode of NO ENCORE in honour of Taylor Swift releasing 11th studio album The Tortured Poets Department and everyone having an online meltdown about it. 

One such major talking point emerged via American publication Paste Magazine, which opted to withhold the name of the writer when publishing its review of The Tortured Poets Department. 

The move provoked a lively reaction and a lot of debate, from critics, commentators, and hardcore Swifties alike.

On this episode, Dave Hanratty speaks with Paste's Music Editor Matt Mitchell to learn about what went into the decision-making process, and hear Matt's take on the state of music criticism in 2024, particularly with regard to the online hardcore fan bases that seek to police it. 

Dave also sits down with Clare Martin, Assistant Comedy Editor at Paste, who reviewed Taylor Swift's Lover album in 2019 and subsequently received threats of violence because of it. Clare reflects on her experience, and gives her thoughts on Paste's call to anonymise their latest critique of the biggest name in music today. 

Don't forget, you can get this and every new NO ENCORE episode 24 hours early and ad-free, AND additional bonus audio content by signing up to Patreon.com/NOENCORE.

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Paste Magazine's Website

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View Paste Magazine's Tweet about The Tortured Poet's Department review

Read Paste Magazine's review of Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department

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