Chris Willman
@ChrisWillman
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Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic at @Variety
Los Angeles, CA
Joined May 2008
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Kanye vs. Billie: Good thing he doesnt have any documented prior history of trying to publicly order young women around
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The next song “requires some audience participation: We sing the song, and you shut the fuck up.” —Nick Cave at the Orpheum
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Taylor Swift's '1989' stays at No. 1, outsells 'Frozen' in 2014 - LA Times
http://t.co/Pq436Monmd
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The
@taylorswift13
documentary “Miss Americana” will be the opening night film at Sundance.
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At Taylor's 2nd show, I stood behind three stylishly dressed, 30ish women, one of whom was wearing a "Birthday Girl" tiara and broke out in loud, convulsive sobs at the start of random songs, like "Tis the Damn Season." I wish everyone could experience the show with such a person
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Sam Smith, cont.: “At the same time, I watched Taylor Swift open the show last night and it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen."
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The phrase “fan engagement” always makes me sleepy. But when I see a star bake her fans cookies, it’s not about metrics, just mutual delight
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Of 12 new
@taylorswift13
songs, I counted two that I'd qualify as ballads. Other 10 about tied as potential "Shake"-followup Top 40 smashes.
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@taylorswift13
just complimented her fans for not being the type of fans who threaten to set other stars’ fans on fire on Twitter.
#accurate
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This is a seriously dumb take, TMZ/Fox.
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Didn’t expect to be typing “Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi are very funny together,” but there you have it
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#1
of 2020 —
@taylorswift13
“Folklore”/“Evermore”: “Either could be a list-topper. Considered in tandem — entwined, like the braid on the ‘Evermore’ cover — they add up to one of the most accomplished, filler-free double-albums in pop lore.” via
@Variety
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I wrote
@Variety
’s cover story this week on Taylor Swift and her new documentary, “Miss Americana.” Check it out.
@taylorswift13
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.
@AdeemTheArtist
: "As far as I can tell, the only culture war in country is between people who believe in a just, equitable world with space for all of us to feel welcome and those of us so afraid of anything different, they’re willing to sing about hate crimes.”
@Variety
Country Music's Adeem the Artist Satirizes Jason Aldean's 'Small Town' With a Biting Parody Song, 'Sundown Town'
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@taylorswift13
’s Grammy album nod is nice because she’s even more of an albums artist than a singles artist—unusual among her contemporaries
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@JasonIsbell
I once interviewed Dave Matthews in a park. A young couple asked if we’d help them move furniture. We did and spent a nice half-hour hanging out at their new house. I got their number and later called to ask if they’d heard of Dave Matthews. “Yeah, we just went to his show. Why?”
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So often I’ve tried to explain to folks what Taylor Swift is like in private, and not been very good at it. Having just seen “Miss Americana” a second time, I can say that I’ll refer them to this from now on. If they still don’t get it after this, there will be no helping them.
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As promised, a bonus feature: Taylor Swift and co-writer/producer Joel Little go into detail about her new song, “Only the Young.”
@variety
@taylorswift13
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@taylorswift13
’s upcoming “Long Pond Studio Sessions” double-LP, sighted and actually played in the wild.
@recordstoreday
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.
@taylorswift13
’s fierceness about what she holds passionately dear pervades “Miss Americana.” Still, my favorite moments are (a) she has an ecstatic moment coming up with the right words for “Getaway Car”; (b) she gives a guy a manicure and says, “Give me a good review on Yelp."
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Say you’re a tool without saying “I am a tool”
Damon's right and I don't give a fuck.
Taylor's worst-selling album (before Spotify came along and made that not much of a thing at all) was the one she wrote herself to prove she could do it and that album was immediately followed by her bringing in Max Martin to prove ____?
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Is it okay to put a song about ex sex on a family-friendly Christmas compilation? (Yes, I am subtweeting
@taylorswift13
’s “Tis the Damn Season”)
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I hate to oversell something I know will be deeply polarizing (and understandably so), but for me, “House of Gucci” is easily the most satisfying Ridley Scott movie since “Gladiator."
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I think
@taylorswift13
was only person to give standing O to all 37 BMI Awards winners. Definitely only one to give most a dancing ovation.
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My favorite person at this raucous “RRR” event at the Chinese is the guy waving the tiger.
#RRRMovie
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My picks for the two most talented pop stars under 40 (or 50?) just dueted, with
@taylorswift13
bringing out
@SaraBareilles
for "Brave."
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Taylor Swift Adds 17 More Stadium Shows to ‘Eras Tour,’ Which Will Include a Five-Night Stand in L.A., Making It Her Biggest U.S. Tour to Date via
@variety
@taylorswift13
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I recently got to conduct a post-screening Q&A with “RRR” director S.S. Rajamouli. Thrilled to see he just won best director from NY Film Critics Circle. I didn’t expect the director of this epic a film to be this un-imperious in person. Great to have him getting his U.S. due.
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I've defended the NYT before when they published questionable op-eds... but this was the least defensible op-ed I can remember ever seeing the NYT run, made all the worst by the fact that it was written by a staffer, who specializes in these speculations.
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I thought I was Team Tar all the way for best picture, but at intermission at the Chinese at my third viewing of RRR, I’m not sure I’m not Team RRR. I’m probably the only person torn between these two, right?
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I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to being part of a stadium of people screaming “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me”
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Just saw the Grammy Museum premiere of HBO’s “Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed,” and I can’t remember loving any music doc more than I loved this. We don’t have to wait for any dramatic roles to know
@JasonIsbell
and
@amandashires
are total movie stars
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I came up with a list of the 50 best songs of the year... even as I lament hundreds of favorites I left off. Hope you find something to discover here ... The Best Songs of 2021 via
@variety
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Jason Isbell on the Concert Biz’s Shift Toward Vaccination Mandates: ‘Some of Us Saw the Building Was on Fire’ via
@variety
@JasonIsbell
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If there’s just one thing I’ve learned during this pandemic, it’s that my idea of 6 feet is 12 feet and everybody else’s idea of 6 feet is a foot and a half.
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My favorite person at this raucous “RRR” event at the Chinese is the guy waving the tiger.
#RRRMovie
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At the Country Radio Seminar panel on women at radio just now (an otherwise very sensible panel, btw), an audience member asked why Kacey Musgraves doesn’t get airplay and a top PD answered, “Sometimes the best songs win.” Janitors will be wiping my head off the walls for days
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I guess I’m at liberty now to say I loved “House of Gucci,” despite not really thinking I would. I know you were waiting with bated breath (well, I heard from a few Gaga fans who were).
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Elvis Costello, asked about Spotify tonight: “I just do whatever President Swift tells me to do.” (admiringly).
@ElvisCostello
@taylorswift13
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Huge donations to worthy causes are amazing and necessary, but there’s an inspiring empathy to the microdonations thst
@taylorswift13
makes just to everyday people in need or doing good things that she comes across on social media.
THANK YOU
@taylorswift13
You amaze me ❤️
@grace_norman27
and I will be doing a supply run in Minneapolis to help families in need, many who’ve been affected my the riots. If you would like to donate you can Venmo me: Yasmine-Norman
Or cash app: $YasmineNorman
#BlackLivesMattter
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Taylor Swift, Film Director, in Conversation With Martin McDonagh: How They Brought Heartbreak to Life via
@variety
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Why Taylor Swift is the Greatest Living Songwriter (Under 60)
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I wish I could do a good job of articulating why "I Knew You Were Trouble" is a great rock & roll song even though the kids call it dubstep.
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The first time I ever interviewed
@taylorswift13
, 13 years ago, she said, "When I turn 18, I may do something crazy, like go out and vote or something.” She’s come a long way, baby. See our cover story:
@Variety
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Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’ Is No. 1 for a Sixth Consecutive Week, as Sales Enjoy an Uptick via
@variety
@taylorswift13
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The blood on Alice Cooper’s shirt actually belongs to the guy who was doing Adele’s sound.
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@taylorswift13
fans: Some of you liked my column “Taylor Swift’s ‘Miss Americana’ May Be the Great Protest Song of Our Time.” Happy to say it’s up for best entertainment commentary award from L.A. Press Club. May the song presage great victories this year (not even counting mine)
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Everyone who went to the premiere of "The Interview" needs to start recounting every detail, so it can be passed down via oral tradition.
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If you’re curious how easy Willie Nelson is going on Trigger right now, a week out from turning 90, here’s some video I shot last night at the Greek.
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.
@taylorswift13
's "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" is No. 1 on
@Variety
's list of The Best Songs of 2021
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.
@taylorswift13
Will Sing ‘Betty’ on ACM Awards, Her First Performance on a Country Show in Seven Years via
@variety
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@taylorswift13
Your mom’s a pretty good public speaker! You must be as proud of her as she is of you.
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Here is the feature story I wrote on Jason Isbell and his new album, "Reunions." It's longish but I hope you read it and like it. via
@variety
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@taylorswift13
talks about letting cameras shoot songwriting sessions for the first time, with “Miss Americana” director Lana Wilson at Sundance
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I enjoyed talking with director Lana Wilson about how “Miss Americana” developed into a full-bodied narrative.
@taylorswift13
told me she wanted to capture transformative moments that were happening, "even if we never put it out, or even if we put it out decades down the line."
'Miss Americana' Director Lana Wilson on Capturing Taylor Swift, Mid-Transformation
@taylorswift13
#MissAmericana
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Nice 2024 candidacy you got there. Be a shame if anything happened to it
"Mike Pence, I hope you're gonna stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country. And if you're not, I'm going to be very disappointed in you, I will tell you right now. I'm not hearing good stories." -- Trump
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@taylorswift13
Has Her Second Great Album of 2020 With ‘Evermore’: Album Review via
@variety
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Anti-Drag Bills in Tennessee Prompt All-Star Arena Benefit With Hayley Williams, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, Yola, Hozier and Others via
@variety
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Taylor Swift Debuts ‘This Love (Taylor’s Version),’ From ‘1989’ Redo, in Amazon’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Trailer via
@variety
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Today’s top 10 list
1. Gold Rush
2. Closure
3. 'Tis the Damn Season
4. Champagne Problems
5. Right Where You Left Me
6. Cowboy Like Me
7. Happiness
8. Willow
9. Tolerate It
10. Marjorie
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I loved the mixture of tones in “House of Gucci.” It doesn’t descend into camp (with exception of Jared Leto's performance, which I enjoyed) but it’s having fun with itself, too. Gaga is wonderful. Screenwriter says he was thinking “Sunset Blvd.” from Norma Desmond’s perspective.
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I'll also say that if you think gay-supportive messages matter in pop, there is a moment on
@taylorswift13
's album to make you very happy.
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“OOTW” at 12. If you like anthemic, confessional sing-alongs about emotional uncertainty and snowmobile mishaps, vote early and vote often.
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@sippingaugust
@Variety
I'm aware of the tweet; I have passed it along to the powers-that-be. With Twitter being the anything-goes world that it is right now, I'm not sure if there will be success in getting it removed.
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Miranda Lambert on Finally Reclaiming the No. 1 Spot With ‘Bluebird’: ‘I Knew That I Was Delivering Great Music’ via
@variety
@mirandalambert
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I know: even I am sick of hearing me get all pop-evangelical about “1989.” Problem is, I love it more, and anew, with every listen.
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I turned on the 105.1 country station in L.A. just now, and they were playing the new song by Gabby Barrett, and then, without any pause or interruption at all, they went into a Kelsea Ballerini song. Can’t they get fined for that?
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@taylorswift13
Nineteeneightynine-inch nails are the rage in certain homes this week. (WTNY on other hand, of course)
http://t.co/npD4mhEsL4
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Just heard
@taylorswift13
's album. It's not just "more pop." It's so gloriously pop, it makes "I Knew You Were Trouble" sound like the Judds
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Ed Sheeran’s and Taylor Swift’s ‘Joker and the Queen’ Video Reunites Kid Cast From 2012’s ‘Everything Has Changed’ via
@variety
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Some brave songwriters try drawing a line in the sand… Wonder if this will make any difference in the number of top pop singers spending their Grammy seasons explaining how “I” wrote a song that was essentially complete before they got their hands on it.
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"I’m super-relieved BMI decided to give me the 'Taylor Swift Award'...If they’d chosen somebody else, I’d be bummed"
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Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s 2016 Phone Call Leaks: Read the Full 25-Minute Transcript via
@Variety
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@taylorswift13
has eight of the week's top 10 on the Rolling Stone songs chart, and 15 out of the top 20. via
@variety
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Taylor Swift Talks About Her Hunger to Contribute to ‘The Hunger Games’—Exclusive! | Our Country - Yahoo! Music
http://t.co/O5XmS1QL
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Daughter texts "THE SONG OUT AND IT IS BETTER THAN I REMEMBER"
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I saw Guillermo del Toro’s “Shape of Water” twice at
#Telluride
. You won’t see anything more meticulously designed this side of pearly gates
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Wouldn’t it be nice if
@taylorswift13
just posted a song every Monday night at midnight for the rest of our lives?
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Maybe I can stop after this. It was a wonderful feeling, seeing 70,000 people at a clip scream about great work done by good, estimable people, which in my dreams is the fate enjoyed by every artist I’ve ever loved.
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The most blogged-about song will be one where she parodies her own romantic image. A lot of people won't get the irony. But it's wicked fun.
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In honor of
@taylorswift13
's birthday today, I went back through her catalog to pick what I consider her 50 best songs, out of 225 or so... subject to change by tomorrow, of course... Taylor Swift’s 50 Best Songs, Ranked via
@variety
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I can say that after this, no one should be left doubting
@taylorswift13
is a genius. Evil genius or beneficent one, they can argue, but...
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@taylorswift13
Will Receive Honorary Doctorate From NYU, Speak at Yankee Stadium Commencement via
@variety
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On road trip today, crossed over border into New Mexico while blasting "Welcome to New York." Trying to make the syllables fit was a toughie
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@taylorswift13
had 89 fans to her house yesterday (in two groups). I think they were all glad she’s favoring the number 89 over 13 right now
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Now it can be told! Gesture that made me laugh at
#1989SecretSessions
: hopeful/ironic thumbs-up she gave in OOTW every time “good” appeared
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