Tag Archives: pop culture

Arachnophonia: “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” by Kevin Evers

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Elina (class of 2029) and features a book about the intersection of Taylor Swift, pop culture, and business. Thanks, Elina!

There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers

There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers

Finance bros and Swifties (Taylor Swift’s fans) usually don’t mix. One’s busy crying to heartbreak songs, the other’s checking the stock market a bit too much. But the book titled There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers might just bring them together. It’s the rare book that proves that Taylor Swift is not just on top of the charts, but she is also running a billion-dollar brand.

The author Kevin Evers is an editor at Harvard Business Review and this book has been featured in Rolling Stone, People Magazine, US Weekly, USA Today, The Financial Times, and more. The book was named to the Financial Times “What to Read in 2025” list and was also named one of the “Thirty books we’re excited to read in the first half of 2025” by The Sydney Morning Herald.

There’s Nothing Like This unpacks the calculated plan behind Swift’s every move, from re-recording her albums to forming a direct relationship with her fans that beats any thriving company’s customer loyalty strategy. Her fans will love seeing how her methods fit into the business world and anyone interested in marketing or entrepreneurship will be surprised by her strategy.

This book connects two worlds: pop culture and business. It’s written in a way that is fun, easy to follow and you don’t have to have any prior knowledge of marketing to get it. Whether you are a Swiftie who wants to learn more about the behind the scenes of what she does or a finance bro who admires good and successful business strategies, this book shows that Taylor Swift’s success isn’t just luck, it’s a combination of smart moves and understanding of marketing. She truly is a mastermind.

Arachnophonia: The Holy or the Broken

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features a book examining the cultural significance of the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah”. Thanks, Laeticia!

The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of “Hallelujah” by Alan Light

“Hallelujah” originates from the Hebrew verb hillel, which translates to “praise Jah(God).” It is a common term among those who grew up in faith, but many of us also relate it to the melodious and anthemic Leonard Cohen song. As a Christian myself, I’ve always cherished the anthemic beauty of the chorus that yielded such a strong spiritual significance, but Alan Light’s The Holy or the Broken has made me see the song in a new light.

Alan Light is a music journalist who has written for major publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times. He authored several books on music and culture, however, he is most famous for his book The Holy or the Broken which explores the history and impact of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah”.

Contrary to popular belief, “Hallelujah” is not just about “someone who has seen the light” as the song quotes, but like most of Leonard Cohen’s songs it is a blend of sacred and sensual. The song combines the rollercoaster of emotions humans experience on a daily basis. From being something you “shout out on Sunday in a happy voice to something that happens in a way that is cold, broken, and lonely” says Alan Light.

In The Holy or the Broken Alan Light explores the varying interpretations of Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah,” revealing the depths and contradictions that make it resonate with so many. Light’s exploration opens up a rich tapestry of meanings that extend beyond faith, and provide personal, cultural, and historical contexts that show how “Hallelujah” has evolved in contemporary society — from a hymn of praise to a poignant commentary on love, loss, and longing.

This book not only challenges readers to reconsider their own interpretations but also highlights the song’s impact across diverse musical landscapes. It’s a compelling read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this modern classic.

Arachnophonia: Black Noise

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about items in the Parsons Music Library‘s collection. All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by Joanna Love, PhD, Assistant Professor of Music in the UR Music Department. Thanks, Joanna!

Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America by Tricia Rose

Black Noise

Tricia Rose’s Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America is a foundational piece of scholarship on hip hop culture. Written in the mid-1990s, it explores the complex economic, social, and cultural origins of hip hop. It also discusses the social and cultural implications of its many facets and prominent features, including rapping, DJing, B Boying/breaking, signifying, scratching, and sampling. Anyone interested in learning more about this genre should definitely read this book.