The unrivalled appeal of Taylor Swift | James O'Brien - The Whole Show

This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio from the 24th of June 2024.
00:00 - More people investigated over election betting claims.
50:09 - A&E patients seen screaming in agony and naked in corridors - what is it like in A&E in 2024?
01:40:41 - Why has Taylor Swift enjoyed a uniquely successful place in popular culture?
Listen to the full show on Global Player: app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/...
#JamesOBrien #LBC
LBC is the home of live debate around news and current affairs in the UK.
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[@brianferguson7840]

What the "F" happened? Now we are taking our Comedians seriously, and our Government ministers as a joke.

[@brianferguson7840]

A Recession is when your neighbour loses his job ! A Depression is when you lose your job ! Recovery is when the Tories lose theirs !🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewstevenson118]

I think there's a line in "Yes, Minister" that goes: "a slump is when you have to tighten your belt, a recession is when you don't have a belt to tighten, and a depression is when you don't have any trousers."

[@LeeKnight22]

😂

[@mrsmiggins9465]

😂

[@1997paulr]

Thank you LBC for adding chapters to these videos. Great addition

[@brianferguson7840]

Richy Sunak is not a completely incompetent, useless, hopeless, piece of characterless Jelly ! But, he could be with a little effort!!

[@morrit33]

Oh, leave im alown! 'es doin 'is best!

[@carlpierce2486]

Leave off our jelly.

[@nanslife]

That poor man, losing his mum like that, what people in power have done with Austerity is disgusting.

[@SoFarSoGoodSoWhat14]

If anybody was wondering and didn't want to wait till the end, the person described as a Russian ally was Nigel Farage, quelle surprise, and he's spent today coping about that fact and accusing the Mail of collaborating with the Kremlin in an attempt to save the tory party (yes really) 😂😂😂

[@steviefraser5240]

It’s TikTok and socials and an incredibly savvy marketing strategy .. it can’t be her music, not saying it’s terrible but it’s quite unremarkable really in the grand scheme of things.

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

Swift’s appeal is interesting. Her music is so bland and unseasoned

[@scottblack7182]

It's simple actually, as long as there are sad disenfranchised people who wish they could be someone else , narcissistic talentless hacks will always be there to take advantage. Ppl like Taylor couldn't exist without them. Bet on it .

[@michaeladkins6]

I dont think I could correctly identify a Swift song since ME!

[@MikeRailey]

It's children. I teach music lessons to kids, and most of my female students can only name Taylor Swift when thinking of artists they like. Not an exaggeration.

[@chrisccc22]

@@scottblack7182 I think you have to be a narcissist to actually run for political office. It takes an incredible amount of douchebaggery to think your ideas to run a nation are better than anyone else's. Only to realize they are there to get rich and only that. In the US, why on earth would one spend Billions of $$ to get a job that pays $500G a year? Because it actually pays $Billions. They just get paid after they leave office.

[@martinjrgensen8234]

To you it is. But to millions it isn’t.

[@markpierce8674]

I hope labour get the support and the voter’s give them time to sort everything out the corrupt government need a visit from the police after the election

[@ivorsmith3999]

Upto now I have been a huge fan of James O'Brien's, but Taylor Swift is inexplicably everywhere at the moment. Now here too. Boo.

[@jonnobloggs8642]

Ms Swifty is a very attractive and extremely wealthy individual who plys her trade writing catchy melodies for her fanbase of teenage girls 👧. Why is there such a bee buzzing in your bonnet comrade ? 🐝

[@Snazzy-Jazzy4508]

I mean, the Beatles were everywhere too at one point but it’s almost a sin to complain about that… There will always be that “huge star” of a generation. I’m just so happy this time it’s a woman!!! 😊

[@ivorsmith3999]

@@Snazzy-Jazzy4508 There have been plenty of huge female stars throughout history - Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, Annie Lennox, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Shangri-Las, Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde, Björk, Grace Jones, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading, Emmylou Harris, ... And look out for a new rising star, Angela Inkson. You heard it here first.

[@ivorsmith3999]

@@jonnobloggs8642 No bees in my bonnet. You could just ignore me.

[@jonnobloggs8642]

@@ivorsmith3999 🐈 😻

[@mum5276]

As a recent former ward nurse who now works in a different sector of nursing, I have noticed a severe decline in qualified staff numbers, and how staff feel so deflated and exhausted working in the NHS. Simple things like the linen cupboards are always running out of clean sheets, blankets, towels etc. we have to scrounge from other wards or use paper towels or pillowcases to dry patients with. There’s often not enough pillows for the patients beds and patients have had to use rolled up blankets or even have even brought in their own. The ward is constantly full of patients and a bed was never empty for longer than an hour. I have noticed how many of the trainee nurses qualify and many comment that they don’t want to stay and continue working in the NHS and are looking to work abroad as soon as they possibly can, because of pay, the pressures of working in the NHS and our low standard of living.

[@roc7880]

NHS has way too many efficiency managers and not enough nurses at the beds of patients.

[@TheLucanicLord]

And you know this how?

[@reinl7]

Lol James being puzzled by the applause after Champagne Problems is so precious 🫶

[@mellinatre1149]

the section about Taylor Swift was so interesting to me because even as a fan I am equally surprised by how much bigger she has become in the last 2 years. More so when Taylor herself in 2018-19 was talking about how close she was to not be that popular anymore due to how much age influence how pop culture view female pop stars

[@Leo-gt1bx]

It's called media hype

[@RichDoes..]

I live on Morecambe bay, and I often pronounce it the same way as your Dad did! It brings me sunshine....

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Here in America I love how Republicans are having Meltdowns when Taylor Swift told people to get out and vote.

[@andrewstevenson118]

Yeah, I follow US politics as well, and it's hilarious.

[@michaeladkins6]

They have meltdowns, in lieu of governing. One credit to the US was the ER. I had slipped on some ice and broke my wrist. It was was three hours from the time I got there to the time I got in a room.

[@chrisccc22]

I laughed so hard when they said they (The Republicans) are going to play the same game. If they want to use celebrities to rock the vote, so will they. They said quote, "We got Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, and Jon Voight, and we'll start a tour". LOL LOL LOL. They are so quick to rant about how insane Hollywood is only to Bring three absolute loons to the table.

[@andrewstevenson118]

@@chrisccc22 The first wedding anniversary is "paper" and I got my wife tickets to Bon Jovi. (Paper, right?) Kid Rock opened. I swear I went "who?" when he came on. 🙂

[@davidkelly499]

Republicans believe that the super bowl was fixed so that Taylor Swift could get on to the pitch after the game 😂 US polictics is a minefield of lunacy

[@mattgee5609]

Why James, why?

[@scottblack7182]

Seriously

[@mattwilliams7454]

And the conservative party are incredibly concerned with people who remain on disability benefits longer than they ought to? It's like accusing other people of what you yourself are actually doing.

[@jaychurch4378]

We should have some sympathy for the politicians that have taken out the bets. We are in the middle of a cost crises, how will they pay for there their 5 star hotels now they can't claim it back on expenses.

[@mj-gb6tr]

Never say that KZbin's algorithms don't have a sense of humour, right after the clip of Danny Dyer played, it cut to a Lidl advert for making an Eton mess! 😂

[@garyhambly7952]

Spot on as usual

[@Olly_2024_]

I wouldn’t say Taylor’s success is unrivalled. MJ, Elvis, The Beatles are above her for sure…

[@chrisccc22]

Semantics much?

[@Olly_2024_]

@@chrisccc22 how is it semantics? The title says unrivalled

[@rory644]

@@Olly_2024_na bro tay tay is way ahead of those people

[@Snazzy-Jazzy4508]

While I get your point- she is an unrivalled star of this current music climate, and she’s officially made more money than the Beatles musically… so she really is competing with them!!!

[@chrisccc22]

@@Olly_2024_ Are M.J., Elvis, and The Beatles here to challenge her? Then she's unrivalled.

[@nickinthefield4202]

Three years ago in Gloucestershire royal hospital my 87 year old mum spent 22 hrs in a corridor waiting to go up to a ward. She has since passed on. At least she won’t have to go through that again…

[@TuggSpeedman-eh9ls]

Hope Simon is doing well, that was a sad story from him

[@stewartjones2173]

We're talking about Michael Gove's "golden opportunities."

[@user-js3rg9sj1k]

A POLICE MAN.....OH IM SO SURPRISED.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnsonkaturuza5393]

Your political insights and critical analysis has helped me develop academic arguments associated with governance, thank you O Brien. Looking forward to reading your book.

[@catznjam470]

They've lied and made excuses for lying so much that it doesn't register the way it once did. 👁️👁️

[@paulnormanoxley6056]

I am flabbergasted. But the irony is that it give the pathway for Nigel a brexit king :-)

[@mindcache5650]

Common typical Tory tactic. Do something outrageously wrong then pass the buck into an Enquiry as a delay tactic -post office, party gate,Grenfell.

[@Tintintanabulation]

When my children were young an aunt came over from the mainland. They proudly showed their laying hens. She asked how much they sold them for 😊 They talked about eating eggs and how home grown chicken could be tough? When she left, my kids asked why she thought they would sell eggs 😊 much less full-grown broilers😂

[@Alexander-js8zz]

I'm just as amazed as anyone that the love story singer with wavy hair became this popular. I don't know why she's so popular but likely because of her broad appeal across generational divides. Why she's so popular will likely be studied for a very long time. But what a time to be alive.

[@andrewjenkinson7052]

I would add that Taylor Swift is genuine and a decent person and it shows. She has incredible stamina (3.5 hours singing and dancing). As the lady said she is relatable. Taylor has said that she puts narcotics in all of her songs and there may be some combination of words and music which has that effect and she has found it.

[@JeffCole-ci7sl]

Tell em Jim!

[@radiofreecanada]

By the time the conversation swings back to the things you disagree with Nick Ferrari about, he'll have retired, and you'll have spent years agreeing with him repeatedly on air 😂

[@marknugent9851]

I'm not a Taylor fan, not in a 'I hate her' or a 'I'm too cool for that' kind of way (I'm ASD, I'm not cool enough to be too cool for ANYTHING), just haven't really listened to her, I've heard 'Shake It Off' and that's about it, but I consume a lot of US political satire and media and she permeates the entire culture. If the Pod Save boys are to believed, they are big fans, Taylor has a big footprint online, she interacts with the fans. That fosters that para-social relationship. If I am unqualified in my cynicism, more a dig at modern business culture than at Taylor herself (she seems lovely), it wouldn't shock me that hard to learn if she Facebook/Cambridge Analytica-style data scraped her fans so she could find that sweet spot to write lyrics that were both deeply personal AND hit themes that resonated with her fans in a targeted way, the way Amazon knows when you get paid and what you looked at on other 3rd party sites like ASDA and eBay.

[@Sherluck93]

You can know (feel) your fans without too much data analytics, but still, there is a manipulation factor that keeps me uneasy. She's clearly a smart business lady (and great performer). You know, it comes out sooner or later, I hope it isn't so. That would be sad.

[@Snazzy-Jazzy4508]

⁠@@Sherluck93can I ask, with complete honesty and interest, did you ever feel this way about the Beatles or Elvis? Why is she manipulative whereas they are just talented? 🤔 I’d genuinely be fascinated to hear your viewpoint!

[@tripwell8216]

That policeman talking about people bringing sandwich to hospital for a "day out" is so delusional. Typical copper

[@charlesflouvat1829]

So out of touch, they didn't understand that bookies like taking the money, but will find any way to not pay out, 😂.

[@BrokenhornKT]

Swifts Popularity is reflecting Elvis!! Amazing to see!

[@firefox5926]

5:57 well i thin that sort of answers your question dont is the fact that such a paper is the bestselling new paper in your country doesn't it

Hey James nathen from Denver here I never knew that you could bet on politics over there that’s pretty cool if u ask me not the politicians or people connected to said politicians gambling on it obviously but for the regular folks that’s pretty cool

[@petelawless811]

You can bet on anything

[@Sherluck93]

I'll mix you both. You can bet on anything, but it's not cool. The UK has a massive gambling problem.

[@richarddraxlbeck489]

Often thought that James and I would be friends, now I know he's a Swiftie I'm certain! 😂

[@mum5276]

To fix it will take a change in attitude from government to pay staff a lot better so to encourage the young to want to go into healthcare.

[@andrewstevenson118]

Mr O'Brien, sir, the only true concert with aLCHEMY is Dire Straits. 🙂

[@dailypolishme]

Your cup😂😂

[@user-et2tv4vf2h]

It’s funny James. Taylor sings about that difference between an ambitious man and an ambitious woman. The song is The Man. That’s why women love her

[@Sherluck93]

That's why?

[@user-et2tv4vf2h]

@@Sherluck93 yep.

[@Sherluck93]

@@user-et2tv4vf2h Well, if it's that easy... Okay. I guess you feel talked to. Man vs. woman, is it?

[@peterduncan-smith463]

Im from Morecambe nowt wrong with it

[@Sherluck93]

It's called PCL - post concert lunacy. It's best to just not talk for a few days. I'm glad you enjoyed the concert! Not so sure you should use your airtime for this instead of other important topics. Btw, all artists' discographies are diaries...

[@inconvenientfacts58]

The Taylor Swift concert reaction can be summed up simply with the word "mania". Every concert with a popular artist has the same reactions. The only difference is size. The audience is caught up in the atmosphere at that time. It is not exclusive to Swift. Bear in mind that society in general has a strong fixation with celebrities, to be in with the 'same crowd'. I've seen kids not old enough to walk down the road on their own be caught up in the Swift celebrity simply because they heard from their friends or seen on media that Swift is popular. Let's put it to a simple test - there are strong messages within Swift's songs. If her fans are truly listening to her, how many of them actually act or follow with her ideals? I dare say in terms of percentages, barely 50% will live their lives the way Swift is advocating. Why? Because fundamentally personalities differ, fans grow out of their adoration and they find someone or something else to attach to. Even diehard fans do not always listen to the substance of the songs.

[@infosuge]

Only screen calls from fans or people who were at the show, there was no discussion just fans being fans. That was the most boring phone in, it was like paid content. Taylor is huge because the record label chose her, she’s been winning major industry awards since her teens as she is coded to fill the slot left by the likes of Shanaia Twaine, Kate Bush and has all those would be fans from that era today she sells to that audience. Those who cannot identify with the R&B megastars who dominated the industry Swift also plays as a great white hope. I don’t not buy into the hype as I couldn’t tell you one of her songs, she’s never had that hit EVERYONE knows and can sing too so I don’t really get what all the fuss is about or why I keep on being told about it

[@user-bt8cz9nv4x]

It’s almost like adoration for her and her songs! On a level with the Nuremberg rallies that the German people used to attend but obviously for very different reasons!

[@coldteasounds]

Regarding the A&E topic...while I appreciate the Despatches programmes, the state of the NHS, and A&E being the ultimate frontline...are now effectively field hospitals in a combat zone. Decades of politically initiated decay and disregard for our health services and this is where we find ourselves. And I think people sometimes forget, while it's those in power disregarding the NHS, it is also disregard to the people of Britain. But hey...make it bad enough, and people will go private!

[@dianegardner3584]

Just because William appeared with two children,and megsy turned away apparently.I think we have more important issues to consider.

[@margaretbloomer9001]

In the interests of balance, other high street bookies are available... 🤣

[@uniquerebeljaney3639]

Won't somebody think of the Waitrose!!!!

[@susanb4816]

What is will take to fix it is a whole new loom

[@grahamleiper1538]

The real gamblegate question... What odds did the Tories get on the LibDems becoming the official opposition? Would explain a lot.

[@Patsy950]

That bumbling mp sounds like prince Andrew!

[@catznjam470]

Oh, my dears - you must realize the absolute determination to privatize your National Health Service.. it's very much on purpose, what you go through at A&E and your GPs offices - the long waits, the short staffing, the shortages of equipment and medications, all of it

[@michaelmcilhone1452]

The comments have lost the plot 🎉

[@oralogarro9932]

Well she is no Donna Summer

[@firefox5926]

1:29:11 oh its not that you cant look after them its that the people in charge ...wont

[@TheLucanicLord]

7:40 Was he trying to do Norman Collier? He made a bet and that was a mistake? I suppose he was trying to buy a loaf of bread and some milk.

[@Holmeswilliamwh]

Dave Grohl described her music perfectly!

[@martinjrgensen8234]

Who? And what did he say?

[@greamespens1460]

The Spartans declared war against the Athenians. The Athenians were increasing their empire and influence in Greece. Farage said ante-bellum the expansionism would lead to Czar Putin using it as the casus belli for war.

[@flyagaric23]

"How can I make a few quid out of this"....vulture capitalism....disaster capitalism. Tory policy. As James sez...truly "Sick"

[@luckylady2162]

Taylor swift starts on 1:40 Enjoy.

[@michaeladkins6]

The swifties be crazy!

[@deadcert]

taylor swift backs biden now i get it

[@MyPortsmouth]

🇵🇸 FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸

[@Brianunich]

Vile sneering tribalism..

[@H_Dar792]

Wow James... other than the occasional political development in the Most Moral Nation, looks like management has forced you to avoid the Most Moral Nation-Pal topic. Instead you're into pop culture. Wish San geeta was here to discuss keep one of the most globally important topics alive. (Name spelt wrong to avoid comment being hidden).

[@martinjrgensen8234]

I attended Taylors concert in Sweden and it was magic. The mood was just one of pure joy and love. Not only towards her, nut between the concert crowd too. Hours before they were gathered around the venue, talking, taking selfies and exchanging bracelets. I got talking to an American dad, that was there with his 2 daughters. And a group of 4 ladies in the 40s.

[@Steve-wb60]

Why is anyone surprised? Tories being Tories..

[@lordflashheart3680]

I honestly don't understand why a mid-talented pop star suddenly owns the world....? Is it just me?

[@osirisofthesouth2853]

This stick woman needs all the money in the USA to continue this forced status .

[@LeeKnight22]

Mass formation ..and music hypnotherapy

[@joescott54]

Swift, overrated slapper, just like the slouch, O'boring...

[@rosemariesmith8151]

MR JAMES YOU KNOWING WHY I HAVE FOLLOW YOU IS BECAUSE OF PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN THAT WHY I FOLLOW YOU BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS HAVE HARRY AND MEGHAN BACK AND THAT'S WHY I LIKE YOU BECAUSE I AM A BIG FANS OF HARRY AND MEGHAN SPECIAL HARRY AND YOU ALWAYS SHOW PRINCE HARRY ALOT OF RESPECT AND THAT IS WHY I LIKE YOU I LOVE ❤️ PRINCESS DIANA SO MUCH 😢 AND I ALWAYS SEE HARRY IN HER AND THAT WHY HARRY IS MY FAVORITE ROYALS # KEEP SPEAKING THE TRUTH MR JAMES YOU ARE AMAZING 1LOVE ❤ 🇯🇲

[@peterholland3746]

Whose Taylor Swift?😂😂

[@Ryattt81]

Yours

[@scottholle8872]

@@Ryattt81 🤣😂

[@andrewstevenson118]

@@Ryattt81 Beat me to it. 🙂

[@kevino2622]

Ah Brenda... Something has to take the hit for your prized triple lock pension... And that's the NHS... Can't have it all I'm afraid

[@Sassy-x3r]

Taylor is so overrated- Average at best

[@deadcert]

james o,brien a swiftie how naff

[@user-tl3hu2lh6u]

I had to turn LBC off! And go back to listening to Radio 4 and radio 3. The obsession with the overrated Taylor Swift is boring and 🤢.

[@aimanzahry]

35 year old woman acting like a teen with enough breakups to be an example of a red flag. Greay example.

[@aeronnutley364]

And by doing so has become a billionaire whilst you sit there and cry about it.

[@andrewrobinson1479]

Like it or not, she's the biggest star on the planet

[@TfL1901]

@@aeronnutley364 What is there to indicate they are crying about it? thats a weird statement to make

[@martinjrgensen8234]

How is she acting like a teen? Breakups? Sure, but young women date. Had she been a guy, she would have been heralded as a player. And how many breakups do you need to have before it is a red flag? Are women only allowed 1 boyfriend? Elaborate

[@SmilingAnglerfish-oj9id]

Bunch of moaners going on about first world problems at the doctors. James o' boring at it again

[@jujitsujew23]

One of the most overrated musicians of all time. She only has an appeal to people with no taste or those who want to appear current. James is so lame for talking about her so much

[@andrewrobinson1479]

Crybaby? Tissue?

[@jujitsujew23]

@@andrewrobinson1479 I don't think you know what a crybaby is...come up with a better insult next time

[@andrewrobinson1479]

@@jujitsujew23 whaa! whaa! Somebody needs a diaper check

[@martinjrgensen8234]

Which woman hurt you

[@jujitsujew23]

@@andrewrobinson1479 no wonder you’re a Taylor swift fan. Lowest common denominator personified

[@wolfgangbaber2976]

True Taylor swift is phenomenal she's very very clever very talented

[@scottblack7182]

Yes , a very very clever narcissist with talented PR teams.

[@andrewrobinson1479]

@@scottblack7182 haters gonna hate

[@jonnobloggs1139]

​@@scottblack7182I knew you were trouble when you walked in.

[@wolfgangbaber2976]

🤡🤡

[@johnrussell3961]

Music isn’t important as it used to be. Many teenagers would rather play computer games than listen to music.

[@Kbyr083]

Are you a teenager?

[@scottblack7182]

It's true the kids into music nowadays are usually high as a kite 😅. Most kids it's all about them games and TV now.

[@dh7314]

Not true. Source: My Children

[@louieberg2942]

How can you say this when the music business is ENORMOUS these days? Or will this be "countered" by the claim "Oh, what the kids listen to these days isn't real music". @scottblack7182: Nowadays? Remember Woodstock?

[@martinjrgensen8234]

Wrong