

Man’s Best Friend, Part II: Music, Marketing, and the Algorithms That Shape Us
It may be Swiftemonium out there, but we’re still thinking about Sabrina Carpenter. Nox and Ashley wrap up their two-part conversation on Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, Man’s Best Friend. They dive into how the music itself compares with the album’s rollout, reflect on their favorite tracks, and unpack the growing trend of shorter songs in pop music.
The conversation doesn’t stop with the music—they also bring in book recommendations that explore themes of music, playlists, and algorithms. Together, they consider how technology influences the way we listen, discover, and connect with art.
Books and Resources Mentioned:
Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly
This is What it Sounds Like by Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas
Part 1 of this conversation: Man’s Best Friend?
Why Does Everything Sound Like an Audition Song for the Voice - Rolling Stone
Girl, all of these playlists? - Ashley’s Substack
The Necessity of Music Videos - Feminist Book Club
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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.
Original music by Amarissa
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