Annie Zaleski
@anniezaleski.bsky.social
NYT Bestselling Author, “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs.” 33 1/3 book on Duran Duran’s ‘Rio.’ Other books: Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Pink, Christmas songs, Cher. Trans + disability rights are human rights. [email protected]; anniez.com.
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Annie Zaleski
@anniezaleski.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Annie’s Newsletter | Annie Zaleski | Substack
Music musings with a personal twist. Click to read Annie’s Newsletter, by Annie Zaleski, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
anniezaleski.substack.com
An intro! I'm a music journalist who also (sometimes) writes about culture, business, healthcare + marketing. I've written books on: Duran Duran's 'Rio,' Pink, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Christmas music (and soon): love songs and Cher! I have a newsletter too: anniezaleski.substack.com
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
This time of year, my brain is always about 10% thinking about "Christmas Wrapping." I haven't heard the song yet in the wild, but it always excites me when I do. A few years ago, I wrote about the song's greatness! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/the-greatn...
the greatness of the waitresses' "christmas wrapping"
"A&P has provided me / With the world's smallest turkey"
anniezaleski.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:23 PM
This time of year, my brain is always about 10% thinking about "Christmas Wrapping." I haven't heard the song yet in the wild, but it always excites me when I do. A few years ago, I wrote about the song's greatness! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/the-greatn...
Thank you. ♥️ I LOVED writing this book!!
If you want some essential Christmas reading, I can't recommend this book by @anniezaleski.bsky.social enough. I got it for my wife a couple years ago and it's become a staple at our house this time of year. If you like music, holiday trivia, and pop culture history, it'll be right up your alley!
December 7, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Thank you. ♥️ I LOVED writing this book!!
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
I once heard The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” played in a grocery store; my feet started to move and before I knew it I was doing a subtle pogo with the grocery cart, much to the embarrassment of my daughter.
It will forever be a favourite seasonal song! 🎶🎄
It will forever be a favourite seasonal song! 🎶🎄
For the record, the version of "Christmas Wrapping" I think deserves more attention is the Kylie Minogue-Iggy Pop take. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J31...
December 7, 2025 at 12:05 AM
I once heard The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” played in a grocery store; my feet started to move and before I knew it I was doing a subtle pogo with the grocery cart, much to the embarrassment of my daughter.
It will forever be a favourite seasonal song! 🎶🎄
It will forever be a favourite seasonal song! 🎶🎄
For the record, the version of "Christmas Wrapping" I think deserves more attention is the Kylie Minogue-Iggy Pop take. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J31...
December 6, 2025 at 11:25 PM
For the record, the version of "Christmas Wrapping" I think deserves more attention is the Kylie Minogue-Iggy Pop take. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J31...
This time of year, my brain is always about 10% thinking about "Christmas Wrapping." I haven't heard the song yet in the wild, but it always excites me when I do. A few years ago, I wrote about the song's greatness! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/the-greatn...
the greatness of the waitresses' "christmas wrapping"
"A&P has provided me / With the world's smallest turkey"
anniezaleski.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:23 PM
This time of year, my brain is always about 10% thinking about "Christmas Wrapping." I haven't heard the song yet in the wild, but it always excites me when I do. A few years ago, I wrote about the song's greatness! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/the-greatn...
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
Like many people, I've loved Wednesday's album "Bleeds" this year, so I was thrilled to see (and review!) the band a few weeks ago. Head over to my cobweb-heavy newsletter for those words + book news! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/live-revie...
December 6, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Like many people, I've loved Wednesday's album "Bleeds" this year, so I was thrilled to see (and review!) the band a few weeks ago. Head over to my cobweb-heavy newsletter for those words + book news! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/live-revie...
Like many people, I've loved Wednesday's album "Bleeds" this year, so I was thrilled to see (and review!) the band a few weeks ago. Head over to my cobweb-heavy newsletter for those words + book news! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/live-revie...
December 6, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Like many people, I've loved Wednesday's album "Bleeds" this year, so I was thrilled to see (and review!) the band a few weeks ago. Head over to my cobweb-heavy newsletter for those words + book news! anniezaleski.substack.com/p/live-revie...
If you say “Rockpile” three times, Beetlejuice-style, Nick Lowe appears.
December 5, 2025 at 8:53 PM
If you say “Rockpile” three times, Beetlejuice-style, Nick Lowe appears.
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
Vladimir Nabokov, against the whole idea of being edited. 😂 The NEW YORKER AT 100 exhibition is obviously a must-see.
December 5, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Vladimir Nabokov, against the whole idea of being edited. 😂 The NEW YORKER AT 100 exhibition is obviously a must-see.
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
@davejorgenson.bsky.social is betting on himself. The journalist — who launched The Washington Post's TikTok, amassing nearly 2 million followers by making news funny and accessible — has launched his own social-first media company with the goal of making news more palatable for audiences.
December 3, 2025 at 6:15 PM
@davejorgenson.bsky.social is betting on himself. The journalist — who launched The Washington Post's TikTok, amassing nearly 2 million followers by making news funny and accessible — has launched his own social-first media company with the goal of making news more palatable for audiences.
The Long Beach Public Library recreated Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels” video and it’s the best thing you’ll see today. www.instagram.com/reel/DRxnLkU...
December 5, 2025 at 2:07 AM
The Long Beach Public Library recreated Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels” video and it’s the best thing you’ll see today. www.instagram.com/reel/DRxnLkU...
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
ICYMI 🥰
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
December 4, 2025 at 6:16 PM
ICYMI 🥰
Guests such as Robin Williams, Bob Geldof, Tina Turner and….Dave Edmunds?!
The Max Headroom Christmas Special must be seen to be believed.
My favorite part is in the beginning where each of the guest stars’ names look like they’re flying out of the turkey’s asshole.
My favorite part is in the beginning where each of the guest stars’ names look like they’re flying out of the turkey’s asshole.
Max Headroom's Giant Christmas Turkey 1986
YouTube video by TV Time Machine
youtu.be
December 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Guests such as Robin Williams, Bob Geldof, Tina Turner and….Dave Edmunds?!
Classic Pop’s 100th issue is now out! First, I sat down with Roland and Curt from Tears for Fears for a lovely conversation about the past (and, most important, the present) for a feature. I also reviewed albums by Kylie Minogue and Juliana Hatfield and contributed to the 100 Top Pop Albums list. 🥳
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Classic Pop’s 100th issue is now out! First, I sat down with Roland and Curt from Tears for Fears for a lovely conversation about the past (and, most important, the present) for a feature. I also reviewed albums by Kylie Minogue and Juliana Hatfield and contributed to the 100 Top Pop Albums list. 🥳
ICYMI 🥰
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
December 4, 2025 at 6:16 PM
ICYMI 🥰
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
December 4, 2025 at 12:41 AM
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
If you’re a huge fan of The Dream Syndicate (yes) or a music history fanatic (also yes), do yourself a solid and check out this episode of Transmissions on @aquariumdrunkard.com
A fantastic conversation between Jason and Steve Wynn. Very cool, engaging, and entertaining. Loved every minute of it.👊🎶
A fantastic conversation between Jason and Steve Wynn. Very cool, engaging, and entertaining. Loved every minute of it.👊🎶
Steve Wynn is on @aquariumdrunkard.com Transmissions today to talk about the 40th anniversary of The Dream Syndicate's Medicine Show, early tours with R.E.M. & U2, record store lore, & more. I adore talking with this dude, listen wherever you get podcasts via @talkhouse.bsky.social.
December 4, 2025 at 1:20 AM
If you’re a huge fan of The Dream Syndicate (yes) or a music history fanatic (also yes), do yourself a solid and check out this episode of Transmissions on @aquariumdrunkard.com
A fantastic conversation between Jason and Steve Wynn. Very cool, engaging, and entertaining. Loved every minute of it.👊🎶
A fantastic conversation between Jason and Steve Wynn. Very cool, engaging, and entertaining. Loved every minute of it.👊🎶
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
How do you buy “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs?”
New version! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Taylor...
Autographed copies! macsbacks.com/book/9781667...
Walmart version! www.walmart.com/ip/Annie-Zel...
New version! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Taylor...
Autographed copies! macsbacks.com/book/9781667...
Walmart version! www.walmart.com/ip/Annie-Zel...
December 4, 2025 at 12:51 AM
How do you buy “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs?”
New version! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Taylor...
Autographed copies! macsbacks.com/book/9781667...
Walmart version! www.walmart.com/ip/Annie-Zel...
New version! www.simonandschuster.com/books/Taylor...
Autographed copies! macsbacks.com/book/9781667...
Walmart version! www.walmart.com/ip/Annie-Zel...
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
You may have someone on your gifting list who needs this book.
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
December 4, 2025 at 12:46 AM
You may have someone on your gifting list who needs this book.
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
December 4, 2025 at 12:41 AM
What an awesome surprise that “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” has returned to the New York Times best seller list this week(!!!) thanks to the newly expanded edition available in stores. Thanks to everyone for buying and loving my book. ❤️🫶 www.nytimes.com/books/best-s...
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84
Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84
Prolific musician was known for work on songs like Green Onions and Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay
Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist whose work as an instrumentalist, producer and songwriter at Stax Records left an indelible impression on Memphis soul music, has died at the age of 84.
Hs son Cameron confirmed his death to Variety. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84
This raccoon represents 2025.
December 3, 2025 at 3:48 AM
This raccoon represents 2025.
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
“The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with the AIDS Quilt Touch team, presents all 50,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in an interactive experience so people around the world can experience the beauty of the Quilt and witness the love and stories stitched into each panel.”
Interactive AIDS Quilt
The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with the AIDS Quilt Touch team, presents all 48,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in an interactive experience People around the world can experie...
www.aidsmemorial.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:19 PM
“The National AIDS Memorial, through a partnership with the AIDS Quilt Touch team, presents all 50,000 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in an interactive experience so people around the world can experience the beauty of the Quilt and witness the love and stories stitched into each panel.”
Reposted by Annie Zaleski
50 years ago, Dec 1975: teenager Brad Elterman learns that Bowie's recording at Cherokee in LA & stakes out the studio, catching DB & Paul Buckmaster leaving one morning with a pile of "Man Who Fell to Earth" soundtrack tapes. "He thought it was a bit funny, smiled & said good morning."
December 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
50 years ago, Dec 1975: teenager Brad Elterman learns that Bowie's recording at Cherokee in LA & stakes out the studio, catching DB & Paul Buckmaster leaving one morning with a pile of "Man Who Fell to Earth" soundtrack tapes. "He thought it was a bit funny, smiled & said good morning."