This morning, after nine nights of near-insomnia, I got up not feeling like complete trash. There's a new Lady Gaga song in the world, and I have not heard it. I'm going to make coffee, do some stretches, put on a green tea face mask, light a candle (apparently ‘grey flannel’ has a scent), eat a banana, chug some water... OK, yes, my body is now ready for ~“Perfect Illusion”~, ostensibly the lead single off Gaga's first A.A.P. (after ARTPOP) album. (FYI, the track was co-produced by Gaga alongside Mark Ronson, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, and Bloodpop.)

One listen. Another listen. The creeping dread of having wanted a song to be good—because Gaga's highs have been high—and realizing it isn't. Log on to Slack. Start chatting with the only person on, Jeremy Larson, Pitchfork contributor slash personal friend.

jill_mapes [8:31 AM]

reviewing this new Gaga single

I'm like...

jeremydlarson [8:31 AM]

: /

it’s kind of wack

right?

jill_mapes [8:31 AM]

it starts not well

jeremydlarson [8:32 AM]

the key change is unearned

jill_mapes [8:32 AM]

well, it’s like, why key change w/o the big vocal moment?

the effect is lost on such produced music

jeremydlarson [8:33 AM]

the production is very very thin

especially on the chorus

jill_mapes [8:33 AM]

yeah but it feels like there's a lot of it

jeremydlarson [8:33 AM]

yeah exactly

jill_mapes [8:33 AM]

a lot of very thin sauce

like she needs heavier low end

the Parker thing almost gets her into a groove, but not quite

I don't think it's a total nightmare

jeremydlarson [8:34 AM]

Parker thing?

I mean maybe my ears are trained to hear more low end now

jill_mapes [8:34 AM]

Kevin Parker co-produced, I defs hear some Tame Impala vibes kick in at one pt

jeremydlarson [8:35 AM]

but the four on the floor bass drum feels so poorly produced/recorded, like someone playing a cardboard bass drum

ohhh

jill_mapes [8:35 AM]

ha