Shouldn’t something spontaneous not sound like it’s manufactured? The close up microphone on Michael Jackson’s deep breathing angst comes to mind. Those sounds, supposedly uncontrollable moments of vulnerability, but for some, what’s heard is the prefabrication of this being a real experience. This isn’t the starling landing on Bernie’s podium four years ago. How much less interesting would he be if you found the little bird was controlled by a trainer Bernie was paying to help him feign surprise. I end up enduring a lot of top 40, thanks Esmé. Usually, I keep my mouth shut but there are many that bug me for the pretension of authenticity, like a cable news host putting on serious question face, but never swaying from corporate talking points. My girl jumps on the chorus and sings along, “to love love, to love love, I needed to lose you to find me” I am curious, “what do you think it’s about?” She doesn’t miss a beat, “it’s about rhyming!” That’s such a better take than mine.