We Blame Harry Styles

Description: In the first episode of 2023, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) review the past year in Harry’s career. They pick their favorite casual (11:08), tour (14:20), and professional (20:33) looks of 2022, and then count down their top 3 Harry moments from the past year (38:21).

Finally, they close out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have recently brought them some joy (1:10:35).

In episode 29 hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) discuss Harry’s first film release of 2022 - Don’t Worry Darling. 

They begin by touching on the news (2:05), which mostly consists of reflecting on Harry’s stratospheric success in the summer and fall of this year.  Then, Key and Gray start off the main discussion by summarizing the film and describing their viewing experiences (16:00). They give their non-spoiler review (21:17), at which point those who have not seen the movie may want to leave because it’s about to get SPOILERY in here. 

In the spoiler review, Key and Gray go into greater detail about what worked and didn’t work for them about Don’t Worry Darling (including engaging in a little lighthearted nitpicking of the third act twist of the film- 42:53). They talk about some Harry-related film trivia (53:34) before diving into the themes of the film (1:03:00).  

Following this, the cohosts play a little game called “Categories” feat. questions like “Did Harry chew tf out of that bread?” (1:30:16) Then they talk about how this film was intended to mesh with and reflect on his career (1:43:00) and how it was actually received. Key and Gray wrap up the conversation by pondering the long-term impact of both Don’t Worry Darling and the media furor surrounding the film (1:54:45). They end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy recently (2:03:21). 

Email us at weblameharrystyles@gmail.com 

Follow us on twitter @harrystylespod 

Follow us on tumblr harrystylespod.tumblr.com 

__

Sources: 

In episode 28 hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) gleefully dive into the long awaited Late Night Talking song and music video! 

They begin by touching on smaller pieces of news (4:20), including Pleasing’s Hot Holiday collection, and Gucci HA HA HA, and the success of As it Was. Then they move on to discussing the song and music video. 

After giving their first impressions on the video (16:52) Key and Gray begin a brief lyrical analysis of Late Night Talking (25:02). They then move on to a conversation about the music video, starting with a recap of everything that happens in it and a brief overview of its themes (1:00:43). Then, they talk about Bradley and Pablo as a directing team (1:15:06) as well as Vic Letaigne’s stills and 16mm camera footage (1:18:03). Following this, they briefly discuss the fun Tracy Emin reference (1:21:55) as well as the bespoke costuming (1:25:20). They round out the discussion with some speculation about what the new single might mean for the Harry’s House era (1:27:20) and end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:35:15). 

Email us at weblameharrystyles@gmail.com 

Follow us on twitter @harrystylespod 

Follow us on tumblr harrystylespod.tumblr.com 

__

Sources: 

In episode 25 hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) gleefully dive into the long awaited As it Was song and music video!  

After giving their first impressions on the video and song (4:37) Key and Gray begin an in-depth lyrical analysis of As it Was. (14:30) Is it about romance? The pandemic? Fame? You decide! Gray and Key wrap up the discussion of the song itself by analyzing its production, instrumentation, and genre (48:45). Listen to hear their glee over the fact that Harry’s learned to play the tubular bells, because of course he has. 

They then move on to a conversation about the music video, starting with a recap of everything that happens in it (59:50) and a brief overview of its directing team. Then, they talk about the music video’s location and set, feat. appearances by the Barbican Center, the South London Gallery, and the Berthold Lubetkin Penguin Pool (1:05:35). Following this, they focus on Arturo Obegero’s bespoke red and blue jumpsuits (1:18:58) and Yoann Bourgeois’ choreography (1:29:16). Can either Key or Gray manage to pronounce “Celui Qui Tombe” correctly?  Let's just say neither of them are fluent in French!

They round out the discussion with some speculation about what the new single might mean for the Harry’s House era and end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:36:12).  

Source 

In episode 24 hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) dive into analysis of the first half of the You are Home campaign, including the reveal of the cover of his third album: Harry’s House (out May 20)! After briefly touching on the news, including mentions of a new music video, the release of Shroom Bloom, his feature at the V&A, and the My Policeman leak (5:58), they get into a discussion about the You Are Home campaign and album announcement (11:55).

Key and Gray first give an overview of the timeline of the You are Home campaign, including discussions of the art created by the wonderful Maggie Cowles. Who at We Blame Harry Styles believed the campaign was legit first? Hint: it’s exactly the clown you’d expect.

They then move on to a conversation about the objects behind the doors (and their accompanying tweets), including a truly brave admission by Gray about his lack of readiness to sexualize grapes. Following this, they focus on Harry’s Wednesday release - the Harry’s House announcement! (38:50) Listen to hear them discuss the cover in the context of 70s singer-songwriter aesthetics, including references to Fleetwood Mac and Documentary Now’s “Original Cast Album: Co-Op!” They round out the discussion with a conversation about the Harry’s House trailer (57:16), feat. a potential hidden tune when the clip is played backwards!

Finally they end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:02:35)

Sources:

In episode 23, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) cover the various Harry Styles-related news stories from January and early February.

They begin by diving into the rumors swarming about Harry filming a music video in front of Buckingham Palace (5:54), which of course wouldn’t be complete without some HS3-related clowning. Then, they cover the newly announced lineup at Coachella 2022 - or should they say HarryChella? (34:44). Following this, they discuss Love on Tour: 2022 - the openers, locations, and more (39:42), rounding out the news discussion by fretting over Harry’s flat chest plate in Eternals (45:33) and being many thoughts, head full about the implications behind My Policeman being rated R by the MPAA.

Following the news, Gray subjects Key to two vintage Harry Styles story-quizzes from quotev.com (47:30). Is it even possible for Key to choose between cute, dark, and CEO Harry when cute and CEO have so recently merged? Finally, Key and Gray close out the episode by discussing recent media faves: Laurel Hell, the Gilded Age, Lost in the Citadel, and Drive My Car (1:02:18).

In the first episode of 2022, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) review the past year in Harry’s career. They pick their favorite casual (14:50) and professional (20:00) looks of 2021, and then count down their top 3 Harry moments from the past year (28:20).

Finally, they close out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them some joy over the past month (44:20).

Links:

Rob Sheffield's Harryween review: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/harry-styles-harryween-madison-square-garden-1251686/

Adrienne Novy’s poetry: https://ghostcitypress.com/poetry-may-2020/2020/5/30/adrienne-novy

In episode 21, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) dive into Harry’s new interview and photoshoot with Dazed Magazine. After briefly touching on Harry’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thanos’ sexy brother Eros (7:04), the drop of his new lifestyle brand, Pleasing (12:10), and a return to the tradition of clowning about HS3 (23:30), they get into a discussion about the Dazed interview and shoot.

Key and Gray first take a look at the Dazed interview conducted by Lynette Nylander (26:02), focusing in particular on Harry sharing some new information that leads into a discussion about Vogue week and public shaming.

They then move on to a conversation about the photoshoot, styled by Ib Kamara and photographed by Rafael Pavarotti (52:41). After discussing the creative sensibilities of Kamara and Pavarotti as well as the history of their collaboration, they move into an analysis of the photographs themselves. Listen to hear Key and Gray’s opinions on the iconic JP Gaultier photograph that the internet turned viral for all the wrong reasons, as well as a breakdown of all their fave looks from the shoot (1:14:33).

Finally they end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:24:15).

Sources:

In episode 20, Key (he/they), Gray (he/him) cover the third week of Love on Tour! After a brief introduction, they get into a discussion of the seventh stop on Harry’s tour: Washington DC (4:10). They then break down Detroit (11:40), St. Paul* (20:40), Chicago Night One (27:15) and Chicago Night Two (32:56). Listen to hear discussions of Harry’s various onstage antics including the banana song, the now-famous dating advice segment of the St. Paul show, and more!

In episode 19, Key (he/they), Gray (he/him), and their surveyed listeners take on the second week of Love on Tour!! After a brief introduction that includes blaming Harry Styles for their recording schedule and a dissection of the Don’t Worry Darling teaser trailer (1:16), they get into a discussion of the four stop on Harry’s tour: Dallas (6:17). This leads them into a discussion of the Fine Line tour silhouette (9:12), followed by a breakdown of St. Louis (20:09), and Philadelphia (29:12). Listen to hear Gray despair over Gritty’s absence in Philadelphia, Key get emotional about tour (pull it together Key), and lots of laughter about a pile of discarded obscene posters which one listener described as “a Tracy Emin installation.”

In episode 15, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) celebrate pride by analyzing Harry’s unreleased song, Medicine! They briefly touch on the postponed Don’t Worry Darling release (1:20), the My Policeman Venice shoot and wrap (4:40), and participate in WILD speculation about Harry’s possible upcoming makeup/perfume line, Pleased As. . . (8:40) before getting into a discussion of Medicine (12:30)

After discussing the timeline of Medicine’s release, they discuss their own histories with the song (17:50) as well as their general opinions on Medicine’s sound (21:30). They then move into an in-depth lyrical reading and analysis, featuring Gray and Key’s awkward attempts to make the podcast less explicit than the song itself (23:58). This leads into a discussion about Medicine, queer sexuality, and sex positivity (53:30).

To round out the conversation, they discuss what Harry himself has to say about the song (1:13:37) as well as notable performances, including the question - what, exactly, was in the water when Harry performed it in St. Paul?(1:23:39) After exploring what the future and legacy of Medicine might be, Key and Gray close out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the past week (1:34:31).

Sources:

In episode 14, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) cover the various Harry Styles-related news stories from the past month, as well as breaking down their top 5 photos Hélène Pambrun has taken of Harry (inspired by her recent interview on the podcast “Straight Up”)

They begin by diving into Harry’s surprise appearance at the Brit Awards (6:55), which of course wouldn’t be complete without some HS3-related clowning. After briefly touching on the 4 year anniversary of HS1, they then get into the deluge of My Policeman set photos that have dropped since the last episode (19:54). Tiny shorts, Harry freezing on the beach, his tattoos peaking out- it’s all here!

Finally, after some rampant speculation about the Don’t Worry Darling trailer (28:07), they discuss Harry’s frequent collaborator photographer Hélène Pambrun’s interview on the podcast “Straight Up” (33:08). This leads them into a breakdown of their top 5 photos she has taken of Harry. If your fave photos weren’t included, you can shame Key and Gray @harrystylespod!

They close out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (55:02).

In episode 13, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) make potential Love on Tour setlists, but with a twist! After giving a rundown of recent Harry-related news - including the amazing mermaidrry pictures (5:10) and the Gucci Beloved campaign (8:33), they get into a discussion of Harry’s discography through the format of a fantasy sports-style draft (17:45). They go back and forth and pick songs from five categories, competing to see who would end up with the better Love on Tour setlist!

Finally they end the show with a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:06:03).

Listen for Gray imagining himself as a chicken in Harry’s arms, some high drama related to a certain Harry song that Key is still mad about, and to decide whose setlist you think is better!

In episode 12, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) try and get to the bottom of why Lights Up means so much to them through an analysis of the music video and song- something they’ve both been wanting to do since the podcast began.

After explaining why analyzing Lights Up is so important to them in the first place, they start by going over the memorable timeline of release (6:00). They then recap the video in a few different ways- by reviewing some of the ways various publications covered the music video (13:18) and by going through the video scene by scene with Key (18:51).

After describing their first experiences with the music video they then get into more details in terms of aesthetics (33:14), with particular attention paid to lighting and costuming.

Then, after Gray performs a dramatic reading of the Lights Up lyrics (54:57), they finally get into an in-depth discussion of the theme (59:26). Is this discussion the most galaxy brain moment of the podcast so far? You decide! Tune in for emotional babbling, some comments from Key that either make no sense at all or might be kinda insightful, and Gray somehow working in the phrase: “what’s good Cosmopolitan?”

They end the show by breaking down what Harry himself has said about the song/video (1:41:34), wrapping up with closing thoughts (1:50:36), and briefly chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:53:46).

In episode 11, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) break down all things Harry at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards!! After giving a rundown on their Grammys night experiences and a brief discussion on the show overall (8:36), they dive into Harry’s opening performance (12:22), from the band to the song to the all important fit/ the boa of it all (18:53). Next they get into the moment of the night: Harry winning a freakin Grammy!!! (30:16) They talk outfit #2 (35:08) and outfit #3 (40:40) before bringing high school debate club energy to the idea that any of these looks may hint at the aesthetic direction of Harry’s next musical era (43:15). Finally they end the show with a bizarre internet comment regarding the iconic banana dick necklace (53:51), a brief payneful digression, and a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:01:48). 

Email us at weblameharrystyles@gmail.com 

Follow us on twitter @harrystylespod 

Follow us on tumblr harrystylespod.tumblr.com

Sources:

Grammys Photos: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dx8A2PC3nWCLqV7KBC38fBB7jwJBwPyxEgFNcpyuMgo/edit?usp=sharing

In episode 10, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) give their predictions and react to listener predictions in the run-up to the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards!

After briefly touching on the casting of David Dawson in My Policeman (2:44), Key and Gray discuss the overall plans for this year’s awards show (7:44). They then get into their ideal Harry-at-the-Grammy-Awards scenarios (15:00), followed by what would make them come away from Sunday night’s show feeling satisfied (19:20).

Next they get into their predictions regarding the categories Harry is nominated in (22:18), discuss non-awards related predictions including what song Harry might perform, outfit, etc (35:06), and react to some listener submitted Grammy Awards predictions (40:38).

Finally they end the show with a return to the would-you-press-the-button game featuring some listener submissions as well as some Grammy related scenarios (45:43), a bizarre internet comment regarding Harry’s relationship with Amazon (54:03), and a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (57:51).

In episode 9, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) cover the various Harry Styles-related news stories from the past month!

They begin by getting a little sappy about the international holiday that is Harry’s Birthday (5:12), followed by a breakdown of the various My Policeman updates that have occurred (10:42), including the exciting casting of (newly Golden-Globe-winner) Emma Corrin as Marion!

They then get into a discussion of actorry and the decisions Harry has made in his acting career so far, including the ways in which Dunkirk,  Don’t Worry Darling, and My Policeman work together as the first three entries in his filmography.

That discussion leads them into a breakdown of this month’s Don’t Worry Darling news (37:20), which has now officially wrapped. They get into some of the set photos and costumes that were revealed, some of the cast’s social media posts, and they clown about what this movie will actually be about!

Finally Key and Gray briefly discuss both the Beauty Papers restock fiasco (52:56) and some potential Grammys news (58:22) before exasperatedly ranting about twitter behavior in “Must Get Rid of Toxic in Community” (1:03:22), closing out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:06:48).

In episode 8, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) attempt to accomplish a difficult task: a full exploration of Harry’s time in a little band called One Direction. Listeners may want to grab some snacks and settle in, because there’s a lot to cover!

First, Key and Gray start out the show by explaining why they wanted to talk about One Direction in the first place, giving a brief history of the band (3:54), and getting into their own personal 1D origin stories (6:15).

They then get into the main subject of the episode: a full critique of One Direction’s discography! They start with their overall thoughts and criticisms of 1D’s music (19:19), and then review each of the One Direction albums (Up All Night: 36:30, Take Me Home: 42:44, Midnight Memories: 49:54, Four: 56:59, Made in the AM: 1:02:33).

Next they mix it up with a 1D music video speed round (1:11:34) seeing how many piping hot takes they can drop in 15 second increments (listeners should be warned of a take involving a certain Strip That Down singer in the discussion of the Best Song Ever video, lest they be unprepared and, listening while driving, accidentally swerve off the road).

Then Key and Gray calm down and discuss the songs that Harry wrote for One Direction (1:31:38) as well as Harry’s current relationship to the band (1:56:45), featuring the ever so controversial topic of a potential 1D reunion.

Finally, they close out the show by chatting about non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (2:10:55).

In episode 7, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) break down a few of the Harry-related news articles from this week (3:29), including an interview with Jeff Azoff about Harry’s producer Kid Harpoon and interviews with the directors and choreographer of the TPWK music video (will Harry potentially direct his own videos in the future?)

They then get into this week’s main segment: a game of would you press the button, Harry Styles edition (10:00)! Key and Gray decide whether they would make the choice and press the button that would give them something they want, like a studio version of Medicine, even if it came with a twist that could potentially sour the deal! Listen to see if they’d want official audio of Medicine even if it was sung in Simlish, Harry to star in a broadway show but with his head shaved, and more! Many thanks to the wonderful listeners of We Blame Harry Styles for submitting such hilarious and at times torturous questions.

In episode 6, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) break down every detail of the Fine Line cover shoot, paying particular attention to the work of photographer Tim Walker and set designer Shona Heath.

After briefly discussing this week’s news (1:00) including some mandatory clowning about Harry’s possible appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2:40), they dive into the main segment (8:23).

First Key provides some background on surrealism as an artistic movement with a disclaimer that he is not an art historian (11:57), followed by an explanation from both hosts regarding why they feel delving into the cover shoot for Fine Line is worthwhile more than a year after it was first revealed (16:09). They then dive into an analysis of the album cover photo (19:04), from the color palette and possible artistic influences to the iconic Fine Line pose and the mysterious gloved hand that has lived rent free in the minds of Harries everywhere.

After, they move into discussions of the rest of the photos that emerged from the shoot, from the yellow and purple photo deemed “Moose Knuckle” and the photo known simply as “Egg”(33:54) to the infamous Lone Nude (45:03) and more. They then end the main segment with speculation about the potential cover art for HS3 (1:07:47).

Key and Gray close out the show by laughing at internet comments in “must get rid of toxic in community” (1:10:24) and chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy throughout the week (1:15:33).

In the first episode of 2021, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) briefly go over some news from the past week and then get right into the thing we have all been waiting for: the music video for Treat People With Kindness!

First, Gray breaks down the timeline of the release (4:16), from when the news was hinted at months ago to where the hosts were when it dropped. Key then recaps the video (13:30), and then both hosts describe their initial reactions (16:40) followed by an in-depth breakdown of the video’s artistic elements (19:44) including casting, costuming, choreography and the dreaded black & white vs color debate. They then analyze the themes of the video (38:31), paying particular attention to how gender is handled and how that relates to the video and song’s commentary on reflecting on the past.

They decide where the TPWK video fits into their personal rankings of all of the Fine Line music videos featuring some very draggable opinions (44:35), and clown maybe more than they’ve ever clowned as they speculate about what they think might be coming next in Harry’s career trajectory (50:30).

Finally they laugh at internet comments in “must get rid of toxic in community” (56:46), this week including the new addition of a comment that’s funny on purpose (1:01:50), and close out the show by chatting about some non-Harry things that have brought them joy over the week (1:02:58).

Links

Twitter Moment: https://mobile.twitter.com/i/events/1345916004958937094

In the last episode of 2020 (thank god), hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) go over the only significant news from the past week: the Treat People With Kindness leaked clip!!! (2:30).

After clowning about that glorious moment, they get into the main topic of the episode: a review of the past year in Harry’s career. They pick their favorite casual (7:22) professional (12:35) and *cough* sexy (16:15) looks of 2020, and then give a quick recap of all the main events that happened this year (18:16). They then count down their top 3 Harry moments from 2020 (20:15).

Finally they close out the show by giving out an award for the most headache-inducing discourse of the past year in “must get rid of toxic in community” (36:12), followed by a chat about some non-Harry things that have brought them some joy over the week (38:45).

Links

Zane Lowe Harry Styles Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45ajL89Zg4UWS7Nv99iehh

In episode 3 Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) go over all the news from this past week, including all that happened on the anniversary of Fine Line (2:29), the postponing of Love on Tour Europe, some Kid Harpoon talk featuring the very interesting quote from his interview in News Week as well as some instagram clownery, and Harry maybe performing at the Grammys?! (10:10)

Then in the main segment they break down Harry Lambert’s wonderful video with Who What Wear all about the fashion and styling of the Fine Line Era (12:54). Listen for a discussion of the various looks of the era from the Fine Line cover shoot to the iconic JW Anderson cardigan, a discussion about accessorizing and how Harry’s fashion inspires the hosts, and Gray’s questionable take on the Lanvin sheep sweater vest (can you tell who wrote this episode description?)

They then get into what looks they wish Harry Lambert had talked about (51:00), what outfits from the Fine Line era they’re not so hot on (59:43), and what they think the legacy of Harry Lambert’s work with Harry Styles will be (1:03:34).

Finally they close out the show by laughing at a dumb internet comment in “must get rid of toxic in community” (1:06:07) and chatting about some non-Harry related things that have been bringing them joy over the week (which yes, do exist; 1:08:00).

Links:

whowhatwear interview: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIvgvXJHu2u/?igshid=1qxm7zw55og7c 

On the one year anniversary of Harry Styles’ sophomore album Fine Line, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) look back at what their initial thoughts on the album were, and reflect on how those thoughts have changed over time.

After discussing the news from the past week ranging from clowning about potential hints at HS3 recording (3:43) to Harry’s performance at the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball (4:33), Key and Gray discuss what their expectations were for Fine Line going in, their initial listening experiences, and their first reactions to the album (7:33). They then break down their thoughts track by track (21:39), including several instances of emotional babbling from Key and an impassioned rant about the feral earnestness of Treat People With Kindness from Gray.

They close out the main segment by diving into questions such as: is Fine Line really all about having sex and feeling sad? (1:18:30) and what will Fine Line’s legacy look like? (1:19:43)

Finally they laugh at some dumb internet comments in “must get rid of toxic in community” (1:26:53), and then close out the show (1:30:25).

 In the first official episode of We Blame Harry Styles, hosts Key (he/they) and Gray (he/him) break down all the news that happened the week of December 2nd, from Don’t Worry Darling set photos to this year’s Spotify Wrapped, the Golden Behind the Scenes video (8:30), and Harry being active on Instagram!

They then discuss Harry’s feature in Variety from the photos to the article (16:52), and then get into a conversation about the Variety Hitmakers’ virtual event (30:00), from Nick Kroll’s throuple comment and the banana necklace to a discussion about Fine Line’s audience and boy band stigma.

Finally they clown about potential hints at HS3 (45:54), weigh in on the great “Is Harry Styles an introvert” debate in “must get rid of toxic in community” (51:08), and then close out the show (54:35).

Relevant links: