folklore: the long pond studio sessions

“Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” is straightforward and cozy. ... Swift, Dessner and Antonoff perform as a trio on guitars, piano and a handful of other instruments, stripping away some of the fussy intricacies of the album’s studio versions in a way that heightens the songs’ sense of pristine contemplation.

With this film, she just does the two things she does best: making excellent music, and giving people a new reason to talk about Taylor Swift. But at least she’s made sure that this time we’re talking about her for all the right reasons.

It’s an intimate portrait of artists at work, and stands in stark contrast to the very public, very pop persona that has characterized Swift for much of her career.

The film was also directed by Swift and it’s very beautifully done, making the most of the parallels between the luscious, remote surroundings and how they mirror the lusciousness and isolation of the songs. ... It’s a very warm two hours of music that gives the songs a new lease of life, like you’re hearing them in relief for the first time. I suspect by the end that causal fans will be tuckered out, but hardcore Swifties will instantly hit replay.

“Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” isn’t going to blow your head off, but it’s a fine supplement to one of the year’s most beloved albums, and the so-far rare chance to catch all of the songs “live.”