Thursday, June 20 2013
Supremium: Image Comic’s Less “Awesome” Superman
Every superhero owes Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's incredible creation a debt of gratitude for their very existence. And at the time of this writing, the hands-down runaway box-office hit is none other than The Man of Steel, just in time for the first Superman's 75th birthday. Time for a pastiche, don't you think?
Keeping Great Company: An Interview with Claudia Lennear
Claudia Lennear vanished from music. Morgan Neville found her. 20 Feet from Stardom connects the dots.
Wednesday, June 19 2013
Performer Spotlight: The Women of 20 Feet from Stardom: Judith Hill
Judith Hill represents the new guard in 20 Feet from Stardom, showing the world just how much the music business has changed for background singers.
Engulfed in Dark Waves: Lycia’s ‘Cold’
Darkwave luminary Lycia had its 1996 album, Cold, issued on LP for the first time recently, and with the band's first full-length in a decade due for release in August, Cold's reappearance is a timely reminder of Lycia's legacy in the sphere of bewitchingly mournful music.
Tuesday, June 18 2013
The Music Playground Presents: Our Griffins Live on PopMatters
It's been awhile since we have come across a young solo singer/songwriter that stops us in our tracks, so we were thrilled to record a session with Our Griffins, the project from musician DJ Brown.
The Women of ‘20 Feet from Stardom’: Lisa Fischer
Why do Mick, Sting, and Tina cast the spotlight on Lisa Fischer? As 20 Feet from Stardom reveals, she knows how to stop time.
Monday, June 17 2013
Now Hear This!: Spider Bags - ‘Singles’ (album premiere)
PopMatters is pleased to premiere Singles by North Carolina underground heroes Spider Bags.
The Women of ‘20 Feet from Stardom’: Merry Clayton
As part of our 20 Feet from Stardom, today we explore the gospel of legendary chanteuse Merry Clayton. Our interview discusses friendship, faith, and fearlessness, principles by which this diva passionately abides.
Friday, June 14 2013
How Does Superman Shave?: A Discussion with Mythbusters Adam and Jamie
Who are the Mythbusters? Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take time off the set of Mythbusters to answer Gillette's challenge of "How Does He Shave?" And in a discussion with PopMatters, the Mythbusters get to the heart of why they make popular culture, and why it matters.
Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
In time for the 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel comes the first comprehensive literary biography of Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, creators of the DC Comics superhero Superman.
Thursday, June 13 2013
Marvel’s Avengers Initiative, Part 1 of 4: Avengers and Avengers Arena
What hath Bendis wrought?! In unravelling the traditional structure of the Avengers nearly a decade ago, writer Brian Michael Bendis lay the groundwork for something truly unimaginable at the time. Something both Joss Whedon with the 2012 blockbuster, and current writer Jonathan Hickman are heirs to.
Will Netflix Kill TV?
Netflix is such a beautiful service that it’s terrifying. It’s given us everything we ever wanted, and one day we’ll look back on what a tragedy that was.
Wednesday, June 12 2013
“Commiserating Is Underrated in Art”: An Interview with Jason Isbell
Following his time with the legendary Drive-By Truckers and garnering huge accolades for his last effort, Jason Isbell decided to strip things down on his dark, personal new album, and tells PopMatters about its creation and what it's like to have that "hit" everyone wants you to play.
Tuesday, June 11 2013
Why ‘Game of Thrones’ Matters
George R.R. Martin's series looks and feels like a historical drama, except the audience doesn't know how the story will turn out. Martin's 'fantasy' is preoccupied with power -- its relations, differentials and dynamics -- because he's interested in the way 'history' is really made.
Dwarf Or Giant: Scott Walker’s Impossible, Shifting Identity
The Collection 1967-1970 is a brilliant set that allows us to look at Scott Walker's early years as a solo artist. But none of this clarifies our understanding of him. Instead, it confirms the big questions of identity his music has always posed.
Monday, June 10 2013
When the Music’s Over: Oliver Stone’s Tribute to Excess and the God of Rock
"There are things known. There are things unknown. And in between are the Doors."
The 10 Progressive Rock Epics You Need to Hear Now
You'll kick yourself for not blasting these prog masterpieces sooner. These pieces represent their creators' highest level of artistic ambition and self-indulgence, and they're often declared the group's best composition.
Friday, June 7 2013
A Decade by Lantern Light: “Green Lantern” vs. “The Office”
In his last review for the U.S. version of The Office, Erik Adams of The A.V. Club explained that the final episode of one of the biggest TV shows of the past decade “…gets sentimental, but it deserves to get sentimental.” But it was also more than that. As was Geoff Johns decade-long run on Green Lantern…
Japanoise: Music at the Edge of Circulation
Is Noise, an underground music made through an amalgam of feedback, distortion, and electronic effects, Japanoise? Is it even music at all?
Thursday, June 6 2013
Maim of Steel: Exclusive with John Ficarra on “MAD Superman Spectacular”
There's a pause from John Ficarra, then a slight chuckle, then, a wistful sigh before he answers. A special edition format like MAD Super Spectacular: Superman highlights John's stewardship of not only the cultural mainstay that is MAD, but his mentoring of an entirely new generation of MAD talent…
