Recent

Cruelty at the Core of American Comedy: On 'Funny Man: Mel Brooks'

Gross-out comedies like Paul Feig's Bridesmaids and boy-child juvenilia from the worlds of Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow would be nowhere without the standard set by Mel Brooks.

Books

The Poetry of Heartbreak in 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'

Jacques Demy's dazzling musical explores a realistic side of love -- one that doesn’t always lead to a happy ending.

Film

A Memorable Staging of a Sondheim Musical: 'Stephen Sondheim's Company'

Nothing says "New York" quite like Stephen Sondheim's Company, and the 2011 concert performance captures all that is best about the show.

Reviews

To Sir, With Love?: ‘Glee’s’ Will Schuester Problem

In its second season, Glee finds itself facing its biggest challenge: what do do with Will Schuester? To solve the problem, the writers might need to do more than simply state that the adviser for New Directions is a good guy.

Television

Songwriting and Social Activism: An Interview With Nellie McKay

"If you keep your opinions and knowledge to yourself, it doesn’t change anything." McKay talks to PopMatters about her current projects, social activism, and philosophy of life in general.

Performing Arts

Pop Ten

The 25 Best Classic Progressive Rock Albums

The 70 Best Albums of 2019

The 25 Best Space Disco Songs of 1976-1986

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 1: 100 - 81

8 Low-Budget Films That Delivered Big

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 5: 20 - 1

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '90s - Part 1 (100 - 81)

Jackie Chan's 10 Best Films

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Mixed Media

Collapse Expand Mixed Media

PM Picks

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Cruelty at the Core of American Comedy: On 'Funny Man: Mel Brooks'

Gross-out comedies like Paul Feig's Bridesmaids and boy-child juvenilia from the worlds of Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow would be nowhere without the standard set by Mel Brooks.

The Poetry of Heartbreak in 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'

Jacques Demy's dazzling musical explores a realistic side of love -- one that doesn’t always lead to a happy ending.

A Memorable Staging of a Sondheim Musical: 'Stephen Sondheim's Company'

Nothing says "New York" quite like Stephen Sondheim's Company, and the 2011 concert performance captures all that is best about the show.

To Sir, With Love?: ‘Glee’s’ Will Schuester Problem

In its second season, Glee finds itself facing its biggest challenge: what do do with Will Schuester? To solve the problem, the writers might need to do more than simply state that the adviser for New Directions is a good guy.

The Queen Is Gone, But Not Forgotten

Songwriting and Social Activism: An Interview With Nellie McKay

"If you keep your opinions and knowledge to yourself, it doesn’t change anything." McKay talks to PopMatters about her current projects, social activism, and philosophy of life in general.

Music to our ears — and multiplexes

Jah Wobble Taps the Pop Group's Mark Stewart for "A Very British Coup" (premiere)

Playlist: The Best Space Disco Songs of 1976-1986

Berlin's Electronic, Post-Punkers Hope Find Their Rhythm on "Shame" (premiere)

New Age Grate Marry Goth, Doom, and Electronics on "Sylvia Won't Lie" (premiere)

Featuring Oddisee and Zenyth, Raiza Biza's "Trouble" Highlights Sociopolitical Struggles (premiere)

Honey Magpie Value the Art of Taking One's Time in "Undecided" (premiere)

Folk-pop's the Sweeplings Find Solid Ground "In Between" Connected Projects (premiere + interview)

Rose Cousins' "The Return (Love Comes Back)" Is a Gentle Reminder of Human Spirit (premiere)

Texas Psych-Rockers, the Cuckoos Release Debut LP (album stream)