Film
Howard, a Lackluster Tribute to Beloved Disney Lyricist Howard Ashman
Known for his songs for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, Ashman deserves a documentary passionate enough to match his legacy.
Music
Music
The Two Sides of Contemporary Hip-Hop
The question of genre is a prevalent one in hip-hop: should it stick to its bare bones or incorporate other styles?
Music
Bob Dylan's Collage Artistry
Always a master thief, in recent years Dylan has become a collage artist as well.
Music
The Limits of a Rapper's Comedy
Lunging for the most obvious jokes on Find the Beat, Blueface is desperate to be heard and understood.
Music
Reflections of America in Rap
Four new rap releases reflect the divided state of the nation.
Music
Dancing in Place
Some music has perked up, even within the strictures of chill.
Music
Fiona Apple's Joyful Racket
Every Fiona Apple album has been sharper and more abrasive than the last, while remaining true to her characteristic hybrid of folk singer-songwriter conventions and vaudevillian musical comedy.
Music
The Percussive Side of Electronica
The four electronic albums reviewed below speak to the importance of rhythm — or maybe just drums.
Music
Poppy Captures the Chaos of Pop
By committing to chaos in itself, Poppy captures a spirit of play, a sense that anything is possible.
Music
In a Time of Crisis, the Beat Goes On
Some people turn to relaxing music in a crisis. Others need chaos to drown out everything else. I need both, preferably at the same time.
Music
Selena Gomez Gets Into Her Groove
Gomez's songs fit standard teenpop/R&B codes while excising the genre’s usual false cheer to achieve a cold minimalism.
Music
Clams Casino’s Mood Music
Casino’s instrumental music often projects an initial illusion of formlessness, all the better to surprise you with sneak details later.