PopMatters
@popmatters.com
Essaying the pop culture that matters since 1999. Independent, women/LGBTQ-owned. Made by humans. PM is 26! linktr.ee/popmatters
Pinned
PopMatters
@popmatters.com
· 18h
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026 » PopMatters
In January's best metal, Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, and Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss.
tinyurl.com
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Reposted by PopMatters
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026 » PopMatters
In January's best metal, Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, and Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:46 PM
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
#Sundance: 'The Huntress' casts aside simplified ideas about revenge and observes different ways to respond to a culture of misogynistic violence.
READ: tinyurl.com/HuntressTrack
READ: tinyurl.com/HuntressTrack
'The Huntress' Tracks the Desire for Vengeance » PopMatters
The Huntress casts aside simplified ideas about revenge and observes different ways to respond to a culture of misogynistic violence.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:02 PM
#Sundance: 'The Huntress' casts aside simplified ideas about revenge and observes different ways to respond to a culture of misogynistic violence.
READ: tinyurl.com/HuntressTrack
READ: tinyurl.com/HuntressTrack
In Wes Craven’s horror films, the victim is linguistically trapped before being physically pursued – conversation itself becomes the killing ground.
READ: tinyurl.com/CravenTalk
READ: tinyurl.com/CravenTalk
Wes Craven's Artfully Dreadful Voice of Horror » PopMatters
In Wes Craven's horror films, the victim is linguistically trapped before being physically pursued – conversation itself becomes the killing ground.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:25 PM
In Wes Craven’s horror films, the victim is linguistically trapped before being physically pursued – conversation itself becomes the killing ground.
READ: tinyurl.com/CravenTalk
READ: tinyurl.com/CravenTalk
The Olympians' 'In Search of a Revival' may be an odd album, but it's not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
#PMPick out Friday via @daptonerecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/OlympianRe
#PMPick out Friday via @daptonerecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/OlympianRe
The Olympians Instrumentally Search for a Revival » PopMatters
The Olympians' In Search of a Revival may be an odd album, but it's not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:59 PM
The Olympians' 'In Search of a Revival' may be an odd album, but it's not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
#PMPick out Friday via @daptonerecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/OlympianRe
#PMPick out Friday via @daptonerecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/OlympianRe
'Singin’ to an Open Chair' is a wonderful album that shows Ratboys revving their engine once again, ready to take another long, curious lap around the block. #PMPick
Ratboys Find New Clarity in Old Ghosts on New LP » PopMatters
Singin' to an Open Chair is a wonderful album that shows Ratboys revving their engine once again, ready to take another long, curious lap around the block.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:39 PM
'Singin’ to an Open Chair' is a wonderful album that shows Ratboys revving their engine once again, ready to take another long, curious lap around the block. #PMPick
The combination of African, South American, and Caribbean pop styles, timely themes, and impeccable club vibes make Da Cruz’s new album the best yet. #PMPick
Da Cruz Revolutionize the Dancefloor on 'Som Sistema' » PopMatters
The combination of African, South American, and Caribbean pop styles, timely themes, and impeccable club vibes make Da Cruz's new album the best yet.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The combination of African, South American, and Caribbean pop styles, timely themes, and impeccable club vibes make Da Cruz’s new album the best yet. #PMPick
Joel Ross takes his usual pyrotechnics and funnels them into a refined ensemble sound that also channels sincere, powerful jazz with a gospel center.
His 'Gospel Music' album is out now via @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoelRoss26
His 'Gospel Music' album is out now via @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoelRoss26
Vibes Phenom Joel Ross Dips His Jazz Into Gospel Music » PopMatters
Joel Ross takes his usual pyrotechnics and funnels them into a refined ensemble sound that also channels sincere, powerful jazz with a gospel center.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Joel Ross takes his usual pyrotechnics and funnels them into a refined ensemble sound that also channels sincere, powerful jazz with a gospel center.
His 'Gospel Music' album is out now via @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoelRoss26
His 'Gospel Music' album is out now via @bluenoterecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoelRoss26
Jill Scott's new album fits seamlessly with pop’s retro-futuristic fascination with the 1980s. Her signature mix of poetry, hip-hop, jazz, and soul is as lively as ever.
'To Whom This May Concern' is a #PMPick out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JillScott26
'To Whom This May Concern' is a #PMPick out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JillScott26
Jill Scott's New Music Is As Lively As Ever » PopMatters
Jill Scott's new album fits seamlessly with pop's retro-futuristic fascination with the 1980s. Her signature mix of poetry, hip-hop, jazz, and soul is as lively as ever.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Jill Scott's new album fits seamlessly with pop’s retro-futuristic fascination with the 1980s. Her signature mix of poetry, hip-hop, jazz, and soul is as lively as ever.
'To Whom This May Concern' is a #PMPick out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JillScott26
'To Whom This May Concern' is a #PMPick out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JillScott26
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026 » PopMatters
In January's best metal, Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, and Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:46 PM
MetalMatters: Best Metal Albums of January 2026
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Ulver return to their deep electronica, the Ruins of Beverast show off their extreme black/doom, Zu join free-jazz madness with ambient bliss, and much more.
READ: tinyurl.com/BestMetal2601
Hardcore punk’s the Depraved did something unusual after two albums: expanded their sound to include more overt 1960s influences, and changed their name to Visions of Change.
This is their story…
READ: tinyurl.com/80sPunk
This is their story…
READ: tinyurl.com/80sPunk
Visions of Change Played '80s Hardcore Punk with a '60s Twist » PopMatters
The Depraved did something unusual after two albums: expanded their sound to include more overt 1960s influences, and changed their name to Visions of Change.
tinyurl.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Hardcore punk’s the Depraved did something unusual after two albums: expanded their sound to include more overt 1960s influences, and changed their name to Visions of Change.
This is their story…
READ: tinyurl.com/80sPunk
This is their story…
READ: tinyurl.com/80sPunk
Reposted by PopMatters
Introducing ElectroMatters! Our new monthly column of the best new electronic music.
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
ElectroMatters: Best Electronic Music of January 2026 » PopMatters
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, these are the best electronic records from the past month.
tinyurl.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Introducing ElectroMatters! Our new monthly column of the best new electronic music.
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
American Bandstand’s Dick Clark gave Danny Rapp a framed gold disc for his teen hit “At the Hop”.
Did teenage life get any better than this?
READ: tinyurl.com/DannyABnstnd
Did teenage life get any better than this?
READ: tinyurl.com/DannyABnstnd
When Danny Rapp Hopped onto the 'American Bandstand' Stage » PopMatters
American Bandstand's Dick Clark gave Danny Rapp a framed gold disc for his teen hit "At the Hop". Did teenage life get any better than this?
tinyurl.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:52 PM
American Bandstand’s Dick Clark gave Danny Rapp a framed gold disc for his teen hit “At the Hop”.
Did teenage life get any better than this?
READ: tinyurl.com/DannyABnstnd
Did teenage life get any better than this?
READ: tinyurl.com/DannyABnstnd
Filmmakers of the horror movie 'Rock Springs' sped past indicators to elevate the subject, drove right over the cliff, and plunged to rock bottom.
'Rock Springs' Plunges to Rock Bottom » PopMatters
Filmmakers of the horror movie Rock Springs sped past indicators to elevate the subject, drove right over the cliff, and plunged to rock bottom.
tinyurl.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Filmmakers of the horror movie 'Rock Springs' sped past indicators to elevate the subject, drove right over the cliff, and plunged to rock bottom.
The reissue of folk-blues artist Furry Lewis' 'Back on My Feet Again' captures a daylong recording session at Sun Records from 1961.
#PMPick via @craftrecordings.bsky.social.
READ: tinyurl.com/FurryLewis
#PMPick via @craftrecordings.bsky.social.
READ: tinyurl.com/FurryLewis
Furry Lewis Sang the Blues at Sun Records in 1961 » PopMatters
The reissue of Furry Lewis' Back on My Feet Again captures a daylong recording session at Sun Records from 1961.
tinyurl.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The reissue of folk-blues artist Furry Lewis' 'Back on My Feet Again' captures a daylong recording session at Sun Records from 1961.
#PMPick via @craftrecordings.bsky.social.
READ: tinyurl.com/FurryLewis
#PMPick via @craftrecordings.bsky.social.
READ: tinyurl.com/FurryLewis
The pop-punk institution Joyce Manor emphasize melody on another hooky collection of melancholy-tinged anthems.
@joycemanor.bsky.social's 'I Used to Go to This Bar' is a #PMPick out now via @epitaphrecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoyceManorLP
@joycemanor.bsky.social's 'I Used to Go to This Bar' is a #PMPick out now via @epitaphrecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoyceManorLP
February 4, 2026 at 2:25 PM
The pop-punk institution Joyce Manor emphasize melody on another hooky collection of melancholy-tinged anthems.
@joycemanor.bsky.social's 'I Used to Go to This Bar' is a #PMPick out now via @epitaphrecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoyceManorLP
@joycemanor.bsky.social's 'I Used to Go to This Bar' is a #PMPick out now via @epitaphrecords.bsky.social.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/JoyceManorLP
Tigran Hamasyan's 'Manifeste' is a journey, profoundly personal and rooted in the world, seeking purpose within it. It's moving and aurally rapturous.
#PMPick [9/10] out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Tigran2026
#PMPick [9/10] out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Tigran2026
February 4, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Tigran Hamasyan's 'Manifeste' is a journey, profoundly personal and rooted in the world, seeking purpose within it. It's moving and aurally rapturous.
#PMPick [9/10] out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Tigran2026
#PMPick [9/10] out Friday.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Tigran2026
British psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker discuss their lengthy career and a stunning new album that reminds us of rock music's power.
INTERVIEW: tinyurl.com/KulaInt26
INTERVIEW: tinyurl.com/KulaInt26
Kula Shaker Reflect on a Career Following Sanskrit » PopMatters
British psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker discuss their lengthy career and a stunning new album that reminds us of rock music's power.
tinyurl.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:23 PM
British psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker discuss their lengthy career and a stunning new album that reminds us of rock music's power.
INTERVIEW: tinyurl.com/KulaInt26
INTERVIEW: tinyurl.com/KulaInt26
All the films in Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project No. 5 showcase filmmakers whose output deserves restoration, but Kummatty offers the most direct and unapologetic sensual pleasures.
Scorsese's World Cinema Project #5 Carries Serenity and Chaos » PopMatters
All the films in Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project No. 5 showcase filmmakers whose output deserves restoration, but Kummatty offers the most direct and unapologetic sensual pleasures.
tinyurl.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:42 PM
All the films in Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project No. 5 showcase filmmakers whose output deserves restoration, but Kummatty offers the most direct and unapologetic sensual pleasures.
Judging by 'Yeah Yeah Yeah', it seems Cast's vinyl collection consists solely of 'Rubber Soul', 'Abbey Road', and 'The White Album'.
Cast Follow the Beatles Too Slavishly on 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' » PopMatters
Judging by Yeah Yeah Yeah, it seems Cast's vinyl collection consists solely of Rubber Soul, Abbey Road, and The White Album.
tinyurl.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Judging by 'Yeah Yeah Yeah', it seems Cast's vinyl collection consists solely of 'Rubber Soul', 'Abbey Road', and 'The White Album'.
The ten tracks on Lucinda Williams’ new album are heavy. This ain’t no party record. There’s too much pain going around in the world.
'World Gone Wrong' is a #PMPick out now.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Lucinda26
'World Gone Wrong' is a #PMPick out now.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Lucinda26
Lucinda Williams Tries to Right What's Wrong with the World » PopMatters
The ten tracks on Lucinda Williams' World Gone Wrong are heavy. This ain't no party record. There's too much pain going around in the world.
tinyurl.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:56 PM
The ten tracks on Lucinda Williams’ new album are heavy. This ain’t no party record. There’s too much pain going around in the world.
'World Gone Wrong' is a #PMPick out now.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Lucinda26
'World Gone Wrong' is a #PMPick out now.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/Lucinda26
INTERVIEW: Joyce Manor Talk Bars and Candy Bars
Pop-punk’s Joyce Manor have a new album that’s a fresh take on their patented sound.
“Bands in our scene can have songs from a decade ago blow up on TikTok.”
READ: tinyurl.com/JoyceManor26
Pop-punk’s Joyce Manor have a new album that’s a fresh take on their patented sound.
“Bands in our scene can have songs from a decade ago blow up on TikTok.”
READ: tinyurl.com/JoyceManor26
February 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM
INTERVIEW: Joyce Manor Talk Bars and Candy Bars
Pop-punk’s Joyce Manor have a new album that’s a fresh take on their patented sound.
“Bands in our scene can have songs from a decade ago blow up on TikTok.”
READ: tinyurl.com/JoyceManor26
Pop-punk’s Joyce Manor have a new album that’s a fresh take on their patented sound.
“Bands in our scene can have songs from a decade ago blow up on TikTok.”
READ: tinyurl.com/JoyceManor26
Introducing ElectroMatters! Our new monthly column of the best new electronic music.
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
ElectroMatters: Best Electronic Music of January 2026 » PopMatters
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, these are the best electronic records from the past month.
tinyurl.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Introducing ElectroMatters! Our new monthly column of the best new electronic music.
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, this is the best new electro of January.
READ: tinyurl.com/ElectroJan26
Activist-cum-stand-upcomedian NOAM SHUSTER-ELIASSI documentary COEXISTENCE, MY ASS! makes it painfully clear how funny and complicated coexistence can be.
Director Amber Fares discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other challenges while making her film.
READ: tinyurl.com/CoexistFunny
Director Amber Fares discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other challenges while making her film.
READ: tinyurl.com/CoexistFunny
It's Funny How Complicated Coexistence Can Be » PopMatters
Activist-cum-stand-up comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi documentary Coexistence, My Ass! makes it painfully clear how complicatedly funny/not-funny coexistence can be.
tinyurl.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Activist-cum-stand-upcomedian NOAM SHUSTER-ELIASSI documentary COEXISTENCE, MY ASS! makes it painfully clear how funny and complicated coexistence can be.
Director Amber Fares discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other challenges while making her film.
READ: tinyurl.com/CoexistFunny
Director Amber Fares discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other challenges while making her film.
READ: tinyurl.com/CoexistFunny
Some Criticism About Criticism
Criticism done well is not antithetical to compassion; the two are closely interlinked as an act of kindness that prevents delusion and leading others astray.
READ: tinyurl.com/CrtcsmCritic
Criticism done well is not antithetical to compassion; the two are closely interlinked as an act of kindness that prevents delusion and leading others astray.
READ: tinyurl.com/CrtcsmCritic
February 2, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Some Criticism About Criticism
Criticism done well is not antithetical to compassion; the two are closely interlinked as an act of kindness that prevents delusion and leading others astray.
READ: tinyurl.com/CrtcsmCritic
Criticism done well is not antithetical to compassion; the two are closely interlinked as an act of kindness that prevents delusion and leading others astray.
READ: tinyurl.com/CrtcsmCritic
Devin Maxwell offers an irreverent take on the real or imagined processes we use to attempt to control the weather. The music is striking, dramatic, and unique.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/DevinMax
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/DevinMax
February 2, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Devin Maxwell offers an irreverent take on the real or imagined processes we use to attempt to control the weather. The music is striking, dramatic, and unique.
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/DevinMax
REVIEW: tinyurl.com/DevinMax