What Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ Got Right and a Lot That It Didn’t
Baz Luhrmann used many entertaining razzle-dazzle techniques to capture Elvis Presley’s complex story on film. He even got some things right. But there’s a lot he didn’t.
James A. Cosby
Jim is an attorney and an author in Philadelphia. Jim's first book, DEVIL'S MUSIC, HOLY ROLLERS, AND HILLBILLIES: HOW AMERICA GAVE BIRTH TO ROCK AND ROLL (McFarland, 2016) (Kirkus: "illuminating and intriguing"; Minnesota Public Radio Rock Book Club Selection), is featured at legendary Sun Studio and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jim was also just interviewed regarding the book by the Library of Congress. His follow-up book is ROCK MUSIC, AUTHORITY AND WESTERN CULTURE, 1964-1980 (McFarland, 2024): "Cosby's vivid, perceptive prose captures the visceral impact of rock music....The result is a compelling look at why, how, and where rock and roll moved us." -Kirkus Reviews ("Editor's Pick"); "seminal and ground-breaking" -Midwest Book Review, "[Cosby] expertly weaves together an intriguing and coherent story of rock and roll’s evolution....fantastic resource." -Library Journal. Jim has also published legal scholarship on children's rights and the Constitution, as well as writing on music-related topics as a regular contributor to PopMatters since 2013, and elsewhere.
Revisiting the Pain and Brilliance of Pearl Jam’s ‘Black’ Unplugged
In Pearl Jam’s moving performance of “Black” on MTV Unplugged, Eddie Vedder conveyed a personal struggle that that today interprets to issues beyond the self.
The 18 Best Songs of Wild Nothing
For nine years, Wild Nothing has rolled out one melodic gem after another, layering in guitars, synth lines, propulsive rhythms, and Jack Tatum's understated but sublime vocals to nearly perfect dream pop.
The 25 Best Songs of Teenage Fanclub
In our latest artist list, we pay tribute to power pop legends Teenage Fanclub. Here are their 25 best songs.
The 25 Best Songs of the Posies
Power pop legends the Posies are still rolling along after 30 years. Here are 25 of their sublime career highlights.
Andrew W.K. Breaks Out of His Shell
Andrew W.K. talks about making life choices, his "life-force", the yearning to connect with fellow humans, the church, and some of the early rock gods.
Metallica Is Back: They Never Were the Bad Guys
Metallica's already huge legacy is solidifying, and history is treating them quite well.
Rock Pioneer Lloyd Price Has a Couple of Stories to Tell
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and rock pioneer Lloyd Price’s life has been much more interesting than yours or mine, from writing hits with Fats Domino to playing an influential role in the Rumble in the Jungle. Yet Price still has many more yarns to spin even now.
Made in America Festival 2015
Even though it is on Labor Day and it is called “Made in America", this fest has nothing to do with manufacturing jobs. Instead, this is Jay Z’s vision of a new – or renewed – sense of patriotism.
Long Live the Beastie Boys: Their Five Most Underappreciated Songs
PopMatters looks at five Beastie Boys songs that are not only underappreciated, but some of their best.
Five Ways ‘Animal House’ Changed the World
Wherever the bar was set for '70s college parties, Animal House took that bar, broke it into kindling, and made a bonfire.
America, Slavery, and McQueen and Tarantino’s Two Very Different Films
12 Years a Slave is every bit as intense as one might imagine, though not completely depressing, whereas Django Unchained aestheticizes its extreme violence.