In Memory of Maggie Smith, the Stealth Comedy Queen
Maggie Smith had the most expressive face. She could say and do more with a roll of an eye or purse of her lips than most of her peers with pages of dialogue.
Peter Piatkowski
Peter is a London-based writer, though he was raised in Chicago. He writes pop culture criticism and film criticism. His work has been published in various publications, including anthologies and journals.
Katy Perry Stumbles on Her Latest Album ‘143’
Katy Perry’s 143 sounds out of step with current pop, and there isn’t much here that is so eccentric and creative to justify the album’s relative mediocrity.
Liza Minnelli and Pet Shop Boys United on the Camp Classic ‘Results’
Results is an incredible union of two seemingly disparate acts, yet the musical marriage of Liza Minnelli and the Pet Shop Boys is brilliant dance pop.
Vanessa Williams Returns with the Excellent ‘Survivor’ After a Lengthy Break
After listening to Survivor, one thing that remains clear is that Vanessa Williams thrives on being an old-school Entertainer with a capital E.
Unlike Her Music ‘I Am: Céline Dion’ Is Not a Mournful Drama
Unlike how her subject’s music can be, Irene Taylor’s biography I Am: Céline Dion is not a mournful drama. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Pandora Boxx Offers a Smile and a Laugh With Debut Album
Amidst culture wars and an uncertain time for LGBTQ people, Drag Race fan favorite Pandora Boxx releases an album of funny comedy songs and catchy dance tunes.
Marilyn Monroe Really Knew How to Act
Marilyn Monroe’s performative femininity as Sugar in Some Like It Hot is just as artificial as Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon’s drag characters’, only better.
Yoko Ono’s Controversial Work at Tate Modern
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind at Tate Modern is an engaging overview of the polarizing artist’s career, but her career didn’t end post-John Lennon and Fluxus.
‘Scala!!!’ Is an Enjoyable and Oft-Hilarious Tribute to Alt-Cinephiles’ Elysium
Alternative film theater and music venue Scala’s contribution to British culture was urgent and necessary to counter the government’s regressive social policies.
Mariah Carey Declared Herself Queen of Christmas with One Song
Through one hit single, Mariah Carey declared herself the Queen of Christmas, and judging from its perennial success, it looks as if her reign isn’t over anytime soon.
Dolly Parton Does a Great Job Pretending She’s a Rock Star
Dolly Parton’s Rockstar is another solid, consistent piece of work that shows the country legend having fun and enjoying herself at this point in her career.
Chris Stapleton Displays His Brand of Genius on ‘Higher’
Chris Stapleton’s Higher is required listening for fans of high-quality, contemporary country. He’s gifted with the most gorgeous male voice in country today.