A culture critic reflects on the limits of language -- and the magic of silence
Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker writer Hilton Als says we "don't actually have much silence left" in our world. His latest exhibition challenges the way we see art, identity and storytelling.
The Gary Peacock Trio Balances Introspection And Drive In 'Now This'
Bassist Gary Peacock, pianist Marc Copland and drummer Joey Baron bring an airy, elastic swing to their new album, Now This. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the players pull the melodies together well.
Four Books That Deliver Unexpected And Delightful Surprises This Summer
Travel (near and far), literary souvenirs and the crucial companionship of humankind's best friend are the subjects of the books on Maureen Corrigan's early summer reading list.
Apple's Watch: A Timepiece Designed To Give You Back Your Time
Apple's newest product is a screen on your wrist, with its own operating system and software. Tech correspondent Alexis Madrigal calls the Apple Watch "a powerful extension of what your phone can do."
Are DVD Box Sets A Dying Business? Studios Hope The Answer Is 'Not Yet'
As viewers turn to streaming sites to watch old TV shows, studios are issuing new DVD box sets of classic shows to a shrinking market. Critic Dave Bianculli suggests a few sets that are worth buying.
In 'Moone Boy,' Actor Chris O'Dowd Shares Memories Of Growing Up Irish
The Irish actor appeared in the film Bridesmaids and the TV series Girls. The third season of O'Dowd's British comedy series Moone Boy was recently released on Hulu. Originally broadcast May 29, 2014.
Joanna Gruesome's 'Peanut Butter' Rises Above The Band's Gimmicky Name
The Welsh band's name is a play on that of singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom. Ken Tucker likens the group's second album to a high-wire act accompanied by "furiously strummed punk-rock guitar chords."
A Critic Takes On Cannes: Highlights (And Lowlights) Of The 2015 Festival
Critic John Powers returns from the French film festival to talk about this year's new international films. Top among his picks is The Assassin, a martial arts film by director Hou Hsiao-Hsien.
Revisiting The Crystal Clarity Created By The 'Decca Sound' Revolution
In the 1940s, recording engineers perfected new sound techniques that were used in World War II — and which launched a hi-fi revolution. Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new 53-CD Decca box set.