Reviews :: Paste

Community Review: "Social Psychology" (Episode 1.4)

By Sean Gandert on 1:32 PM on October 9, 2009

First, a quick recap: In its first three episodes, Community has introduced us to the college, the main cast of characters, and Joel McHale as Jeff, an asshole lead with a heart of gold. It’s just that he doesn’t really know or believe that it is a heart of gold and is more than content to play the guy you know who’s so charismatic you can’t help but like him despite all evidence pointing to him jerking you around like everyone else. It’s the role McHale was born to play, and topped off by some keen writing from Dan Harmon... read more

An Education

By Robert Davis on 12:00 PM on October 9, 2009

It’s been said many times that 50 percent of a movie director’s job is casting... read more

Good Hair

By Robert Davis on 10:00 AM on October 9, 2009

With director Jeff Stilson, Chris Rock delves into the... read more

Mason Jennings: Blood of Man

By Catherine Prewitt on 9:01 AM on October 9, 2009

This wiry haired, plaid-clad Minnesota musician has established himself as... read more

Califone: All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

By Stephen M. Deusner on 9:00 AM on October 9, 2009

Califone’s music sounds like it’s perpetually in the process of... read more

The Jesus Lizard: Touch and Go Reissues

By Austin L. Ray on 9:00 AM on October 8, 2009

In certain shadowy circles of the rock ’n’ roll universe... read more

Volcano Choir: Unmap

By Corey DuBrowa on 8:59 AM on October 8, 2009

At least a year prior to retiring to the remote Wisconsin cabin... read more

Mercy Review: "Hope You're Good, Smiley Face" (Episode 1.3)

By Emily Riemer on 9:03 PM on October 7, 2009

Well, you've got to give them points for trying. New show Mercy has been testing out some different techniques and new styles in an attempt to find its rhythm and a much-needed niche that will draw in viewers.... read more

Rosanne Cash: The List

By Cory Albertson on 9:01 AM on October 7, 2009

Rosanne Cash has always proven too  unruly for mainstream country... read more

Monsters of Folk: Monsters of Folk

By Stephen M. Deusner on 9:00 AM on October 7, 2009

There’s no way Monsters of Folk could ever... read more

How I Met Your Mother Review: "Robin 101" (Episode 5.03)

By Christina Lee on 5:00 PM on October 6, 2009

How I Met Your Mother's attempts to reintroduce Robin as a girlfriend have been rather unsettling. Five years after we saw her spend Thanksgiving at a strip club, we cringed last week when she told Barney she was "not okay" with him being a regular. Last night's episode, "Robin 101," attempted to explain her jealousy in depth, though without any new information, it failed.... read more

Built to Spill: There Is No Enemy

By Michael Saba on 4:11 PM on October 6, 2009

The implications of Built to Spill's seventh studio album are obvious... read more

The Office Review: "The Promotion" (Episode 6.03)

By Gage Henry on 9:34 AM on October 6, 2009

Last week's "The Promotion" turned out to be a celebration of new and old Office traditions. Jim's promotion as the branch's co-manager both enflamed a very Season Two-esque rivalry with Dwight and refreshingly tainted the Tuna's typical nonchalant, inhuman chivalry that has likely decimated as much real-life romance as it has created. Go ahead, you can say it. It's kind of nice to see Jim have a bad day, held over the flame of disgruntled and raise-hungry coworkers.... read more

Brandi Carlile: Give Up the Ghost

By Rachael Maddux on 8:00 AM on October 6, 2009

Brandi Carlile is a woman out of time... read more

House Review: "The Tyrant" (Episode 6.3)

By Emily Riemer on 9:02 PM on October 5, 2009

House returns to Princeton, where Taub has quit and Foreman has fired Thirteen. So the old regulars -- Chase and Cameron -- come back to their jobs and are under Foreman's supervision. (As House says, "It's three years ago! Does that mean I'm still crazy?") The difference is that now that House is no longer licensed to practice medicine, he too has become Foreman's employee. Unsurprisingly, he does not take well to the change and makes Foreman's job difficult. What is surprising is that Foreman, frustrated over his problems with Thirteen, refuses to humor House and eventually, satisfyingly, stands up to him.... read more