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Mark Helprin
I’ve spent 35 years as a reader and literary critic, and still, to this day, I have never... read more
Found in: Books, ReviewsHistory Channeled
In the late 1990s, when Steven Spielberg began working on World War II shooter Medal Of Honor, he and the game’s developer, Dreamworks Interactive, contracted veteran Marine captain Dale Dye—who’d also consulted on Saving Private Ryan—to make sure the game was historically accurate. But while finding someone so knowledgeable about World War II is relatively easy (Tom Brokaw probably has a couple of Greatest Generation vets chilling in his living room this very second), locating someone well versed in the Third Crusade—which occurred from 1189 to 1192 A.D.—is somewhat trickier. read more
Found in: Games, FeaturesBig Suprises in the Jungle of Costa Rica
The last time I saw a crab crossing the road was in the Caribbean, and I accidentally killed it with my car. read more
Found in: Culture, FeaturesWorking Vacation
In-ground heated pools and outdoor tennis courts. Entertainment rooms with pinball machines and vintage coin-operated video games. On-staff chefs and breakfasts served at suitably late “rock ’n’ roll hours.” Jacuzzi baths, wi-fi access and horseback-riding lessons. With all of these distractions, who could be bothered with making a record? For all the live-off-the-land attitude of the indie era, a surprising number of recording studios are doing a booming business by emphasizing the residential side of the equation. Whether an ocean view or pastoral country vibe is the primary attraction [see sidebar], studios the world over have pumped up the amenities... read more
Found in: Culture, FeaturesBobb Trimble
A generation ago, long before blogs and MP3s made discovering music an instantaneous act, a young Massachusetts musician named Bobb Trimble issued two obscure psychedelic pop opuses—1980’s deeply troubled Iron Curtain Innocence and 1982’s fantastical Harvest of Dreams—then promptly disappeared into years of odd jobs and isolation. read more
Found in: Culture, FeaturesYoussou N'Dour
Youssou N’Dour wears his mantle as Afropop superstar and international music icon lightly, but throughout his career the 48-year-old Senegalese singer with the soaring voice has proven a bellwether of global pop tendencies. read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesJoe Chiccarelli: A Veteran's Commitment to Quality Pays Off
He’s never had a blockbuster. Then again, he’s never needed one. Over his quarter-century career as a producer, engineer and mixer, Los Angeles-based Boston native Joe Chiccarelli has followed his tastes rather than the dollar sign, contributing to memorable recordings from the likes of Frank Zappa, Oingo Boingo, The Bangles, Lone Justice, Tori Amos, American Music Club, Beck, U2, Rufus Wainwright, Elton John, Pink Martini and Morrissey. read more
Found in: FeaturesJoe Strummer: A Riot of His Own
Joe Strummer crammed a lifetime of greatness into a brief 42 months. The debut album from The Clash wasn’t released in the U.S. until 1979, more than two years after the English kids went bonkers for it. And for those of us in the Midwest who’d been reading about The Clash and anxiously awaiting the recorded results, this meant we had to absorb a dizzying five releases and eight albums’ worth of material in a short three-and-a-half years. read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesMark Ronson: A Brief History of the Intro Song
Whether called “Intro,” “Overture” or “Prelude,” you know the song. It doesn’t behave like the others on the album. It’s usually instrumental. And iTunes’ singles chart laughs in its general direction. read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsNow We Rise and We Are Everywhere
More than three decades ago, British folksinger Nick Drake gulped down a fatal handful of prescription antidepressants, overwhelming his tender, 26-year-old heart and prematurely concluding his career... read more
Found in: Music, Features
The 25 Best Movie Performances of the…
The 50 Best Movies of the Decade…
Catching Up With... Sam Rockwell
The 17 Best Romantic Comedies This Decade
Blind Pilot - The Story I Heard
B.O.B. - Put Me On
Punch Brothers - Punch Brothers at CMJ
Anya Marina - Whatever You Like
