The Persistance of Prog Rock

If the ‘prog’ in prog rock meant “progressive,” did this form of synthy jazz rock ever achieve its high art future? It certainly generated legions of fans and haters.

Source: The New Yorker
Published: Jun 19, 2017
Length: 15 minutes (3,907 words)

The Real Cliff Huxtable

“For decades, Bill Cosby was America’s ideal dad. His real life was more complicated.” A critical look at the new Mark Whitaker biography, Cosby: His Life and Times, and what it leaves out.

Source: The New Yorker
Published: Sep 8, 2014
Length: 23 minutes (5,820 words)

Where’s Earl?

Profile of the hip-hop group Odd Future, and the mysterious disappearance of one of its members:

“For the past year, though—since shortly after the release of the ‘Earl’ video—Earl Sweatshirt himself has been missing. He hasn’t been making public appearances with the group, and it seems he hasn’t been making private appearances, either. Last summer, a gnomic message appeared on the group’s Tumblr page: ‘Free Earl.’ In July, when the group announced its first proper home-town concert, at the Key Club, in West Hollywood, the official flyer had Earl’s name crossed out and a terse explanation: ‘Will not be there due to mom.'”

Source: The New Yorker
Published: May 23, 2011
Length: 32 minutes (8,112 words)

Monday Night Lights: How Jon Gruden Became America’s Football Coach

The broadcast started at eight-thirty, with final predictions from the booth. Gruden looked solemn. “I think the Kansas City Chiefs are in real trouble tonight,” he said.

Jaworski looked at Gruden and Mike Tirico. “You guys can call me crazy, but I’m excited about Tyler Palko tonight,” he said. Tirico giggled, but Gruden just squinted.

Source: New Yorker
Published: Dec 12, 2011
Length: 20 minutes (5,177 words)

Beyond the Pale

Is white the new black?

Source: The New Yorker
Published: Apr 12, 2010
Length: 22 minutes (5,709 words)