Chris Molanphy

music critic for Slate; host of the “Hit Parade” podcast

Guest

Feature writer and critic who covers music and the pop charts for Pitchfork, Slate, NPR Music, and more

Chris Molanphy on KCRW

“Adele is now exceptional. … She's a brand.

Adele releases ‘30’ after 6-year hiatus. She’s an exceptional and consistent brand, says music critic

“Adele is now exceptional. … She's a brand.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Grammy nominations are out today and Beyonce’s album “Lemonade” leads the pack. But the prestige of winning a Grammy has seemingly fallen to the cultural wayside.

Why are the Grammys called Grammys? And other questions

Grammy nominations are out today and Beyonce’s album “Lemonade” leads the pack. But the prestige of winning a Grammy has seemingly fallen to the cultural wayside.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Adele’s new album, 25, has broken the music industry’s record for most albums sold in a single week. And the week is barely halfway through!

Adele's Record-Breaking Record

Adele’s new album, 25, has broken the music industry’s record for most albums sold in a single week. And the week is barely halfway through!

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

In "Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America," the documentary filmmakers Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler conjure with surprising concepts--including the weight of cotton--to…

from Film Reviews

The seminal Southern California music festival returns April 15-17 and 22-24 after two years on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

from Music News

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" does whatever it pleases in bringing back golden-oldie characters from whatever universes they've been inhabiting.

from Film Reviews

Fanatic! I hope you’re having a good time today, wherever you are.

from Henry Rollins

Actress and now director Maggie Gyllenhaal wanted to set her new drama “The Lost Daughter” in Maine, but New Jersey offered a better tax credit.

from The Business

Peter Richardson joins Robert Scheer to discuss his latest book, “Savage Journey,” on the legendary Gonzo journalist.

from Scheer Intelligence

Fanatic! I hope you’ve been well and hitting all your marks. Lots of great music happening and more to look forward to. How cool is this, new Young Prisms and Guerilla Toss albums.

from Henry Rollins

Bradley Cooper has two films out — “Licorice Pizza” and “Nightmare Alley.” In the first of a two-part interview, Cooper tells KCRW how he prepared for each role.

from The Business

Despite two straight years of pandemic challenges, a longtime seasonal tradition is soldiering on.

from KCRW Features