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

Comedian Carol Leifer speaks on crafting great speeches, the filmmakers behind the new dramedy “The Friend” talk process, and Tim Matheson has The Treat.

from The Treatment

Critics review the latest film releases: “Death of a Unicorn,” “Grand Tour,” “An Unfinished Film,” and “The Ballad of Wallis Island.”

from Weekend Film Reviews

The 97th annual Academy Awards broadcast saw a 1% increase in viewership from last year’s telecast. What’s behind the ratings boost?

from The Business

Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy has announced she will step down from her post at the end of 2025. How will this affect Star Wars?

from The Business

Thom Yorke and pioneering electronic producer Mark Pritchard hit the top of our charts with the new single from their debut album.

from Music Special Programming

Fanatic! I hope you had a tremendous week with lots of music and good health. Tonight’s show is definitely a “spring oriented” gathering of tunes. I think it’s a good one.

from Henry Rollins

Nature, the great outdoors, and our interdependence.

from Life Examined

I hope you had a great week. I’m not sure if you’re aware but the great Brian James of the Damned has passed away.

from Henry Rollins

The latest film releases include The Alto Knights, Snow White, Misericordia and Ash.

from Weekend Film Reviews