Dancing Queen

Dancing Queen

Author: Slate Podcasts November 3, 2021 Duration: 58:08

This week, Steve and Dana are joined by Slate’s music critic Carl Wilson. First, the panel reviews Edgar Wright’s newest psychological horror film Last Night in Soho—which Dana reviewed for Slate. Next, the panel discusses the newest album in over 40 years from the legendary Swedish music group ABBA, titled Voyage. Finally, the panel is joined by host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast (and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voter!) Chris Molanphy to discuss this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and the institution at large.

In Slate Plus, the panel discusses music they like to listen to while working. You can find Dana’s playlist of music to work and write to here, Steve’s here, and Carl’s here.

Email us at culturefest@slate.com.

Endorsements

Dana: The LA Times has been doing an incredible job of covering the ever-developing story of the tragic shooting on the set of the Alec Baldwin film, Rust. The story, which points to many bigger problems, including issues with labor relations in the entertainment industry at large. “The Day Alec Baldwin Shot Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza” chronologically accounts the events of the entire day, written by three different reporters: Meg James, Amy Kaufman, and Julia Wick.

Carl: First, the great late-80s rock musician Billy Bragg’s newest album The Million Things That Never Happened in which he reflects on aging, isolation, change, and being challenged ideologically by younger generations. This is specifically true of the track, “Mid-Century Modern.” Second, the new music historiography novel from Kelefa Sanneh (who, in the 2000s, wrote the great central piece on rockism for the New York Times), Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres, which is a celebration of what happens when you stay within a tradition.

Steve: First, the ‘80s singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw’s live cover of ABBA’s song “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” Second, yet another Swedish indie band: The Amazing.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews. Production assistance by Nadira Goffe.

Outro music is “Lonely Calling” by Arc De Soleil.

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts, a bonus segment in each episode of the Culture Gabfest, full access to Slate's journalism on Slate.com, and more. Sign up now at slate.com/cultureplus.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each week, the lively and insightful critics of Culture Gabfest gather to dissect what’s happening across the cultural landscape. Hosted by Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner, the conversation flows effortlessly from the latest film releases and television phenomena to books, music, and broader artistic debates, blending highbrow analysis with genuine pop enthusiasm. Their dynamic is less a formal review and more like eavesdropping on a brilliant, sometimes heated, coffee chat between friends who happen to be experts. You’ll hear them grapple with the nuances of a challenging new series, champion an overlooked artist, or passionately disagree about a blockbuster’s merits, all with a sharp wit and deep knowledge that clarifies your own thinking. This Slate Podcasts production has become an essential weekly ritual for many, praised by voices like New York Times critic Dwight Garner for its consistent intelligence and engaging rapport. For those who can’t get enough, a Slate Plus subscription offers ad-free listening and additional bonus segments, extending the discussion even further. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a curated, conversational briefing on everything that matters in arts and entertainment, delivered with a personal touch that reminds you why culture is worth talking about in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 862

Culture Gabfest
Podcast Episodes
Channing Tatum on the Lam Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
On this week’s episode, Julia and Steve are joined by guest host Rebecca Onion to admire and puzzle over the magnetic appeal of Channing Tatum in Roofman. Does the beloved hunk’s captivating performance ground Derek Cian…
The Rock Goes for the Oscar Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:34
On this week’s show, our fighters Steve, Julia, and Dana enter the ring to tussle over The Smashing Machine, the Dwayne Johnson vehicle directed by Benny Safdie. Can they smell what the Rock is cooking? Is it a subtly mo…
One Banger After Another Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:30
On this week’s dispatch, Dana is joined by comrades in arms Sam Adams and Isaac Butler to take on Paul Thomas Anderson’s thrilling and incendiary new film One Battle After Another. Starring Leonard DiCaprio, the action e…
Jimmy Kimmel Is Back—Sort Of— Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
On this week’s episode, Julia and Dana are joined by Slate writer (and Philadelphia native) Nadira Goffe for a conversation rooted in Delaware County about Task, HBO’s new gritty crime drama from the creators of Mare of…
Can Spinal Tap Still Go to 11 Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:26
On this week’s show, Steve and Dana are joined by guest host Dan Kois to turn the volume up to… well, how hard Spinal Tap II: The End Continues rocks is the question of the day. They debate the mockumentary sequel which…
Is the Office Spinoff Good Cringe or Bad Cringe Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
On this week’s show, Steve, Dana, and Julia crack open the latest edition of The Paper, a new mockumentary set in the The Office universe. They debate whether the tried and true sitcom formula still delivers and assess i…
Austin Butler Is Caught Cat Sitting Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:21
This week, Steve, Julia and guest host Isaac Butler visit a pre-gentrified 1990s New York to discuss the gritty crime romp Caught Stealing directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Austin Butler (no relation).Next, it’s…
Denzel and Spike Remix a Classic Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
On this week’s show, Dana, Julia, and Steve are joined by special fourth guest host: Wesley Morris of the New York Times. The foursome wield their sharpest critical tools for a discussion of the horror hit Weapons. Wheth…
Alien is Back Now With More Aliens Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:30
This week’s episode journeys to dystopian corporate hellscapes present and future as Julia, Dana, and Steve dissect the horror and philosophical underpinnings of Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley’s new series adapting the Ridley…
The Naked Gun And The Nearly Naked Momoa Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:00
On this week’s show, Julia Turner is joined by guest hosts Nadira Goffe and Dan Kois to answer the urgent question: is The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson the vital satire we need for our time? (Answer…