The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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It’s Oscar Night!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Criticism Romance Drama
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

My Favorite Music of 2023

In the Flash • 899 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reviews Recommendations Playlist
  1. The author shares their favorite music of 2023 including a variety of artists and genres.
  2. Music has played a significant role in the author's life, from childhood experiences to discovering new artists and albums.
  3. The post provides links to the Spotify playlist of the best music of 2023 and recommends other music writers on Substack.
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Review: The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II

Startup Strategies • 28 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Reviews Computing Innovation Hardware
  1. The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II is well-built and durable, making it a solid choice for keyboard lovers. It has a nice premium feel and doesn’t slide around on the desk.
  2. The keyboard features RGB-lit keys for notifications, which can be customized using special software, but this feature isn't very useful for most people.
  3. At $219, it’s on the expensive side compared to other keyboards with similar features. You might find better value by getting a cheaper keyboard and using a separate monitor for notifications.

Vittles Reviews: What's the Point of Spanish Food in London?

Vittles • 141 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Culture Dining
  1. Spanish food options in London are quite limited, often centered around a few high-end restaurants in Soho and Mayfair.
  2. While Spanish cuisine has improved over the years, many places still feel like replicas of traditional Spanish dining, lacking a unique identity.
  3. A truly good restaurant should transport diners to a different world, offering an experience that goes beyond just food.

Top 10 Books we read in 2024

Graphs For Science • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Non-fiction Reviews
  1. Reading improves our understanding of data science and technology. The recommended books cover key topics like natural language processing, AI collaboration, and working with network data.
  2. Books can help us connect complex ideas simply. For example, some books demystify artificial intelligence and explain its role in our lives and work.
  3. Being curious about different perspectives enriches our knowledge. Many of the books encourage readers to think about humanity's place in a tech-driven world and to explore ideas beyond our usual understanding.

Experiments in Style Special Edition

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism Reviews Writing Fiction Essays
  1. Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
  2. The book 'The Secret Miracle' features a character who can read letters without opening them. It uses a unique story structure, which fits into larger literary themes.
  3. The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

Circle jerks: in praise of negativity

The Leftovers • 479 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reviews Criticism Authors Book promotion Literary culture
  1. Negativity in literary culture is often repressed, leading to toxic behaviors like sabotaging peers on platforms like Goodreads.
  2. Year-end book lists can sometimes involve favoritism and promotion rather than honest critique, affecting the authenticity of recommendations.
  3. Encouraging fair and open criticism among writers and reviewers is essential for a healthy literary discourse and reducing toxic behaviors.

Spring Cleaning for the Mind

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
📚 Literature Books Podcasts Reviews Memoirs
  1. The start of 2024 has been eventful domestically, economically strong in the US, and characterized by international chaos.
  2. Reading 75 books this year is a goal, with a bias towards nonfiction titles and a focus on literary reviews.
  3. Engaging with podcasts continues to be a significant part of consumption, with an emphasis on diverse shows and episodes for various interests.

State of the Nation

Fragmentary • 550 implied HN points • 22 May 23
📚 Literature Politics Writing Themes Reviews
  1. The author feels calm after book publication
  2. The political situation is described as chaotic and filled with nonsense fatigue
  3. The author dreams of living in a wood-frame passive house by a lake or sea, but worries about dramatic weather events

Ranking the Narnia books

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction Reviews Narratives
  1. The Horse and His Boy is a favorite because of its strong character development and relatable experiences, like learning to ride a horse.
  2. Prince Caspian is highly regarded as a great story due to its engaging characters and memorable quotes.
  3. The Last Battle is seen as powerful but also too sad and controversial, making it a complex addition to the series.

Songs for Drella

Austin Kleon • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🎶 Music Albums Artists History Reviews
  1. The album 'Songs for Drella' is a tribute to Andy Warhol, created by Lou Reed and John Cale, who were once estranged.
  2. The nickname 'Drella' combines 'Dracula' and 'Cinderella,' reflecting the complex nature of Warhol's personality.
  3. The songs on the album present Warhol's life from different perspectives, including his own and those of Reed and Cale.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Genres Reviews Events
  1. Tom Petty's music carries themes of longing and boundaries, suggesting to others to stay away when needed.
  2. His lyrics often reflect a sense of personal struggle and discontent, which resonates with many listeners.
  3. Enjoying a musical interlude can provide a break and a moment of reflection in daily life.

Audio Autopsy, 1985: Prefab Sprout, Paddy McAloon: Steve McQueen UK/Two Wheels Good US Album + 2023 Acoustic Vinyl

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎶 Music Albums Artists Genres Reviews Music Production
  1. The album 'Steve McQueen' by Prefab Sprout has an interesting history of different titles between the UK and the US.
  2. Prefab Sprout's music from the mid-'80s is considered sophisticated and beautiful, standing out from other popular music of that time.
  3. In 2023, an acoustic version of 'Steve McQueen' album was released in the US, bringing a new take on the classic songs.

First Floor #203 – Looking in the Mirror

First Floor • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music Reviews Electronic Music Journalism
  1. Many recent articles have highlighted challenges faced by music journalism, especially in the era of streaming and social media.
  2. Former Resident Advisor editor Ray Philp offers constructive criticism on music reviews and suggests potential improvements.
  3. Music journalists are exploring solutions to industry challenges, such as declining demand for music news and the evolving media landscape.

Tano Dragon

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Computers History Reviews Operating System Bankruptcy
  1. Dragon Data Ltd was a Welsh company that released the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 computers in the early 1980s.
  2. The Dragon 32 was known for using the Motorola MC6809E processor and included an extended version of Microsoft BASIC.
  3. Despite initial success, Dragon Data faced financial challenges, underwent ownership changes, and eventually filed for bankruptcy.

November 3 2023

S/FJ • 255 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎶 Music Reviews Albums Playlists Music Industry
  1. The author worked on a piece about Ryuichi Sakamoto and a review of Teju Cole's work
  2. The new Black To Comm album is described as a nightmare but cathartic
  3. Hive Mind Records issues music from artists outside the English-speaking sphere with a unique perspective

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums History Reviews
  1. Music can evoke emotions and memories. Listening to a song might remind you of a special moment or feeling.
  2. Sharing music with others builds connections. When you share a song, it can create a shared experience that brings people closer.
  3. Art, like music, often reflects personal experiences. The stories behind songs can be just as compelling as the melodies themselves.

In Which, for the First Time...

Story Club with George Saunders • 41 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Reviews Analysis Authors
  1. The author discusses being inspired by reading 'The Street of Crocodiles' and how it moved them. It's a good idea to read different authors and see what we can learn from them.
  2. There was also a mention of an essay about Bruno Schulz that was appreciated by a reader. Sharing interesting articles can spark good conversations.
  3. The post seems to focus on literature and connecting with other readers. Engaging with a community around books can enhance our reading experience.

Best (and worst) movies of 2024

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 5 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Cinema Reviews Entertainment Media
  1. 2024 wasn't a standout year for movies according to some, even though many critics disagreed. It seems like opinions on the quality of films can really vary.
  2. French cinema had a strong year at the box office, largely due to fewer Hollywood releases caused by a writer's strike. This led to more attention on non-American films.
  3. The top movie recommendations include many international films, showing that great cinema comes from all over the world, not just Hollywood.

Christmas Sale!!!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 38 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Reading Publishing Reviews
  1. There's a Christmas sale on subscriptions for 'Slack Tide', with 30 percent off until Christmas Day. It's a good deal for anyone looking for a new subscription.
  2. The annual subscription price drops to just $35 for the first year, which is cheaper than many fast food items. This makes it an affordable option for readers.
  3. Subscribers can expect honest and entertaining content from 'Slack Tide'. It's a place where readers can engage and participate in discussions, adding to the community feel.