Dolly Parton Used Her Voice to Tell Working-Class Stories
For decades, Dolly Parton, who died yesterday at age 80, wrote about poverty, hard work, and the defiant pride of working-class women. The Left should steal a page from her songbook.
13 Article(s) by: Jarek Paul Ervin
Jarek Paul Ervin is a writer and editor based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in the Baffler, Damage, Critique, and Popular Music & Society.
Aliens Gave Us One of Hollywood’s Great Working-Class Heroes
When James Cameron’s Aliens was released 40 years ago, film critics dismissed it as a dumb blockbuster, a defense of patriarchy, and a reflection of US scorched-earth military policy. They were wrong on all counts.
Why Have Concert Tickets Gotten So Expensive?
A wave of tour cancellations. Ticket website crashes. Iran war fuel surges. Fans going into debt to attend festivals. Welcome to the misery that is live music in 2026.
Liberal Poptimists Tried to Kill Rock. They Failed.
Faced with declining market share and poptimist contempt, rock music once seemed bound for the dustbin of history. But an industry crisis and a moribund liberal political establishment are driving a rediscovery of rock’s potential.
The Ramones Spoke for Capitalism’s Leftovers
The Ramones’ legendary self-titled debut celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. More than the blueprint for later political punk, the record spoke for those the system had already forgotten.
It’s Okay to Like Geese
Geese are the most talked-about new rock band in years. But thanks to a recent Wired article, they’re now facing a backlash — accused of being privileged, reactionary, and even a “psyop.” It’s everything that’s wrong with music discourse today.
The Afroman Ruling Is a Victory for Artistic Speech
Seven sheriff’s deputies sued musician Afroman for defamation after he mocked their failed raid in viral diss tracks. His victory comes at a moment when the lines of what constitutes artistic free speech are continually being redrawn.
Celebrities Can’t Save Opera. Public Funding Can.
Timothée Chalamet's offhand jab at “dying” high culture sparked celebrity outrage. But without robust public investment and democratic ownership, opera and ballet will keep shrinking into elite pastimes instead of surviving as vibrant public art forms.
Ten Essential Political Albums From 2025
Don’t buy into the doomerism about music. From Sam Fender and billy woods to Stereolab and Lambrini Girls, artists are using their music to capture the anger and unrest of our era.
Alien: Earth Is a Much-Needed Defense of Humanity
Noah Hawley’s new FX series, Alien: Earth, draws on the best of the sci-fi horror franchise to suggest humanity’s future might offer more than mere survival.
Westworld’s Choice
Westworld has the potential to be something more than another libertarian piece of science fiction.
Saving the NEA Won’t Save Culture
We need an expansive, radical vision for art that makes it more than a plaything for the wealthy.
Inside the Green Room
White supremacists still stalk the halls of punk.