The Material Review

The Material Review

The Material Review

Issue 217: The Murph, Grateful Dead Merch, No New Phones, Hooters, Trade Based Money Laundering and Spotlight On: For the Tailgate.

Michael Williams and Taylor Stacey
Aug 26, 2026
∙ Paid

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

Image may contain Christopher Nolan Wristwatch Arm Body Part Person Adult Face Head Clothing Formal Wear and Suit

How Christopher Nolan Helped Create a Beloved Sub-$1,000 Watch

“12 years after the release of Interstellar, a timepiece designed for the movie boasts a cult following of its own.” [GQ]

The Music Never Stopped

“Dancing bears! Steal Your Face skulls! How the Grateful Dead’s iconography went from counterculture to country clubs—and became American fashion’s longest and strangest trip” [Air Mail]

A sticker that says "pre-owned: on an apple that's been bitten into

There’s No Reason to Buy a New Phone Anymore

“Consumers are ditching the hype cycle and buying used devices in unprecedented numbers.” [The Atlantic]

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