Such a shame this weekly is gone. But when your revenue is from business ads when ad budgets are…read moreshrinking and personal ads in the rise of internet chat rooms and dating apps, the demise was a forgone conclusion. In its heyday, there was a lot of good alternative takes on world and local news, and really good info about live music of relatively unknown but still good music acts. And directions to hard to find but REALLY good food. The City Paper will always have a place in my heart as a reminder of a simpler time in Philly, and the world. Yo pal, I'll miss ya.

I still have love for City Paper, but it's definitely been dropping in quality of late. And it…read moreseems like everything that differentiates it from Philly Weekly is almost being phased out completely. Free Will Astrology is no more which is pretty sad. A.D. Amorosi's Ice Pack and other columns have been significantly cut down in size. But the biggest blasphemy of all is the fact that it no longer carries any of the awesomely hilarious comics that it used to have like Red Meat. At least it still has the "I Love You, I Hate You" section (which is generally nothing but a crapload of hate). But honestly, if I really wanted to get my fix of rants and raves from Philadelphia hooligans I'd sooner poke around on Craigslist. It was the better of the two for entertainment write ups, but now it's about equal with PW. I hate to say it, but City Paper is seriously slipping.

There have been ongoing issues, mainly with getting my paper in a timely manner or getting…read moreincorrect papers through my subscription. Today was exceptionally bad, not only the wrong paper delivered but the customer service representative said that they won't get me my paper and gave some lame excuse for why, despite me informing the rep. that I had tried going to 5 convenience stores/pharmacies and they either no longer sell papers or they are sold out. A credit to my subscription can't make up for this paper, which has the obit for the most important DJ in Philly history who passed yesterday, someone I met and had great respect for (and when I try to access the online news edition, my access is denied). So impersonal and cold!

Digital increase is ridiculous Over $100.00 quarterly…read more Cxed but had to work to get the rep to make it immediately not In January Who would pay that amount for digital not me

How cool is this magazine?? It is like Philly finally grew up and got a shiny new classy stylish…read moremag for ourselves! Kudos to John Colabelli and Kristen for bringing this uber cool rag to the streets!

Sweet, another bad ass first for McThrill. Wonka vision is the OG of Philly music zines and it's…read moredefinitely the most widespread. 11 years ago it was a black and white newspaper print that had The Descendents on the cover. and now its sporting Tegan and Sara on the cover in all of its full glossy glory. It definitely came a long way! When it comes to music Wonka Vision covers a lot of ground. If you skim through on the surface you'll primarily come across a lot of hardcore and punk rock (they definitely like Converge and Operation Ivy as much as I do) but if you actually read through you'll come across plenty of hip hop, rock, and fun bands like Polysics. and when they decide to take a break on music they decide to do random features on the likes of Todd McFarlane and Homestar Runner. and through it all they still find time to give it up for the locals. Wonka Vision is also about sweet deals and coolness. They hook up they're subscribers with bad ass record label exclusives (sometimes they even hook up graphic novel exclusives). and on top of all that Wonka Vision is a record label that features the likes of Philly's own Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer. Hot damn!

Ever since I picked up issue #0 at the Elite event a few months back I've seen grid get better and…read morebetter. It's definitely dedicated 100% to better sustainability in Philadelphia, and it dishes it all out on 100% recycled paper. So far I've been in debt to the how to tidbits the most. But then again how could you possibly go wrong with anything that teaches you how to make your own microwaveable popcorn, can your own tomatoes, and make pizza using an iron skillet. You can also learn about useful things like how to make your apartment greener. But my minds obviously on the food :) and the features have been dead on. Issue one went in depth on the local foods that Honey's dishes out on your plate, and dedicated the bulk of it's issues to biking in Philly. And issue #1 took a look at the possibility of solar power in Philly's future, and started a feature where you can ask Philadelphia's Director Of Sustainability a question each issue. And with the food issue right around the corner it looks like Grid should be getting better and better.

I first discovered Grid Magazine while sipping on an Aztec Mocha latte at Mugshots in Fairmount…read more Looking for some reading material to cozy up with on the couch, I scanned the rack of usual suspects in the way of free publications and saw there was a newcomer to the mix. Printed on recycled paper and distributed around the city, the mag is focused on the sustainability efforts of Philadelphia. Not only are the layout and photography easy on the eye, but the content is spot-on. They get us. And not just in a common denominator "GO EAGLES! PHILLY RULES! CHEESESTEAKS! BOBBY CLARKE! WILL SMITH! Your town sucks!" kind of way (not that we're not good for that too). But our monopoly over the sport of trashtalk isn't all we've got going for us. Features include restaurant profiles that would make any locavore swoon, seasonal recipes to make the best use of your weekly CSA grab bag (roasted heirloom tomato soup with jalapeño yogurt, anyone??), a great how-to section, and articles on local government and businesses that speak to the cause. Grid magazine is thoughtful, well-executed, and full of information. For that, I keep back issues as resources with tabs on places I'd like to hit up or things to try at home later. Next on my agenda? Taking on their master list of bánh mì.

When the Philadelphia Independent stopped production it left a hole on the shelves and in the…read morehearts of many Philadelphia artsy types that don't feel the 'alternative' newsweeklies are alternative enough. Daydreamer is not a broadsheet with ironic, old fashioned graphics, but it is a voice for the alternative art scene. With feature articles and interviews with artists, bands and restauranteurs, Daydreamer is not just a vehicle for advertising. In fact, theres none to be found. It seems to be funded by the generosity of donors. What I really appreciate about the mag is that they understand the importance of layout to a magazine. A lot of alternative art publications that are underfunded and ideal-driven tend to think just anything goes. This magazine is fresh, visually engaging and filled with good stuff.

If you want a copy and you live in South Philly try the Oregon Market on 3rd & Oregon Ave.read more