The Hipsters' Guide to the Galaxy

A newfound temperance, a bouncing baby, Sugar Ray's producer, and a secret romance that shocked the band -- much has changed in the Strokes' universe since their previous album. As they finally come down to earth and survey the rock terrain, is this it for the former kings of gritty New York cool?

I'm down on the ave and I've got the stuff. The buzzer is broken, so I have to call up first. "Hey," says the voice on the other end. "Are you here?" "Yeah. It's me."

February 1998

My Akron year, Marilyn Manson, and the four millionth death of commercial radio

I don't know what I was doing in 1998. But it must have been awesome, because I can't remember one goddamn moment from that entire year.

Death From Above 1979, 'Romance Bloody Romance' (Vice) Beck, 'Guerolito' (Geffen)

The remix album: right up there with water, shelter, air.

Back in the proverbial day, when the tyranny of the album held sway and the RIAA was warning us of the economic dangers of blank tapes, remix albums were the lowest of the low. People regarded them as quickie cash-ins and contract-fillers full of lumbering-Frankenstein versions of songs that weren't built for deconstruction. ("Born in the U.S.A.," this means you.)

The Year in Music: Jukebox Jury

Carlos D and Fred Armisen sound off on this year's swinging singles.

Talib Kweli, 'Right About Now...' (Blacksmith/Koch)

Feel his pain, boost his rep.

Styles P, 'Time Is Money' (Ruff Ryders/Interscope)

An actor's rapper becomes a rapper's actor.
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