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.

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."

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.)

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

Feel his pain, boost his rep.

Just before his second solo album came out in 2004 Talib Kweli got onstage at a tiny New York club and previewed a few jams. The Brooklyn rapper slayed. In fact, it seemed crazy that he was still a small enough star to perform there.

The Year in Music: Jukebox Jury

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

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

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

Styles P is a character actor. Which isn't to say the man they call the Ghost is faking his guns-'n'-drugs talk; his iron vacation at the Valhalla Correctional Facility ensures that no one has to check his résumé.

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