Magazine | Spin Magazine Online

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December 2008

M.I.A.: With a Rebel Yell

Maya Arulpragasam might not be a name on everyone's lips, but with "Paper Planes" now a breakout smash, pop's artful revolutionary mouths off about becoming a mother, "polluting" the mainstream, and her surprising new family ties.

Fucked Up: Crazy/Beautiful

By Brian Raftery

Blood-splattered gigs. Onstage meltdowns. Airport assaults. Nineteen-minute songs. They're called Fucked Up for a reason. The naked truth behind punk's ballsiest band.

The SPIN Interview: Elvis Costello

By Chris Norris

He's tackled nearly every form of contemporary music over 27 albums. Now Elvis Costello is taking his cultural ambassador skills to their logical conclusion…as a talk show host. "Inside the Actor's Studio," he says. "Is that the guy with the extraordinary beard?"

Echo & the Bunnymen: Heaven Down Here

By Mark Spitz

Thirty years ago, Echo & the Bunnymen helped spark a Liverpool scene in sad decline since the Beatles broke up, rubbing black-clad elbows with the likes of U2 and Joy Division, and inspiring Coldplay and Arcade Fire. As they prepare to release their 11th album, Marc Spitz takes a walk on the Merseyside with post-punk's dark romantics.

The Inquisition: Scott Weiland

By John Sellers

From STP to Velvet Revolver to his new solo album, Weiland has mastered the art of living on the edge.

Album Reviews

Rihanna

Rated R

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Tough love fails this tender Barbadian balladeer.
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The Bravery - Stir the Blood

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Synth-rock hams go from Hot Fuss to hot mess.
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Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment

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A debut even Simon Cowell could love.
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50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct

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It's not the G-Unit leader's birthday anymore.
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Norah Jones - The Fall

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Don't know why she didn't do this before.
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Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

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Three's company for Grohl, Homme, and Jones.
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Kid Sister - Ultraviolet

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House-music shout-outs overshadow rhyme skills.
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Wale - Attention: Deficit

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Post mix-tape acclaim, D.C. MC finally makes his case.
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Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Xenophanes

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Mars Volta mad scientist edits his experiments.
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Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending

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King of emo-folk pain embraces two-state solution.
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Julian Casablancas - Phrazes for the Young

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New York's grooviest rocker spiffs up his sound.
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Weezer - Raditude

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Rock's most maddeningly hummable practical joke continues.
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Shakira - She Wolf

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Latin pop mami down for whatever, wherever.
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Robbie Williams - Reality Killed the Video Star

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The ego again requests clearance to land.
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