Pitchfork

As they tour Europe performing their classic albums, the two original members of the influential punk band talk about reissues, riots, and throwing bricks through windows.

We spoke to the duo behind Gorillaz about their new project, Monkey, as well as such controversial subjects as the disintegration of the West, why Africa is the future of the world, cultural tourism, and Vampire Weekend.

Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak isn't just the album of the winter, it's a major pop achievement. And it's a potential salve for those whose personal experiences this month aren't dominated by hope and change.

Max Tundra talks to us about overcoming his addiction to a web-based word game, the prank phone call that had BBC censors working overtime, and his preference for Polish audiences. [Interview: Tyler Grisham]

This historic week in Washington, D.C. included a lot of music. Pitchfork's Stephen M. Deusner braved the cold at the Lincoln Memorial to catch sets by Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Stevie Wonder, and then attended the Big Shoulders Ball at the Black Cat a day later to see acts including Andrew Bird with members of Tortoise, Ted Leo, Eleventh Dream Day, and Freakwater.

As they prepared to head out on tour in support of their tremendous new record Merriweather Post Pavilion, we spoke to Avey Tare, Panda Bear, and Geologist of Animal Collective about their long history, their relative lack of musical chops, early Pavement singles, and the critical importance of album sequencing.