Pitchfork

We caught up with Saint Etienne co-founder and multi-instrumentalist Bob Stanley to talk about the band's rich history, his side work as a writer and curator, the changing face of music fandom, and why exactly his band has so many compilations.

After bringing intelligent, glamorous pop music to the masses, Franz Ferdinand have returned as a commerical force-- debuting songs in video games, collaborating with rap superstars-- but still are looking to expand their sonic palatte on their more exploratory new album, Tonight.

Catching up with last week's reviews, including our takes on the new records from Bruce Springsteen and Franz Ferdinand, EP collaborations between Hot Chip and Robert Wyatt and Jon Brion and Of Montreal, and yet another pair of wonderful Optimo-related mixes.

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.