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RZA Considers Dropping Science for U.S. Government Research Labs

When pressed, many musicians will admit that what they really want to do is act, and many actors will admit that what they really want to do is direct. But what Wu-Tang Clan mastermind, established solo artist, actor, soundtrack composer and author RZA really wants to do is become a one-man U.S. government think tank. "They'd have to pay me ...

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Tilly and the Wall Get a Little Help From Their Fans

Omaha's Tilly and the Wall have taken a cue from artists like Justice and Prince by choosing a symbol instead of a proper name for their new album, 'O,' due June 17. But it was the spirit of artistic collaboration, not pretension or mystery, which informed this decision. The album's cover consists of an oval-shaped frame and will be released in ...

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Islands' Nick Thorburn Runs a Benevolent Dictatorship in the Studio

"I see myself as the benevolent dictator," says Islands' Nick Thorburn, laughing, in describing his role as the band's principal songwriter. "I rule with a sweet thumb, a soft fist." Spinner caught up with the frontman a few days before the release of the Canadian group's second album and first for Anti- Records, 'Arm's Way.' But while he may be ...

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Girl Talk 'Feed the Animals' With New Album

This past Tuesday, as the Pennsylvania primary vote was underway, Greg Gillis -- better known as electronic producer and mash-up DJ Girl Talk -- was feeling the vibe. "I'm never out in the streets during daylight," he tells Spinner on the phone from his Pittsburgh home. "It seems more festive today than normal." Gillis doesn't get out much during ...

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M83 Revisit 'Youth' With John Hughes

What would adolescence be without awkwardness, angst, unexpected hair growth and fumbled sexual advances? Enjoyable, perhaps. But for M83's Anthony Gonzalez, reflection on this time period is more sentimental than embarrassing. "I don't know why I'm fascinated with this period of my life," he tells Spinner. "I discovered so many things like new ...

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Neil Hamburger Takes a Bite Out of Nickelback

Folks who can't seem to properly separate their garbage from recycling and alt-rockers who make garbage music are just some of the banes of comedian Neil Hamburger's existence. "It causes stress to think about the folks who have to pick chicken bones out of what is supposed to be clean office paper," he tells Spinner. "They are unsung heroes, much ...

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Peter Bjorn and John's Peter Moren Goes It Alone

Peter Bjorn and John had folks whistling along to their acscension from obscurity with their infectious single 'Young Folks,' off their 2006 album, 'Writer's Block.' But singer/guitarist Peter Morén is whistling another tune -- a solo one. "Because of the success with [PB&J], I had the time to do this album," Morén tells Spinner ...

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