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At The Drive-In

Texan band At The Drive-In bring new levels of energy to the punk rock ideal. Relationship of Command, their first album for the Grand Royal label, is both visceral and cerebral. Amazon.co.uk speaks exclusively with guitarist Omar Rodriguez and drummer Tony Hajjar.

"There's such a small-town mentality in El Paso. It doesn't matter if you play metal or punk rock or indie rock. You all play at the same show, because there's no other places to go."

Natacha Atlas

For over a decade, former Transglobal Underground vocalist/dancer Natacha Atlas has been a crucial contributor to the world of global pop. Gedida traces a long, humid trail across continents, genres and moods. Amazon.co.uk contributor, Robert Heller catches up with her in Beirut to hear about her thoughts on identity and her plans to mix up cosmic sufi music with hip-hop and Missy Elliott.

"The Transglobal Underground audience were those traveller types, crusties they call them I think, people with long dreadlocks and funny clothes .."

Avalanches

Producing one of the hottest debut albums of 2001, the Australian group of DJs and producers the Avalanches have taken the mainstream world of dance by storm. Amazon.co.uk speaks with two of their main contributors about life down under.

"In a lot of ways we wanted the album to represent a sad voyage."

Angelo Badalamenti

David Lynch's new film The Straight Story carries an unprecedented U Certificate, and a tender, emotionally charged Americana score courtesy of regular musical collaborator, Angelo Badalamenti. Amazon.co.uk speaks to the composer about Lynch, life and lawn mowers.

Arthur Baker

Producer Arthur Baker was there at the beginning of hip-hop and the creation of legendary label Tommy Boy, and has worked with some of the biggest stars in hip-hop, rock and dance. On the 20th anniversary of Tommy Boy Records, Amazon.co.uk speaks to Arthur Baker.

"If you last ten years, that's a long time--there are no U2s in hip-hop."

Basement Jaxx

Has the success of their debut album Remedy made the task of a follow-up even greater for Basement Jaxx? Amazon.co.uk speaks with the duo about their unique music and the new album Rooty.

"We're trying to do human music and express ourselves, I guess."

Be Good Tanyas

Riding the latest revival of American traditional music that started with the hit soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Blue Horse, the debut album by Canadian singing trio the Be Good Tanyas, is a seamless blending of the old and new. As guest editors, the three young Canadians pick some of their favourite albums.

"Emmylou Harris brought Gillian Welch to our consciousness when she put out Wrecking Ball. Thank God."

Beautiful South

Lead singer and backbone of the Beautiful South, Paul Heaton's feet have remained firmly on the ground despite fronting one of the UKs most successful groups. Amazon.co.uk speaks to the enigmatic singer about Elton John and crisp packets.

"Well, you know these people who pretend they can read your palm, I sort of use the same tricks they do. You only have to get five or six things right, that apply to the listener, and suddenly the song's about them."

Beck

Sea Change may be Beck's mellowest album yet. Its stripped-down sound is reminiscent of Mutations, but is much more melancholy. Amazon.co.uk contributor Chris Barrett speaks with Beck to find out the motivations behind his music.

"..I think it's pretty open. I don't think this album would have worked if I hadn't laid myself bare and been willing to do that. You can't halfway do that kind of thing. So to me it's more of an opening up, rather than a closing down."

At The Drive-In to Beck

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