Supremely independent for going on three decades, Superchunk’s incisive nervous energy is still one of the purest indie highs you can find.

Electric Mud (Third Man Records). Review by James Mann.

Afro Funk Explosion! (Manifesto). Review by Scott Adams.

A boy called Girl Talk. A bio-engineering DJ. Rick Astley and Metallica? Gregg Gillis wholly embraces the philosophy of the “mash-up.” Reyan Ali wonders if what Girl Talk does is legal, good for the industry, or can even be considered music. So, he asked Gillis about it, point blank.

Journey to the West (XL Recordings). Review by Carl F Gauze.

Wanna Buy a Monkey? – A Mixtape Session (Sequence). Review by Julio Diaz.

Cooking With Lasers (TVT). Review by Bettie Lou Vegas.

The music industry pats itself on the back again tonight with the annual Grammy Awards. Julio Diaz offers a preview with his picks for who deserves to win and who will win.

Christopher R. Weingarten has been going steady with these 19 singles all year, and now wants to bring them home to meet you. Prepare to be surprised at who’s coming to dinner.

Saving his own best for last, Ink 19 Editor-In-Chief Julio Diaz offers his list of the best albums 2001 had to offer. And the hits don’t stop ‘til he gets to the top!

Gorillaz (Virgin). Review by Julio Diaz.