This Week's Issue

Kathleen McLaughlin spends some time in O'Fallon, Missouri, and finds a city in turmoil.

Unreal uncovers love letters from coworkers to Ray Hartmann in addition to the usual antics.

Cupcake connoisseur Ian Froeb tells us about this issue's food-related items on Gut Check.

For a band with the word in their name, Shame Club certainly doesn't have any when it comes to loud rock music. Annie Zaleski tells us why.

Complaining in the rain: Wash. U. art students tell Kristen Hinman why they're upset.

In B-sides, quirky rocker Robyn Hitchcock wonders about Beatle Bob, and Ian MacKaye brings the Evens to town.

In Homespun, Quief Quota's cover art and classic sound impress Christian Schaeffer.

Does it feel good to be an American Gangster? J. Hoberman finds out.

Dennis Brown gives The Clean House a sparkling review.

Paul Friswold sees one strange scene after another Return of the Bedbug -- and likes it.