Let It Come Down (Arista). Review by Randall J. Stephens.

Our man in Seattle, Marcel Feldmar, provides a rundown of the most amazing bands to play in his city in 2001.

“2001? Bah! Humbug!” says Stein Haukland. Here are the Top 19 reasons he’s glad to see the back of the year.

Various Artists (LunaSea). Review by James Mann.

The Happiest Place On Earth (Saddle Creek). Review by Stein Haukland.

Nothing says “the holiday season” like a nice, long chat with Kerry King, of America’s favorite South Of Heaven metal band, Slayer. David Lee Beowulf shares the joy of the season and discusses the band’s latest gift to their fans, God Hates Us All.

Various Artists (TKO). Review by Brian Kruger.

Choose Your Own Adventure (Hidden Agenda / Parasol). Review by Eric J. Iannelli.

Government Music (Groove Attack). Review by Bill Campbell.

Altered & Proud (The Short-Staffed Remixes) (Thirsty Ear). Review by Kiran Aditham.

What does the Chinese government fear from the exercise/philosophic movement of Falun Gong? Danny Schechter explores the subject in his new book, Falun Gong’s Challenge to China. James Mann takes an in-depth look.

Armageddon Through Your Speaker (Interscope). Review by Matt Cibula.

Southern Rock Opera (SDR). Review by James Mann.

Tom “Tearaway” Schulte rounds up a shitload of new compact discs and other media, ripe for the pickings in this holiday season. Come on, Cold Meat Industry product in the X-Mas stocking is enough to make any little girl or boy dance for joy.

Munich Manhattan (Shadow Records). Review by Bill Campbell.

Medeski Martin + Wood at The House of Blues in Orlando, FL on November 28, 2001. Concert review by Ian Koss.

A Wild Eyed Christmas Night (Sanctuary). Review by TJ Stankus.

Eudora (Vagrant). Review by Jason Feifer.

David Axelrod (Mo’ Wax). Review by John Harrison.

Tales of Madness and Horror (Daemon). Review by Nicholas Vroman.