Cover: Higher Powers
When crisis wracked Gary Lamb's New Age record company, Claudia Kraft's search for a spiritual calling fell to earth.

Get Naked: Playwright, author and retired elf David Sedaris has a Jerry Springer instinct for the twisted, damaged and bizarre.

Flats Sharp: Soquel's Tortilla Flats puts a northern spin on Mexican favorites.

Upping the Ante: R.E.M. keeps on moving 'Up' with new album.

Notes From The Underground: Lonely Kings check their heads in Aptos, while the Saturn Cafe hosts live tunes.

Glam Slam: Glitter rock gets a second chance in Velvet Goldmine.

Jersey Devils: In Happiness, Todd Solondz takes us on a magical misery tour of Sodom in the suburbs.