Cover Story

The Gospel of U2

Energized by a restless need for reinvention, creative tensions and a mind-opening journey to Morocco, the world's biggest band returns with its most adventurous album since Achtung Baby. By Brian Hiatt

Video: Exclusive footage shot by photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn at U2's RS photo session
Photos: Three Decades of U2, Onstage and Backstage
In the Story: U2 Talk Horizon Follow-Up, Spider-Man Musical in Rolling Stone Cover Story
The RS Covers: U2's Cover Photos and Stories From the Last 24 Years
U2 In Their Own Words: Bono and Co. on the band's lifespan, their aborted Rick Rubin sessions and the legacy of Pop

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Inside Obama's Bailout

The Nobel Prize-winning economist breaks down the bailout and finds there's one big problem with the president's $787 billion stimulus plan: It isn't nearly enough. By Paul Krugman

FEATURES

Narco State

How the drug war has corrupted Mexico's government. By Guy Lawson

Mexican Drug War: Trace the roots of the chaos with "The War Next Door," his exposé about the bloodthirsty drug lords plunging Mexico into brutality and corruption.

The Schlub Swinger

The wild nights of Jason Segel, star of I Love You, Man. By Erik Hedegaard

Photos: Jason Segel is the latest Freaks and Geeks alum to become a star. Catch up with the rest of the old gang.

CLOSE-UP

The Return of Leonard Cohen

At age 74, rock's melancholy bard prepares for his first American tour in more than 15 years, and he previews some of the dark new songs he's been writing.
By Neil Strauss

Rock and Roll

Dylan Gets Dark on Surprise New Disc

The legend follows up Modern Times with a set of raw country tunes

RETAIL: Tanking CD Sales Shutter Stores

TOURING: Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck Face Off in Japan, More Dates Likely

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Hall of Fame Unearths Springsteen Artifacts

Exclusive Photos: The vintage guitars, "Born to Run" lyrics and early band pics in Springsteen's Hall of Fame exhibit.

CHECKING IN: Kelly Clarkson Aims for Pop-Radio Domination with New Disc

Photos: Follow Kelly Clarkson's journey in our gallery.

IN THE STUDIO: Inside Wilco's Latest Loft Session

IN THE STUDIO: Late Nights, Electro Beats Inspire Black Eyed Peas Album

IN THE STUDIO: Steve Earle Tackles Townes Van Zandt

Q&A: The music that moves Steve Earle

INDUSTRY: Marley Estate Plans Aggressive Expansion

TECHNOLOGY: Thanks for Sharing: Rock Stars on Twitter

BREAKING: Ex-Arcade Fire Member Goes Big With New Crew, Wild Light

Video: The New Hampshire indie rockers — who pack their ambitious new album with shimmering guitars and giant hooks — dropped by our studio to play some acoustic cuts.

Q&A

Billy Joel

Touring with Sir Elton, jamming with Sir Paul — Joel hangs with royalty

Billy Joel Revisited: Take a look at Dave Marsh's 1978 profile, which captured Joel battling his critics with humor and a string of hits.

ROCK PROFILE

The Wild Life of Neko Case

The offbeat, genre-defying career of indie's greatest singer. By Christian Hoard

TELEVISION

End Times for 'Battlestar Galactica'

The sci-fi masterwork is the most subversive TV show ever. By Mikal Gilmore

RECORDS

Kelly Clarkson's
Pissed-Off Pop

The Idol and her hitmaking team craft girl-pop gold

PLUS: The-Dream, Neko Case, Chris Cornell, Marianne Faithfull, Telepathe, The Answer, Lissy Trullie, Wild Light, Ian McLagan and the Bump Band, Justin Townes Earle, Beth Orton, Pete Townshend and Friends, MSTRKRFT, Buddy and Julie Miller, Nick Lowe, Wavves, Cursive, Ida Maria, Razorlight, Conway Twitty, Ana Egge, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Mariza, Handsome Furs, Isaac Hayes

FRICKE'S PICKS: Riverboat Gamblers, Elder Utah Smith, Bill Bruford

MOVIES

'Watchmen'

The last word in comic books gets the 300 treatment

PLUS: Sunshine Cleaning, Phoebe in Wonderland

Watching 'Watchmen': Peter Travers breaks down the characters in the classic comic's hotly anticipated film adaptation.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Up Past Midnight with the Roots See ?uestlove and Co. in the studio as they work on tunes for their new gig as Jimmy Fallon's Late Night house band — and get a preview of the show's theme song.

Up Close With Flo Rida The rapper — whose "Right Round" sold a record-breaking 636,000 copies in one week — visits the RS office for a video chat about his 2009 plans.

Inside the Nineties Revival Jane's Addiction, Blink-182, Limp Bizkit, Faith No More and others are all re-forming this year. A guide to the reunions and a look back — in photos and stories — at their golden years.

• Jane's Addiction Reunite with Blazing L.A. Club Gig
• Blink-182 Make Reunion Official on Grammy Stage
• Photos: Blink-182's Rock Show
• Is the Rock World Ready for the Return of Limp Bizkit?
• Faith No More Confirm Reunion, Reveal Lineup
• Photos: Faith No More's Epic Career
• After Faith No More, Is There Hope For Other Long-Shot Reunions?

Tinted Windows The Smoking Section introduces the power-pop supergroup with an exclusive interview.