Jazz and Blue Notes: Nicky Baxter takes one last look back at 1995's best albums.

Czars of Bizarre: On its new album, hip-hop humorists the Pharcyde show flashes of bitterness.

Get a Moog On: The Rentals indulge in roaring guitar, infectious female "ooh-hoo-hoo" background vocals and soaring violins.

Audiofile: Reviews of the latest CDs by World For Ransom, Sexx, The Beauticians and Wild Bouquet.

Beat Street: Shonen Knife is sharp.

Books
Science Fiction and More: Octavia Butler defies categories in Bloodchild, a collection of short stories and essays.

Art
Digging Up the Future: Michael Sturtz sculpts the future--warts and all.

Stage
Suspense in the Flickering Light: Gaslight, at ACT in San Francisco, deftly combines suspense and drama with touches of humor.