New York City indie quartet The Pains of Being Pure at Heart split the difference between two of '90s indie's most distinctive sounds -- twee-pop and shoegaze. The result is music that is often swathed in reverb and echo but that maintains the honesty, intimacy and innocence of the best indie-pop, all played with an infectious, propulsive energy.

Tony Allen is a Nigerian born, self taught musician who for eleven years, was the drummer and musical director for the legendary band Fela Kuti and Africa 70. Allen along with Kuti have been credited with pioneering afrobeat music. His latest project, "Secret Agent" was released in early 2010.

No Bird Sing's Eric Blair (Joe Horton), Graham O'Brien, and Robert Mulrennan continue their bold and raw approach to hip-hop on their sophomore release Theft of The Commons. Theft of the Commons is built on more organic ground than their 2009 self-titled deubt. Recorded in a barn in rural Minnesota the band drew inspiration from the stark autumn landscape.

Throughout "Tomboy," the songs exude a sense of inner journeying, bolstered by Lennox's soaring, searching voice and the wide-open psychedelic panorama of sound.

Hip-hop artist, skilled freestyler, and producer Blueprint first received attention when he appeared on a track off of producer RJD2's Deadringer. After that, he and RJD2 formed the hip-hop duo Soul Position and came out with several albums before Blueprint struck out on his own.

Before we handed the airwaves over to Chuck, we spoke about his recent hiring at ESPN, his forthcoming book and former Guns 'n Roses axeman, Slash (with uproarious results).