Night after night over the past couple of years, Norwegian singer Ida Maria Sivertsen has been hitting stages across Europe. And sometimes the stage hits her back: She's slashed her head on her guitarist's instrument and cracked her ribs while attempting a mid-gig somersault.

Having recorded their first album in three hours, Eddy Current Suppression Ring decided to take their time on their second, Primary Colours: a whole day. "Our songs aren't really brain surgery," says guitarist Mikey Young.

Gliding over to a picnic table at Los Angeles' lush Temescal Park, singer-songwriter Lenka Kripac cuts a striking figure with her flowing raven tresses and flouncy purple frock. Like a boho Snow White, she marvels at the woodland creatures frolicking around her. "Ooh, look," she coos, dimples flashing, pointing out yet another critter. "A tiny white spider is joining us!"

Chris Thrash was just seven when his parents took him to Showbiz Pizza Place in Columbus, Georgia, in 1982. Amid the blaring video games, ball pits, and steaming-hot pepperoni pies, he found himself plopped down in front of the restaurant's stage as the houselights went down.

Anonymous message board postings aren't exactly a reliable barometer of public opinion, but anyone who logged on to iTunes on August 24 to buy the site's sixth-most-popular song couldn't help but be struck by the near unanimity of attitude toward the track in question.

"Ahhh this STINKS! Why is it in the top 10??" wrote "coleenybeany.

Lou Reed does not abide. Nor should he.