The Crystal Method

The Crystal Method didn’t just get frat boys to like techno. America’s answer to the Chemical Brothers also helped DJs earn rock-star status while the digital duo revitalized the rave scene with the 1995 hit “Keep Hope Alive.” Since then, Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland have cranked out big beats birthed in the Bomb Shelter (their garage) on albums such as Vegas, Tweekend, Community Service and this year’s Legion of Boom. Unlike many of their electronic predecessors, the Crystal Method’s signature sick thumps and grinds have filtered out of the clubs, onto radio and into television commercials. Because their preferred creative method is music by Mac, the DJs dutifully drag out their Powerbooks live. But the dance-party head trips that ensue are anything but dorky.