Q&A: Crystal Method

Coming in second place to pop star Lady Gaga ain't half-bad. Earlier this year, the Crystal Method saw its fourth studio album, "Divided by Night," debut on Billboard's electronic music chart at No. 2 -- behind Gaga. To which one-half of the Crystal Method, Ken Jordan, told me: "Lady Gaga shouldn't even be in the electronic charts!"

He would know. For more than a decade, Jordan and partner Scott Kirkland have been the American standard for electronic music. The Crystal Method's penchant for hard-hitting breakbeats (spiked with rock, rap and funk influences) has put its music in more video games and movie trailers than the guys can remember.

The duo will perform a DJ set Friday at Epic in downtown Minneapolis. Earlier this week, Jordan talked by phone from Los Angeles about some of his favorite and least favorite things.

Favorite movie score of all time: "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Ennio Morricone. "It's just fantastic," Jordan said. "It's the best spaghetti-western soundtrack. I would love to score a western. Another one is 'Fight Club' by the Dust Brothers. And I really love 'Kill Bill,' which was done by the RZA.

A video game he hated that his music appeared in: "I know our music has been in some military games and I'm not crazy about war."

DJ duo he would pay to see: "Plump DJs [from the United Kingdom] and Donald Glaude and DJ Dan. It's not the style of music that I make, but it's really funky and danceable."

A 2009 song he wish he'd made: [After 3 minutes of deep thought] "I'm gonna say, 'Beep, Beep, Beep [Crookers mix]' by Tiga. It's just really hard, but pretty."

A holiday fashion show No ugly Christmas sweaters allowed. The W Hotel is hosting a fashion show on Wednesday called "'Tis the Season to Glitz and Glam 2009." The show, sponsored by Vimlab and Ignite Models, will feature special guest Christopher Straub (of "Project Runway"), plus Il Vostro, MN Fashion Boutique, Cliché, Bumbershute, Elsworth and Russell Bourrienne. Cocktails will be served by PAMA Liqueur. Straub, of Shakopee, came in fifth in the last season of "Project Runway."

7:30-10 p.m. Wed., 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls. Advance tickets: $10 general, $20 VIP (includes swag bag and cocktail). www.vitalculture.com.

Midnight movies, with a twist Everyone likes movies, everyone likes to party, everyone likes to dress up. Or at least they should. Sounds to me like the Midnight Movie Society is a good idea. Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh have teamed up for this new monthly night, which will debut Friday at the Red Stag. Each month, Rudh will provide dance music dedicated to the night's cult-classic film, while guests are encouraged to dress the part. This month's movie is "Clue," the 1985 murder-mystery based on the popular board game. That means your attire should resemble a 1950s-style New England aristocrat (or you could just come as Professor Plum or Colonel Mustard). Prizes will be given to best-dressed and most participatory. The night comes with its own tagline, too: "For those who appreciate fine film with a healthy dose of irony."

Party at 10 p.m. Fri.; movie at midnight. 509 1st Av. NE., Mpls. $5 advance, $8 door. Tickets: www.vitamn.indietickets.com. Red Stag: 612-767-7766 or www.redstagsupperclub.com.

Winter rooftop camping Out of bankruptcy and clamoring for your business, Seven in downtown Minneapolis has found a way to make its best asset available year-round. It's no secret that the ultralounge's rooftop bar has always been its star attraction. The Skybar usually shuts down during the winter, but owner David Koch has erected a large white tent (heated, too) to shield bargoers from the elements.

Herkimer turns 10 To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Herkimer is partying all day long on Saturday. The Lyn-Lake brewpub will offer $1 beers, food specials, trivia and other fun stuff.

2922 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-821-0101. www.theherkimer.com.