liberal The Lost Idealism of Heartland RockThe genre of Bob Seger and John Mellencamp reached across the ideological spectrum in a way that seems unimaginable today.10 days agomusic
liberal Nedra Talley Ross helped make the Ronettes the platonic ideal of a girl groupEven though she was unwell, the last surviving Ronette was full of poignant memories and saucy asides when I met her last year. And she had a rich life after pop success11 days agomusic
liberal ‘It needs to be loud’: Jozef Van Wissem’s one-man mission to make the lute rock againThe Dutch ex-punk and Jim Jarmusch bandmate talks about his passion to free up a hidebound repertoire and make its strings ‘a real pop instrument’11 days agomusic
liberal The Primitives: ‘A reviewer said that Crash would finish the band. Then it was in Dumb and Dumber’‘The label added ukulele and steel guitar without bothering to tell us. We couldn’t complain – it made the song a worldwide hit’11 days agomusic
liberal 'I don’t believe in song shaming!': Jon Batiste’s honest playlistThe acclaimed musician and former late night bandleader loves everything from Amyl and the Sniffers to Erykah Badu. So why can ’t he stand Steely Dan?12 days agomusic
liberal When did northern soul get so southern?Young people are high-kicking to vintage US soul tunes again, but this time London and Bristol are leading the charge. Is the scene losing its working-class heritage?13 days agomusic
liberal Add to playlist: the disaster-baiting jazz-rock brinkmanship of Taupe and the week’s best new tracksThe trio combine sludgy rock, homemade electronics and squawking into a watertight groove that makes light work of their complex musicianship14 days agomusic
liberal Walter Smith III: Twio Vol 2 review(Blue Note)The redoubtable musician and guests including Branford Marsalis and Ron Carter make standard song-shapes sparkle with focus and rugged phrasing14 days agomusic
liberal Carla dal Forno: Confession reviewThe Australian songwriter’s fourth album exists in the captivating chasm between the coolness of her music and the unrepentant obsession of the crush it explores14 days agomusic
liberal Anohni reviewBarbican, London Accompanied by a virtuosic band and powered by her operatic voice, Anohni is as good as Nina Simone at interpreting songs – and her own catalogue proves equally malleable yet strong14 days agomusic
liberal 'I became a New Order groupie': Tim Burgess’s honest playlistThe Charlatans frontman plays Kate Bush deep cuts in his car and loves a bit of Abba, but which scary industrial noiseniks soundtrack his sexy time?19 days agomusic
liberal Madonna: I Feel So Free review(Warner Records) The 'Queen of Pop' conjures the heady vibes of a small hours dancefloor with this exceptionally crafted single20 days agomusic
