Guardian Music — Frankie and the Heartstrings are flying the flag for the surprisingly fertile Sunderland scene. They tell Dave Simpson how classic kitchen-sink dramas and the miners' strike are still alive in their musicFrankie and the Heartstrings played at Sheffie... more info

Guardian Music — Former Orange Juice frontman's first LP written and recorded since his stroke in 2005 will feature star-studded lineupEdwyn Collins has written his first new album since suffering a stroke in 2005. The former Orange Juice frontman has collaborated wi... more info

Guardian Music — These Home Counties lads play grandiose music with a rustic charm, like Coldplay jamming with Mumford & SonsHometown: Wheathampstead.The lineup: Will Baguley (drums), Simon Palmer (guitar, piano), Paddy Smith (vocals).The background: You won't gather... more info

The Vinyl Villain — Although I have a vinyl copy of the LP Knife which was released by Aztec Camera in 1984, its one that I've never converted to mp3, partly because I'm not all that fond of it and partly because it has a scratch on one side of it that causes the track... more info

The Vinyl Villain — This week's featured compilation LP is entitled Happy Ever After - The Best Of Kitchenware Records. So you can guess what lies ahead....Founded in 1982, it is still going strong with Editors being the best-known of their current newer acts. But for m... more info

Guardian Music — This ramshackle four-piece are reclaiming the sound of 80s indie Britain from the US. But do we really want it back?Hometown: London.  The lineup: Roxanne (vocals, guitar), Marion (bass), Patrick (drums), James (guitar).The background: It's weird ... more info

The Vinyl Villain — Last year, a fair few bloggers from all around the world agreed to be part of Paul Haig Day on 6th April 2009. This was in response to a plea that I put out over the internet after Paul and his manager had given great support to TVV and other blogge... more info

The Vinyl Villain — By all rights, I should by now be well on my way to the football, but the game has fallen victim to the never-ending snow and rain that has engulfed Scotland since 2010 arrived. So I'm browsing around here putting the finishing touches to the revie... more info

The Vinyl Villain — FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYSI've been going through hell trying to come up with a subject for my first Sunday posting.Especially after last week's tour de force by Dick van Dyke. How can I entertain you like that?Or how can I communicate even a fraction of... more info