Guardian Music — Sugaring Season is Beth Orton's first album in six years – a time in which she thought of giving up music. But after having two children, some therapy, and guitar lessons from folk great Bert Jansch, the Brit winner is backIt is six years since Bet... more info

Guardian Music — Azealia Banks, ManchesterSomething of a rough diamond when she first appeared, Azealia Banks is an artist in the process of being buffed to a high sheen. Writer of a head-turning C-bomb-dropping single, 212, Banks immediately found herself a magnet f... more info

Guardian Music — Bands such as the Von Hertzen Brothers, Gazpacho and Touchstone suggest the spirit of prog lives on. That's why I'm honoured to be hosting the first ever progressive music awardsIt was all Murray Sim's fault. He lived near me on the outskirts of Edin... more info

Guardian Music — (Culture Clash)This celebration of the capital for the Cultural Olympiad presents a slew of local acts with multiculti versions of classic songs; an Ethiopian translation of Lily Allen's LDN, say, and a flamenco take on Elvis Costello's Chelsea. The ... more info

Guardian Music — The music to be played while the royal barge makes its way along the Thames for the Jubilee is a little dull. Perhaps the Queen would appreciate this alternative playlist?According to Adrian Evans, the "pageant master" tasked with arranging a London ... more info

Guardian Music — The psych-folk pioneers stand as a reminder of a period of incredible creativity in British musicDespite a recent reissue series, and a revival of interest that has seen younger musicians starting to offer tribute, the Incredible String Band remain o... more info

Guardian Music — You suggested songs that celebrate the year's turning. Warning: blog contains numerous references to wassailingIt's not every day we usher in a new year. (It's every year.) So a new year requires something big-sounding to mark the occasion. George Ha... more info

Guardian Music — Maggoty realises how much fun Uncut could be if it ditched the blokeyness. Meanwhile, Word magazine seems to have been the victim of an anarchist art prankThere are some sentences you just don't often come across. For example: "Have you observed the ... more info

Guardian Music — Take a look at the gigs our writers will be attending this week, and tell us about any live music you've seen recentlyHere's a selection of gig reviews posted on last week's live music thread.gordonMackWent to see The Fall last week in Edinburgh and ... more info

Guardian Music — (Domino)No one could have guessed that the Coral's ex-guitarist, Bill Ryder-Jones, would make his solo debut with a score inspired by an Italo Calvino novel. More surprising still, If… is a joy, its 10 mostly instrumental tracks proving both intima... more info