L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — The black and white stencil of Elliott Smith's visage, as seen on the "Figure 8" cover, was a sweet touch, especially on the occasion of his birthday. That said, would it have been that much extra work to tape off some lines for the stripe design? more info

Guardian Music — (14th Floor)After two albums of sweet simplicity, it's all change for amiable LA songwriter Joshua Radin. Or so it will seem to those who've heard his songs on Grey's Anatomy and American Idol and have taken to heart his small, intimate ruminations... more info

Guardian Music — An exclusive live performance in the Guardian studio by chillwave heroes Washed Out, from Atlanta, Georgia, of Eyes Be Closed, the opening track from their debut album Within and WithoutBen KapeAndy GallagherElliot SmithKen Macfarlane more info

Guardian Music — Metal survivors Anvil rock the Guardian building to its foundations with an explosive and exclusive live performance of the title track from their new album, Juggernaut of JusticeBen KapeAndy GallagherMustafa KhaliliElliot Smith more info

Guardian Music — An exclusive performance by Katie Stelmanis's new wave sextet, from Toronto, of their single Lose It from debut album Feel It BreakBen KapeAndy GallagherElliot Smith more info

Guardian Music — The 84-year old singer announces a date at the London Palladium and reveals more about his collaborators on new album, Duets IITony BennettCaroline SullivanElliot Smith more info

Indie Selections For Your Erections — 2011 Fourth of July Mix!!! 1. Matmos - The Stars and Stripes Forever2. Galaxie 500 - Fourth of July3. X - Fourth of July4. Bruce Springsteen - 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)5. Ryan Adams - Firecracker6. The Decemberists - July, July!7. Si... more info

Gigwise — Also features Bright Eyes & Elliott Smith... more info

Guardian Music — (Dirty Hit Ltd)The title "singer-songwriter" brings to mind a multitude of horrors: James Blunt cooing about beauty, James Morrison crooning about "something", Jack Johnson wooing ladies with banana pancakes. Benjamin Francis Leftwich bravely reappro... more info

Guardian Music — Chris Salmon on a new site that tips you off to some of the best unsigned bands, and moreWhile we all know that there's plenty of new music to be found online, trawling around for it can be a chore (particularly when a lot of it isn't terribly good).... more info