Guardian Music — Musician Oran Canflield's early memories are of growing up in a punk rock commune, juggling in a travelling circus and hating his father, a famous self-help 'guru'. His parents don't remember it in quite the same way.Oran Canfield writes that his bir... more info

Guardian Music — Last week was all about heading downstream. This time, we want you to suggest songs that push you out of your comfort zoneIt turned out to be an unusual week. The augurs were there when comments were set to close in 2009, a gaffe for which I'd like t... more info

Guardian Music — Guitarist in Janis Joplin's band, who epitomised San Francisco's psychedelic eraJames Gurley, who has died of a heart attack aged 69, became known as a ­pioneer of psychedelic blues guitar during his career with the San Francisco band Big Brother ... more info

Mercury News, California — Live rehearsal by Grateful Dead successor band Furthur attracting fans more info

Pop Tarts Suck Toasted — 20. Peter Bjorn & John - "Young Folks"; Who knew whistling could be this catchy? Maybe if Andrew Bird would have simplified things he would have wound up on this list! Either way there is no denying how great this song was the first time you heard it... more info

MTV.com News — Gaga's Miami show is one of the hottest bills in the country.By Gil Kaufman Lady Gaga Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage It's fitting that MTV's Woman of the Year is going to cap off a tremendous 2009 by playing one of the most anticipated New Y... more info

MTV.com News — Taylor Swift was also noted for giving back this year, but the legendary Grateful Dead tops the list.By Jocelyn Vena Jonas Brothers Photo: Getty Images/ Kevin Winter When stars like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers aren't b... more info

Guardian Music — The leaders of America's underground scene end the year with a dose of panpipes and a nod to the Grateful Dead, writes Kitty EmpireLady Gaga dominated pop's spotlit uplands in 2009. Having released her Fame album in January, she ended the year with e... more info

Mercury News, California — Guitarist Steve Kimrock may never have been a member of the Grateful Dead but he came awfully close. more info

L.A. Times - Entertainment — California is big and ungovernable, and there are many theories as to why we are the way we are. Phil Lesh, the thoughtful Grateful Dead bassist, had a good one Saturday afternoon. more info