Stopcryingyourheartout.com — Dylan Moran has said that Oasis were always a boring band.The stand-up comedian told The Quietus that he much prefers the Arctic Monkeys to the now-split Manchester group.Moran said: "The Arctic Monkeys are very witty. It's a banging tune with funny ... more info

Guardian Music — It's a big challenge for any songwriter: can you capture that moment when a life changes forever, asks Rob Fitzpatrick?It's a big challenge for any songwriter: can you capture that moment when a life changes forever?Some things stick with you your ... more info

Guardian Music — For 18 years, she was the 'voice of God' in the Cocteau Twins. Now Elizabeth Fraser finds it too difficult even to think about her old bandmatesThe Cocteau Twins had been apart for seven years, the mystique they had attained during their lifetime gra... more info

Guardian Music — This Scottish singer sounds simultaneously husky and smooth, suggesting the R&B pop of fellow Caledonian crooner Marti PellowHometown: Edinburgh.The lineup: Alex Gardner (vocals, guitar).The background: Oh well, that's Olly Murs buggered. If the idea... more info

XLR8R — If you're at all a fan of synth-pop pioneers Cabaret Voltaire or Gary Numan, it's worth catching at least a glimpse of this free and awesome 87-minute documentary that the BBC produced on the roots of synth pop. Folks from The Human League,... more info

Live Daily — England's Bad Lieutenant [ tickets ] was forced to cancel four US dates because of a visa delay. In a statement, the band said the more stringent US immigration laws and changing visa parameters resulted in an inability to process the necessary paper... more info

Stereogum — Sweden's the Mary Onettes are '80s radio playlists raiders of the highest order. On the best tracks from their second LP Islands, the band finds a wistful sweet spot between synthetic swell (everyone from New Order to a-ha) and new romantic swoon (th... more info

Here Comes The Flood — Three guitarists including one who used be in both New Order and Joy Division - that's Bad Lieutenant. Bernard Sumner (guitar, vocals) Phil Cunningham (guitar) and Jake Evans (guitar, vocals) have an album out called Never Cry Another Tear and fl... more info

Guardian Music — With their synth-pop noir, Detachments are going to be competing for the title of 2010's best indie-techno miserablistsHometown: London.The lineup: Sebastien Marshal (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Max Moreau (bass, guitar), Pete Dawson (drums).The back... more info

Guardian Music — This Fab Four, from Düsseldorf rather than Liverpool, created an entire musical genre with their pioneering sound. Now, the pop robots return with their classic run of albums remasteredAnticipation for the forthcoming Kraftwerk box set, The Catalo... more info