Guardian Music — Sonic Youth, Manchester & LondonHow best to see in the new year? With friends, and hot wine? Or perhaps with some of the most uncheery rock acts of the last 30 years? Unlikely as it may seem, there's a lot to be said for the latter course. Another of... more info

Stereogum — Don Van Vliet has passed away at age 69 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Hailed as a genius by many rock critics, the avant-garde musician and painter was an inspiration to “alternative” artists like Beck and Sonic Youth. 1969’s Tr... more info

Guardian Music — Pop chameleon lends his production skills to the Sonic Youth guitarist's third solo outing, BenedictionBeck has produced a new solo album by Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore. The long-time friends collaborated at Beck's house in southern Californ... more info

411 Mania — Plus, Sonic Youth's plans for 2011... more info

NME — The pair have been recording in California more info

Guardian Music — Former Black Flag frontman reveals he helped the notorious criminal record a collection of acoustic pop songsHenry Rollins was commissioned to produce an album by Charles Manson, the punk rocker revealed last week. The incarcerated cult leader report... more info

Altsounds — Legendary Chicago post-rock group Shellac are already confirmed to play the New Years Eve ATP Strange Days show at Hammersmith Apollo with Sonic Youth, The Pop Group and Factory Floor. For those who are going to be staying up all night, or need so... more info

Addict Music — The band are also confirmed to play the New Years Eve ATP Strange Days show at Hammersmith Apollo with Sonic Youth, The Pop Group and Factory Floor. Shellac To Play All Ages New Year’s Day Gig is a post from: Music News, Album Reviews, Live Revie... more info

Guardian Music — The guitarist recalls the magic moment when the magnitude of an artist suddenly hits you and an obsession beginsI came late to Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention. I don't know why, but that's the beauty of music – songs and voices are there when y... more info

Guardian Music — 7 December: Our Christmas countdown continues as She & Him's Zooey Deschanel and M Ward introduce their playlistTo explain their playlist, She & Him's Zooey Deschanel and M Ward wrote us a little line about each track ... She & Him's audio advent pla... more info