Guardian Music — He's from Stoke and he's rubbish at Guitar Hero but why doesn't Slash wear any undies? We sent Rich Pelley undercover to find outHi, Slash. Are you surprised you're not dead?I've been sober for a couple of years so it doesn't surprise me as much as i... more info

Pitchfork — Bradford Cox and his Deerhunter buddies showed up on former Fall member Marc Riley's BBC 6 show yesterday, as Prefix points out. They played a bliss-y new track called "Helicopter" as well as a cover of the Fall's "Who Makes the Nazis?" The always en... more info

Guardian Music — The Cockpit, LeedsFrom Vampire Weekend to Foals, afrobeat has become a part of pop lately, but there's nothing quite like this. Fool's Gold aren't – as one hapless punter had imagined – a Stone Roses tribute but a fearsome Los Angeles-b... more info

The Vinyl Villain — AND ON THE SIXTH DAY, GOD CREATED MANCHESTERIf there's a city outside Scotland whose impact is recurrently felt on The Vinyl Villain, it must be Manchester with its Magazine, Morrissey, New Order...I lived there as a student in the late 80s and early... more info

The Culture Of Me — (photo by Nina Kolle) Angular indie pop from Manchester--home to some of the greatest rock acts of the last 35 years, including The Buzzcocks, The Fall, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays and Stone Roses, and enjoying a... more info

Spinner.com — Filed under: VideoAfter Doves released their 'Some Cities' album in 2005, the Mancunian trio would wait another four years before putting out their fourth, the critically adored 'Kingdom of Rust.' The album was recorded in rural Cheshire with some pr... more info

Guardian Music — With the Libertines becoming the latest band to reform for lucrative summer festival appearances, is the trend for endless nostalgia destroying the music scene?YES: Richard King, author and co-editor of LoopsThe feedback loop of a band breaking up â... more info

Guardian Music — Last week was all about returning from the dead. This time, we want you to step up and suggest songs about footwearCheck out my obscure A-list! Choral singing? Check. Detroit techno? Check again? Er, the Hold Steady? Checkity check!I'm not sure how m... more info

Guardian Music — Joe was the person who taught me the importance of having a musical partner in crime – someone who is lit by the same fire as youMark Radcliffe's Radio 1 show saw me through the sludgy years of secondary school. Weeknights from 10 o'clock, acc... more info

Pitchfork — NME reports that former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook is taking Unknown Pleasures, Joy Division's classic debut album, on tour. Hook will commemorate the 30th anniversary of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis' death by playing the album... more info