Guardian Music — As this column ends, I thought it appropriate to talk about rock's profound sense of beginning – its power and possibility, its surging promiseThis column began five years ago, born, in a roundabout way, out of a friendship with my editor, Michael.... more info

Guardian Music — Royal Albert Hall, LondonWho, having witnessed Gary Barlow lose the solo chart battle to Robbie Williams in the late 1990s, could have imagined the resurgence of recent years? Probably not even Barlow, who spends a good part of this sold-out show –... more info

Guardian Music — A positively cherubic Van Morrison struts like a rooster, celebrating the free world of the radioIt's a "joyous shot at how things ought to be" – getting together, staying late, to talk, to sing. The song lifts the spirit. Van Morrison is perhaps b... more info

Guardian Music — A cover of a 60s staple helped set in motion a musical revolution in mid-70s New York"Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine …" The first line of Gloria, the first song on what was Patti Smith's first album.Smith was a virtual unknown in the ... more info

Guardian Music — St John-at-Hackney church, LondonDuring the opening chords of The Scientist, the tinkles from the balcony become too much. Chris Martin stops the song, picks out the woman rattling a tambourine and launches a characteristically good-humoured rant abo... more info

Guardian Music — The music of the fields and the woodlands, the lapwings and bunting, is giving way to the sounds of the city, the new housing estates, the motorwaysIn Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art this December, there will sprout up a peculiar kind of forest:... more info

Popdose — On a Thanksgiving night 35 years ago tomorrow, the Band bid farewell at The Last Waltz. Among the show's many highlights was Van Morrison's scintillating rendition of "Caravan." more info

Guardian Music — Kings of Irish trad-folk celebrate 50th anniversary by recording album with indie artistsThe Chieftains will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an album of collaborations. Voice of Ages will include songs recorded with Paolo Nutini, Bon Iver and I... more info

Stopcryingyourheartout.com — Tonight, 22:00 on BBC Two and BBC HD (UK Only)Joining Jools on this last programme in the current series are: LA's own alternative rock/funk superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers with songs from their tenth studio album I'm With You, and Iceland's biggest... more info

Guardian Music — An intense singer-songwriter who built up a cult followingJackie Leven, who has died of cancer aged 61, was a brilliant outsider, a remarkably prolific Scottish singer-songwriter who built up a devoted cult following during his lengthy, wildly varied... more info