Guardian Music — Academy, NewcastleIn their first single, top 10 hit Gangsters in 1979, the Specials admitted dreading "to think what the future may bring".The reference to the state of the nation could have equally applied to the thought of their middle-aged selves ... more info

Tastes Like Caramel — Hey readers! Jess and I were lucky enough to catch the premiere of the Gorillaz’ documentary Bananaz last Thursday, and we LOVED it. Beginning Monday April 20th, you can stream the hilarious and insightful 90-minute documentary online via the video... more info

Guardian Music — If you're only going to buy one album by a gang of paraplegic Congolese funk veterans this year, this should be itHometown: Kinshasa, the Congo.The lineup: Ricky Likabu (leader, vocals), Coco Ngambali (vocals, guitar), Theo Nsituvuidi (vocals, guitar... more info

Guardian Music — The Britpop kings limber up for their Hyde Park, Glastonbury and Manchester mega-gigs by going back to their rootsBlur are to warm up for their comeback concerts by returning to their roots, the band have revealed.Since the Britpop heroes announced t... more info

Orange Music Blog — Will that third album ever arrive? Like a schoolkid cleaning out her pencil case or insisting on helping mum with the washing-up for once, Amy Winehouse is trying every trick in the book to avoid her homework. The latest corker is getting her record ... more info

The Telegraph Blog — I had an interesting email from Martin Mills, founder and head of independent record label Beggars Banquet. In my opinion, Beggars is a model of a record label, with a thirty year history of consistently releasing interesting music, never over-extend... more info

ContactMusic — DAMON ALBARN has landed a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee on his new GORILLAZ album after inviting soul man BOBBY WOMACK to record with him.Womack, who entered the Hall... more info

Guardian Music — This week, Art Brut sing about hitting the sauce, Lady Sovereign murders a Cure classic and Metronomy salute the airwavesArt Brut – Alcoholics UnanimousFor anyone wondering what Art Brut have been up to since their 2007 album It's a Bit Compli... more info

BBC News - UK — Watch an exclusive clip from the band's new film Bananaz trailing Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's animated musical project. more info

Orange Music Blog — On 1 June, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s Gorillaz release Bananaz: Taking Down The Virtual Walls Of Gorillaz - a genuine DVD rockumentary filmed from 2000 to 2006, taking you, the humble punter, behind the scenes of the cartoon band set-up.... more info