Guardian Music — Radio producer who helped music's biggest names record their first BBC sessionsI Produced Their First Session was the title of the book that Bernie Andrews never got around to writing. Mention any popular music name of distinction from the 1960s and ... more info

Guardian Music — Kitty Empire picks the albums she thinks should make the shortlistHow slowly a year passes. It seems like only, ooh, 12 months ago that rapper Speech Debelle was first spotted on the 2009 Mercury prize shortlist. She went on to clinch the prize last ... more info

Guardian Music — Jay-Z, Manchester & BirminghamFor all his beef with the band, artistically speaking, Jay-Z has quite a lot in common with Oasis. Like Oasis, he made his name with exciting, aspirational music. And like Oasis, when he achieved the regal status he crav... more info

Totally Fuzzy — Toxik Boys said... L.P.R ("Los Pichulas Rojas" or "Los Pata en la Raja") - Música de la Película Rascame los Cocos a Balazos (1989?) Rehersal Tape Another grindcore pioneer in Chile. A fucking rarity!! http://crucifiedforyoursins.blogspot.com C... more info

Guardian Music — As he prepares to curate this year's Meltdown festival, Richard Thompson reflects on his personal journey from the frontiers of English folk to the haven of Sufi Islam, the tempestuous years with his ex-wife, Linda, and how it feels to be rubbished ... more info

Totally Fuzzy — Crescentius said... Crescentius Mixtapes: Songs arrive: 1. Josephine Foster - Little Life 2. Northern Picture Library - Love Song for the Dead Ché #2 3. Tindersticks - Factory Girls (live) 4. Erika Wilhite - Rip Tide 5. Trespassers William - Vapou... more info

Guardian Music — Fancy some hey-nonny-no stadium rock? This lot sound like a jam session between Fairport Convention and Faith No MoreHometown: Providence, Rhode Island.The lineup: Jason Bartell (guitar, vocals), Chris Georges (guitar, vocals), Nicholas Andrew Sadler... more info

Guardian Music — Rufus and Martha Wainwright to sing in a tribute concert for their mother as part of festival curated by Richard ThompsonThis year's Meltdown festival in London will feature a tribute to the late Kate McGarrigle, lead by the folk singer's musical off... more info

Guardian Music — He may not be a publicist's dream, but the maverick musician will bring his forward-looking curiosity to this year's festivalThe appointment of Richard Thompson as director of this year's Meltdown is good news, but champagne and fireworks aren't appr... more info

BBC News - UK — Fairport Convention founder Richard Thompson takes on the role of artistic director of the 2010 Meltdown Festival. more info