Guardian Music — Fifty years ago a little-known band released a single that, while far from their greatest, heralded the start of a legendary eraIn September 1962, the Beatles went into EMI's Abbey Road studios in north London to record their first single. The A-side... more info

Aquarium Drunkard — John Lennon, who would have turned a cracking 72 next week, cut these five radio promotional spots for Tobias Casual Sportswear, in 1974, while living in L.A. during his ‘Lost Weekend‘. One wonders – was Nilsson in tow, and if so, was he linger... more info

Guardian Music — Fiona MacCarthy on the making of a countercultural heroTo those of us who were there, and can remember it all too vividly, the 60s was a time when almost anything seemed possible. The chrysalis miraculously turned into the butterfly and flittered in... more info

Consequence of Sound — Self-titled debut out January 15th. more info

LargeHeartedBoy — In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that relates in some way to their recently published book. Previous contributors include Bret Easton Ellis, Kate Christensen, Kevin Brockmeier, George Pelecanos, Dana Spiotta, Amy ... more info

Stopcryingyourheartout.com — Folks have Noel Gallagher’s “stalker” to thank after they were left stranded at a service station in Germany. The Manchester band were supporting the former Oasis man when they suffered a freak incident on the road. But they we... more info

MVSW — Diplo ft. Jahan Lennon ~ “About That Life” views: 77,086 Diplo dropping some new solo work and switching it up with some great psychedelic vibes on this track. Groooovy! more info

ContactMusic — An exhibition featuring artwork by the late John Lennon is set to open in New York this week (begs01Oct12) to mark what would have been his 72nd... more info

Guardian Music — This week sees the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first single. But as Love Me Do hit Britain's record shops, a series of issues – from the cold war to civil rights and sexual liberation – also started to shape a tumultuous decade and banish th... more info

Guardian Music — Fab Four's 12 studio albums, plus Magical Mystery Tour and Past Masters compilations, to be reissued on vinyl in NovemberThe Beatles' back catalogue is being released on vinyl – again. The group's remastered albums, reissued in 2009, will finally b... more info