CNN Showbiz — The digital archivist who restored the singles catalogs of the Smiths, Joy Division and New Order in a series of blog projects is being strongly discouraged from starting a similar project collecting R.E.M.'s earliest work. more info

Totally Fuzzy — The Hundred in the Hands (sometimes abbreviated as THITH) is an American electropop duo formed in 2008 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. The band consists of Eleanore Everdell (vocals, keyboards) and Jason Friedman (guitar, programming). The ban... more info

Guardian Music — 1990: The idea that New Order could make a record like this seemed as improbable as England faring well in the World Cup ...There are probably more startling examples of radical volte faces or changes of direction in pop than this, but it would take ... more info

Guardian Music — Black Dog Ballroom bar in Manchester is one of 18 city venues to encourage switch from internet surfing to lunchtime dancingAmy Lynch usually spends her lunch hour in front of her computer, munching on a baguette, surfing the internet. But on Thursd... more info

Guardian Music — This pop duo tick all the right boxes for huge commercial success – they just need the right producerHometown: Bournemouth via Egypt.The lineup: Peter Howarth-Brown (vocals, guitar) and Suraya (vocals).The background: The Sanzhi UFO houses were a s... more info

Guardian Music — With their lusty and loud brand of stadium folk, this Icelandic band are a crashing, carousing dead-cert for summer successHometown: Reykjavik, Iceland.The lineup: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (vocals), Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson (vocals, guitar),... more info

Guardian Music — Who needs Glasto? We have 12 good reasons why 2012's festival season will be one to rememberMADCHESTER RAVES ONThe reformation of baggy heroes the Stone Roses to play T in the Park and V (as well as their own Manchester shows) is the story of the sum... more info

Guardian Music — Glastonbury might not be happening this year, but there are plenty big fests not to be missedBeach Break LiveWhen 14-18 JuneWhere Pembrey Country Park, CarmarthenshireWhat A late spring break-style party for UK students with a mix of top dance, urban... more info

Guardian Music — For sunshine and good tunes in places further afield, here are the best summer festivals taking place across the ChannelBalaton SoundWhen 12-15 JulyWhere Zamárdi, HungaryWhat Electronic music on the shores of Lake BalatonWho Gossip, Carl Cox, David ... more info

Guardian Music — Bop Local is a club night aimed at people over 40 who love dancing but might need to book a babysitter first. Sarfraz Manzoor joins them on the dance floorIt is Saturday night in Manchester and the nightclub is thronged with sweating bodies. New Orde... more info