The nominations have been announced and the gloves are off. But why all the bad feeling? Why can't people just appreciate the Mercury Prize for what it is?
Our debate series turns its attention to the 1980s this month. Whether you lived through the decade or not, every music fan has an opinion on the era that spawned R.E.M, The Smiths, New Romanticism, Madonna and MTV.
Why can't music stand alone? Frequently, an artist will be unnaturally grouped within a movement, so why is it this supposedly more engaging than something solitary?
Jody White made the long trip to Austin to check out this year's SXSW. Rather than simply review the event, he's written this account of his experiences as a SXSW virgin.
Love and Its Opposite is the new album from former Everything But the Girl songstress, Tracey Thorn. She took time out of a busy promotional schedule to talk to Joe Rivers about her life, her career and Twitter.
Andrew Baer thinks that music in the years from 1987-1993 was the beginning of the current micro-era of music. Is he uncannily observant or an idiot? Weigh in on his theory here.
Black Tambourine members reminisce on the past, share their views on the current DIY culture, and give us an in-depth look into the creation of their re-reissue, including what was it like reuniting in the studio for at least one day.
Mi Ami guitarist/vocalist Daniel Martin-McCormick discusses his old band, his current band, playing live and why Mi Ami's new album, Steal Your Face, mocks the heroes of over-the-counterculture.
