All the News That Fits

Much to catch up on. First, reviews in Uncut of Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan’s latest opus, Hawk, and the new Ray LaMontagne album. There's also a meaty feature in the latest issue about Paul Simon’s Graceland; it isn’t online but is in stores NOW. As is my meeting with venerable thesp (and wearer of dangerously tight shirts) Simon Callow, which appears in the new issue of The Word magazine, alongside my chats with the likes of Cerys Matthews, Cathal Coughlan and Ride's Mark Gardener.

What else? A highly enjoyable pop at the Libertines in the Guardian and lots of lovely stuff at theartsdesk, which celebrated its first birthday last week and goes from strength to strength. I review John Grant, The Phantom Band, Phoenix, Steve Mason and write about lots of other goodness. While you’re there, check out Jasper Rees's excellent interview with Michael Sheen and Chris Christodoulou’s jaw dropping photo gallery of orchestra conductors in action.

Also, highly pleasing reviews of my Kate Bush biog, Under the Ivy, continue coming in. The Irish Times judged it “the best music biography in perhaps the past decade... an absorbing, painstakingly researched and downright fascinating book”. Q awarded it 4 stars and called it “respectful, fascinating and full of insight...”, while RTE's prime time arts show Arena settled for “definitive”. For all the latest visit the book's blog.