Music

RICHARD BAGLEY is captivated by kora virtuoso Toumani Diabate.

BALKANS brass meets banging breakbeat - it had to happen sooner or later.

SINCE the British metal scene imploded last year, suburban kids have been flocking back to pop-punk as if it never went out of fashion.

SO YOU thought that the days of the "all-star" rhythm and blues were over with the demise of Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm or even the Johnny Otis Show?

PREVIOUSLY known for his role as the fast patois-talking DJ on the Ali G Show and remixing and producing for a wide range of artists from Ms Dynamite to Busta Rhymes, Steve Ellington showcases his multiple talents as a DJ, producer and MC on this excellent soulful and very funky LP.

TYPE in Willie Nelson and Amazon lists a staggering 852 results including over 10 best-of albums.

JAMES TWEEDIE gets into the spirit of things at Hope Not Hate's anti-fascist barnstormer.

I DOUBT that Morning Star readers need much introduction to the Buena Vista Social Club.

Songs From the Sparkle Lounge, named after a backstage room that this legendary metal band used on their last tour to write songs and warm up, is classic Def Leppard, harking back to the slick production of Hysteria in the 1980s, but without uber producer Mutt Lange.

ONE of the year's most eagerly anticipated debuts, We Started Nothing is the culmination of an intense period of creativity for The Ting Tings.