Music

MATT FANCY is captivated by a folk master who defies the usual beard-sporting and sandal-wearing clichés.

THE problem with going to a lot of gigs is that you get jaded watching the same types of bands go through the same types of routines.

ON hearing the opening track of In A Bad Mood, Easy To Say, you could be excused for thinking that this is Geraint Watkins impersonating his some-time collaborator Nick Lowe.

CHARLIE Pickett is an unsung hero of US southern roots rock.

FORMER Van Halen lead singer Sammy Hagar has had a successful career both inside and outside the band, but someone should advise the fifty-something rocker that it is time to hang up his lycra pants and retire to Sunset Strip.

MIKE NEWMAN looks ahead to a real treat for folk-lovers.

MOGWAI'S drummer had a bizarre loss of rhythm during their US tour earlier this year. His pacemaker stopped working.

ONE of Richie Havens's legacies will be his rambling narratives at live shows. These have become such an integral part of his performance that, throughout his show, you recognise some from live recordings and assume them to be introductions to particular songs.

LUCINDA Williams's ninth studio album opens with a statement of dishevelled intent as backing band Buick 6 gear up for Real Love.

THIS album is the Kaiser Chiefs next step in their doctrine on the evolution of yob culture.