COVER STORY: PINK FLOYD’s 50 GREATEST SONGS From the cauldron of Syd Psych to the emotional journeys of Dark Sideand beyond, the Ultimate Head Band’s omni-brilliance explored. Plus: insiders speak! And: how Nick Mason is taking Early Floyd on the road!
COVERMOUNT CD: BRIGHT AMBASSADORS OF MORNING Take a trip into third eye-dilating music old and new – featuring The Flaming Lips, James Holden, Phil Manzanera, Todd Rundgren, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and more.
PATTI SMITH As she gears up for UK shows, rock’s poet-in-chief relives her life on stage. Includes: writing for Janis; the clarinet controv; that Nobel prizegiving and more!
DAMO SUZUKI Can’s vocal vortex on life-as-improv, rum contracts and Jürgen Klopp. “When by accident something happens,” he insists, “it’s more interesting than if you plan it.”
PAUL SIMON How his visits to Britain between 1963 and 1965 are more significant than previously thought. Revelations courtesy Robert Hilburn’s remarkable new biography.
KAMASI WASHINGTON South Central L.A.’s Street Fighter-turned-saxophone colossus is bringing jazz into the 21st Century, on a cosmic scale. Snoop and Kendrick are along for the ride.
REVIEWED Natalie Prass / Father John Misty / Gene Clark / Sleep / Janelle Monae / Jonny Marr / Gruff Rhys / Bruce Springsteen / Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever / Wilko Johnson / Ray LaMontagne / Shannon Shaw / Let’s Eat Grandma / The Beat / Jon Hassell / Zuider Zee
PLUS The Cure: from triumph to Disintegration / Neil Young revives the Santa Monica Flyers / Abba’s new songs / How To Buy Fela Kuti / brace positions for Yo La Tengo / All Back To Liz Phair’s / Amyl & The Sniffers’ Aussie bovver rock revival / Christopher Eccleston blows our minds / Lucy Dacus is on the rise / goodbye, Cecil Taylor / Norma Waterson vs The Stones