Wrecking Crue's return
The most obnoxious and excessive band ever are back. In Los Angeles, Caspar Llewellyn Smith asks Mötley Crüe about facelifts, Pamela Anderson and hip replacements.
Rhymin' and stealin'
In a quarter of a century, rap has travelled from the Bronx in New York to take over the world. The leading US historian of hip hop, Nelson George, celebrates its rise - and and questions this new cultural hegemony, asking who stole the soul and Steve Yates picks 25 moments that defined the music.
Curious orange
A chance hearing of song by a band from Ukraine on the late John Peel's radio show led Matthew Collin to the industrial badlands of the east of the country. Fotomoto's future seemed bleak, but then came political upheaval, protest in the streets and the 'Orange Revolution' ...
Flash-forward
From a Norwegian dance pop starlet and a big-haired jazz outfit to a cutting-edge grime duo, OMM's critics pick five incredible acts to watch in 2005.
Making a son and dance of it
Guest contributor Carlos Acosta - Cuba's leading ballet dancer - on his country's multifaceted music, while Sue Steward puts together the ultimate hot Cuban soundtrack.
A child of our time
The inside of the womb sounds like a washing machine, they say. Luckily for Kitty Empire's three-month-old son, his music journalist parents have hundreds of obscure records that uncannily evoke the spin cycle.
All stressed out
Ben Thompson: The latest new trend in pop - mispronouncing the names of bands - must stop immediately.
And pigs might cry
The world of TV adverts and trailers is one where every record - from Pinky and Perky to Mötorhead - serves an unknown purpose. Paul Morley surrenders to the void.
Song of the month: 'Pop A Cap In Yo' Ass'
Garry Mulholland hears everything and the girl in an extraordinary house track.
Album of the month: LCD Soundsystem, LCD Soundsystem
On the debut album from New York's coolest scene-maker, Paul Morley hears the future of music, as well as vast swathes of an ever-so-hip past.
All this month's reviews
This month's 10 best CDs
The 10 worst next big things
So many touted groups fail to live up to expectations. Some, however, fail more spectacularly than others...
Last month's 10
Gabby Logan
The sports presenter's iPod takes a battering on the long commutes from Glasgow to London - but she hasn't the time to find new songs. Can Peter Paphides help?
Moogers and shakers
The sight of Keith Emerson battering his telephone switchboard from hell is the highlight of a documentary on the Moog synth, writes Charles Shaar Murray.
Streaming of consciousness
I have heard the future of radio, says John Duncan - and it's a nifty piece of free software that has introduced him to untold new wonders and banned Queen from his PC.
The audiophile
No one comes between Warren and his array of gadgets, learns Tom Cox. Small wonder, then, that he lives in a gated community on his own.
What I'm listening to
Lorraine Kelly, Presenter of ITV's LK Today.
Letters and emails
Over to you.
Barometer
What's hot and what's not.
