Crystal clear
Rufus Wainwright, lauded by his peers as the most extraordinary songwriter of his generation, used his tortured relationship with his famous family to feed his muse, and took so much methamphetamine that he went temporarily blind. In New York, Tim Adams meets the 'true heir to Verdi'.
The musicians' opinion
Brit parade
It is the most glamorous night in the showbiz calendar. But what really went on away from the camera lenses at the Brits 25? With unrivalled access, Simon Garfield ventured backstage.
Keane: The winner's story
In the face of death
Ten years ago, Norway was rocked by a brutal murder and a string of arson attacks linked to the Black Metal band Mayhem. Now, on tour with the group, Chris Campion asks what really happened - and finds that even the darkest Satanists have a human side.
Flash-forward
Lady Sovereign may be on the small side but, says Kitty Empire, the ice cream-loving grime MC is destined to be huge.
'Pure trollop? We were not disappointed'
Fashion expert Polly Vernon spots the star turns in the style stakes.
Can't stand him now
Miranda Sawyer: Here's the final word on Pete Doherty: he isn't the first musician with a drug habit. Neither, for all his promise, is he any way near the best.
Short changed
Charles Shaar Murray sees Travolta make a poor fist of Elmore Leonard's rock sequel.
Who says power corrupts?
Viv Groskop is tired of biting her tongue in company. From Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes to Renee and Renato, she adores big-haired, operatic ballads whether drunk or sober - and she doesn't care who knows.
Freestyle fellowship
Jazz can be cutting-edge or it can be merely cosy. Paul Morley enjoys BBC4's new series showing the best of its exhilarating chaos.
Album of the month
Queens of the Stone Age, Lullabies to Paralyze
Download of the month: 'D Thames' by Kevin Mark Trail
Garry Mulholland admires the musical flow of the former Streets collaborator's gritty hymn to the capital's lifeblood.
This month's reviews in full
The 10 greatest rock'n'roll myths
From strange deaths to blood transfusions and dubious fish-related practices, it's time to debunk the tallest tales.
Graeme Thomson justifies his selection
Last month's 10
Paul Abbott and Bernard Sumner
The creator of 'Shameless', asks New Order's lead singer about Manchester, Coronation Street, why he loves his boat, and working with Scissor Sisters.
Dom Joly
The former teenage goth turned Trigger Happy prankster likes anything as long as it's in the key of D. Which leaves Peter Paphides with a few problems...
Reformed rocker
Paulette used to rock like a mother. But now she is a mum, the one-time 'Satan's Kitten' prefers Balamory to Thin Lizzy, writes Tom Cox.
Barometer
This month's ups and downs.
What I'm listening to
Kieran O'Brien, 9 songs actor.
What we're listening to
What's playing at OMM.
