EXPLAINED: 2 - The Real Truth

“I don’t know that much about folk music, except that most of it bores me to tears”: the incredible life of Michael Chapman, the greatest singer-songwriter the world never knew about

The life and times of Michael Chapman, the cult singer and guitarist beloved of David Bowie, Elton John and Sonic Youth

Louder · Apr 7, 2024

“When I drank, I was going to be the best drinker in the bar, or take the most drugs or whatever. When I did give up the drink I was going to be the best at that:” The bottom-end drive that made Danny Thompson’s name

Rejecting criticism from those who wondered why he bothered playing folk music, the always-in-demand bassist’s attitude led to experiences with John Martyn, Kate Bush, David Sylvian, Tim Buckley and many others

Louder · Apr 4, 2024

“The inability to play music or access words was quite frightening, but it was interesting… It became a focal point to write around”: Ben Howard feared the worst after suffering two mini-strokes. He returned with his most adventurous album yet

Inspired by John Martyn, Echoplexes and open C tunings, the UK guitar maverick describes his playing as a “car crash of whatever suits me and whatever use I can get out of it” – but even he couldn’t have anticipated just how weird things would get…

Guitar World · Aug 25, 2023

16 of the best-sounding vinyl records

Enough of dodgy presses, these records should get the best possible sound from your turntable.

What Hi-Fi? · Apr 20, 2022