Four magnificent hours of documentary narrated by Kris Kristofferson which trace the history of indigenous American music throughout the 20th century. Thrilling ancient footage of Muddy Waters, Hank Williams, BB King, Woody Guthrie and dozens of others drawn from the ranks of the true pioneers of blues, gospel, cajun, folk and country makes this an essential purchase for anyone with a passion for America's musical heritage.

Wacky send-up pop cleverly put together by early-'70s Manchester four-piece hailed as 'New Beatles'

Reissued curate's eggs of debut albums from key early rappers

Former Feelgood guitarist anthologised

Debut album from 19-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter

Life-threatening illness sends Rea back to his roots

Tenth album from veteran rapper sounds as fresh as his first

It's the 20th anniversary—already—of the groundbreaking TV pop show where enigmatic New Order vocalist Barney once furrowed his brow, stared at Paula Yates' arse and said to me: "Cor, I wouldn't half mind shagging that." Ah, melancholy '80s indieland, where the boys were poets and the girls were, if they had any gumption at all, somewhere else having a life. A splendid 37-track compilation this, as much for Wham! and Frankie as for Echo And The Bunnymen, Iggy Pop, U2, The Human League and The Jam.

Godlike genius in "plastic funk" scandal

Affectionate homage to '40s film comedy