London’s post-punk seismographers pick up more weird vibrations on their third album. By Victoria Segal. Illustration by Cold War Steve.

Fifty years on from their explosive debut single “New Rose”, THE DAMNED have evolved from punk pioneers to national treasures. But as a new album pays tribute to Brian James, their fallen co-founder, bandmates Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies – along with sundry eyewitnesses and ne’erdo-wells – recall the volatile beginnings, creative vision and incorrigible spirit of The Damned’s groundbreaking first act. “It was CID, villains and the Captain in a nurse’s outfit,” hears Peter Watts

Mike Patton and the Avett Brothers join forces to create a work of immense beauty.

This month…

From The Bottom Of An Old Grandfather Clock (reissue, 2004) DEAD OCEANS

From the bayou to Woodstock and back – the easygoing adventures of Bobby Charles. By John Mulvey.