For the record

A monthly look at must-hear artists from all corners of the guitar world, from the roots of their sound to the tracks that matter most

You can’t rush art. Mindfulness and spirituality matter. There are times to keep music simple. Be receptive to the vibrations of the world… These are among the things that shape his world view.

A trove of unreleased music shines revelatory new light on NICK DRAKE ’ s acclaimed debut, Five Leaves Left , mapping the album’s genesis via outtakes, alternate versions and rediscovered recordings. Crucially, these also allow us to hear from the shy, elusive songwriter himself, as he explains the ideas behind his remarkable music from a distance of over 50 years. In the company of Drake’s closest collaborators, Nick Hasted pieces together the true story behind one of the most mythologised albums of all time. As one confidant confirms, “No-one’s ever been that close to these tapes…”

When the Irish band were a folksy blues three-piece, it was Eric Bell who defined Thin Lizzy on their 1971 self-titled debut and early 70s follow-ups, Shades Of A Blue Orphanage and Vagabonds Of The Western World

With his trusty Fender Strat in hand and at a young 64, Bob Mould is an evergreen icon of alt and indie guitar – and he’s back with a new solo album

From his early days in the repair shop to heading up one of the world’s leading pickup brands, the master pickup maker tells us how his problem-solving mindset led to him working with some of the biggest names in the biz, and why he humbly still seems himself as “crew”