In praise of marlon riggs

Fondly remembered this month...

ONE OF THE MOST GRIMLY FUNNY POEMS OF the past century is Philip Larkin’s “This Be the Verse,” with its opening salvo about how our parents invariably mess us up. Larkin used a saltier word for “mess,

December round-up Although he’s been writing and performing for many years, Donald WG Lindsay might come across as a bold new Scottish talent on Two Boats Under the Moon, his excellent two-disc debut

2025 has been a breakthrough year for soul gospel sensations ANNIE & THE CALDWELLS . A major new album, the patronage of David Byrne and ecstatic live shows have expanded their base beyond West Point, Mississippi to the global stage. Catching up with the Southern matriarch, her husband, daughters and goddaughter in Nashville, Stephen Deusner hears how their mission to spread joy to their audiences is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “I have to smile and tell God thank you because He could have chosen anybody to do this.”

“Between you and me …”

Director James Mangold on his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown