How Eno-supervised jams and a playful tale of obsessive relationships yielded the Manchester veterans’ biggest hit to date. Just don’t wear those dresses on American TV!

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

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

Inside the US singer-songwriter’s path from early DIY explorations to modern country-folk force

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

Always a great live band, they’ll be a far better bet close to Christmas than the local pantomime.