Happy trails

Away from his day job as The National’s lugubrious frontman, MATT BERNINGER has reached back into his Ohio upbringing for a ruminative new solo record. But behind the childhood tales of gang fights, drowned train cars and Christmas tree farms lurks midlife melancholy. “I’m writing about trying to understand my own fear,” he tells Laura Barton

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

This month…

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

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

In the living room of his garden flat in North London, Glenn Gregory has come to a decision. Sat at his coffee table, Martyn Ware with his feet up on a recliner next to him, Heaven 17’s singer leans i