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new music reviews, news & interviews
Sebastian Scotney |

Last night's BBC Prom was a celebration – of 40 years since the release of Paul Simon’s triumphant album Graceland in August 1986. Before long, the celebration had morphed into a dance-along, with the fully populated arena of the Royal Albert Hall bobbing and swaying, spurred into movement by the stylish choreography of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Thomas H. Green |

VINYL OF THE MONTH

John R Miller The Great Unknowing (Rounder)

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Mark Kidel
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Ellie Roberts
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A hymn to when driving was an end in itself
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