Alexis Petridis

The western producer of this bustling new project eschews the respectful approach to African music – and it’s all the better for it.

Another supposedly mysterious pop star turns out to be a pretty normal human being – but with songs this good, who cares?

The streetwise, tough image was matched by songs of real tenderness and fragility. Lou Reed always did the opposite of what he was expected to do.

Listening to his latest album makes you hope it’s not a one-off, that musician David Bowie’s return continues apace.

Nick Cave’s output is more prolific than ever. He talks to Alexis Petridis about his new album — and why he would like to retire.

In an era of gossip websites and Twitter rumours, one of the world’s biggest stars can still surprise … by doing nothing more than making an album.

Bobby Womack is so proud of his magnificent new album that nothing will stop him talking about it.

<em>Lioness: Hidden Treasures</em> tells you a lot about Winehouse, albeit sometimes unwittingly.

Never one to give ’em what they want, Robert Plant goes his own way again and <b>Alexis Petridis</b> approves.

Among the rock stars recently given another chance is Grace Jones, promoting her first new album in 19 years.

Badly Drawn Boy: <i>Have You Fed the Fish?</i><p> By Alexis Petridis.

The competition to see who can slather Bob Dylan’s 32nd studio album with the most deranged praise known to man is hotting up, writes Alexis Petridis.

Boney M could turn almost anything into a disco hit but, asks Alexis Petridis, will their surreal songs make sense as a musical?

Thirty years ago, the idea that Abba might be worthy not just of serious consideration, but of a nine-CD, two-DVD box set collecting their every studio recording and video, would…

CD OF THE WEEK: 50 Cent’s last album, The Massacre, sounds like the work of someone for whom music is merely a sideline, a distraction from the serious business of perpetuating a…