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The 1968 song that broke up The Smiths: “The last straw”
The article argues that The Smiths’ decision to record a cover of Cilla Black’s 1968 single ‘Work Is a Four-Letter Word’ became the symbolic final disagreement between Morrissey and Johnny Marr. Marr reportedly saw the choice as evidence that the band’s creative direction had run its course, calling it “the last straw”, and left shortly…
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3 One-Hit Wonder Bands From the 1990s That Broke up Shortly After Their Big Hit
The article highlights three 1990s-associated one-hit wonder bands whose major commercial success was followed by relatively swift break-ups or long hiatuses. It presents their stories as examples of how personnel changes and the pressures of sustaining a breakthrough can end a band’s momentum, even after a widely remembered song. – The La’s: Their 1988 single…
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George Clooney forced to evacuate French home due to wildfires
George Clooney was reportedly forced to leave his home in France because of nearby wildfires. The incident highlights the disruption and potential danger caused by rapidly spreading fires in affected areas. The article provides little further detail beyond the reported evacuation, including no information about the precise location, damage to the property or the scale…
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This Year’s Mercury Prize Is A Pivot Towards The Mainstream
The article argues that the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist signals a stronger move towards established, commercially successful artists than the prize has typically embraced. While the writer considers the nominated albums worthy, they suggest the shift matters because it may further reduce prominent opportunities for independent and outsider voices in British music. The author contrasts…
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“We have to become warriors”: the fight to save the world’s only women’s sculpture park
The Artist’s Garden, a public sculpture park on the roof terrace of Temple underground station in London, faces closure after its licence is due to end on 1 October. Founded by curator Claire Mander and dedicated exclusively to women artists, the garden was created to address the underrepresentation of women in London’s public art; its…
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Zoe Saldaña to Receive Locarno Fest Special Honor
Zoe Saldaña will receive the Special Pardo, also known as the Special Leopard, at the 2026 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. The honour recognises her screen career and adds to the festival’s high-profile programme, underlining Locarno’s role as a major international showcase for cinema. Saldaña will accept the award during a public conversation on 10…
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The Strokes’ ‘Is This It’ turns 25: Producer Gordon Raphael talks bottling magic and if it could ever happen again
Producer Gordon Raphael reflects on the 25th anniversary of The Strokes’ debut album ‘Is This It’, describing its enduring popularity as “a miracle”. The article presents the 2001 record as a defining release that helped revive guitar-led indie music and influenced bands including Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Libertines. Raphael says he initially found…
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Remembering When East Coast Hip-Hop Stars Joined in the Charity Single Trend in 1989
In 1989, KRS-One brought together leading East Coast hip-hop artists for “Self Destruction”, a charity single opposing violence. The track mattered because it adapted the established all-star benefit-song format to rap while retaining the energy, creativity and directness of a major collaborative hip-hop record. The project emerged from the Stop The Violence Movement after violence…
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Mercury Prize 2026: check out this year’s shortlisted albums
The 12 albums shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize have been announced, recognising UK and Irish releases across pop, rock, rap, electronic music, jazz and poetry. The winner will be revealed at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 22 October, with performances from several nominees and BBC coverage planned. – Dave — ‘The Boy Who Played the…
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Olivia Dean and Paul McCartney shortlisted for Mercury Prize
Olivia Dean has been shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize for The Art of Loving, reinforcing her awards success after the album won album of the year at both the Brit and Mobo Awards. Sir Paul McCartney has also earned his first Mercury nomination, aged 84, for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, while Lily Allen’s…