The beat doesn't come much harder than from this respected London funk outfit. In the wake of their debut LP Tim Goodyer gets the hard facts about rhythm from a box.

Mark Prendergast begins a two part in-depth appraisal of the thoughts, words, music and art of one of the most influential artists of the last decade: Brian Eno.

In praise of the man and his music

Don Goldstein talks to American composer Harold Budd about his past collaborations with such luminaries as Brian Eno and Michael Nyman and, more recently, the Cocteau Twins.

The Luxury Gap boys pat themselves on the back after recording their fourth album, 'Pleasure One'. Tim Goodyer finds out how it was done, and discovers the threesome may soon be playing their first-ever concerts.

Talking Heads

After a nine-year career with America's foremost contemporary rock band, Talking Heads' keyboard player Jerry Harrison reveals some of the playing secrets behind their success. Tim Goodyer takes notes.

He's big in Japan, massive in America, and beginning to conquer Europe with his own brand of ethereal synthesized 'mood music'. Mark Jenkins talks to the phenomenon that is Kitaro.

You don't know his name but you'll have heard his refrains. Composer Paul Bliss writes hits for the best of 'em using a UMI-2B sequencer package and several synthesizers. Ralph Denyer finds out how.

A man continually in search of magic moments in the perfect quality of music.

He's played guitar with the best - David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, David Sylvian, Talking Heads, Brian Eno and, of course, King Crimson - and he's also worked away from the public eye, pursuing truths other than the rock and roll life. Mark Prendergast discovers that Robert Fripp's insights are of interest to more than just guitarists.

Contemporary American composer Steve Reich talks about train journeys, music video theatre, and the ethics and aesthetics of sampling. Simon Trask goes along for the ride.

Tubular Bells, Bayou Moon and other stories

Apart from his claim to fame as the co-producer of Mike Oldfield's hugely successful 'Tubular Bells' album, engineer/producer Tom Newman has most recently been making his mark in the New Age music field with two beautifully recorded albums. Mark Prendergast reports.

From their excellent 1984 debut single 'Venceremos', Working Week have charted a unique course between fashionability and credibility. Simon Trask works out with Simon Booth.

The Rhythm Section

Landscape's bassist and drummer recount their reasons for choosing to form their own label to Ralph Denyer.

Back in the limelight with the 'Play On' album, John discusses his approach to songwriting and his move towards a solo career

Getting twisted with Twisted Sister

Climbing Frame, in particular Roddy Frame, songwriter, guitarist and dead cert for '84.

Tip from the topmost of twang

Damon, Dolores and me

Indie producer of the moment, Stephen Street finds his memories are all... a Blur

Mark Cunningham finds producer O'Duffy in hypnotic mood

From the band who made RadarLove

A little Tonight music from the thin white one, his band, his producer, Uncle Tom Ziggy and all

I.M. caught Rick Wakeman after Arthur and before Liszt

The Partridge Family

The world-conquering sound of Ronnie James' band rests on its rock solid rhythm section. Tony Reed talks to the men who make the Dio metal machine move