Nobody ever seems to think much about the art of disc-cutting: yet in reality the cutting-room is the final link in the chain that can really make or break your recording quality-wise. Ralph Denyer, therefore, takes some time out to talk to Strawberry's top cutting engineers, in an effort to demystify this vital area.

The man fronting this month's top ranking and cover-appearing rhythm section is Peter Tosh. The ex-Wailer parts with some heavy words on Jamaica in this interview with Dave Saunders.

Filling in the musical background, Ralph Denyer talks to Peter Tosh's back line, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

Not another tedious account of a top band on tour, but a carefully worded roadie's-eye view of what really goes on behind the scenes. Antony Freeman gives an account of the happenings as Jethro Tull hit Germany.

Dave Stewart continues his look at music in terms that real people can grasp with some more well-structured chords and even more well-contrived witticisms.

In the second part of this series, Richard Dean turns his attention to the equipment and techniques you need for removing the dead wood from your hard-won demo or master tape, and shows you how to make the kindest cut of all...