In depth question and answer session on the musician's worst nightmare.

'Now the Virgin returns,' quoth Virgil, and who are we to disagree? Mel Lambert takes a colourful look at Richard Branson's new London studio: a Town House for the Lord of the Manor.

The Ghost of Japan?

The members of Japan have come together once more, as Rain Tree Crow, after a 9-year hiatus. Nigel Humberstone talks to David Sylvian, Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri about the biggest reunification since Germany.

The 'Alternative' FM Expander

Ian Gilby looks around for an 'alternative' multitimbral FM expander and uncovers a wealth of features hidden inside Elka's versatile 19" rack-mounting companion to the underrated EK44 polysynth - the ER33.

What is 'New Age' music? Who plays it, and why is it apparently so popular? Our resident musicologist Mark Prendergast traces its development back to the work of 'new music' composers Arnold Schoenberg and Erik Satie.

They began the '80s as Japan, now they're starting over as Rain Tree Crow. Tim Goodyer catches synthesist Richard Barbieri and drummer Steve Jansen for a frank discussion of music and personalities ten years after Tin Drum.

The Mellotron: A Historical Perspective

Is there life after Limahl? Yup. The four shy boys take turns to explain how they do it, and what they do it on.

Harold Budd - The incredible lightness of being

Cult masters of industrial funk talk hi-tech sounds, performance CDs and popular commerciality to Nicholas Rowland; the code of the '80s.

By a babbling Brook

A subjective and selective round-up of drum machines, old and new, by Mark Jenkins.

It's two years since the former japan frontman made his solo debut, but a new double album showcases both Sylvian's unique songwriting and his interest in ambient, instrumental music. Exhaustive interview by Tim Goodyer.