News from America compiled by Simon Braund

Sample CDs

First they were sampling off other peoples' records, now they're selling records to sample off. Tim Goodyer listens while Simon Harris, Pascal Gabriel, Norman Cook, Ed Stratton and Coldcut put the case for sampling CDs.

Richard Elen's fact-extraction mission with engineer Phill Brown reaches its conclusion.

Seven years old and still going strong, Ultravox discuss writing, recording and performing with Dan Goldstein. They also explain why they've got four OSCars...

Contrary to popular belief Canadian electro-poppers Trans X have a bizarre and fascinating history that takes in cosmic electronic music. Annabel Scott reports.

a history of progressive rock - is there a new day dawning for the dinosaurs?

From records to retailing

Bill Nelson's been out of the public eye recently, touring America and refurbishing his studio. Now he's back and talking to us.

Smiths' producer Stephen Street lets off some steam.

One of Britain's most versatile producers talks about working with Howard Jones, forming a new band, and the importance of communication. Paul Tingen listens.

Key man in Genesis discusses his writing and recording with the band, his solo work, and playing Genesis music live.

Roth's Revelations.... Arlen Roth talks to Gary Cooper

A chat with art-punk godfather Bruce Gilbert, a founder member of left-field collaboration Wire. The man reveals a low-tech approach to hi-tech gear... and a few trade secrets.

The artist who was a "face" is still struggling to gain true recognition for his musical talents.

From the band who made RadarLove

A couple of guides to making it big in the music business get the critical twice-over from Making Music

Jim Betteridge gives Mack the Knife

Chris Thomas & Glyn Johns

producers Chris Thomas and Glyn Johns

Martyn Ware has been spending a lot of time producing other people's projects since Heaven 17 faded away, but now a second BEF album is in progress. Interview by Paul Ireson.

Roll up! Roll up! All your problems solved here...

Former Kraftwerk member Karl Bartos is back and fully charged. Phil Ward plugs in

In 1984, The Blue Nile released an album widely hailed as the finest debut LP of recent years. After five years of silence, they've produced another masterpiece in Hats. Paul Ireson talks to the men behind two of the decade's finest records.

Glenn Gregory chooses eight tracks for the ears.