Ryley Walker puts down his Guild acoustic and goes prog on album five, although dragons and magical mushrooms are mercifully conspicuous by their absence.

The new generation of Harmony solidbodies is dripping with modern retro charm, but can this compact semi take on the biggest stars?

R.E.M. were exhausted when they started writing the follow-up to 1989’s Green. By the time they’d finished, they had their first No. 1 record – and a pair of unforgettable hit singles – on their hands. 

The Devon songwriter has travelled further from the safe nu-folk of his debut album with each subsequent release. That journey continues as he introduces a new producer on ‘Collections From The Whiteout’.

From Metallica to Sergio Vallín, sometimes when you want to elevate your music, you need to get the orchestra in.

Looking for a good partner-in-crime for your pedalboard?

A figure who wielded his Fender Strats like Excalibur? The forefather of neo-classical shred? A believer in the mystical, wearing tights and playing old madrigals? It can only be great Ritchie Blackmore.

Many of us dream of owning a vintage Fender Stratocaster but distinguishing Relics and fakes from the real deal requires an in-depth knowledge of timelines, manufacturing processes and arcane details. Here’s our guide to authenticating vintage Stratocasters.