With the release of cynical new novel Lionel Asbo: State Of England, argues Alex Niven, Martin Amis continues the patronising run of form that helped install the pernicious and cliché-ridden notion of 'Cool Britannia' and ultimately Boris and Dave's Big Society
Following the release of his 21st album, Electric, earlier this year, Richard Thompson talks to Tariq Goddard about why he prefers living in the suburbs, sidestepping 60s excess and his relationship with his back catalogue