In a satisfyingly forthright Baker's Dozen, Garbage singer Shirley Manson argues for boycotting un-gender-balanced festivals, explores Scottish sonic pride, discovering the finger-banging potential of listening to The Clash and says a life without misery is incomplete. All that plus enthusiastic recollections of music from Nick Cave, Patti Smith, The Stone Roses and more
Crafting post-apocalyptic black metal suites with drums and hammered dulcimer, The Botanist's music imagines a future where the remnants of humanity have once again been swallowed up by primordial flora. Louis Pattison digs a little deeper
Our friend and colleague Nick Talbot - who recorded under the name of Gravenhurst - died unexpectedly last week. These reflections, both musical and personal, are written by Pavel Godfrey and John Doran. Portrait by Lucy Johnston, live picture by Maria Jefferis