Ocean

Some of the special guests working on Brian Wilson's new album have been revealed. Wilson previously disclosed that he has also been working with Jeff Beck, former Beach Boys bandmates Al Jardine and David Marks, Joe Thomas, and Blondie Chaplin on the album. Now, Rolling Stone via Pitchfork reports Lana Del Ray, Frank Ocean, Zooey Deschanel and country singer Kacey Musgraves also said to be involved.

Yesterday, after I posted this list of my favourite albums of 2014, I received a few messages complaining that there were too many Youtube and Soundcloud clips embedded here, preventing the page from loading properly. Forgive the repetition, then, but I thought it worth reposting the list as three separate blogs; hopefully it’ll work better this time… Previously: The Best Albums Of 2014: Halftime Report Part One

Yesterday, after I posted this list of my favourite albums of 2014, I received a few messages complaining that there were too many Youtube and Soundcloud clips embedded here, preventing the page from loading properly. Forgive the repetition, then, but I thought it worth reposting the list as three separate blogs; hopefully it’ll work better this time…

Always a bit of a gamble doing this, to be honest but, since it’s June, I’ve tried to put together a list of my favourite albums of 2014 thus far. Many caveats forthcoming, not least that my slightly ad hoc way of trying to remember what I’ve liked means I’ve almost certainly missed a few things.

Patti Smith has paid further tribute to Lou Reed in a new interview with Mary Anne Hobbs. Speaking on the DJ's BBC 6Music show, the punk poet opened up about how she heard of Reed's death and her last moments with him.

A leaner, keener Hold Steady return from hiatus...

Sombre and sparce, but not in the least bit sober: Guy Garvey and co's classy sixth...

Enter The Slasher House, the debut album from Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks, consisting of Dave Portner (aka Avey Tare), Angel Deradoorian and Jeremy Hyman, is released on April 7. Avey Tare’s psychedelic journey with Animal Collective, though, is also worth checking out – in this archive feature from Uncut’s September 2012 (Take 184) issue, Stephen Troussé chats to the band about their wide-ranging career so far. “We got terrible reviews…” Interview: Stephen Troussé

Pixies have announced details of Indie Cindy, their first new album in 23 years. The album will be released on April 28 and comprises of the EPs, 'EP1' and 'EP2', released in September 2013 and January 2014 respectively, plus 'EP3'. Indie Cindy marks the first time all three releases have been available as one collection.

Coldplay have announced details of their sixth album. The band will release Ghost Stories on May 19, 2014. The album is available to pre-order from iTunes now. The artwork for the release, depicting a pair of wings in the shape of a broken heart, can be seen above. A single from the album, 'Magic', is available now for those pre-ordering the album at iTunes.