The women who made punk
If I recall right, the first woman punk musician I saw on stage was Gaye Advert (Gaye Black), the Adverts’ bass player. It was sometime in 1977 and they were touring with my favourite band, The Damned.
UPDATED Netherlands election: spotlight on far right racist Geert Wilders and the PVV
Wilders’ PVV failed to take first place in the Dutch election, although its vote has risen. But the most dramatic result is the collapse of the centre left PvdA after years of coalition government with the conservatives. Read our updated analysis.
First Poland, now Ireland: the strikes for abortion rights
Something special is happening in the fight for abortion rights, for a woman’s right to choose – it is a sort-of international strike wave. A sort-of strike wave that is so far made up of just two strikes. But the first – in Poland – has already won a victory.
Folk music and the politics of resistance
The folk music scene has always had a political, radical edge. This is a short, personal survey by Russ Chandler of the level of political engagement in the scene today.
As Trump takes office: what is far right populism?
No other president in US history has come to power facing the scale of opposition seen on Saturday’s huge protests against Donald Trump. But what is the nature of Trump’s populism?
Your favourite tracks/albums of 2016
Every year we invite musicians, DJs and readers to send us their five favourite albums or tracks of 2016. In a year that saw so many great musicians pass away, there were a number of brilliant musical recordings. Our readers’ selections are eclectic and cross many genres. I hope you find some new music to explore.