As you may have seen in the news, TG Jones – the chain of shops formerly known as WHSmith – has announced the closure of a number of stores. For most of us, newsagents were gateways into new worlds: places where a chance encounter with a cover star, an album review or a name you’ve never heard before could alter the direction of your listening life. Despite the impact of these TG Jones closures, the good news is you can continue to read Uncut through subscription, home delivery or one of the many stockists who support music magazines. You can find more about ways to do this by clicking here.
This month’s cover story is devoted to a man whose life seemed to encompass a vast array of passions, obsessions and adventures: spiritual seeker, songwriter, guitarist, gardener, film producer, racing enthusiast, friend, wit and mischief-maker. We asked some of those who knew George Harrison best to illuminate different aspects of his life and character – and the result, I hope, is a portrait that captures the most elusive Beatle’s breadth, humour and humanity.
Elsewhere, we revisit Amy Winehouse’s own Beatlemania moment, find fresh inspiration in the afterlife of Shane MacGowan, explore the legacy of John Prine and hear some heavy tales from Tony Iommi. Brian Eno, meanwhile, is relaunching Opal, the label responsible for some of the most fascinating music of his career and the careers of many of his collaborators. This month’s free CD, How Many Worlds, is intended as both a celebration and an introduction: a guide to a corner of Eno’s universe that continues to reveal new connections and possibilities.
There’s also Lankum’s Radie Peat, the hair-raising story behind Roky Erickson’s solo debut, the bewildering history of the Butthole Surfers and plenty more.
See you next month!