Lou Barlow’s two tracks are the standouts as J Mascis and co continue in their usual vein

Stephen Malkmus embraces his traditional side on his third solo album

Mumford and Sons, Nelly, Courtney Barnett, Kurt Viel, Mattiel and Vance Joy come to town

Harpist Mary Lattimore on becoming a Curehead and the joys of melancholia

Plus: Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile (eek: Kurt and Courtney) craft a ramshackle gem

Hope Sandoval and Colm Ó Cíosóig recorded ‘Until the Hunter’ in Sutton and Dalkey forts

Kurt Vile’s last album cemented his new-found popularity. The psychedelic indie rocker explains how going from lo-fi cult hero to in-demand musician takes some adjustment

Beating heart of festival is beautiful walled garden of 17th century Ballinlough Castle

Many festival thoroughbreds had their first run-out at Primavera last weekend, so who tops the form card?

Blur bring their festival form to the Primavera party, but it’s The Knife’s red-in-nature theatricality and James Blake’s glacial talents that are shining brightest