The Bonus Track: Phil Lynott, Chic, John Grant, Sheryl Crow

A sideways look at the world of music

Still in love with Phil

He died in 1986 at the age of 36 but fans of Thin Lizzy have had a fair bit to help keep the memory of Phil Lynott alive over the past few years. First there was the ­republication and updating of his mum Philomena Lynott’s book, My Boy, a bestseller in Ireland. And then there was touring ­exhibition of Lynott’s life and work. Next up is the book of the ­exhibition, “a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia”, which will be published as soon as the pledge page set up has reached its goal. Fans can pledge anything from £10 for a copy of the book to £265 for a limited-edition deluxe version. But best of all is the £150 needed to join Philomena for a “special ­celebration dinner and Q&A in a Dublin city centre hotel”. Less Live and Dangerous and more sweet and cosy. Check it out here

It’s a family affair

What is it with keeping band names in the family, right now? In the past week or two we’ve noticed Mumdance, Dads, Fatherson, My Cousin Marvin and Aunt Martha. Could this all have anything to do with the success of 4AD’s Daughter? Possibly. Either way, celebrate this trend by watching Chic and Sister Sledge performing “We Are Family” in Japan

Ghost with the most

On top of Pale Green Ghosts being voted Rough Trade’s album of last year, John Grant has also (perhaps surprisingly) been nominated in the International Male Solo Artist category (alongside Bruno Mars, Drake, Eminem and Justin ­Timberlake) at this year’s Brits. And if you’re from the generation that laments the lack of politics in contemporary pop, watch the video for Grant’s new single “Glacier”

next week’s biggie …

Nick Coleman reviews Sheryl Crow’s Feels Like Home, the result of the 35-million-album-selling star setting up home in ­Nashville (“It’s the thing I’ve been missing my whole career”). Listen to “ Easy”