Following the news about punk singer Tom Gabel, Matilda Battersby hears about the pressures faced by musicians who dare to cross the gender divide

Shaun Ryder’s voice cuts sharply through the mix, every syllable landing cleanly. It’s as unexpected as the sight of a man who has spent most of his 49 years caning it, with a consistency which would put William Burroughs to shame.

Many of today's female singers simper about boys and clothes, says Gillian Orr. Thank goodness the original rebel-rousers are back

The press notes describe this baroque, Scandi girl band as purveyors of "fairground burlesque" and, accordingly, this first UK release is an aural Waltzer, exhilarating and nauseous.

This New York-based trio's name has always irritated because it fails to convey how musically eclectic they are.

Having gained overdue reward in the Champion Hurdle last month, one of the most respected veterans on the circuit has now been given the chance to complete his fulfilment in the John Smith's Grand National itself. If Noel Fehily happens to win on State Of Play at Aintree on Saturday week, however, it would be no less a triumph of patience for the owners and trainer of his mount.

Received wisdom suggests this urban-ish popster is the first "credible" signing to Cowell's Syco label, in so much as he's emerged organically via initial success as a writer/producer.

Cancellation of music festival leaves owner struggling to pay for essential repair work

Photographer Simon Barker was there to capture it. Michael Bracewell opens his archive.

Provoking the indignation of patriotic Americans and traditionalist Brits alike is something perhaps only a Canadian would so gladly risk, but then Neil Young has never been afraid of ruffling a few feathers with his music.

When the drummer Michael Hossack jammed with the Doobie Brothers at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco in June 1971, he proved such a natural fit alongside founding drummer John Hartman that the other two mainstays of the group, the guitarists, vocalists and songwriters Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmmons, asked him to perform with them at the Fillmore West. Within weeks, "Big Mike" Hossack and "Little John" Hartman forged a drumming partnership to match those driving the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers.

With her combination of vulnerability and assertiveness, anger and empathy, Sinéad O'Connor makes an apt headliner for the Southbank's Women of the World Festival. Especially since, with her new album, How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?, she's operating with a rare strength and clarity of purpose, with a band flexible enough to lend light and shade to the full range of her material.

With its 5000 capacity, Hammersmith Apollo is a large venue for any band to command, let alone a slight folk songstress with an acoustic guitar. Laura Marling more than rose to the challenge.