GEOFF BOTTOMS relishes a profoundly human portrait of a family as it evolves across 55 years in Sheffield
BETTER Times Will Come is not only a hopeful message but a project launched by singer-songwriter Janis Ian, who is urging fellow musicians to record her new song inspired by the death of renowned performer John Prine.
Ian, who got in touch with the Morning Star after a recent mention in this column, is providing free downloads and sheet music so that the song can be recorded by amateurs and professionals alike.
So far, there’s an up-tempo version from English punk/folk singer Frank Turner, a sweetly melancholic offering from Americana performer Janie Barnett and a deeply cool version from British blues man Trevor Sewell.
JULIA TOPPIN recommends Patti Smith’s eloquent memoir that wrestles with the beauty and sorrow of a lifetime
On January 2 2014, PJ Harvey used her turn as guest editor of the Today programme to expose the realities of war, arms dealing and media complicity. The fury that followed showed how rare – and how threatening – such honesty is within Britain’s most Establishment broadcaster, says IAN SINCLAIR
TONY BURKE recommends a new podcast about the legenary Nigerian musician and political activist FELA KUTI
New releases from Madalitso Band, Gabriel da Rosa, and Femi Kuti



