Contents Issue #178 - September 2008

THE BEATLES
An overload of chaos, beauty and evil, 40 years on The Beatles' White Album defies definition. But we have a go, with Yoko Ono, Donovan, Oasis and more to follow in the first part of our two-month, 30-page extravaganza!

RANDY NEWMAN
The caustic chronicler of America's divine comedy, Pixar's poet laureate, is at the top of his game. But is he sincere?

TEDDY THOMPSON
This handsome son of folk royalty believes he's got one last chance at fame. Most rock stars aren't this honest.

R.E.M.
On the road in 2008, Michael Stipe is "on the edge of a nervous breakdown", driven mad by curtains.

MARIANNE FAITHFUL
How did the elfin icon of '60s innocence become a "worthless" heroin addict? "I felt I had completely failed".