Kerri Watt: Neptune’s Daughter review – Distinct and interesting change of direction

Acoustic tracks fly higher and louder thanks to added oomph of production techniques

John Prine obituary: Songwriter with gift for tender, witty, wise lyrics

A singular talent of country music whose ‘Proustian existentialism’ Bob Dylan admired

Prince: The hits he gave away to Sinéad O’Connor, The Bangles and Kenny Rogers

The 15 demos for songs on Prince: Originals are a rough draft of pop genius

Paul Simon at RDS, Dublin: everything you need to know

US singer’s concert next Friday may be the last time he plays in Ireland

The best rock and pop gigs to see this week

A 1980s time-warp festival and indie kids Frankie Cosmos

Musician, mayor, TV producer, goldsmith: how they survived college

Four graduates reveal how they found third-level life

Video

Taylor Swift wins album of the year at the Grammys

Swift also wins Grammys for best pop vocal album for 1989 and best music video for Bad Blood

Autumn/winter gig alert: it’s showtime!

The days are getting shorter – but that’s good news because the nights are longer. Between now and C****tmas, there are hundreds of bands heading your way – and our gig guide will help you plan your rest-of-the-year partying

Foy Vance: Joy of Nothing

Influence of Bobby Sands has stretched from Belfast to Pelican

Hundreds of inmates in California are on hunger strike to protest at indefinite solitary confinement

Foy Vance on how the Scottish Highlands saved him

Bangor man Foy Vance says personal misfortune and a move to the Scottish highlands set him back on track for his long-awaited second album