The Rolling Stones tour of America in 1969, and its disastrous climax at Altamont, forever changed rock and roll – and America. Ethan Russell was there, camera in hand. Forty years later he spills. James Mann says it’s only rock and roll… but he likes it.

M. Ward suspends time and lifts Chicago, and Chris Catania , up in the warm embrace of his timeless music.

The guitar is the iconic symbol of rock music’s sex, rebellion, and power. Pink Floyd: The Black Strat is a new book about one of Dave Gilmour’s primary instruments – his black Stratocaster. S D Green explores whether the book conjures any of the instrument’s magic by uncovering its underpinnings.

He declared “I’m A Man” and by damn, he was. Bo Diddley passes away at the age of 79, and James Mann takes a look at the man and the beat.

Johnny Thunders’ last concert has been preserved for posterity in this new concert DVD. Then why does it look like a Barbara Walters special? Matthew Moyer explains.

The Greatest White Liar (New West). Review by Sean Slone.

The high-octane fumes swirling from the Rock Powerhouse that is Supagroup are enough to give anyone a dancing fit. Gail Worley investigates the volatiles emanating from this Alaska-via-Louisiana conflagration.

Smells Like Rock’n’Roll (Illbilly). Review by Stein Haukland.

Do You Swing? (Yep Roc Records). Review by Matt Cibula.

Music From the Motion Picture (Decca/ Universal). Review by Vanessa Bormann.

The legacy and history of the legendary Chess Records is examined in Nadine Cohodas’ new book, Spinning Blues Into Gold. Bob Pomeroy takes the book for a spin.

The Ultimate Collection (Hip-O/Universal). Review by Sean Slone.

Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater at Blind Willie’s in Atlanta, GA on January 7, 2001. Concert review by Roi Tamkin.