Radio review: Alvin Hall’s Generations of Money

Alvin Hall . . . scary cackle. Photograph: BBC There are probably easier people to have around when you’re in financial meltdown than Alvin Hall. In the first of a new series, Alvin Hall’s Generations of Money (Radio 4), the perky financial guru spent the morning with Frances, a... 

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Behind the music: Will the House of Lords block the Digital Economy Act?

Feargal Sharkey … could be about to shake up the music debate in the Lords. Photograph: Brian Rasic / Rex Features Last week I had tea with Lord Lucas in the House of Lords (I know – whodathought?). He wanted to have a chat about what the Lords could do to help artists and music creators.... 

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Classical review: The Doctor Who Prom

Not a concert, but a pantomime … the Doctor Who Prom. Photograph: Ian West/PA One has to feel a little sorry for the musicians at Prom 10 – the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster and Grant Llewellyn, and the London Philharmonic Choir, plus solo singers Mark Chambers... 

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Ayahuasca: indie’s new drug of choice

Ayahuasca is traditionally taken in the presence of a shaman. Photograph: Reuters Have this generation’s crop of hippy-dippy indie artists found a new drug to match their music? Devendra Banhart, the Bees and Klaxons have in recent weeks namechecked ayahuasca, a so-called “plant... 

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Clubs picks of the week

Home-clubber. Illustration: Jon & Mick/moderntoss.com That Amazing Camping Trip, Appleby It’s heartwarming to have seen this annual summer camping trip grow in popularity due solely to word-of-mouth recommendation, much like the sporadic and nomadic Mancunian club night That Amazing... 

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