NME

NME - The fact that the NME is the only weekly magazine covering indie music still in existence does tend to recommend it. The fact that they've ended their feud with Morrissey is an even bigger recommendation. The fact that it is responsible for me finding some of my favourite bands of the moment such as The Libertines, the Killers, the Moldy Peaches and Interpol means that I certainly don't mind buying it for the reviews.

On the whole, while I wish the magazine had more written content, more in-depth interviews and less focus on Pete Doherty's messy personal life, it really does keep you up to date with what's current in indie music and for that it must be praised.

The NME was, at one time, a marvellous music paper which did in depth features on a variety of bands, featured dozens upon dozens of reviews of gigs, cd's, books, etc. and generally did a great job of covering the world of indie/alternative/guitar music. Over the last couple of years, however, the price of the magazine has gone up while the writing has gone downhill, the magazine has shrunk in size, most of the content has turned into ads and yet the NME has become cocky and arrogant about it's own abilities.

The NME consistently claims to have invented the wheel and tries to create coherent music scenes where none exist. As a result they pick 2 or 3 bands of the moment (Strokes, White Stripes, Vines and the Libertines are the current choices) and rotate their faces on the cover for months on end. Subsequently, these days they only ever cover a few acts, leaving those dozens upon dozens of undiscovered gems they profess to want to tell us about out in the cold.

If you want a decent music magazine do not buy the NME.