ReligionObituaryMortimo PlannoThe teachings, poetry, Ras Tafari chants and drumming of Mortimo Planno, who has died aged 76 after complications from a thyroid condition, were a major influence on the life and lyrics of Bob Marley. Among other things, in 1967 Planno introduced the young singer and guitarist to American record producer Danny Sims, resulting in the Wailers' first contract, five years before they signed for Chris Blackwell's Island Records and rose to worldwide fame. Read More...
The ObserverMusicA motley collection of musicians have turned their attentions to science over the years - sometimes rigorously, sometimes tenuously and sometimes downright inaccurately. Examine our seventeen specimens and post your own findings below the line.
David Bowie - Drive in SaturdayIt’s the year 2033, and human beings have forgotten how to have sex; this is the premise behind one of the late Starman’s finest sci-fi singles. Also worthy of mention are TVC15, about a man cuckolded by a television, and of course Space Oddity, in which the astronaut Major Tom loses touch with planet Earth forever. Read More...
OpinionLabour This article is more than 17 years oldThe price of a peerage has kept pace with inflationThis article is more than 17 years oldDaniel DaviesIt's a pretty good investment for someone with a spare million or so.I see that people (including a number of sitting peers like Lord Rees-Mogg) are accusing our current government of "devaluing" the honours system. I don't think that this charge holds up.
In February 1921, the UK's retail price index was 9. Read More...