Glad to see The Word isn't cashing in on her untimely death then.

I usually start with the Home Service feature followed by Word of Mouth.

Really looking forward to reading the feature on EMI over lunch. Having had some past dealings with Guy Hands I can't imagine he will come out well from the article.

although today I didn't have it that easy. Reggae's not my strongest subject.

Have all given the cover full approval.

The bag will remain sealed however on this one until the 22nd when, beer in hand, I read it on the plane going to Portugal. Can't f*ckin wait!!!

It's a beautiful picture of Amy W, and Paul Du Noyer's piece does absolutely the right thing in placing the focus on her talent, without brushing the Other Stuff under the carpet. If, as I do, you believe that, musically speaking, Amy mattered, you couldn't have any complaints. Even if you don't rate her, it'd be a churlish heart to carp at this editorial decision. Great choice of her best songs too, although I was never crazy about Valerie. I'd have chosen In My Bed from the first album.

No wishing her a sudden death, but I think we can rest assured that Dido won't be on the front cover of The Word, when she meets her maker!

Am I the only one who really really prefers photos on the cover instead of artwork (however well done)? Not speaking as an Amy fan, I'd trade this month's cover for all the rest of this year.

...getting Peter Doggett in for a column. Several of us asked, after the Doggcast, and our wish was granted! Hopefully he'll be an occasional regular (if that isn't an oxymoron) at least!

I've read some pieces already and the whole thing looks like an absolute classic issue - and, bloody hell, I've even listened to (and quite enjoyed) the cover CD this time...

After the 'wobble' of Hepgate in the last issue, we're back on track! Not an Estonian or a PR junket in sight, but instead a really delightful, measured and insightful memoir from the Hep on his time at Whistle Test.

a lot of Paul Du Noyer in the new issue. That is a good thing. He attended an early Massive mingle in Liverpool and is a flipping nice fellow.

Trying to save it for hols at the end of the month- so haven't unwrapped it yet. Sounds like I have something to look forward to.

Could do with a couple more podcasts for poolside listening too.

That picture of the Ramones at Erics on page 56? I was there! If that bloke behind the bloke in the Adidas shirt had his arm down you'd see me. And Julie Burchill, who kept treading on my foot...