Morrissey, My Bloody Valentine, The Beatles and Lou Reed all feature in the new issue of Uncut, dated January 2014, and out now.

We get the full lowdown on Morrissey’s very weird year from his friends, bandmates and industry insiders – from his hospital stays and cancelled tours, to the huge success of his Autobiography.

“We’re long overdue for the studio,” says guitarist Jesse Tobias. “There are two albums’ worth of songs ready.

“I’ve heard almost everything and feel it’s some of the strongest material to date. Musically diverse. Anthemic. Even in their infant stages the songs excite me.”

Kevin Shields speaks to Uncut about My Bloody Valentine, his songwriting methods, Primal Scream, m b v and Daft Punk’s marketing budget, while we unearth The Beatles’ lost Christmas singles and pantomime appearances.

Editor Allan Jones pays tribute to Lou Reed, recalling wild nights and vicious insults from the late Velvet Underground legend.

Can take us through the creation of their unlikely German chart hit “Spoon”, while John Grant discusses each album he’s made, from The Czars to Pale Green Ghosts.

Matthew E White reveals the records that changed his life, while we talk to Nick Lowe about his creative rebirth, having Johnny Cash over to stay and recording in Mosley’s old lock-up.

In our Instant Karma section, The Who discuss their 50th anniversary, Billy Childish explains his flotilla of seven-inch-carrying vessels and Parquet Courts introduce themselves.

In the 38-page reviews section, we take a look at releases from The Cure, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Al Green, Ry Cooder and Neil Young.

The free CD, The Sound Of 2013, features tracks from My Bloody Valentine, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, John Grant, Matthew E White, Prefab Sprout, Richard Thompson and more.

The new issue of Uncut, dated January 2014, is out now.