ACROSS
7. <roguish> PICARESQUE = (...e)PIC ARE SQUE(a...)
9. <pieces of software> APPS = A + PPS
10/25. <pay attention> NOTA BENE = NONE outside T ABE
11. <talking nonsense> BLITHERING = BLITHE RING
12. E inside A MO BA = AMOEBA <simple life>
14. <more selective> CHOOSIER = C + HOOSIER
15. <metal instruments> GLOCKENSPIEL = GLOCK (⭯SPIN⭯ inside EELS)
18. <focus again> RECENTRE = RE after RECENT
20. <mountainous> ALPINE = A + LINE outside P
22. <cocktail> PINA COLADA = P I + NADA outside COLA
23. <one played> OBOE = O_ B_ O_ E_
26. (MY POPS)* outside CHOP = PSYCHOPOMP <guide to spirits>

DOWN
1. <one raised on a farm> SILO = "SIGH + LOW"
2. RAVE outside AG = RAVAGE <loot>
3. <very dark> JET-BLACK = _E_T_B_L_ inside JACK
4. T + N inside ECHO = TECHNO <dance music>
5. T→CROSS, LATE = LACROSSE <team activity>
6. <no holds barred now> OPEN SEASON = (OPEN SEAS) ON
8. <500-year commemoration> QUINCENTENARY = (TYRANNIC QUEEN)*
13. (TEAM DESIGN)* = MAGNETISED <attractive>
16. <seriously impressed> OVERAWED = O_ V ERA WED
17. <New Kingdom rulers> PHARAOHS = "FARE ROSE"
19. <performers> TROUPE = U_ inside TROPE
21. <rapidly responsive> PROMPT = P PT outside ROM
24. <some resistance> OHMS = "_OLMES"