3 columns of separate content on blog index

So I’m attempting to make a music blog with a setup configuration somewhat similar to the layout of pitchfork.com or tinymixtapes.com in that I would like three main columns: 1. a left column of news headlines that each link to blog posts categorized as news, 2. a center column of music review titles linking to larger posts categorized as music reviews, and 3. a right column streaming occasional features’ titles that link to the full posts categorized as special features. I know close to nothing. Any tutorials that could help me? Do any of you know a template theme that could automate it? If told exactly what to do I will write the script, I do know html basics. Thanks in advance for any help.

PS. the design part isn’t the issue, it’s the functional stuff.