Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Made and released way back in 1958, Somethin' Else is a classic jazz album by the American alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, notably his only ever album for the esteemed Blue Note label. It famously hears Adderley enlist the help of trumpeter Miles Davis as one of its sidemen, and this was an ongoing relationship that later paved the way for popular jazz as a whole; without Somethin' Else, we wouldn't have Kind Of Blue, for which Adderley would contribute his sax playing just a year later. Though it is a testament to the unity of two great core musicians, we also hear the piano stylings of Hank Jones, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Art Blakey.

Review: Outside In decided to highlight Ray Angry's exceptional talent as a top pianist with the new album Three. Solo piano, a tradition that runs through jazz greats like Art Tatum to Keith Jarrett, is the perfect platform to showcase Angry's brilliance so in the fall of 2022 he visited Reservoir Studios, sat at the Steinway piano, and played for two hours straight. The result was an extraordinary torrent of music, blending classical, jazz, and pop, all unique to Ray. Now the best of it is served up in this bumper box set with a deluxe booklet with writings by Questlove and Black Thought.

Review: Persona 3 Reload reimagines Atlus' iconic RPG with updated graphics, gameplay, character designs, and new music. The soundtrack pays homage to the original's late-2000s style while infusing modern elements, creating a unique blend. 'Reloaded' tracks cleverly reference the original tunes while introducing fresh elements for a captivating experience. With Persona's signature swagger, the Atlus Sound Team explores diverse genres like opera, hip-hop, and house. The Persona 3 Reload 4xLP by iam8bit features the Reloaded soundtrack on stunning Holographic Broken Glass Vinyl, ensuring the premium mastering treatment for tracks like 'When the Moon's Reaching Out' and 'Aria of the Soul.'

Review: A new special edition of The Beatles' Revolver comes courtesy of Apple, the original label on which the fab four released some of their most seminal works. Featuring a new mix and master by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, this version contains yet another 100-page book with a foreword by Paul McCartney and an unlikely essay by Questlove of The Roots.

Review: What is there left to say about this landmark recording, which captures the heart and soul of pre-revolutionary Cuban music, bringing together veteran musicians whose artistry might have otherwise been lost to time. The result is a stunning blend of son cubano, bolero, danzon and jazz, each track infused with intricate rhythms and heartfelt performances. Flamenco-tinged vocals soar over interwoven instrumentalsieach simple in isolation but collectively forming a rich, textured soundscape. The interplay between piano, guitar and percussion is electrifying, balancing smooth elegance with raw passion. From the hypnotic pulse of 'Chan Chan' to the fiery energy of 'El Cuarto de Tula' and the aching beauty of 'Veinte ANos', the music effortlessly bridges past and present. Moments of exuberance give way to quiet reflection, showcasing the full emotional range of these master musicians. The sharp piano work, the percussive drive and the warmth of the vocal harmonies create an irresistible urge to dance. Even in its most hurried passages, there's an undeniable charmievery note brimming with life. Now presented on a 4xLP gatefold edition, pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl and cut at 45 RPM for maximum fidelity, this reissue elevates an already timeless collection. The past lingers in every note, proving that old songs truly do stir old feelings.

Review: The Moon and the Melodies, a collaboration between Cocteau Twins and ambient pioneer Harold Budd, stands as a unique gem in both artists' discographies. Originally released in 1986, this ethereal album is now being reissued on vinyl, remastered from the original tapes by Robin Guthrie. Unlike anything else the Cocteau Twins ever produced, this record blends their dreamlike soundscapes with Budd's serene, improvisational piano work. The result is an atmospheric journey, at once intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Sea, Swallow Me' shine with Elizabeth Fraser's otherworldly vocals, intertwined with Guthrie's shimmering guitar and Raymonde's grounding bass, creating a sound that feels both familiar and entirely unique. Instrumentals like 'Memory Gongs' and 'The Ghost Has No Home' highlight Budd's delicate piano, enhanced by the band's signature ambient textures. The album is a study in contrasts, vocal tracks sit alongside instrumentals, each contributing to a cohesive yet diverse listening experience. For fans, this reissue is a chance to revisit a pivotal moment in the evolution of dream pop and ambient music. The album's enduring appeal is evident in its continued influence in social media. The Moon and the Melodies remains a shining light that can happen when artists from different realms come together to create something truly timeless.

Review: It's hard to know whether to bother reviewing this release at all, or simply opt for the following summary: Depeche Mode, titans of synth and one of the UK's most important bands of the late-20th Century (and today), offer a vast collection of tracks from their 2005 album, Playing the Angel, remixed by a host of massive names from the dance and electronic world.

Still not convinced? OK, how about this - Depeche Mode x Jacques Le Cont, M83, Sasha, Tiefschwarz, Tiga, Michael Mayer, Metope, Alter Ego, Robag Wruhme, Goldfrapp, Telex and more. With so much happening and such variety on offer within, it's probably best to hit play on the lot and see what takes your fancy, smart money being on all of them. Either that, or just go with your gut and buy before you try.

Review: The vast array of Depeche Mode originals cover plenty of ground and many years of hard and critically acclaimed work. As such they're a gold mine for artists looking to add their own spin and plenty of the most ear-grabbing of those radio, dub and club mixes are collected together here on a rather epic seven slabs of wax in one bumper box set with a poster and digital download. Works by contemporary artists like Trentemoller and Justus Kohncke sit next to techno titans like Ben Klock, trance mainstays such as Sander Van Doorn and even EDM stars like Laidback Luke. A varied mix with something for everyone.

Review: Yves Deruyter has spent forty years as a pioneering force in dance music; kown for his huge sets and anthemic musical procurements, his trajectory follows a familiar arc as an early tooth-cutter on Belgium's underground scene heralding later international recognition. His hits like 'Rave City' and 'Calling Earth' shook the earliest and staidest foundations of trance. To celebrate his career, a new ten-vinyl compilation celebrating Yves' work here proves that relevance isn't about trends - it's about a distinctive sound and an undying connection to the dancefloor.

Review: One of the best-selling albums of all time, Hotel California could be considered the pinnacle of American rock, at least in terms of success and sales. Ranked the 118th Greatest Album of All Time by Rolling Stone, certified by RIAA as the third best-selling LP in history, and considered the foundation on which the Golden State's mid-70s music scene was built, the 1976 landmark is a music staple immune to shifts in trends, eras, and styles. Fearlessly addressing the chaos and consequences of American life, its songs remain strikingly prescient and gain credence with each passing day. Now reissued as a box set by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab; mastered from the original analog master tapes; pressed on MoFi SuperVinyl, and limited to 17,500 numbered copies.

Review: American Idiot marked a pivotal moment in Green Day's career, propelling them to new heights both commercially and creatively. The album, released in 2004, combines punk energy with a bold narrative, delivering a politically charged rock opera that resonated with a generation. Its mix of rebellious spirit and introspective lyrics touched on themes of disillusionment, suburban angst, and the search for identity. Tracks like the explosive title song and 'Holiday' channel raw defiance, while 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' and 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' showcase the band's ability to craft emotional ballads with wide appeal. The ambitious multi-part suites 'Jesus of Suburbia' and 'Homecoming' are daring, theatrical pieces that added depth to the album's story arc. Billie Joe Armstrong's sharp songwriting and the band's tight, dynamic sound made American Idiot a modern classic. Its balance of punk rebellion and mainstream accessibility cemented Green Day's place as one of the defining rock bands of the 2000s.

Review: Michael Jackson's Off The Wall remains a pivotal release in his career and a hallmark of late 70s music. Produced by Quincy Jones, this album marks Jackson's transformation into the King of Pop, showcasing a blend of funk, disco and r&b that resonates with an enduring freshness. Tracks like 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' and 'Rock With You' exemplify Jackson's unparalleled ability to merge infectious grooves with sophisticated pop. The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab reissue, celebrating its 40th anniversary, captures the album's original vibrancy with precision. This pressing addresses some issues found in previous versions, such as excessive treble and cymbal crunching, but shines with solid bass response and clear midrange. The Apple Music Hi-Res stream offers an even more refined experience, with taut bass and exceptional clarity that highlights Jackson's vocal talent and the album's detailed production. for many, Off The Wall encapsulates Jackson's peak creativity and artistic vision.

Review: Byard Lancaster's The Complete Palm Recordings 1973-1974 is a definitive 7LP box set celebrating the Philadelphia jazz virtuoso's groundbreaking work. This comprehensive collection features Lancaster's four influential albums released on Jef Gilson's Palm RecordsiUs, Mother Africa, Exactement, and Funny Funky Rib Cribiplus the exclusive standalone edition of Love Always, a captivating 15-minute modal jazz piece. Lancaster, known for his innovative approach, teamed up with prominent figures like Sylvin Marc, Steve McCall, and Clint Jackson III during these sessions. Each album features Lancaster's dynamic range, from the Coltrane-inspired sounds on Exactement to the funk-infused grooves of Funny Funky Rib Crib. The inclusion of Love Always highlights Lancaster's remarkable modal improvisations, complemented by a stellar lineup including Jean-Francois Catoire and Keno Speller. The box set includes all original albums, meticulously restored and remastered. It features a four-page portfolio, an exclusive one-sided 12" EP with a screen print, and a 20-page booklet with rare photos and an in-depth exploration of Lancaster's Parisian years by Pierre Crepon. This collection not only honours Lancaster's legacy but also offers a deep look into his most creative period.

Review: 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields is an audacious feat that toes the line between brilliance and sheer audacity. Clocking in at three hours, this magnum opus is a sprawling exploration of love in all its forms. Stephin Merritt and his collaborators craft a diverse sonic landscape, ranging from giddy lust to resignation and despair, and from genre exercises to archetypal Magnetic Fields songs. The album's sheer scale may initially seem daunting, but Merritt's exceptional songwriting and the band's eclectic instrumentation ensure that each track holds its own. The individual songs offermany moments of small epiphanies and emotional resonance. 25 years since it was first released, 69 Love Songs continues to gain new fans and make original ones keep coming back.

Review: When it was first released, George Michael's Older was something of a shock to those who were used to his chart-topping hits of yore. Certainly, 1990's Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was a mature and expansive album from one of pop's brightest talents, but six years later Older took a moodier turn on tracks like 'Jesus To A Child' and 'Spinning The Wheel'. There are of course some big bangers too, from the slinky funk of 'Fastlove' to 'Star People', but this was a turning point in Michael's career which finally delivered the creative freedom he'd always so vically called out for. This expansive special edition of the album comes with additional edits, remixes and unreleased tracks to complete the picture for a landmark slice of British pop music.

Review: Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon is one of the great albums that captures the essence of the late '60s counterculture with poetic grace and introspective depth. Released in 1970, the record blends folk, pop, and jazz influences while showcasing Mitchell's unique artistry. Iconic tracks like 'Big Yellow Taxi,' 'Woodstock,' and 'The Circle Game' highlight her sharp lyrical wit and melodic inventiveness. Overall, the music paints vivid portraits of life in Laurel Canyon and celebrates themes of love, loss, and social change. Mitchell's ethereal vocals and intricate guitar work make Ladies of the Canyon an essential listen that cemented her legacy as a pioneering singer-songwriter.

Review: The 1971 classic album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, Blue is widely thought by many music lovers to be one of the best albums of all time. Already well into her career by the time of its release - it's her fourth album - it was certainly Mitchell's best yet, reflecting a period in her life where she took a break from touring and live performing to focus on creation. Its confessional and poetic lyrics, not to mention the distinctively groggy yet idyllic guitar and piano playing on songs like 'All I Want', 'River', 'A Case Of You', heard Mitchell encapsulate the various milestones, Renaissances and turning points of the contemporary rock landscape of the 1970s, into a singular LP.

Review: The Queen I Collector's Edition is a comprehensive and remastered look at Queen's groundbreaking 1973 debut album. This x6CD + 1xLP box set presents 63 tracks, including 43 newly remixed versions, demos, live recordings and alternate takes, making it the most complete version of Queen I to date. For the first time, a Queen album has been given a full stereo remix, allowing listeners to experience the album the way the band originally intended. Key highlights include the restored running order, featuring the song 'Mad the Swine', which was left off the original 1973 release. CD1 delivers the 2024 remix of Queen I, while other discs offer demos from De Lane Lea Studios, unreleased sessions and backing tracks. CD5 features rare BBC recordings and CD6 presents live performances, including Queen's first-ever show at London's Imperial College in 1970 and tracks from their legendary Rainbow Theatre concert in 1974. The set is beautifully packaged with a 108-page book containing handwritten lyrics and rare memorabilia, alongside four photo prints and a fold-out poster. For Queen fans and collectors, this expanded edition provides an in-depth look at the band's early sound, showcasing their energy, creativity and unmistakable talent from the very start of their career.

Review: The Ramones are one of those bands that everyone agrees on, to some extent, before disagreeing. Such was their career trajectory. Unanimously, the first three albums - 1976's Ramones, 77's Leave Home, and Road to Ruin (1978) - were all bonafide 20th Century works of wonder. End of the Century, which landed as the decades switched over, is where views start to divide. As such this collection of their LPs from the next ten years, or so, may not immediately jump out and grab everyone.

That's a real shame, and hopefully this package, which is the first time these records have been reissued on vinyl, will go some way towards making people remember exactly how good the vast majority if their 80s output was. Pleasant Dreams, Subterranean Jungle, and Too Tough To Die are exceptional outings that are guaranteed to put you off whatever it is you're listening to from this millennium. Throw in Animal Boy, Halfway to Sanity, Brain Drain and Still More Stuff, the latter itself a retrospective of unreleased bits from this era, and we think this is a real punk winner.

Review: This triple pack box set from Craft Recordings takes a look at legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins and his run for Lester Koenig's revered Los Angeles label Go West. As well as presenting seminal albums Way Out West and Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders in full, this collection also presents six additional alternative takes from both album sessions, allowing listeners to hear the development of such iconic recordings as 'Come, Gone'. With additional liner notes from noted music historian Ashley Kahn and an interview with Rollins from 2021, this is an authoritative look at a true legend in the legacy of jazz.

Review: Standing as one of Santana's most remarkable live albums, capturing the band's extraordinary chemistry and virtuosic performances during their 1973 tour. Originally released in Japan and not available domestically until much later, this triple LP remains a definitive document of the band's fusion period, blending Latin, Afro-Cuban, jazz, rock and psychedelic elements. The album showcases the thrilling improvisations and spiritual depth of the eight-piece lineup, featuring legendary tracks like 'Every Step of the Way', 'Toussaint L'Overture' and an incendiary 'Incident at Neshabur'. The reissue, sourced from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl, offers audiophile-quality sound, enhancing the clarity and balance of the performance. The dynamic range, rich bass and vivid percussion are rendered with exceptional presence, offering an immersive listening experience. With the inclusion of seven previously unreleased tracks, Lotus captures the band at its peak, delivering both precision and passion. This reissue is a stunning tribute to Santana's pioneering fusion era and in its most complete and unique packaging yet.

Review: Van Halen's third release, Women & Children First, showcases the band coming into their own after their meteoric rice to fame in the late 70s. Originally released in 1980, the album made the top ten and sold over three million copies with little radio play and not even a top 40 song. The album is also ranked #36 in the top 100 Heavy Metal records of all time. Released on limited numbered 180 gram at 45RPM Audiophile SuperVinyl with the UltraDisc One-Step process spread across two records. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab US's pressing is perhaps the ultimate copy to have for the discerning audiophile.

Review: Van Halen's sophomore album, Van Halen II, receives the deluxe treatment here with this limited, numbered, 180 gram 45 rpm Audiophile SuperVinyl UltraDisc One-Step 2xLP box set. Originally released in 1979, the album showcases the band's electrifying blend of hard rock and heavy metal, propelled by Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary guitar work and David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals. With classics like 'Dance the Night Away' and 'Beautiful Girls,' the album captures the band at the peak of their powers. Remastered for vinyl with meticulous attention to detail, this deluxe edition offers audiophiles a pristine listening experience, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

Review: Following the enduring success of the 2017 action RPG Horizon Zero Dawn - in which we play as Aloy, a lone human hunter lost and confused in a world overrun by giant, aggressive mechs - now comes Horizon Forbidden West, its sequel, along with a brand new soundtrack by the game franchise's extensive in-house roster of composers. Matching the game's theme of environmental restoration and a return to purer pasts, we hear soaring original compositions from Niels van der Leest, The Fligght, Oleksa Lozowchuk and Joris De Man, all compiled onto a deluxe 6xLP edition - for the merch-heads, there's even an exclusive slipmat, a t-shirt, and several inserts with extensive notes on the game and music bundled in there too.

Review: San Francisco's Dirtybird label has been kicking out big-ass party jams and wonky house and tech for a full two decades now. After 20 years of keeping clubs bumping the label now launches its first-ever commemorative vinyl box set. Dirtybird Hand Picked Box Set, Volume 1 features fan favourites from label founder Claude VonStroke, Aussie sensation FISHER, house vocalist John Summit, the legendary Sacha Robotti and mainstay Nikki Nair amongst many more. The set spans iconic tracks that have defined the label's legacy across the years and each one is big, bold and colourful, much like this set which includes one of a selection of exclusive items

Review: The Vinyl 1977-1994 is the latest special edition box set celebrating WAR's 50+ years of music. This collection includes Platinum Funk and Galaxy, both from 1977, The Music Band from 1979, Outlaw from 1982 and Peace Sign from 1984 and also features newly remastered tracks by Bernie Grundman and original artwork by Dave Van Patten. Spanning from the vibrant 'L.A. Sunshine' to the cosmic 'Galaxy' and diving into the depths of 'The Jungle' and 'All Around the World,' this set captures WAR's signature, genre-defying sound. Each album is unique and together this collection showcases the band's famous evolution.

Review: Amused To Death is the third studio album from Roger Waters outside of his work in Pink Floyd. As one of the fundamental creative forces in the prog behemoth, of course it's hard to separate his solo work from that most famous of bands, but this is indeed its own beast. At times it's an experimental space in which Waters uses space and minimalism to great effect, creating a foreboding sound peppered with speech samples and field recordings. There are of course plenty of more straightforward tracks too, like lead single 'What God Wants, Part 1'. This lavish issue of the 1992 album spreads the music out across four discs and comes in a box set format, a must-have for devoted Floyd and Waters collectors.

Review: A grand, limited-edition 7-LP vinyl set that celebrates the legendary composer through live performances with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, capturing Williams conducting iconic scores with ensembles like the Saito Kinen Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker and Wiener Philharmoniker. Additionally, it includes the world premiere of Williams' Violin Concerto No. 2, featuring violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The set covers a wide range of Williams' celebrated film compositions, including unforgettable themes from Harry Potter (like 'Hedwig's Theme') and Star Wars (featuring tracks such as 'Princess Leia's Theme' and 'The Imperial March'). Other highlights include E.T.'s 'Flying Theme', Jurassic Park's evocative main theme and the suspenseful, instantly recognizable score from Jaws. The box set's careful design includes a booklet with liner notes, essays by film-music writer Jon Burlingame, and personal reflections from Williams and other performers. Each LP is dedicated to a different concert experience, with memorable encore performances from Tokyo, Vienna and Boston adding to the collection's richness. A thoughtfully curated release and a unique journey through Williams' music.