Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys here takes a trip back to his influences in his side project for a Record Store Day Black Friday release in which he enlists the help of some of his biggest influences, the better to map out a pathway between the present and his gnarled roots. Featuring Dr. John and David Hildago from Los Lobos, this collection unites the widescreen sweep of his dayjob with the Tex-Mex swagger and New Orleans drawl of these legendary iconoclasts to invigorating and intoxicating effect.

Review: Talk Talk are true totems of the British synth-pop tradition, and they certainly took an interesting path into experimental realms from the midpoint of their career, but it all began right here. The Party's Over is grandiose in all the best ways, capturing an era of exquisite songwriting which was groundbreaking and traditionally rooted at the same time. Like ABC, Talk Talk knew how to deliver bombast and sentimentality without losing the depth of their work, and now, 40 years on, this spectacular album is being given a reissue on white vinyl.

Review: Talking Heads: 77 marks the band's audacious entry into the music scene, brimming with quirky, infectious energy. It opens with 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town', a playful yet complex love song that introduces David Byrne's distinctive lyrical style and the band's adventurous spirit. With its upbeat tempo and unexpected steel drum accents, the track hints at the future explorations of rhythm by members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. The album's standout tracks, like 'New Feeling', showcase Byrne's abstract musings set against a tight, driving backdrop. This introspective yet rhythmic approach establishes a refreshing distance from typical rock conventions. Similarly, 'Tentative Decisions' displays a blend of mechanical and human elements, reflecting Byrne's unique perspective. Contrastingly, tracks such as 'Psycho Killer' present a darker tone, discussing sociopathy with catchy hooks, while 'No Compassion' conveys a menacing detachment, talking of the complexities of urban life in 1977 New York. The infectious simplicity of 'Who Is It' reveals the band's ability to flirt with mainstream sentiment without succumbing to cliche. Throughout the album, Talking Heads demonstrate their skillful manipulation of sound and structure, weaving vibrant sonic details into an engaging tapestry. This debut not only highlights their artistic vision but also lays the groundwork for the visionary work to come.

Review: Talking Heads proudly reintroduce their iconic debut album, Talking Heads: 77, with the extensive Super Deluxe Edition, available in a comprehensive 3xCD + Blu-ray + Book format. This edition features a fresh AAA remaster cut directly from the original master tapes, ensuring that the album's unique sound is presented in the best possible quality. This release documents the evolution of the band, originally formed by David Byrne, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth and later expanded with the addition of Jerry Harrison from the Modern Lovers. From the outset, Talking Heads: 77 distinguished itself within New York's vibrant CBGB scene, characterised by Byrne's distinctive, high-pitched vocals and the band's tightly wound yet dynamic instrumentation. Key tracks like the haunting 'Psycho Killer' and the upbeat 'Pulled Up' stand out. Spanning nearly three hours, the Super Deluxe Edition includes many rarities such as outtakes and unreleased alternate versions, along with a never-before-heard recording of their final CBGB performance on October 10, 1977. The accompanying Blu-ray features an immersive Atmos mix and various remastered formats. Housed in an elegant 80-page hardcover book, this edition includes new liner notes and rare photos, celebrating the band's influential legacy.

Review: The polished pop rock of Tegan and Sara has always come with hidden depths that counterbalance the lofty heights of their melodies, key-change crescendos and euphoric breakdowns. Last year's High School book proved, if there had been any doubts, that the often-delicate, usually life-affirming sounds the Canadian twins are known for is married to a lot of life experience and political motivation.

Their ongoing campaign work for LGBTQ rights, including setting up their own foundation, is a case in point, and it's impossible to separate the artists from their work - for all the right reasons in this instance. Tonight is a typically poetic example of why their music is so universally appealing, recorded live on tour in 2019 - from perfume punk to synth magic, these anthems are well worth buying into and the energy and love behind them is palpable. Uplifting, poignant and unarguably enjoyable.