Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The traditonal way to start a review of any Micko Westmoreland release - and with as is to point out that he's best known for playing Jack Fairey in the mock glam documentary Velvet Goldmine, but with a second strong album in his new, flanked -by-legends incarnation and some highly memorable video promos featuring a succession of alternativ ecomedy greats, that could well be changing. Expect spiky English podst-punk songwriting a la XTC or even Pulp, with recent singles 'Autosexual' and 'What's In A Name' (which includes guest vocals from Kevin Eldon numbering among the highligths.

Review: A quarter of a century has passed since Jason Boardman and Moonboots threw their first 'anything goes' Balearic Sunday session. Aficionado, as the event became known, is now an institution in Manchester, making this celebratory compilation a special one. It boasts two previously unreleased cuts - J-Walk's sparkling 'Cool Bright Northern Morning' and a deep Begin remix of 'Alaska' by Canyons - with the rest of the 16-track set being made up of records that "mean a lot" to the two DJs and their audience. The selections are simply sublime, with our current picks of a very strong bunch including the neo-acoustic brilliance of Stanley Clarke's 'Desert Song', the turn-of-the-Millennium nu-Balearic excellence of Mudd's 'Summer in the Wood', and the baggy 'global beat' fun of 'Can't Step Twice (On The Same Piece of Water)(New Version)' by Teachers.

Review: The latest compilation on CTR, curated by Jason Boardman of Before I Die Records, dives into the rich, underground landscape of early 1980s post-punk. This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's DIY ethos, featuring rare and never-before-heard tracks that encapsulate the innovative spirit of the time. From the 2-Tone-influenced Skeet in Coventry to the dub experiments of Surface Mutants with Cabaret Voltaire, the album uncovers a trove of hidden gems that have largely flown under the radar. One track even boasts a unique post-punk diss track, adding a touch of rebellion to the mix. Boardman has unearthed a variety of tracks, some even sampled by the likes of DJ Shadow, showcasing the lasting influence of these obscure artists. The compilation highlights a time when independent musicians, studios, and labels banded together, bypassing major labels in pursuit of their creative vision. While it's not a comprehensive guide to the era, this album shines a spotlight on the overlooked and underappreciated, giving these artists the recognition they've long deserved, not to mention the enduring power and creativity of the post-punk underground.

Review: Compiled by Jason Boardman (Before I Die Records), this new release on CTR delves into the rich, untapped world of early 1980s post-punk DIY innovation. Boardman, a celebrated Manchester DJ, club-night founder, and record label owner, curates a collection of obscure and rarely heard tracks from the era. These bedroom and small studio creations capture the spirit of independent music from that time, showcasing the efforts of artists who sidestepped major labels to forge their own paths. The compilation features everything from Coventry's 2-Tone-related Skeet to Surface Mutants' Cabaret Voltaire-inspired dub, highlighting a diverse range of post-punk experimentation. Even tracks sampled by DJ Shadow make an appearance, offering a glimpse into the era's lasting influence. One particularly unique inclusion is a post-punk diss track, adding a playful yet edgy touch to the collection. This album shines a light on the overlooked and forgotten sounds of the period, focusing not on the hits but on the creative energy that defined the era. It's a tribute to the artists' perseverance and a celebration of their contributions to the music landscape. A must for fans of post-punk and DIY culture.