All genres

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: 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: Disasterpeace, aka Rich Vreeland, stands out in the world of soundtrack composers. Neither strictly an electronic artist nor a conventional composer, he crafts soundscapes that transcend traditional genres. His compositions, rooted in a digital sound palette, feel warm and organic, often played live instead of digitally sequenced, giving his music a human touch rarely seen in electronic scores. Known for his haunting It Follows soundtrack and the iconic Fez score, Vreeland's music has a life far beyond the screens it accompanies. The Hyper Light Drifter soundtrack, reissued by iam8bit, exemplifies Disasterpeace's distinctive style. It's a journey through ambient, textured soundscapes filled with layered synthesisers and devoid of heavy percussion. Instead of driving beats, the focus rests on lush chord progressions and ambient tones, perfectly suited for moments of quiet reflection. Standout tracks like 'Panacea' feature a tape-worn piano, which pairs beautifully with the synths to create a melancholy and immersive atmosphere. This deluxe 4xLP set, with translucent vinyl and elegant packagingicomplete with magnetic wingflaps and a metallic foil layeripays homage to Vreeland's artistry and the soundtrack's legendary status.

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: 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: 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