Back catalogue: Blues

Review: Ohio-based instrumental organ trio Parlor Greens, known for their blend of soul, funk and blues, return with a new 7" that follows their acclaimed debut from 2024. Side-1 features 'Driptorch', which is driven by crunchy drums from Tim Carman, funky guitar riffs by Jimmy James and Adam Scone's expressive Hammond organ. The track delivers a high-energy, groove-filled adventure. On Side-2 ,'200 Dollar Blues', introduces a fresh, mid-tempo instrumental. This blues shuffle highlights James' searing Stratocaster solos, complemented perfectly by Scone's soulful organ work. Their interplay exudes a raw, electrifying energy, while Carman's steady, dynamic drumming grounds the track, making this one for fans of deep soul and blues.

Review: Spasibo Records present a fresh 7" by the Vicious Seeds, hailing from St. Petersburg. With vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik taking centre stage (Chizhik isn't usually a member of the band), 'Village Hassle' makes for a cleverly collaborative rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul release. The titular A-side flaunts Chizhik's vibraphone via the mix alone, fleshing out its low-end elements against a driven instrumental backbeat; 'Monthly Rainfall', meanwhile, goes for all-out slow-jammed soul by way of cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks run through short-release springs.

Review: Spasibo Records introduces a new 7" vinyl by St. Petersburg outfit the Vicious Seeds, this time on yellow and green wax. In an unconventional move, vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik takes the spotlight and the result is that he truly enhances the band's signature sound. 'Village Hassle' offers a unique blend of rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul - the A-side highlights Chizhik's vibraphone prowess, intertwining it with a dynamic instrumental backbeat. On the flip side, 'Monthly Rainfall' delves into a soulful journey, characterized by cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks which create an atmosphere reminiscent of slow-jammed soul with a contemporary twist.

Review: The Firm was a UK supergroup that formed in 1984. Singer Paul Rodgers was the man responsible for getting together with guitarist Jimmy Page and the group became one of the most successful rock outfits of their era. They released a brace of brilliant albums - the self-titled debut in 1985, then a year later Mean Business - and played across the UK and US in the years after. One of the best shows they did was at the Oakland Coliseum on 15th March. Their extraordinary energy and fine set list was recorded for live FM Radio Broadcast and now you can listen back to the whole thing on vinyl for the first time ever.

Review: In October 1999, the Black Crowes joined Led Zeppelin's legendary guitarist Jimmy Page for shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Worcester, and that resulted in the live album Live at the Greek on TVT Records. Due to contractual issues with Columbia, however, the album didn't include any Crowes songs performed with Page. This collaboration led to a summer 2000 tour with Page and The Who and on July 10, 2000, they performed at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York, and served up what was considered one of the tour's standout shows. Featuring sixteen Led Zeppelin classics, Black Crowes tracks, and blues covers, this FM broadcast recording is a real must for fans of these rock icons.

Review: The chemistry between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes, caught here live in AL in 1999, produces a dynamic performance that brings fresh life to classic rock anthems. Tracks like 'Celebration Day' and 'What Is & What Should Never Be' are delivered with incredible precision, each riff from Page cutting through the mix, while the Crowes' rhythm section provides a perfect backdrop. Chris Robinson's vocals are raw and commanding, particularly on 'Heartbreaker,' where he channels the energy of the original while adding his own emotive twist. The blues covers, like 'Sloppy Drunk' and 'Mellow Down Easy,' show off the band's versatility, giving a loose, electric vibe that contrasts beautifully with the more structured Zeppelin classics. A live performance that captures both the spirit of the originals and the fire of the setting.

Review: David Pajo, the enigmatic musician behind Papa M, makes a bold return with a collection that straddles grit and grace, diving into new sonic depths after six years away. Known for his understated brilliance, Pajo shifts from the acoustic delicacy of A Broke Moon Rises to a bolder, rock-infused energy. Across six tracks, he merges structured riffs with improvised solos, crafting a unique sound that recalls bluesy rock influences, with subtle nods to the dexterity of guitar legends like Billy Gibbons. The single 'Ode to Mark White' highlights Pajo's experimental flair, utilizing waltz time to create a hypnotic rhythm that's both fresh and familiar. Recorded solo, the album captures Pajo's knack for live, spontaneous creativity, blending haunting ballads with driving grooves that underscore his versatility. A founding member of the post-rock outfit Slint, Pajo's influence extends through collaborations with Stereolab, Will Oldham and Tortoise, shaping his legacy as a genre-bending innovator. Here, he brings his classic ingenuity into focus, proving yet again that his music defies easy classification, balancing raw power with artful restraint.