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Review: The Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds marks their liveliest work in decades, a testament to the band's enduring vitality. While not surpassing their late 70s peak, this album shows the Stones' strongest output since Tattoo You. Following the passing of drummer Charlie Watts, the Stones collaborated with producer Andrew Watt, who captured the signature interplay between Keith Richards and Ron Wood while maintaining a contemporary edge. The album's guitar-driven tracks like 'Angry' and 'Driving Me Too Hard' bring classic rock energy. A standout is 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven', with Lady Gaga's strong vocal contribution. Steve Jordan ably fills Watts' shoes, blending seamlessly into the Stones' timeless sound. The highlight, 'Live by the Sword', reunites Watts, Bill Wyman and Elton John, evoking the band's iconic rhythm. Closing with a raw version of 'Rolling Stone Blues', the album provides a fitting nod to the band's origins, offering a potential finale to their recording career. Ultimately, Hackney Diamonds reaffirms the Stones' ability to adapt while staying true to their roots, delivering a surprisingly spirited album that stands proudly in their vast catalog.

Review: The Rolling Stones have announced their first album in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds, hot off the heels of a playful, vigorous viral marketing campaign - involving an intentionally faulty website and a one-off ad in the local borough newspaper, the Hackney Gazette - and the promotional single 'Angry'. For those seeking to find out more, here's a quip from Mick Jagger: "I don't want to be big headed, but we wouldn't have put this record out if we hadn't really liked it." Judging from 'Angry' and what has been said of its otherwise press-embargoed release, this is sure to be an incendiary comeback, not only a sating the completist urge for ever more from the Jagger-Richards estate, but also celebrating the legacy of the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, whose drumming is heard throughout the album.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


If you ever wondered what was next for the Rolling Stones, here's your answer. Hackney Diamonds is their forthcoming 26th studio album; the first studio album of original material by the band in 18 years and the final album to feature the drumming of rhythmic fixture Charlie Watts. Kicking off with its first promotional single 'Angry' - a song on which Jagger and Richards implore us not to get angry with them, perhaps owing to the frosty reception the Stones have sometimes received from squarer audiences over the years - the song sets the tone for what is sure to be a Stones completist's favourite and a welcome, high-energy return to blistering blues-rock form.

Review: The Rolling Stones celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Grammy-winning 1994 album, Voodoo Lounge, with a new reissue. The first album without bassist Bill Wyman, Voodoo Lounge features classics like 'You Got Me Rocking,' 'Out Of Tears,' and the UK top 20 hit 'Love Is Strong.' Produced by Don Was, with Darryl Jones stepping in for Wyman on bass, To many fans, this is one of their last excellent albums. Voodoo Lounge remains a strong album to the Stones' enduring appeal, reminding fans why they fell in love with the band in the first place.

Review: Rebecca Lucy Taylor blows stormy second wind our way with A Complicated Woman, her first full-length release as Self Esteem since the critically lauded Prioritise Pleasure. The record finds Taylor, who cut her teeth with Sheffield indie hopefuls The Slow Club, expanding her signature lyrical honesty and emotional intelligence over an increasingly vivid, ambitious landscape, convoking a potent collective of mostly female voices: friends, bandmates, and collaborators Nadine Shah, Moonchild Sanelly, Sue Tompkins, drag queen Meatball and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh all feature. Recalibrating the well-worn trope of female hysteria in indie rock terms, lead single 'Focus Is Power' channels a mantra first scribbled on a sticker in her parents' shed during lockdown into a full-bodied affirmation of self-worth, echoed by a moving choir and a communal performance in its accompanying video.

Review: The latest project of the singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who cur her teeth on the Sheffield musioc scene before heading south, sees her continuing to evolve her sharp, emotionally honest brand of pop. This album leans further into lush, layered production while keeping the confessional, anthemic spirit that made her previous work resonate so deeply. Tracks like 'Big Man' explode with bold rhythms and crisp, shimmering synths, pairing vulnerability with fierce, almost theatrical energy. Meanwhile, 'Love Second' rides a smoother, soulful groove, highlighting Taylor's ability to balance playfulness and pain within the same breath. Her vocal performances are even more dynamic here i full of defiant strength one moment and tender intimacy the next. 'Insert Girl' and 'Hard To Love' deliver some of the album's most affecting moments, weaving percussive pop beats with lyrical reflections on identity, expectation and resilience. There's an undeniable polish across A Complicated Woman, but it never feels cold; instead, the production wraps around Taylor's words like a protective armor. Brief but potent interludes and clever lyrical turns keep the album moving with a strong narrative flow. A Complicated Woman feels like both a natural continuation and a bold new chapter for Self Esteem i pop music that's brave, bruised and utterly alive.

Review: The arrival of any album by the mighty Snoop is a major moment in hip-hop history but this feel even bigger than usual. With the more than capable hands of Dr Dre on the production tiller alongside Snoop, there's a real royal roll call of talent lining up to guest, from Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Jelly Roll, BJ the Chicago Kid, Jhene Aiko, Alus, K.A.A.N., Smitty, Dem Jointz, Cocoa Sarai, Stalone, and Fat Money. Rather inexplicably, Tom Petty and Sting feature, making this an unusual and memorable moment even within the illustrious confines of his career to date.

Review: Snoop Dogg's Missionary delivers a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation, weaving his signature West Coast vibe into contemporary narratives. The album, produced masterfully by Dr. Dre, resonates with intricate beats and smooth grooves that harken back to the essence of Doggystyle while exploring fresh themes. Standout track 'Gorgeous,' featuring the soothing vocals of Jhene Aiko, illustrates Snoop's lyrical maturity and emotional depth. Available in an exclusive indie vinyl edition, this release comes with a collectible poster, making it a notable addition for both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Prepare for a sonic experience that reaffirms Snoop's iconic status with everyone from Tom Petty to 50 Cent and Eminem and many more guesting.

Review: Snow Patrol's The Forest Is The Path marks a poignant return after six years, delving into themes of love from a distance and introspective reflection. Gary Lightbody's lyrical strength shines as he explores the haunting yet distant memories of past relationships, encapsulated in the lead single 'The Beginning.' The song's drifting melodies and powerful chorus, recorded in a single, raw take, offer a glimpse into the soul. Produced by Fraser T Smith, the album juxtaposes emotional intensity with a serene acceptance of past mistakes. This mature perspective, coupled with the band's characteristic sound, solidifies The Forest Is The Path as a reflective and cathartic journey. Expect this album to be a welcomed comeback to their fans and a successful charts run for the band. This version is pressed on marbled vinyl and housed in a beautiful gatefold that honours the abstract artwork perfectly.

Review: Jumping back to the early days of Steely Dan, it's easy to forget they were still a rock band at heart. Drop the needle on Countdown To Ecstasy and let 'Bodhisattva' kick in - sure, the jazzy tendencies of Becker and Fagen elevate this above traditional bluesy fare, but it's still a kicking, overdriven sound on the guitars front and centre. Such obsessing over the details is part and parcel of Steely Dan, the band so fabled for their own obsessions in the studio, and so adored by nearly everyone in the world. There will never be enough reissues of these albums to reach the ears of everyone who needs them, but be thankful you can cop yourself a pristine piece from one of the greatest of all the bands.

Review: Steely Dan's Katy Lied, released in 1975, marks a pivotal point in the band's trajectory. Known for their meticulous approach to recording and their increasingly complex fusion of rock and jazz, the album sits at the crossroads of their evolution, representing both the height of their creative powers and the growing dissatisfaction of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen with their work. This album sees Steely Dan's transition from a traditional rock band to a more sophisticated, jazz-inflected studio project. The departure of guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and their decision to stop touring, freed Becker and Fagen to focus entirely on studio work. Without the need to accommodate a touring lineup, Katy Lied became a playground for an array of top-tier session musicians, including drummer Jeff Porcaro and vocalist Michael McDonald, who would go on to define yacht rock's lush sound. The album's opening track, 'Black Friday', encapsulates Steely Dan's knack for blending lyrical wit with biting social commentary. It's a jaunty rock tune about apocalyptic scenarios and cashing in on chaos, with Fagen's sly delivery making it unclear whether he's advocating rebellion or simply observing it with a smirk. This tension between cool detachment and grim humor runs throughout Katy Lied, lending the album its disorienting charm. Tracks like 'Bad Sneakers' and 'Doctor Wu' mix cryptic narratives with immaculate musicianship. 'Doctor Wu', one of Steely Dan's most beloved tracks, balances between a love triangle and drug addiction with a saxophone solo from jazz great Phil Woods that ties the song's knot of ambiguity into a gorgeous, bittersweet bow. While Katy Lied features some of Steely Dan's most intricate compositions, it also hints at the moral ambiguity that would become a hallmark of their later albums. Katy Lied holds up as one of Steely Dan's most interesting records, a liminal album that bridges the gap between the rockier early years and the slick perfectionism of later efforts like Aja and Gaucho. It captures Becker and Fagen still in the process of refining their vision, grappling with the frustrations of the studio, but channeling that tension into songs that remain sharp, enigmatic and unflinchingly human.

Review: Pop stans rejoice: here be the third studio album by former YouTube star and queer pop icon Troye Sivan. It's also his first in five years, following his acclaimed 2018 album Bloom and his 2020 EP 'In A Dream'. The album is described as "a celebration of sex, dance, sweat, community, queerness, love and friendship", and was influenced by both popular and avant-garde music styles, as well as Sivan finding increasing freedom in the bombast of dance music in the post-pandemic era. Martin, OzGo and A.G. Cook, among others, are enlisted for production duties, second only to cameos from Charli XCX, Sam Smith and Lorde.

Review: The Saltburn soundtrack, released on red vinyl, is a great collection of tracks that capture the dark, humorous essence of Emerald Fennell's 2023 black comedy. This eclectic mix of songs enhances the film's twisted narrative. Side-1 opens with Bloc Party's 'This Modern Love,' a nod to the film's exploration of complicated relationships. Ladytron's 'Destroy Everything You Touch' and Cold War Kids' 'Hang Me Up To Dry' continue this theme of emotional turmoil. The infectious energy of Mason vs Princess Superstar's 'Perfect (Exceeder)' adds a pulse to the story's underlying tension. Side-2 is highlighted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 'Murder on the Dancefloor,' a playful yet sinister track that resonates with the film's dark humor. MGMT's 'Time To Pretend' and The Killers' iconic 'Mr Brightside' reflect the characters' hedonistic pursuits. The inclusion of the twisted 'Have a Cheeky Christmas' by The Cheeky Girls adds a bizarre, yet fitting, touch to this unusual collection. Encapsulates the film's edgy and eccentric atmosphere in the most ideal way.

Review: "Over It" is the debut album from the US's latest r&b sensation, Summer Walker. Lead singles "Playing Games" and "Come Thru" have already done well in the charts, while the remix of Walker's "Girls Need Love" featuring Drake is another gem amongst many here. Further collaborations with the likes of Usher, Bryson Tiller and 6lack also enrich this album, which is a contemporary take on classic r&b. Smoochy, romantic bedroom grooves and plenty of heart-aching vocals from the Atlanta talent will make you nostalgic about teenage love. Honest reflections on relationship woes crop up often and lend the album an air of depth and credibility that make it all the more essential.

Review: Paul Weller has a new 12 song album simply called 66. The former lead singer of The Jam and Style Council brings his soulful voice to album that has a slew of interesting guest artists, with contributions from Suggs, Noel Gallagher and Bobby Gillespie to name just a few. The lead single will be 'Rise Up Singing', which immediately transports to us a carefree 60s sound, 'Soul Wandering' is a powerful rock track where Paul really shines and is one of our favourites here. The modfather is back.

Review: To mark his 66th birthday, mod legend Paul Weller returns with 66, his 17th full length solo album and one that arrives on Polydor to great fanfare. In the vast expanse of contemporary music, Weller stands as an icon of enduring influence and innovation, boasting a recording career spanning from 1977 to the release of this latest album. With a steadfast dedication to pushing artistic boundaries while honouring his roots, Weller's latest offering promises a captivating journey through his musical evolution and it reflects on life's myriad facets, from spirituality to changing circumstances, with a positive outlook tempered by wisdom gained from lived experiences. Collaborations with esteemed artists enrich the album, offering a fully-realized celebration of creative synergy.

Review: Jules Buckley can do absolutely no wrong in our eyes. The conductor responsible for leading the globally revered Heritage Orchestra has made a name for himself experimenting with the limits and limitless potential of classical music, taking influences from the world of dance and club tunes to open up orchestral performances to new demographics and generations.

He also has the honour of heading up the BBC Symphony Orchestra at select performances, another of the world's finest ensembles. This is just one recording from one of those shows, but clearly proves there's genius at work. The same could be said for Paul Weller, the iconic UK guitarist and singer who here invites said players to rethink tracks from his back catalogue for a staggering 75-minute set that elevates the rocker's oeuvre to greater heights than ever before.