Back catalogue: Pop

Review: A-ha's 2016 compilation Time and Again: The Ultimate A-ha makes its debut on vinyl with a newly expanded tracklist of 21 songs, now encompassing material from all 11 original studio albums. The collection's first disc features their iconic hits like 'Take on Me' and 'The Living Daylights,' spanning their career from upbeat synth-pop beginnings to the more orchestral tones of later works such as 'Under the Makeup.' This compilation remains the most comprehensive overview of A-ha's career to date, now available in vinyl format that captures the breadth and evolution of their sound across the decades.

Review: This is a deluxe reissue of a real pop classic from back in 1997. ABC is a group that traces its origins back to Vice Versa, a Sheffield band formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. They released the Music 4 EP after founding Neutron Records and Martin Fry, creator of the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewed Vice Versa before later joining as synth player. By 1980, the band transformed into ABC, with Fry assuming lead vocals. The lineup included Fry, Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17, and Keith Lowndes. Though their debut album received acclaim from critics, it didn't achieve widespread commercial success. Despite this, ABC's fusion of pop and electronic elements laid the groundwork for their future iconic sound.

Review: Gracie Abrams returns with the deluxe edition of her sophomore album The Secret of Us (Deluxe), released via Interscope Records, now available on a special "moonlight" 2xLP vinyl. This release is her most expansive work yet, both sonically and narratively. Adding fan favourites like 'That's So True' and 'I Love You, I'm Sorry (Live From Vevo)' to the 20-track project, Abrams showcases her growth as a songwriter and vocalist. Collaborating again with Aaron Dessner and her best friend Audrey Hobert, the album captures the urgency and raw emotion of her live experiences over the past year.

Review: Gracie Abrams' new single 'Risk from her upcoming album The Secret Of Us displays her continued evolution as an artist. Known for her connections to Aaron Dessner and Taylor Swift, Abrams is now infusing her indie pop sound with touches of the rootsy style popularized by artists like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan. Co-written with Audrey Hobert and produced by Dessner, 'Risk' features Abrams' signature trembling vocals and glassy soundscapes, paired with frank, conversational lyrics. The song captures the intensity of a crush that feels like a breakup. The accompanying video, directed by Hobert, is a standout, showing Abrams in a more playful light. Expect this album to do well in the pop charts and on radio with her mainstream direction.

Review: Gracie Abrams' The Secret of Us is a stunning sophomore album that showcases her growth as a songwriter and vocalist. Building on the success of her debut, Gracie delivers her most expansive work yet, both sonically and narratively. Teaming up with longtime collaborator Aaron Dessner and best friend Audrey Hobert, Gracie infuses each track with urgency and emotion, drawing from her live experiences over the past year. The result is a collection of songs that feels deeply personal and authentic, capturing the essence of shared moments and intimate conversations. From start to finish, The Secret of Us is a arresting listen that highlights Gracie's evolution as an artist and leaves you eagerly anticipating what she'll do next.

Review: Even reading the words All Saints takes us back to simmer times, when pop music seemed far more innocent and pop stars - the female ones at least - wore far more clothes. The British group's self-titled debut album was cooler and smarter than many of their candied peers (Spice Girls, we're looking at you) and blended effortlessly soulful vocals with rich, atmospheric production. From start to finish, the album lays down emotionally charged and honest lyrics. The production is lush yet minimal, allowing the powerful vocals to take centre stage, with classics like 'Never Ever', 'I Know Where It's At' and 'Lady Marmalade ('98 remix)' all still oozing a nice new soul and r&b edge.

Review: Mayra Andrade's live album, recorded at Union Chapel, features the warmth and eclecticism of her music in an intimate setting. Known for blending Cape Verdean Creole, English, and Portuguese in her songs, she pulls from a variety of cultural influences to craft a sound that's truly global. Her live collaboration with guitarist Djodje Almeida, 'reEncanto,' takes listeners on a journey through her discographyifrom Navega (2006) to Manga (2019).Andrade's music dances between traditional Cape Verdean rhythms and contemporary beats, with touches of reggae, African soul and pop influences, making every performance feel both rooted and adventurous. Her voice, full of depth and color, effortlessly shifts between romantic ballads and playful, rhythmic tunes. A nomadic spirit is evident in her music as she reflects her life's experiences and travels. On stage, Andrade is stunning, and the energy she brings in this live recording transports listeners straight to Cape Verde's sun-drenched shores. For those unfamiliar with her work, this album is an ideal introduction to the vibrant, evolving world she's built through her music, full of passion and heartfelt storytelling.

Review: Tina Arena's career-defining album takes listeners on a journey of soaring ballads and infectious pop, remaining one of Australia's most loved records. Anchored by the powerful 'Chains,' the album re-established Arena as a force in contemporary music, earning her five ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year. With six singles and a legacy of ten times Platinum status, it's no surprise the album continues to stand the test of time. Now, 30 years on, Arena's emotional connection to the music remains as strong as ever, with a national tour set to mark this iconic anniversary.

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


Joan Armatrading's latest release is a rich collection of songs that showcases her impressive skill as both a songwriter and a musician. Each track blends thoughtful lyrics with her signature melodic style and there's a refreshing mix of full-band arrangements and stripped-back instrumentals. Her guitar work stands out, adding a raw edge to the songs, while her lyrics explore personal reflections and universal themes, as always with honesty and depth. It's a release that reaffirms her place as a long-time favourite, offering both a nod to her past and a new chapter in her musical journey.

Review: Joan Armatrading's latest release is a rich collection of songs that showcases her impressive skill as both a songwriter and a musician. Each track blends thoughtful lyrics with her signature melodic style and there's a refreshing mix of full-band arrangements and stripped-back instrumentals. Her guitar work stands out, adding a raw edge to the songs, while her lyrics explore personal reflections and universal themes, as always with honesty and depth. It's a release that reaffirms her place as a long-time favourite, offering both a nod to her past and a new chapter in her musical journey.

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


From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.

Review: The Associates' Fourth Drawer Down, originally released in October 1981, is being reissued by Music On Vinyl as a limited edition, numbered 180g audiophile silver vinyl LP in a gatefold sleeve. This compilation album from the Scottish post-punk and new wave band collects the A and B-sides from their six singles released that year. Compared to their debut album, The Affectionate Punch, the tracks on Fourth Drawer Down delve into darker, more experimental territory. Noteworthy tracks include 'Tell Me Easter's on Sunday,'' driven by a sombre, pulsing beat and mournful guitar and 'Q Quarters,' is desolately beautiful. The inventive 'Kitchen Person' uses a rhythm from an electric typewriter and Mackenzie's vocals through a vacuum cleaner, while album's title refers to a drawer in their flat holding herbal relaxants. Inspired pop classiness from one of the most underrated bands of all time.

Review: From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.

Review: Atarashii Gakko!'s Ichijikikoku EP is an explosive blend of styles that showcases the group's eclectic musical talent. Kicking off with the punk-fueled energy of 'Janaindayo,' this deluxe EP grabs attention with infectious riffs and an electrifying atmosphere plus adds a couple bonus tracks to the original. There are songs like 'Seishun wo Kirisaku Hado' delve deeper into hardcore punk, while 'Giri Giri' introduces a darker, modern synth-pop vibe, contrasting the intensity of earlier songs. The standout track, 'Suki Lie,' brilliantly merges jazzy elements with pop-trap, offering a refreshing and unique sound. Meanwhile, the viral hit 'Otonablue' and 'Otome no Bigaku' infuse jazzy funk with theatrical flair, demonstrating the group's versatility. The chaotic yet thrilling 'Odoru Honno 001,' blends punk and show-tune elements for a wild ride. Overall, Ichijikikoku highlights Atarashii Gakko!'s ability to effortlessly navigate various genres, all while maintaining their distinctive theatrical style. This EP cements them as one of the most exciting, genre-defying acts of the past few years.

Review: AURORA's new album What Happened To The Heart? on Decca was inspired after she read a life-changing letter in 2002 that was co-written by indigenous activists and titled We Are the Earth. It called for a revolution to address global warming and heal the land and described a deep connection to the earth through our hearts. This inspired the artist to explore what happened to this connection. She delved into human anatomy to understand when and why Western culture lost touch with the heart's deeper purpose and the result is a poignant musical journey from weakness to strength which explores self-healing, the power of vulnerability, and is the call to reconnect the heart with politics and personal growth.

Review: Aurora's What Happened To The Heart album is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of emotional vulnerability and resilience. With her trademark ethereal vocals and evocative lyricism, the artist delves into the depths of the human experience and ponders the mysteries of love, loss, and transformation set against a backdrop of lush, atmospheric production. Her poignant laments are both fragile yet empowering and her soaring melodies intertwine with introspective introspection of the sort that makes a lasting impact. As far as odes to the complexities of love and the enduring power of the human spirit go, you won't find many better than What Happened To The Heart.

Review: Wewantsounds is set to reissue Steve Beresford's highly coveted 1985 album, Dancing the Line, originally released by the French label nato. Drawing inspiration from the fashion of French designer Anne Marie Beretta, the album features contributions from Beresford's Alterations bandmate David Toop, Alan Hacker, and Kazuko Hohki of Frank Chickens, with lyrics by Andrew Brenner. The music blends sophisticated ambient pop, driven by an RX11 drum machine, with synth funk and experimental elements. Tracks like 'Tendance' and 'Comfortable Gestures' have achieved underground classic status over the years. This reissue marks the first time the album has been re-released, with newly remastered audio by Translab in Paris, the original gatefold artwork, and a four-page insert with liner notes by nato's Jean Rochard. Steve Beresford, a prominent figure in British and international music since the early 70s, began his recording career with the Portsmouth Sinfonia and has collaborated with artists such as Derek Bailey, John Zorn, and Thurston Moore. In 1985, introduced to Anne Marie Beretta by Rochard, Beresford and Brenner crafted songs inspired by Beretta's designs. The resulting album, released in France in October 1985, features a blend of ethereal pop, funk, piano ballads and free instrumentals, making it a favourite among DJs and collectors worldwide.