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: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Now announcing her latest album 30, it's been Adele's longest ever hiatus between albums. Biting back at media hype earlier this year, our worries that 30 would be a "drum and bass record to spite you", in Adele's own words, have been assuaged; its lead single 'Easy On Me' is rather a dramatic, roomy, noir piano ballad. And now that the tracklist has been revealed, we can expect more of the same - belting emotion is, of course, what Adele does best. Watch out for interluding and ending collabs with Erroll Garner and Chris Stapleton, as well as the intimately titled 'I Drink Wine'.
All Night Parking (with Errol Garner - interlude) (2:37)
Woman Like Me (4:54)
Hold On (6:06)
To Be Loved (6:44)
Love Is A Game (6:38)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Now announcing her latest album 30, it's been Adele's longest ever hiatus between albums. Biting back at media hype earlier this year, our worries that 30 would be a "drum and bass record to spite you", in Adele's own words, have been assuaged; its lead single 'Easy On Me' is rather a dramatic, roomy, noir piano ballad. And now that the tracklist has been revealed, we can expect more of the same - belting emotion is, of course, what Adele does best. Watch out for interluding and ending collabs with Erroll Garner and Chris Stapleton, as well as the intimately titled 'I Drink Wine'.
Review: Charli XCX's sixth studio album, Brat, marks a triumphant return to her experimental roots following 2022's Crash. Steeped in the aesthetic of the 2000s London rave scene, this album is a highly personal and intriguing nostalgia trip. The intricate beats, polished production, and confrontational lyrics evoke the underground decadence of the Myspace era. Charli and her collaborators craft each track with a rich sense of atmosphere, transporting listeners to a vividly recalled past. The opening track, '360,' sets the tone with Charli declaring herself "666 with a princess streak." The throwback rave anthem 'Club Classics' and the retroclash headtrip 'Von Dutch' show her at the top of her game, maintaining her status as a significant pop experimentalist. The sleek standouts 'Sympathy is a Knife' and 'Girl, So Confusing' tackle contemporary conflicts. Beneath Brat's deceptive veneer lies a melancholic sense of anxiety. 'I Might Say Something Stupid' reveals Charli's existential desperation, while 'So I' serves as a poignant eulogy to Sophie, highlighting her emotional depth. The introspective 'I Think About It All the Time' finds Charli at her most confessional, pondering motherhood and the fleeting nature of success. Brat is a crucial step in Charli XCX's artistic evolution, blending mainstream pop with her experimental roots. Her themes of celebrity, growth, obsession and creative liberation are articulated with biting wit and innovative vision.
Review: Margo Guryan's solo album, Take A Picture, originally released in 1968, has attained cult status for its enchanting blend of honeyed vocals and sophisticated songwriting. Known for her influence on soft-pop and dream-pop genres, Guryan's album features the iconic track 'Sunday Morning,' later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell. This reissue, now available on vinyl, features Guryan's jazz background shining through in her meticulous compositions, which have been praised for their funky sunshine arrangements and lush melodies. As a renowned songwriter, her works have been performed by artists ranging from Astrud Gilberto to Harry Belafonte. Take A Picture stands as a bridge between Burt Bacharach's sophistication and the indie pop stylings of Belle & Sebastian, influencing artists like the Wondermints and even inspiring Diablo Cody during the creation of Juno. Despite critical acclaim, Guryan preferred the role of songwriter over performer, reflecting her dedication to musical craft and independence from the spotlight.
Review: Margo Guryan's Take a Picture is a charming artifact of late '60s pop, blending the orchestral sophistication of Burt Bacharach with the dreamy resonance of early Belle & Sebastian. Guryan, a seasoned songwriter with credits including Ornette Coleman and Harry Belafonte, crafted a singular album that's both a lush time capsule and a showcase of her unique vision. Now released on gold vinyl, the production is richly adorned with horns, strings, and sweet harmonies, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like 'Sunday Morning' (later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell) and 'Sun' radiate a carefree energy, capturing the essence of Sunshine Pop. Ballads like 'Think Of Rain' and 'Thoughts' are very nostalgic, while 'Love' intriguingly veers into Psychedelic Rock. Take a Picture endures as a delightful reminder of its era, offering a glimpse into a bygone musical sensibility with Guryan's endearing, Doo-Wop-inspired vocals at its core.
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Lany frontman Paul Klein leave us in precious little doubt there that he's lovelorn - almost every song on this self-titled record bemoans some melancholic development in his romantic life, set to a cinematic soundscape that's equally beholden to the synth-starred soundscapes of the '80s and modern R&B. Luckily for all and sundry however, these plaintive and potent laments find a way to alchemically transform base angst into audial gold, arriving on a cinematic plateau in which the dislocation of the modern era is subverted to form a bittersweet party soundtrack looking likely to last the remaining days of summer at the very least.
Collaborations(limited coloured vinyl LP in spot-varnished sleeve (comes in different coloured vinyl, we cannot guarantee which one you will receive)))
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Body Language remains one of Kylie Minogue's finest records, in particular finding some truly inspirational crossover between the Aussie pop queen's immaculate voice and a more sultry kind of club music. When an album opens up with a track as perfect as 'Slow', you know you're in for a treat. There are of course many different sides to the record, and there's space for different stylistic approaches besides the floor fillers, but it's the likes of 'I Feel For You' with its cut-up disco loops that give Minogue the backing she deserves to bring the club to life. This edition of the album comes pressed on blood red vinyl, all the better to set pulses racing.
Review: Encanto is the latest smash hit musical animation to emerge from the Disney studios. Speaking from personal experience, it has gone down incredibly well with young people who sure do love the bright colours and charming characters of the film, but only secondary to the music. It is big, non-stop, high energy, laden with positive messaging and catchy hooks. The entire soundtrack is pressed up here on vinyl but word of warning to parents: is certainly not one that is suited to early morning hangovers.
Review: Katie Puckrik's well-curated A Yacht Rock Odyssey is a four-part musical journey showcasing the smoothest sounds of the genre. This collection features gently funky grooves polished by top session musicians and producers and the set includes classics from Michael McDonald, Toto and Average White Band, alongside Carly Simon, Robert Palmer and the Pointer Sisters, plus gems from Olivia Newton-John and Christopher Cross. Puckrik's introduction and track-by-track annotations offer insights tray draw from her acclaimed BBC TV series, I Can Go for That: The Smooth World of Yacht Rock. With 24 meticulously chosen tracks, this compilation highlights the era's sleek, mellow vibe and musical kinship.
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