Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Ian Hunter's You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic returns with a vibrant green vinyl reissue, celebrating its 1979 release. Marking Hunter's comeback after a two-year hiatus, this album features the dynamic guitar work of Mick Ronson and the backing of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band, fresh off their work on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell. This record stands as a pinnacle of Hunter's career, blending high-octane rockers like 'Cleveland Rocks' and 'Life After Death' with poignant ballads such as 'Ships.' Each track flows seamlessly from the opening beat of 'Just Another Night' to the final notes of 'The Outsider,' demonstrating Hunter's masterful range. Now, released on green vinyl, the album's enduring appeal is a great sign to its quality and the evolution of its fan base over the years.

Review: Hurray for the Riff Raff's The Navigator reissue showcases Alynda Segarra's boldest work yet. The album is a concept-driven journey following Navita, a young Puerto Rican girl navigating a dystopian cityscape, as she searches for identity and connection to her roots. Segarra, who spent years traveling across America before landing in the music scene, brings her personal history into the heart of this record, blending political and personal storytelling. Musically, The Navigator breaks new ground, incorporating Latin rhythms, rock, folk and even doo-wop. The sound is lush, from the strings and percussion on 'Nothing's Gonna Change That Girl' to the powerful 'Pa'lante', featuring a spoken-word sample from Nuyorican poet Pedro Pietri. The political undertones are fierce, especially on tracks like 'Rican Beach'. which critiques gentrification and systemic oppression with biting lyrics. Produced by Paul Butler, known for his work with Michael Kiwanuka, the album's arrangements are cinematic and expansive. Segarra's voice shines across the record, especially in autobiographical moments like 'Fourteen Floors' and 'Living in the City', where her heritage takes center stage. The Navigator is more than just a rock album-it's a reclamation of identity, a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, and a powerful statement on the survival of marginalised voices.

Review: Originally recorded in 1966 during his remarkable comeback - he'd been playing since the 20s but was rediscovered by various musicologists and found a new audience at Newport and Philadelphia's folk festivals in 1963 - this album demonstrates why he became a beloved mainstay of the folk revival. Unlike traditional bluesmen, Hurt's style is rooted in melody and intricate fingerpicking, making him a profound influence on the folk musicians of the 60s. His dexterous guitar work, often feeling as if multiple players are involved, pairs seamlessly with his soothing, almost meditative voice. Tracks like 'Pay Day', 'Louis Collins', 'Spike Driver's Blues', and 'Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor' showcase his ability to transform folk and blues traditions into something uniquely personal. He even delivers a rare but successful slide guitar performance on 'Talking Casey'. A particularly stunning moment comes in 'Beulah Land', where his intricate cross-rhythms add new emotional depth to a traditional song. Every track exudes a gentle, comforting presence, as if Hurt himself is sitting beside the listener, easing their troubles. His voice, often described as a balm for the soul, remains as rich and warm as ever, untouched by time. A beautiful, healing and profoundly moving experience that continues to impress more than half a century later.

Notes: Stand-alone high resolution blu-ray audio disc featuring the stunning 50th anniversary 5.1 surround sound & stereo mixes of 'Space Ritual'. This legendary live album was recorded on the Hawkwind's UK Tour of December 1972, which followed the release of the band's recent studio album 'Doremi Fasol Latido'.

Region code: ABC (universal)