Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Discodelic and Groovie Records unveil a pair of rare 1970s Panamanian gems here with forgotten tracks from The Meditators, and Los Misticos. Originally recorded for radio and left in storage, these Latin psych funk bombs capture the underground spirit of Panama's vibrant music scene from more than 50 years ago. Licensed through Tamayo Records, these songs have been beautifully mastered and now the long-lost recordings, which barely made it to vinyl the first time around, become available for all who are keen to drop the heat and learn about Panama's hidden musical treasures at the same time.

Review: Matching breezy, Bossa nova-tinged sophistication with softly spiralling psychedelia, Testbild! arrive in the Quindi lounge as though they've always been there. Bed Stilt is their latest, anagrammatic album, on which the Swedish collective cast their minds back over their entire careers, all the way back to the earliest days of their 25-year trip through sweetly mysterious pop-not-pop, rendered in warm tones and shot through with surrealism. At once nostalgic for the sleepy neo-psych rock realisations of 90s Malmo - yet also unconsciously nodding to the potents of an incarnation of the sound yet to come - the likes of 'And Her Eyes Are Red', through to the farmyard dream scenario of 'Soft Winged & Frail' and finally absurd bemusement 'Water On The Moon', meet us with an unconscious flight of fancy, teeming with psychic quirks and happily irresolute instrumental combinations, from banjo to Mellotron Mikro to vibraphonette.

Review: Demon Records celebrates the 50th anniversary of Marc Bolan and T Rex's Light Of Love with a special edition release. Originally a US-only album from late 1974, it first appeared on the Casablanca Records label. This edition honors its historical significance and offers a glimpse into Bolan's evolving artistry. Light Of Love features eight tracks recorded in the US, initially intended for the band's 1975 UK album Bolan's Zip Gun. To cater to the American market, Bolan included three tracks from the yet-to-be-released Zinc Alloy album: 'Teenage Dream,' 'Explosive Mouth,' and 'Venus Loon.' Among the new tracks is 'Till Dawn,' notable for being Bolan's final collaboration with Tony Visconti, who provided a lush string arrangement. This anniversary edition is pressed on 140-gram orange vinyl and it comes in the original sleeve design, accompanied by a new inner sleeve. Light Of Love exemplifies Bolan's blend of glam rock and inventive musicality, offering a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience.

Review: Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads captures the iconic band's live energy and artistic innovation impeccably. Recorded during their 1983 tour, the seminal record blends art rock with new wave and funk influences, delivering a dynamic performance that escalates with each track. Frontman David Byrne's charismatic vocals and eccentric stage presence shine on hits like 'Burning Down the House' and 'Psycho Killer', while the band's tight instrumentation and funky rhythms drive the album's infectious groove. With its seamless flow and inventive arrangements, Stop Making Sense cemented Talking Heads' legacy as pioneers of avant-garde rock.

Review: The 40th anniversary deluxe reissue of Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense is a brilliant and complete package that truly is a tribute to this monumental release. Encompassing a double CD + Blu-ray set, it celebrates the enduring impact of Jonathan Demme's iconic concert film soundtrack. David Byrne reflects on how the live energy and audience inspiration infused these performances with a dynamism that often surpasses the studio recordings. The reissue brings this excitement to the forefront with improved mixes and sound quality for a next-level experience. This edition stands out with its Dolby Atmos soundtrack, mixed by Jerry Harrison and E.T. Thorngren, enhancing the auditory experience. Tracks like 'Psycho Killer' and 'Once in a Lifetime' pulsate with renewed vigor, while the inclusion of bonus tracks 'Cities' and 'Big Business/I Zimbra' adds to the appeal. This reissue not only revitalises the original live album but also introduces it to a new generation with unparalleled sound clarity. It's a fitting tribute to Talking Heads' innovative and electrifying performances.

Review: This new reissue of The Angel From The West Window by Tangerine Dream's showed the returned back to their electronic music roots in 2011. Departing from the mellower tones that characterized some of their 90s output, the band's latest album at the time delved into more challenging and orchestral electronic landscapes. The Angel of the West Window, inspired by the works of German author Gustav Meyrink, showcases a revitalised sound: pulsating sequencers, expansive synthesized textures, and evocative electric guitar solos dominate the album. Collaborating with Thorsten Quaeschning, Froese infuses the tracks with dynamic rhythmic foundations and ethereal electronic layers, creating an edgy and immersive sonic experience. Electric violin accents add a haunting depth to the compositions, enhancing their atmospheric quality. Standout tracks like 'The Mysterious Gift to Mankind' and 'Living in Eternity' highlight Tangerine Dream's ability to blend synthetic and organic elements seamlessly. The album's thematic richness and sensitive melodies evoke a cinematic scope, making it ideal for both introspective listening and atmospheric settings. Long-time fans have welcomed this resurgence, celebrating Tangerine Dream's return to form and their enduring influence on electronic music. Tangerine Dream's musical legacy and innovative spirit is part of electronic music history. Fans of their Virgin records output should really enjoy this album.

Review: The latest release from Craft Recordings shifts its focus to soul legend Johnnie Taylor, highlighting his deep connection to blues. Known for his Southern soul roots, Taylor's legacy extends far beyond his mainstream hit 'Disco Lady'. Born in Arkansas in 1934, Taylor began his career in gospel before making a name at Stax Records with hits like 'Who's Making Love', which cemented his place in soul history. This new release, One Step From The Blues, dives into Taylor's more blues-focused work, showcasing 12 powerful tracks that capture the raw emotion of heartbreak and betrayal. The album features Taylor's debut Stax single 'I Had a Dream', a sparse and intense standout, along with tracks like 'Cheaper to Keep Her' and a vibrant cover of Sam Cooke's 'That's Where It's At', Each song is delivered with Taylor's unmistakable voice, drawing from both his gospel and blues roots. With the support of top Memphis musicians and insightful new liner notes from journalist Andria Lisle, One Step From The Blues is a brilliant celebration of Taylor's lasting influence, as he marks his 90th birthday this year.

Review: Thee Sinseers' debut album, Sinseerly Yours, cements their cult status among soul enthusiasts. Led by Joey Quinones, the East Los Angeles band crafts a unique blend of retro soul, low rider ballads, and contemporary R&B. The singles 'Can't Do That To Her' and 'Hold On' showcase their range from upbeat 60s harmonies to somber, old-school ballads. The album's ten tracks offer more of this delightful variety, with highlights like the lush 'Keep On Calling,' 'Give It Up You Fool,' and the title track, reminiscent of the 60s Impressions. Quinones' falsetto evokes the soul of Mark Greene, adding to the intoxicating sound. A standout surprise is 'Taking Back,' a honking-sax instrumental with a live, party vibe. Described as "vintage blissful soul," Sinseerly Yours is poised to be one of the standout soul albums of the year.

Review: Tidiane Thiam's Africa Yontii speaks volumes beyond its melodic notes, conveying a powerful message of change and empowerment for Africa. Thiam's expressive guitar work serves as his voice, articulating the need for African agency and self-determination. Born in the Senegalese town of Podor, Thiam's compositions draw from his deep roots in Pulaar folk music, enriched by collaborations with hip-hop producer Ndiaye Moctar. In this album, Thiam addresses pressing issues facing Africa's youth and reflects on the challenges of leaving loved ones behind in pursuit of a brighter future. Despite grappling with heavy themes, his music radiates with love for his homeland and heritage. Africa Yontii boldly reclaims the narrative of "world music," placing African voices and perspectives at the forefront. Through soulful melodies and poignant lyrics, Thiam beckons Africa to seize its destiny and usher in a new era of change and progress.

Review: Soft Tissue highlights the continued evolution for Tindersticks, their 14th album representing a dynamic exploration of new sonic territories. With a palpable sense of mutual curiosity driving their creative process, the band delves into intimate conversations that yield a rich blend of sound and emotion. From the opening track 'New World' to the soulful 'Turned My Back' and the dappled hope of 'Soon to be April,' Soft Tissue navigates themes of personal and public worlds with finesse. Stuart Staples' introspective reflections, supported by the band's tight arrangements and restless details, create a compelling sonic landscape that is both intimate and experimental. With vocals, strings, and brass completed in London, the album upholds Tindersticks' longstanding readiness to stretch themselves creatively.

Review: Martina Topley-Bird's Quixotic, originally released in 2003 and now reissued, stands as a bold statement of her artistic independence. While known for her work with Tricky, Topley-Bird emerges from his shadow here, sowing off a versatile and compelling sound. The album opens with the captivating 'Intro,' which sets a unique tone with its a cappella style. 'Need One' follows, blending stoner rock with electronic elements, creating a gritty yet intriguing vibe. Tracks like 'Anything' and 'Soul Food' highlight her ability to fuse acoustic balladry with modern production, offering melodies that linger long after the songs end. Topley-Bird's vocals are a standout throughout, particularly on 'Ragga' and 'Lying,' where her delivery is both powerful and intimate. While Quixotic does explore a range of genres, it feels cohesive, each track contributing to the album's moody atmosphere. For fans of trip-hop, electronica and beyond, Quixotic is an engaging and worthy listen and purchase.

Review: As part of Rhino Records' Start Your Ear Off Right series - which consists of reissued versions of classic albums by Dream Theater, Fleetwood Mac, The Ramones, ZZ Top and many more - comes this fabulous new version of Allen Toussaint's Southern Nights. Originally released in 1975, this is a celebrated album, showcasing Toussanint's signature blend of funk, soul and r&b. One of many records to put Touissant on the map as a soul songsmith, and to associate him with the rich musical tradition of New Orleans, the record is well-known and much celebrated for its bold and unexpected use of orchestral arrangements, unusual for New Orleans r&b at the time.

Review: Originally released in 1986, this album showcases The Triffids' exceptional blend of folk, rock, and post-punk. Featuring David McComb's haunting vocals and lush instrumentals, In The Pines takes you on a journey through atmospheric soundscapes. This album, recorded in the Australian outback on a modest budget, highlights the band's raw talent and creativity. Tracks like 'Love and Affection' and the cover of Bill Anderson's 'Once a Day' exhibit their range, from sharp electric guitar riffs to country influences. In the Pines seemed an eccentric career move for The Triffids, who were poised for major success. Retreating to the outback, the band created an album of modest majesty. Haunted by desolation, tracks like the gothic folk waltz of the title track and the intense 'Kathy Knows' stand out. Yet, the album is also filled with camaraderie. Often compared to Bob Dylan and The Band's The Basement Tapes, In the Pines captures The Triffids' infectious joy in making music, solidifying its place as a timeless piece of artistry. In The Pines is perfect for lovers of sweeping, melancholic sounds.

Review: There's something transportive about Odd Balade. The real question is, where does it take us to? Potentially very different places from the next listener, with much of what's here opaque enough to produce varying interpretations from a variety of ears. Even if we were all thinking and experience it in the same way, the sheer breadth of the tracks themselves would still invoke changeable responses. 1980s goth-wave, leftfield pop, haunting ethereality, medieval-hued folk tones, and that's really just off the top of our heads. Tiphaine Belin, AKA Trypheme, is certainly capable of conjuring a multitude of feelings, but Odd Balade makes more big statements than that - it reaffirms the artist as an esteemed producer and songwriter, not just an incredible vocalist. A record deserving of serious attention, to say the least.

Review: Years after his debut and a string of four further albums, American downtempo pop powerhouse Tycho aka. Scott Hansen presents his sixth record Infinite Health. Hansen says Infinite Health is "about hope for the future and a requiem for the past." He explains: "I kept thinking back to the high-water mark scene in Fear and Loathing, the author sitting at a typewriter looking out a window onto his past, trying to find meaning in the chaos. Infinite Health is about creating a space for healing and reflection, a mantra for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing." Working within a higher-tempo, haute house range, the likes of 'Phantom', 'Devices' and 'Green' bridge the divides of acoustic and electronic, effortlessly portraying the imaginary unity of both, offering pristine ambitronic lulls and eco-friendly highs.

Review: Originally released in 1996, October Rust would serve as the fourth full-length from gothic metal legends Type O Negative, as well as the highly anticipated follow up to their 1993 career-height Bloody Kisses. Known for its markedly less gloomy doom metal approach when compared to prior and subsequent projects, the album has grown a devout cult following due to the extensive number of unabashed ballads and compositionally accessible goth rock bangers (reliably shrouded in their own sonic malaise). Boasting the hit single 'My Girlfriend's Girlfriend' as well as their much-adored cover of Neil Young's 'Cinnamon Girl', many could consider October Rust to be the most accessible entry point to those intimidated by the prowess, hair or jawline of the incomparable visionary Peter Steele. Now almost 30 years young, this long overdue reissue comes spread across a limited green & black marbled vinyl 2xLP pressing.

Review: The EP Lagos Paris London by Yannis & The Yaw, featuring the late Tony Allen, is a testament to the powerful creative synergy between two musical luminaries. Initially envisioned as a nostalgic Afrobeat project, the collaboration took on a life of its own, weaving together elements of rock, funk, jazz, and dub in a dynamic fusion. Recorded over a series of sessions in a Paris studio, the music emerged organically from jams and loops, guided by the intuitive telepathy between Yannis Philippakis and Tony Allen. Joined by Allen's regular collaborators, the result is a collection of near-complete songs imbued with high-spirited, loose-grooved exuberance. Despite facing challenges such as scheduling issues and Covid restrictions, Yannis felt a deep obligation to complete the project in honor of Allen's memory and his desire to share the music with the world. Lagos Paris London serves as both a celebration of their friendship and a timeless testament to the enduring influence of Tony Allen's rhythmic talent.

Review: Released in the wake of Tony Allen's death, Lagos Paris London is the latest full-length record by Foals' Yannis Philippakis in collaboration with the late great drumming legend. The Yannis And the Yaw project finally emerges after years of fan-teasers revealing Philippakis to have been working with the acclaimed Fela Kuti bandmate and Afrobeat pioneer in the studio; after Allen's death in 2023, the likes of 'Walk Through Fire' and 'Lagos Paris London' effortlessly blend the sounds of Afrobeat and post-punk, bridging the spirits of each while unexpectedly swerving from the duo's initial impulse to produce a nostalgic record.