Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Ace Frehley’s role in KISS was crucial in shaping the band's signature theatrics. The Spaceman to Simmons’ Demon, Stanley’s Starchild, and/or Criss’ Catman, Frehley’s silver-laced face makeup would of course come star-dusted by quasaring guitar chops, doubly amplifying KISS's popularity in histrionic heavy metal at large. Frehley’s new Now Playing tracklist - a new record from the prima donna rock quartile via Atlantic - highlights his diverse solo career, with'Rock Soldiers’, ‘Breakout’, 'Into the Night’ and 'Calling to You’ all featuring. It also packs the best hits from his time with Frehley's Comet, such as ‘Insane' and 'Dancin' With Danger’.

Review: This compilation brings together ten standout tracks from Jefferson Airplane's influential descendants, Starship and its predecessor. Opening with the smooth, soulful 'Miracles,' the collection spans the evolution from Airplane's psychedelic roots to Starship's polished rock anthems. Side-1 features the dreamy 'With Your Love,' the uplifting 'Count on Me,' and the classic 'Runaway,' offering a diverse glimpse into the bands' extensive catalog. The side concludes with the quintessential hit 'Jane'. Side-2 is dominated by Starship's most iconic tracks, including the anthemic 'We Built This City' and the rousing 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now,' both embodying the band's 80s rock ethos. The side also includes 'Find Your Way Back' and 'Sara', each track highlighting the band's ability to craft enduring pop-rock hits. The final track, 'It's Not Enough', wraps up the compilation with a dynamic flourish. The enduring legacy of Jefferson Airplane's and Starship can not be denied.

Review: Legendary singer-song writer and musician Van Morrison's Now Playing album is one that showcases all of the many different sides to his sounds across a range of great tunes. The tracklist takes in a brilliantly rich mix of soulful ballads, such as 'Sweet Thing' and more careful and introspective tunes like 'Into the Mystic,' alongside some more energetic sounding pieces like the wonderful 'Moondance' and 'Domino.' Blending jazz, soul, and rock influences in ways only he can, Morrison's music always delivers a this album in particular makes for a great ride through his work.

Review: Rhino introduce Al Stewart's Now Playing on brand new sea blue vinyl. Featuring standout Stewart classics like 'Year of the Cat' and 'Time Passages' - known for their intricate storytelling and folk-rock fusion - this benighted new playlist, a greatest hits compilation, offers an arresting journey through Stewart's narrative world and melodic sensibility. An instrumental part of the English folk rock revival of the 1960s, Stewart's (not) one-hit harker-backer 'The Year Of The Cat' will be the one that most listeners recognise here, regaling the tale of an unnamed protagonist chancing upon a gauzy romantic adventure after visiting an exotic bazaar.

Review: Marc Bolan and T. Rex defined the UK glam rock scene of the 70s with their swaggering rock & roll, infectious boogie rhythms and bold fashion. For a time, they were the biggest band in England, and though their stardom faded, their impact never did. Bolan's influence is evident across metal, punk, new wave, and alternative rock, even shaping the 80s new romantic movement. This vibrant collection captures the spirit and style that made T. Rex legendary. Fans of classic rock and collectors of vinyl will appreciate the bold presentation and timeless tracks that defined an era. Released in red vinyl that matches the cover nicely.