Back catalogue: Rock

Review: This comprehensive special edition of this classic album comes across eight sides of vinyl and captures the iconic band at the peak of their early career. Performing in the nation's capital, Chicago delivered a wonderfully dynamic set that showcases their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and brass. It features plenty of great work from the band's well known and distinctive horn section and intricate arrangements. A magnificently captured live recording, it features hits from their early albums such as Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago II, and also takes in fan favourites like 'A Song For Richard & His Friends' and 'Beginnings.' The performance is a testament to Chicago's musical versatility and powerful live presence and this version of it takes you right back to the heart of it all.

Review: Chicago's Live at 55 sees the legendary band celebrating over five decades of music with a performance full of energy and nostalgia. Featuring a mix of classic hits and deeper cuts, the set is a celebration of their enduring legacy. The performance builds with brass-heavy anthems like '25 or 6 to 4' and the smooth 'If You Leave Me Now', proving their ability to mix rock, jazz, and pop seamlessly. With guest appearances adding a fresh layer to the familiar sound, the album captures the essence of Chicago's rich musical history, while continuing to demonstrate their dynamic stage presence.

Review: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 captures a thrilling live showcase of guitar virtuosity, celebrating a return after a four-year hiatus. With Bill Murray as Master of Ceremonies, this event brought together an exceptional lineup, including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Santana, John Mayer and more. Across four discs, more than 50 tracks reveal electrifying renditions of blues classics, rock anthems and American Songbook standards, with Clapton himself frequently joining his peers onstage. Highlights include collaborations with the Del McCoury Band, Bradley Walker and stirring performances of 'Eight Miles High' with Roger McGuinn and 'Bluebird' with Stephen Stills. Spanning multiple genres and generations, the set offers a testament to the unifying power of the guitar, underscoring Clapton's influence in gathering top talents from across eras. This release not only chronicles a memorable night for fans but also reinforces the legacy of blues guitar as it finds fresh, dynamic life through each performer. Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 is essential for blues and rock fans alike.

Review: This 1977 album marked a sublime chapter in the trio's career, showing their unparalleled vocal harmonies and masterful musicianship. Often hailed as their most accessible album, it seamlessly blends folk-rock sensibilities with heartfelt lyricism. Reissued on pristine 180-gram vinyl, the warmth of this record shines through every groove, providing a listening experience as timeless as the music itself. Opening with 'Shadow Captain', the outfit sets the tone with rich vocal layers and Russ Kunkel's understated yet captivating percussion. Tracks like 'See The Changes' and 'Carried Away' exemplify their ability to create beauty through simplicity, with Nash's songwriting and Crosby's harmonies reaching extraordinary heights. The album's emotional centerpiece, 'Cathedral', is a profound and reflective masterpiece, echoing the introspective brilliance of their earlier work while standing out as one of Nash's crowning achievements. Songs like 'Anything At All' and 'Just A Song Before I Go' further underscore the trio's knack for blending authenticity with melodic perfection. Even with moments like 'Fair Game' and 'I Give You Give Blind' slightly veering toward experimentation, the album remains cohesive and compelling. From the poignant storytelling to the impeccable sound quality of this vinyl reissue it endures as an essential in the folk-rock canon.