Back catalogue: Rock

Review: On March 31, 1964, The Beatles recorded seven songs for the BBC's Saturday Club. Three of them were covers of American rock 'n' roll and country songs. The final segment aired on the BBC's General Overseas Service and earlier that day, the band filmed a live performance at the Scala Theatre in Kings Cross for their upcoming film, A Hard Day's Night. This EP includes 'The Hippy Hippy Shake', recorded for Saturday Club and originally broadcast on February 15, as well as the catchy 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby' and 'Long Tall Sally'. The band's tight musicianship can be heard throughout this record, which serves as a great example of The Beatles' dynamic early sound during their rise to global fame.

Review: Following their 15 part BBC radio series Pop Go The Beatles, the legendary Liverpool group returned for a set of two-hour holiday specials titled From Us To You. The first was recorded on December 18 at the BBC Paris Studio and aired on Boxing Day, December 26, 1963. Somewhat randomly hosted by Australian television personality - turned national pariah - Rolf Harris, the show included a special performance where the Beatles joined him for his 1960 hit 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down.' Also featured was the group's favourite British rocker, Joe Brown, accompanied by his band, the Bruvvers, who brought an extra dose of British rock 'n' roll to the event.

Review: One of the most important bands to come out of the punk era, Blondie changed pop music forever and this live performance at the Paradise Ballroom in Boston on May 27, 1978, sees the band just before mainstream success hit. Broadcast live on WBCN-FM, the show highlights their raw energy and the tight synergy between the band members. Debbie Harry, with her unique blend of punk swagger and glam allure, commands the stage as Blondie delivers a high-energy set that mixes their punk roots with emerging new wave influences. Songs like 'X Offender', 'Denis' and 'Rip Her to Shreds' are packed with punchy rhythms and catchy hooks, while deeper tracks like 'Youth Nabbed As Sniper' and 'Man Overboard' hint at the band's growing sonic complexity. This live recording not only demonstrates Blondie's ability to command a crowd but also marks the beginning of their ascent to global stardom with Parallel Lines. A perfect snapshot of Blondie during a transformative period with an energetic performance, when their influence on the evolution of punk and new wave music was just beginning.

Review: While not one of David Bowie's best-known achievements, masterminding the world's biggest-ever 'non-TV' satellite broadcast is undoubtedly an impressive one. It took place at London's Riverside Studios in 2003, with the Thin White Duke - accompanied by his regular backing band - performing then new album Reality in its entirety, live to 86 cinemas in 26 countries. This Record Store Day release presents the concert in its entirety (the encore was not broadcast at the time), delivering a superb document of a unique event. Of course, Bowie was in fine form, with the immersive sound mix by regular collaborator Tony Visconti capturing the legendary artist at the peak of his powers.