Back catalogue: Rock

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: The expanded edition of Van Halen's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is the premier version for fans of the album. Originally released in June 1991, this album skyrocketed to triple platinum status and earned the band their first Grammyr Award. This remastered version, crafted by Bernie Grundman, is pristine sounding, breathing new life into classics like 'Poundcake' and 'Right Now.' The real treat, however, lies in the bonus content. Previously unreleased alternate versions of 'Right Now' and 'The Dream Is Over' provide fresh takes on beloved tracks. The highlight is the concert footage from Van Halen's December 4, 1991, Dallas performance, where the band completes a powerful setlist that blends new songs with classics from 5150 and OU812. Hits like 'Panama' and 'I Can't Drive 55' remind you of the band's versatility and enduring appeal. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes iconic music videos and the remastered album as a double LP, with a stunning Van Halen logo etching on the fourth side. This expanded edition is a comprehensive and thrilling celebration of Van Halen's legacy.

Review: Mobile Fidelity's reissue of Van Halen's Van Halen II on hybrid SACD is a great example of rock 'n' roll at its purest. Mastered from the original analog tapes, this edition captures the raw energy and electrifying performances that defined the band's sophomore album. From the infectious hooks of 'Dance the Night Away' to the powerhouse riffing of 'Somebody Get Me a Doctor,' every track pulses with vitality and excitement. Eddie Van Halen's virtuosic guitar work shines throughout, while David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals add an extra layer of swagger. The album's dynamics, airiness, and palpable energy are faithfully reproduced, offering listeners an immersive listening experience. With its vibrant sound and standout musicianship, Van Halen II remains a timeless classic that showcases the band at the height of their powers.

Review: NOW Presents...12" 80s: Part One - 1980-1982 is perfect for fans of the era and collectors who like the best bang for the buck in a great package. This stunning 5xLP box set features 44 iconic 12", extended, and remixed versions of classic tracks from the early 80s, each pressed on a different vibrant transparent vinyl: red, yellow, green, blue and purple. Kicking off with Blondie's infectious 'Call Me', the collection encapsulates the essence of 1980-1982 with tracks that defined dancefloors, including Grace Jones' sultry 'Love Is The Drug' and Loleatta Holloway's 'Love Sensation'. The set also showcases beloved hits from artists like Olivia Newton-John, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Specials, alongside synth-pop staples from Soft Cell and Duran Duran. Each side of vinyl brings warmth and depth to these timeless tracks, the packaging is elegant, ideal for both display and enjoyment and with its limited edition status and a wealth of classic tracks, this box set is a serious celebration of 80s music. Getting these extended versions separate on vinyl would be quite a task to take on, but thankfully, NOW has done the hard work for us.

Review: NOW Presents... The 80s delivers a vibrant celebration of one of pop music's most iconic decades, beautifully packaged in a five album boxset. Featuring 78 massive hits, including 40 chart-toppers, this collection spans ten sides of vinyl, each pressed in a different colour and containing pop classics like The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' and Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), number ones from Dead Or Alive and Soft Cell to dancefloor staples like Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' and Chaka Khan's 'I Feel For You.' The infectious 'Ghostbusters' theme song adds a playful touch and as the set continues, legends like Billy Joel, Dolly Parton and Paul Simon shine, alongside reggae and ska flavours from UB40 and The Specials. LP3 highlights the synth-driven pop of the era with New Order's 'Blue Monday' and Pet Shop Boys' 'Heart', while the final records feature timeless anthems from Bruce Springsteen, Tears For Fears and Frankie Goes To Hollywood, concluding with Band Aid's inspirational 'Do They Know It's Christmas.' NOW Presents... The 80s encapsulates the spirit and diversity of an unforgettable musical era.