Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Music On Vinyl are our new best friends. With a wide range of music being reissued as of late, Yello's 1987 One Second is just spoiling us. Never being fully acclaimed when it was originally released, this is one album which really spans the full circle in terms of artistic ideas sonic experimentations. While being tagged primarily as a pop work, it's really more of a lesson in synth manipulations and nutty beat-making. "The Rhythm Divine" has to be out top track but do check the whole thing, it's magnificent...

Review: As Radiohead tour the world and then regroup to record their new album, Thom Yorke releases his own record, 'The Eraser' on XL Recordings. A collection of nine new songs, the record was written and played by Thom and was produced by Nigel Godrich. Variously hailed as "The Best Band In The World" (Q Magazine), "Rock's Best Live Band" (Rolling Stone) and the band were placed at number 1 of Spin Magazine's 40 most influential artists, Radiohead has arguably become the most acclaimed and adventurous force in modern music. Over six studio albums the group have proved that it is possible to make massive creative leaps whilst continuing to grow in worldwide stature. Their records set new benchmarks for others to aim towards, whilst their live shows reach levels of intensity and exploration that few can match.

Review: The fifth album by Young Gun Silver Fox - Andy Platts and Shawn Lee - further explores their love for the smooth, sun-soaked 70s West Coast pop-rock and soul. Musing on Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Doobie Brothers, the pair came together in Norfolk to write and record in person, with over half the record's tracks emerging from these in-studio sessions. Known for a rapidly growing following in the UK and Europe, Young Gun Silver Fox have also made waves in the U.S., wrapping up their biggest tour yet, including sold-out shows and support dates with Black Pumas. As Andy reflects, "I just smell the ocean and the air... and I can just kick back and enjoy it."

Review: It can be something of a surprise to know that Young Gun Silver Fox hail from modern-day London, as the sound of this album couldn't be more '70s-tinged and Californian if it was sporing sideburns, reefer-in-hand and discussing the Watergate scandal. Redolent of the like of Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers and even The Eagles, 'West End Coast' thankfully has chops and talent to stand as much more than a mere retro curiosity or museum piece - ditties like 'You Can Feel It' and 'In My Pocket' channel vocalist Andy Platts' falsetto croon, heavenly harmonies and AM radio production to considerable satisfaction for all.

Review: Three years after Ticket to Shangri-La, Young Gun Silver Fox return with a polished showcase of contemporary AOR and blue-eyed soul that could be a long-lost gem, but it isn't, it's all new. The duo of Andy Platts of Mama's Gun and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee really deliver here with achingly lush melodies, breezy harmonies and effortlessly smooth vocals that embody their signature mellow sound and tap into all the classics of this genre. From start to finish, Pleasure is steeped in warmth and nostalgia yet feels refreshingly modern and it's a must-have if you like soulful, feel-good pop and yacht rock. With a major European tour ahead, this duo continue to prove they're at the heart of today's AOR revival.

Review: This is the great Neil Young's latest "lost" album, now released as part of his Analog Original Series. Recorded between May and December 1977, it precedes Comes A Time from 1978 but it also shares its country and folk sound. Three tracksi'Goin' Back,' 'Human Highway' and 'Field of Opportunity' appear on both albums in fact. This vinyl release reflects the album's original planned tracklist and 'Oceanside' finds Young perform solo, while 'Countryside' features collaborators like Ben Keith, Rufus Thibodeaux and Levon Helm. Some tracks differ from Archives Vol. III, with original versions of 'Field of Opportunity' and 'Dance Dance Dance' featuring Young's backing vocals.

Review: There are rock stars, then there are rock stars. Then there are rock starts like Neil Young who, with or without jumping on the Crazy Horse, will always be considered as a bonafide original and a true icon. Hence the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducting him not once, but twice, thanks to services rendered both solo and in the band Buffalo Springfield.

While every show Young plays is always remembered as a real moment in guitar history, some rank higher than others. His performance at New York's Carnegie Hall on 4th December 1970 sits in the latter category. Covering one of the most celebrated eras in this prized artist's career, it boasts an expansive setlist that includes anthems like 'Down By The River' and 'Sugar Mountain' realised in a pared-back style, with then-unreleased and, in the cases of 'Bad Fog Of Loneliness', 'Old Man', and 'See the Sky About to Rain', unrecorded gems also present and correct.

Review: Neil Young's Freedom marks a triumphant return at the end of what was a turbulent 80s for the Canadian-American legend, re-establishing him as a force in rock music. The album blends gritty hard rock with country influences, harking back to his classic 70s sound, while also laying the groundwork for the grunge movement. With standout tracks like 'Rockin' in the Free World', the socially charged 'Crime in the City', and the sonic adventure of 'Eldorado', Young proves his songwriting and guitar prowess remain intact. Balancing aggressive, distorted guitars with heartfelt ballads like 'Hangin' on a Limb' and 'Wrecking Ball', the album showcases Young's versatility. Its diverse soundiranging from raw rock to introspective folkicreates a cohesive, compelling experience. The blend of intelligent lyrics, dynamic drumming, and distinct lead guitar playing solidify Freedom as one of his most potent efforts. It revitalised Young's career as the grunge music was forming and its influence would echo throughout the next decade.

Review: Neil Young's Archives Vol. III Takes is a 16-song sampler that offers a deeper listen into his creative journey from 1976 to 1987. Released as part of the expansive Archives Vol. III box set, this collection is great for die-hard fans but also for those who want to get more familiar with this period of his career, with a balance of unreleased gems, live performances and alternate takes that illuminate one of Young's more prolific eras. Opening with the acoustic beauty 'Hey Babe,' recorded during a session with Nicolette Larson and Linda Ronstadt, the album showcases Neil's knack for crafting harmonies. The live version of 'Drive Back' with Crazy Horse from their 1976 London show injects electric energy into the mix, while 'Razor Love' presents an earlier digital version of the track later polished for Silver & Gold. Another standout is the unreleased 'Bright Sunny Day,' reminiscent of the rugged feel of Ragged Glory, recorded years before that album saw the light. In essence, Archives Vol. III Takes is a curated journey through Neil Young's vault, offering a rich experience for those eager to explore his lesser-known works.

Review: Crazed equestrian songwriter Neil Young hears the first reprisal of a formerly unreleased album, deemed one of his great "lost" albums. Recorded in 1977, Young commented on the record's various inspirational breeding grounds: Florida's Oceanside beach, Triad Studios in Miami, and Crazy Mama's in Nashville, and of the fact that it was "quite a personal record, mostly made up of acoustic songs with no bass or drums." Known of for years online, where it was place-held with a hand-scrawled album cover, the record now comes with full-blown official cover art, documenting Young in the brief interim period between American Stars 'N Bars and Comes A Time (1977-78).

Review: Neil Young recorded Toast in 2001 and has never previously released it. It is one of his numerous one-off genre-experiment albums and half of the tunes on it made it onto his Are You Passionate? in only slighted revised form. Made with backing from the soul legends Booker T. and the M.G.'s and Young's normal rock band Crazy Horse, there are hard hitting and hard rocking tunes like 'Timberline' next to more R&B leaning cuts and 'Gateway of Love,' a 10-minute guitar workout that is one of the best you will not have heard before.

Review: Where do you start with a new album from Neil Young? One of the great rock artists of the 1970s hasn't stopped since - much to the joy of many and the derision of others - and here presents his staggering 39th studio album. Recorded in the mountains of Colorado, as those who watch the accompanying film will know only too well, in many ways it's his most significant work since "Le Noise", and certainly has the power you'd hope from reunification with backing band Crazy Horse. "Colorado" is incredibly personal and intimate, and yet also focused on subjects that are much farther reaching than you or I. It's politically charged and socially motivated, while never forgetting it's the small stories that often resonate most with listeners. A true master here closer to the top of his game than he has been in a very long time, if there's justice in the world it will win over new fans by the bucketload.

Review: Recorded live at the Rainbow Theatre in London on November 5, 1973 as part of Young's tour with the Santa Monica Flyers, this key show in Young's career finally gets pressed to vinyl thanks to Warner. The band - comprised of Young on vocals and guitar, Nils Lofgren (lead and rhythm guitar, piano, accordion, vocals), Ben Keith (pedal steel guitar, vocals), Billy Talbot (bass, vocals) and Ralph Molina (drums, vocals) - performed a series of standout shows following the release of their seminal album Tonight's the Night. Featuring too many classics to count, including 'Helpless', 'Don't Be Denied' and 'Cowgirl In The Sand', this show is regularly celebrated for its "completely spontaneous and high-revved performance".

Review: Back in November 1990, fresh off recording Ragged Glory, Neil Young and Crazy Horse took the stage at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz. They played a long and sprawling set of tunes that last three hours and took in songs like 'Love and Only Love' and 'Like a Hurricane' which they managed to hypnotically stretching out for more than ten minutes. The gig was also the debut live airing for 'Danger Bird' which was on the 1975 album Zuma. All of these make it on to the Way Down In The Rust Bucket album as part of Young's on going Performance Series.

Review: Neil Young and Crazy Horse's 'Fu##in' Up' is a raw and electrifying rock anthem that showcases the band's signature gritty sound and Neil Young's impassioned vocals. Released in 1990 as part of the album 'Ragged Glory,' this track is a powerhouse of distortion-drenched guitars and driving rhythms that now lends its name to a live recording from a club in Toronto in 2023. With its catchy hooks and rebellious spirit, Fu##in' Up encapsulates the essence of Young's defiant songwriting style and Crazy Horse's unbridled energy and is a blistering sonic journey that leaves a lasting impression.

Review: With Neil Young's late 60s and early to mid-70s music being so well beloved, fans are ecstatic about this release. Dume is a 16-song album (2 LPs) by Neil Young with Crazy Horse from 1975, recorded during the Zuma recording sessions. It includes tracks and outtakes from Zuma. Thus, think of it like the most complete package or extended version on Zuma. This period (just three years after Harvest) of Neil's music is some of his most productive and beloved writing in his 50+ year career. These extra tracks add not only just more music to enjoy but a unique look into the sessions as they were. The two albums are housed a beautifully packaged gatefold as well.

Review: Neil Young's Early Daze is a treasure trove for fans, featuring mostly unreleased rarities from the early 70s with Crazy Horse. The ten-track album offers iconic Young originals and co-written pieces with Danny Whitten, including rare versions of 'Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown' and 'Look At All The Things.' The LP includes unreleased versions of classics like 'Helpless,' 'Wonderin',' and 'Down by the River.' Fans will also appreciate the rare mixes of 'Birds' and 'Cinnamon Girl,' the latter being the 7" mono mix with a unique guitar outro not present on the original LP version. Early Daze is akin to a mini Archives release, with only two tracks overlapping with Archives Vol 1, making it an essential addition for collectors. This album captures the raw and unpolished brilliance of Young's early work with Crazy Horse, offering a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of some of his most beloved songs.

Review: Neil Young's Early Daze with Crazy Horse is a treasure trove of mostly unreleased rarities from the early 70s. This 10-track album features familiar songs in rare and previously unheard versions, showcasing Young's raw, unfiltered creativity. Highlights include unreleased takes of 'Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown' and 'Look At All The Things,' co-written with Danny Whitten, adding depth to their collaborative legacy. Fans will also relish unreleased versions of classics like 'Helpless,' 'Wonderin',' and 'Down by the River.' The album offers a fresh experience with rare mixes of 'Birds' and the seven-inch mono mix of 'Cinnamon Girl,' complete with a unique guitar outro not present on the original LP. Early Daze is a compelling collection that captures the essence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse's early synergy, making it a vital piece of rock history.