Back catalogue: 50s/60s

Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.

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: With a million preorders in the UK alone, The Beatles' 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' soared to number 1 in December 1963 and knocked their own 'She Loves You' off the top spot. It became their first official single on Capitol Records and was backed by an aggressive marketing campaign. The single, which had 'I Saw Her Standing There' on the B-side, was rush-released in the USA in January 1964 and quickly hit number 1 on the Hot 100 by February 1st. Selling over 12 million copies worldwide, it marked the arrival of Beatlemania. Now it has been remastered from original US tapes by Kevin Reeves for this special 7" reissue.

Review: The second BBC bank holiday Beatles special From Us To You was recorded on February 28, 1964, at BBC Piccadilly Studios and it aired a month later on Easter Monday, March 30. Hosted by DJ Alan Freeman, the set featured The Beatles' debut performance of 'You Can't Do That,' which had been recorded just two days earlier. Initially considered for their next single, it was later placed as the B-side to 'Can't Buy Me Love,' which came in March of that year. Bonus tracks included here from the August 1964 show are 'Boys' and 'Long Tall Sally,' which serve to highlight the band's evolving repertoire and their energetic live performances during this period.

Review: Chuck Berry's 'Run Rudolph Run' remains a holiday classic, bursting with infectious energy and timeless rock 'n' roll swagger. Originally released in 1958, this upbeat track blends Berry's signature guitar riffs with playful lyrics, capturing the spirit of Christmas in a way only rock 'n' roll can. The song's brisk pace and catchy melody make it a must on any festive playlist, and this 7" evergreen vinyl reissue brings its warm analog charm to life. Perfect for both collectors and casual listeners, it's a nostalgic piece that adds a rock-infused jolt to the holiday season. Classic, fun and undeniable, Run Rudolph Run is a joyful tradition.

Review: Bull & the Matadors, hailing from East St. Louis, brought their soulful energy to the Toddlin' Town label in 1968, joining forces with the iconic Leaner family. Inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and its courtroom sketch craze, they released the groovy r&b hit 'The Funky Judge,' crafted by Andre Williams and Leo Hutton. Now, their unreleased sequel 'Where Did The Judge Go' finally sees the light, rescued from obscurity for eager fans on provided on the flipside.

Review: Heavy Jazz Records has licensed this very welcome reissue of one of the most iconic Hammond Mod dancefloor bangers of all time. This limited edition new 45 rpm features Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity's 'Indian Rope Man' on one side, a track packed with driving chord work, vibrant guitar licks, and passionate, intense vocals. On the flip side, Mod enthusiasts will find another gem in the form of 'Black Cat.' This track races forward with raw brass, hard-edged vocals, scintillating drums and epic chord progressions. A true pair of heavy-hitting tracks from the vault, sure to thrill collectors and dancers enthusiasts alike.

Review: Josephine Baker was born just after the turn of the last century and lived until 1975. In that time she rose to bocce a celebrated Parisian star but also an iconic global performer. This superb The Very Best Of album encapsulates her illustrious career on the mic and shows that she was a truly original and pioneering talent. Baker broke down barriers and crossed genres with her work and significantly shaped the jazz sound of her era. This compilation includes iconic songs from her peak, such as 'C'est La Le Vrai Bonheur', the risque 'Don't Touch My Tomatoes' and the wonderful 'De Temps En Temps' which together make for a comprehensive introduction to the music of this legendary star.

Review: Beyond her role as an on-screen icon of French cinema, Brigitte Bardot is often remembered musically for her collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg, but she had a strident solo career of her own through the 60s that kicked off in earnest with Brigitte in 1963. It's an album as playful and forthright as the characters she portrayed, loaded with humour and rich in the chanson style of the era. From the light-footed 'Invitango' to surfy beat jaunt 'L'appareil a sous', Bardot is having a whale of a time on this record, much like you will when you pop it on for a pure slice of 60s French culture.

Review: The 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono vinyl box set commemorates the Beatles' meteoric rise in the U.S. with a collection of seven landmark albums, including Meet The Beatles!, The Beatles' Second Album, and A Hard Day's Night soundtrack. Capitol and United Artists reshaped the UK releases, crafting albums for American audiences eager for the Beatles' fresh sound. This 8LP set (adding the The Beatles' Story 2LP documentary) is expertly remastered from original master tapes using an all-analog process, ensuring a faithful recreation of the original vinyl experience while enhancing sound quality. Each album is housed in its original artwork and includes essays by Beatles historian Bruce Spizer. From 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' to 'She Loves You', this collection will help you relive Beatlemania at its height, presenting a stunning audio experience that pays homage to the band's U.S. chart dominance in 1964. Perfect for both collectors and new fans.

Review: When John, Paul, Ringo and George put their minds to it, they made incredibly romantic tracks. While some of their most groundbreaking efforts as The Beatles would be steeped in surrealism and psychedelia, even at their trippiest there's plenty of sentimentality to make us stop and consider how much that person means to us. Whoever that is. Love Songs is a compilation that really takes that idea and runs with it, made up of the band's most amorous singles and album tunes recorded between 1962 and 1970. 'Yesterday', 'I Follow The Sun', 'Something', 'If I Fell' and 'Norwegian Wood' reflect the scope of what's here, both in terms of songwriting credits but also era and - as a result - sound. One of the less obvious ways to remember one of the greatest groups in British pop history.

Review: Today, pop stars use visual vehicles to further their reach, image and reputation every day, but back when A Hard Day's Night arrived, the idea of casting a band in a musical movie in which they played themselves, produced simultaneously with a studio album, was still more than novel. Largely unproven territory, the runaway success of this concept would go on to set a precedent. 36 hours in the lives of the group as they prepare for a TV performance, it not only breaks the theatrical fourth wall, it speaks to what was then an emerging appetite among fans to see more rounded, 3D renditions of their idols - now mainstreamed. Inspiring countless TV and cinema releases, from Ferry Cross The Mersey with Gerry and the Pacemakers, to the Monkees' series, A Hard Day's Night remains one of the best examples of the Beatles as revolutionary pop stars.

Review: The newly reissued A Hard Day's Night captures The Beatles at the height of their early brilliance. Released during the frenzy of Beatlemania, the album shows John Lennon and Paul McCartney's unstoppable songwriting partnership. From the iconic opening chord of the title track to the infectious energy of hits like 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'I Should Have Known Better', it brims with youthful exuberance and sheer musical craftsmanship. While Rubber Soul marked a shift towards experimentation, A Hard Day's Night thrives on its confidence and irresistible pop-rock melodies. The film songs on Side-1 deliver unforgettable moments, but the overlooked gems on Side-2 reveal the band's deepening musical sophistication. With tight harmonies, catchy hooks, and electrifying performances, this is a reminder of The Beatles' unparalleled ability to blend fun with musical mastery. Even today, A Hard Day's Night stands as a landmark album that is always a welcomed reissue to press and enjoy.

Review: If you use the online network-cum-existential-need-to-know community Reddit, then it won't surprise you to learn there's a vast and almost unfathomably broad sub group dedicated to The Beatles. Within this, at least a handful of people have posed the question: "if the Beatles had done an MTV Unplugged concert in approx 1968 what stripped down classics might be in the resulting brilliant Unplugged Album?" Forgive the grammar - we took the speculative quandary verbatim from an internet that long-since descended into a linguistic void. Nevertheless, those stumped by this query will be delighted to know that such a record does exist for us to use as a touchstone. Albeit without the MTV bit. And what tracks made the cut? Well, 'Why My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Revolution', 'Julia', 'Cry Baby Cry', and 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill', among others.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


If you use the online network-cum-existential-need-to-know community Reddit, then it won't surprise you to learn there's a vast and almost unfathomably broad sub group dedicated to The Beatles. Within this, at least a handful of people have posed the question: "if the Beatles had done an MTV Unplugged concert in approx 1968 what stripped down classics might be in the resulting brilliant Unplugged Album?" Forgive the grammar - we took the speculative quandary verbatim from an internet that long-since descended into a linguistic void. Nevertheless, those stumped by this query will be delighted to know that such a record does exist for us to use as a touchstone. Albeit without the MTV bit. And what tracks made the cut? Well, 'Why My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Revolution', 'Julia', 'Cry Baby Cry', and 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill', among others.

Review: There are some very special Beatles reissues landing right now and this is one of them: The Lost Studio Tapes 1962-1964 comes on limited hand-numbered blue vinyl double 10". It is a remarkable collection that takes a deep dive into the world of what might have been as these priceless recordings reveal the creative process that shaped cultural history. Featured is the Beatles' audition for Decca Records, the most controversial recording session in popular music history. Despite the impressive tape produced during this session, Decca Records famously decided not to sign the Beatles. Now, nearly 60 years later, you can listen in and decide for yourself what they were

Review: This 1964 release encapsulates the Beatles' remarkable evolution during their busiest year. Featuring tracks from the British Beatles for Sale alongside singles like 'I Feel Fine' and 'She's a Woman', it showcases their unparalleled ability to balance raw energy with introspective songwriting. Songs such as 'No Reply' and 'I'm A Loser' highlight the growing lyrical depth of Lennon and McCartney, while 'Rock and Roll Music' and 'Honey Don't' pay homage to their rockabilly roots. The inclusion of 'I Feel Fine', credited with pioneering guitar feedback in pop music, and the vibrant 'She's a Woman' bring a cutting-edge feel to the album. Meanwhile, gentle gems like 'I'll Follow the Sun' and 'Baby's in Black' add emotional range. The combination of its vibrant mix of acoustic textures, rock 'n' roll covers and groundbreaking singles ensures it remains a testament to the Beatles' brilliance at a pivotal point in their career.

Review: .Just like Ronseal says on the tin, Live In Stockholm 1964 features live recordings from The Beatles' second venture to Sweden in the one year, where they would perform four shows over two days on July 28-29 at Stockholm's Johnneshov Isstadio. Broadcast on Swedish TV, the performance is known for technical issues including neither John nor Ringo's mics working, meaning you've to go with just backing vocals for 'You Can't Do That', and 'I Wanna Be Your Man', while both John and Paul would receive electric shocks from ungrounded microphones. The live collection also boasts cuts taken from their earlier 1964 visit, including the four-minute medley version of all five of their UK hit singles from 1962-1963, while marking the final time either 'Love Me Do' or 'Please Please Me' would ever be performed live on stage.

Review: They say that in life, we only regret the things we don't do. So imagine how you'd feel having sat in on The Beatles' 1962 audition for Decca Records if you then simply thanked the Fab Four for coming in and told them, through a smile of pure dishonesty, that they would be hearing from your assistant. A call that would never come. The label's loss was EMI and Parlophone's gain, in the end, and now we have the evidence to prove just how short sighted Decca execs were. The Decca Tapes, as it sounds, is a full setlist of everything that was played on that fateful morning. More so, it's a document of what could be the greatest misjudgement and oversight in 20th Century pop history. Still, you can't win 'em all.

Review: The Beatles were quite possibly at their peak already by the time 1964 came around, certainly in terms of the adoration of their fans and the wild energy they brought to live shows. This set from that year captures that in mono and despite it only being one record it is packed with more than 20 early tunes from the Liverpudlian outfit. Plenty you will know like 'She Loves You' and 'I Saw her Standing There' but many you may not. Either way it is a fine reminder of the greatness of this band back from their earliest era.

Review: Meet The Beatles!, we meet again! Using the original 1964 master of the fab four's breakout second album, UMR have successfully surmounted yet another reissue campaign of The Beatles' second-most star moment. Having topped the popular album chart in 1964 and remaining at number one for over 11 weeks, it was as of the ensuing superstardom of the band was fated; originals like 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'I Saw Her Standing There' lay among its greats. And, by constantly referring to the original first pressing, this reissued album is faithful to the original release while also enabling more musical information to be heard than was possible before. Featuring faithfully replicated artwork and a new four-panel insert with essay by American Beatles historian, Bruce Spizer. 180gram audiophile pressing.

Review: The Beatles' second album, came out in April 1964, just two months after their iconic appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. Filled with high-energy rock 'n' roll and r&b, it's a lively collection that delivers non-stop excitement. Unlike its predecessor, Meet The Beatles!, this release features a mix of Lennon-Mccartney originals and six cover tracks, including classics like 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please Mister Postman'. This all-analogue reissue of The Beatles' second album uses the original 1964 mono master to create a faithful recreation of the iconic release. the lacquers, ensure the sound remains true to the original pressing, while revealing more musical details than ever before. The 180-gram audiophile pressing brings a warmth and clarity to tracks, In addition to the meticulously replicated artwork, the release includes a four-panel insert with an essay by American Beatles historian Bruce Spizer, giving fans an added glimpse into the album's history. whether you're a lifelong beatles fan or someone discovering their music for the first time, this reissue is a great opportunity to experience a classic in its original form. As with many Beatles reissues, the second album is a fantastic way for newer generations to discover the band's early work. the mix of electrifying hits and unique covers makes it an exciting chapter in their ever-evolving discography.

Review: This limited edition 10" double album is a real Beatles lover and vinyl collector's dream. It comes on red vinyl and showcases the very best of the Beatles from 1962 to 1966 so truly captures the essence of the legendary pop outfit in the studio, in concert, and live on air. Spanning the halcyon years when the Beatles were at their most tight and cohesive, this anthology highlights their touring, recording, and broadcasting brilliance. This deluxe collector's edition also includes a full-length e-book and features classics like 'Love Me Do,' 'Yesterday,' 'Day Tripper,' 'Help!' and "She Loves You'.

Review: This calls LP from The Big Three Trio is a lively showcase of pre-rock & roll rhythm and blues, swinging boogie-woogie and rich vocal harmonies. Led by Willie Dixon whose bass playing and songwriting would later shape Chicago blues, the trio delivers plenty of direct energy and storytelling charm. Not least with the title track, a playful take on a classic folk tale that highlights their wit and musicianship. With vibrant piano work and smooth guitar licks, the tight vocal arrangements are allowed to soar and help to capture the spirit of 1940s r&b. A great trip back in time.

Review: This is one of a couple of The Big Three Trio albums that are being reissued right now. The threesome in question was a pioneering blues group led by Willie Dixon whose influence shaped Chicago blues in the early years. I Feel Like Steppin' Out captures the trio's smooth harmonies and neat rhythms as well as being united by Dixon's signature bass playing. Blending jump blues, boogie-woogie and early r&b, this one has a lively, feel-good energy and tracks like the title cut are a fine example of the trio's polished yet raw sound which laid the foundation for modern blues and rock. Their sophisticated style and rich vocal harmonies paired with top songwriting would stand them apart today as much as they did back in the 50s.