Back catalogue:

Review: Liverpool's indie rock band Space released their much vaunted debut album Spiders in September 1996. It went straight to number 5 in the UK albums charts and was widely acclaimed for its unique sound. The lyrics also came with plenty of humour, which stand the record apart, and musically its take sin plenty of weird and wonderful references from classic indie to pop. Big singles like 'Female Of The Species', 'Neighbourhood', 'Me and You Versus the World' and 'Dark Clouds' all sound as good now as ever and this 25th anniversary edition comes pressed on heavyweight 180g translucent yellow vinyl.

Review: Released in May 1974, this album marked a pivotal moment in Sparks' career, propelling them to commercial success with their defining sound, blending glam rock with experimental and electronic elements, aligning with contemporaries like Roxy Music and David Bowie. Produced by Mervyn "Muff" Winwood, the album's standout track 'This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us' remains a defining moment in Sparks' legacy, with its soaring vocals and innovative production. Tracks like 'Amateur Hour' and 'Falling In Love With Myself Again' showcase the band's knack for crafting unforgettable pop moments, while 'Thank God It's Not Christmas' displays their forward-thinking sound that would influence bands decades later. The album's eclectic mix and striking originality cemented its place as a landmark in 70s pop, and its influence is still felt today.

Review: Sparks' Kimono My House, released in May 1974, was a significant milestone in the band's illustrious career, proving to be serving their commercial breakthrough. Hailed for its eclectic mix of glam rock and experimental pop, the album features standout tracks such as 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us', which reached number four on the UK singles chart. Produced by Mervyn "Muff" Winwood and recorded with a talented British ensemble, the album is a captivating blend of influences reminiscent of Roxy Music and David Bowie. Other dynamic songs like 'Hasta MaNana Monsieur' and 'In My Family' exemplify the band's playful versatility. The Mael brothers' eccentricity shines through Russell's distinctive vocals, creating a sound that remains fresh and innovative. Kimono My House presents a refreshing alternative to the music of its time, with its smart arrangements and catchy melodies offering an entertaining experience. Although it may not receive the mainstream recognition it deserves, this album stands as a testament to Sparks' artistry and their contribution to the 1970s music scene, proving that complex and engaging pop can thrive alongside more commercial offerings.

Review: Sparks' Propaganda, originally released on November 11, 1974, follows their breakthrough album Kimono My House and peaked at number nine on the UK charts in 1975. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, this limited edition reissue features Monty Coles' iconic artwork, pressed on stunning "maelstrom" blue vinyl. Propaganda showcases the band's unique blend of quirky, complex pop-rock, evident from the frenetic opener 'At Home, At Work, At Play' to the exhilarating 'Don't Leave Me Alone With Her', where Russell Mael delivers a rapid-fire melody that defies conventional pacing. The album features standout singles like 'Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth' and 'Something For The Girl With Everything', along with deep cuts that highlight the Mael brothers' ability to transcend musical trends while maintaining their eccentricity. With its clever subversion of rock and pop norms, Propaganda remains a compelling listen, cementing Sparks' legacy as pioneers of avant-garde pop.

Review: Sparks followed up their breakthrough album with an even more audacious offering, one that continues to build on their unique sound. While many bands might try to replicate the success of a commercial hit, the Mael brothers remain defiantly themselves, crafting a collection of demented, sinister pop songs that are unmistakably their own. 'Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth', 'Something For The Girl With Everything', and 'Achoo' showcase the band's ability to subvert expectations while maintaining their trademark quirkiness. Propaganda, which peaked at number nine on the UK album charts in 1975, is a fascinating example of a band unwilling to play by the rules, carving a distinct path in rock history.

Review: Suede's Dog Man Star, reissued in a half-speed mastered edition for its 30th anniversary, stands as a darkly sensual and troubled masterpiece. Initially overlooked due to its experimental nature and internal band conflicts, this album has since been recognized as Suede's pinnacle. Distancing themselves from Brit-pop, Suede crafted a sound blending glam-rock influences with a moodier, cinematic touch. The album features standout tracks like the gothic 'We Are The Pigs' and the epic 'The Asphalt World,' showcasing Bernard Butler's intricate guitar work. Songs like 'The Wild Ones' and 'Still Life' highlight Brett Anderson's lyrical talent, channeling romantic and nihilistic themes reminiscent of Morrissey. The album's dramatic lyricism and unique tone, from the robotic 'Introducing The Band' to the sparse 'The 2 of Us,' reflect Anderson's stream-of-consciousness writing style. Dog Man Star is an ornate and consistent record, celebrated for its grandiose sound and dark beauty. It remains a definitive statement of Suede's artistic vision, capturing their unique blend of drama and sensuality.

Review: In terms of landmark releases, you'd be hard pushed to find anyone that doesn't rank Suede's third as a seminal moment in their career. And that's not to say the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler somehow set them free, more to point out this record saw the band reach the heights of critical and commercial success, while also confirming they had definitely found their sound.

It's an album with smash hit singles and iconic tunes like 'Beautiful Ones', 'Filmstar', and 'Trash', all of which are still etched into the memory of anyone who was listening to any radio station back in 1996. But there's much depth here too, with a playlist that offers you nothing but the highest quality British alternative indie rock 'n' roll - passionate, camp, playful, tough and infinitely catchy. We didn't know how good we

Review: Suede's second album Dog Man Star is alleged to have defined an era; it is considered among many of their diehards as their most musically adventurous record; here, sweeping strings appose orchestral ballads; epic widescreen pieces contrast to, yet befit trashy glam rock. It includes the classic hit singles 'We Are The Pigs', 'The Wild Ones', and 'New Generation'; it's also cited as among their last records to feature guitarist and co-songwriter Bernard Butler. The record's assessment by the first-listen music press, specifically Rolling Stone, as "one of the most pretentious albums ever released by a major label" has likely worked in its favour rather than dashing hopes of greatness: the record's leftward face is mostly stylistic, and besides the flamboyant vocal delivery and sveltely polished mixes, amounts to one of the chicest of chic pop records out there.