Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (1984 version)
Band Aid 20 - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2004 version)
Band Aid 30 - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2014 version)
Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2024 Ultimate mix)
Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (live)
Review: This CD compilation brings together four decades of this iconic charity anthem, showcasing its evolution across generations while maintaining its heartfelt purpose. Featuring the original 1984 version by Band Aid, this release captures the raw urgency of the collective's mission to combat famine in Ethiopia. The 2004 rendition by Band Aid 20 introduces a modernised arrangement with a fresh lineup of artists, while Band Aid 30's 2014 version incorporates contemporary production and voices, reflecting the ongoing relevance of the cause. The 2024 version offers a reimagined take, balancing the classic's spirit with current musical sensibilities, ensuring it resonates with a new audience. Closing the collection is a powerful live performance from Wembley Stadium in 1985, a moment steeped in history and emotion that amplifies the song's legacy. Spanning generations of talent and commitment, this release is a celebration of unity and a reminder of the enduring power of music to inspire change.
Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (1984 version) (3:51)
Band Aid 20 - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2004 version) (5:05)
Band Aid 30 - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2014 version) (3:48)
Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (2024 Ultimate mix) (5:00)
Band Aid - "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (live) (4:33)
Review: The 40th-anniversary release of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' is a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Band Aid, the charity/supergroup formed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984. This special 12" vinyl not only celebrates the iconic track but also continues its mission to support the Band Aid Trust's charitable efforts. The record compiles key versions of the song, including the original 1984 rendition, the Band Aid 20 and Band Aid 30 versions and an all-new 2024 Ultimate Mix by Trevor Horn. This fresh edit creatively weaves together the contributions of countless legendary artists from across the decades into a seamless, unified anthem that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The inclusion of the live version from Wembley Stadium in 1985 shows the energy and passion of the song's historic performance. Across all versions, listeners are reminded of the track's power to unite the music world for a greater cause, featuring some of the finest voices in British rock history. This release is a compelling collector's item, combining timeless music with a renewed purpose, ensuring the song's message resonates for generations to come.
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: 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: If you've not found yourself enthralled by Bluey, the Australian animated kids series about the anthropomorphic six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy, Bluey, her family, curiosity, energy and imagination, then where have you been for the last seven years? Praised for its razor sharp depiction of modern family life in the Western world, it deftly straddles the line between children's TV and adult comedy, hitting both nails squarely on the head. In Rug Isand, Bluey and Bingo discover that a pack of felt tips can be anything - like a snake, or a campfire, or a banana. A perfect example of the creative minds of youth and heir ability to believe in things that grown ups might struggle with, the fact that Dad needs to engage his inner child and suspend disbelief before the episode ends speaks volumes. In musical terms, think fantastical, dreamy and typically witty instrumentation and spoken word, on record.
Review: For the first time on green vinyl, cinematic funk and r&b singer Boz Scaggs gives us the Lowdown. One of the breakthrough hits from his 1976 album Silk Degrees, Scaggs' stylised, night-flighty sound is put on full blast here. Co-written by Scaggs and keyboardist David Paich (Toto), the record's unburdened and frolicking feel acts to disguise its subject matter: Scaggs' intention is double-sided, with the lyrics warning the listener about an unreliable, buttery figure, whose romantic trickery warrants an urgent briefing (hence "lowdown"). A twist arrives at the point of the chorus, when we realise that said bullshit artist might just be Boz himself. Well, we can't quite believe it. Are all us romantics loving a lie, to some extent?
Review: This newly formed and already brilliant label is back with more previously unreleased instrumentals that bring a different twist and dancefloor edge to classic sounds from the rock and indie world. First up we get a subtle edit of 'Sound and Vision' which has a nice fat and funky bassline bouncing beneath the splashy drums as nice acoustic guitar melodies ring out next to glistening retro-future pads. It's a cosmic trip that oozes soul then things slow down on the flip with 'Young Americans'. This one is a nice go-slow instrumental with funky and expressive horn work taking the lead over the fat-bottomed drums and bass. Essential.
Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me) (Rehearsal instrumental) (4:08)
Review: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steve Harley's iconic hit 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)', Chrysalis Records is serving it up on a limited 7" for Record Store Day. The single features the original version backed with a previously unreleased recording from Apple Studios, which offers a different perspective and nice twist on the original. 'Make Me Smile' was a UK chart-topper in 1975 and has sold over 1.5 million copies and is thought to have inspired more than 120 cover versions from artists like Duran Duran and Erasure. However, you can't beat the original, which is a glam-pop classic that continues to get love across generations.
Review: Joe Hisaishi's latest release offers a compelling fusion of classical and cinematic music. The compositions, originally crafted for film soundtracks, are reimagined with orchestral arrangements that breathe new life into the pieces. The album showcases Hisaishi's signature style, blending emotive melodies with intricate orchestration. Listeners are treated to a rich auditory experience that highlights the depth and versatility of Hisaishi's work.
Review: Unsettled Scores Records presents the long-overdue release of the soundtrack to The New York Graffiti Experience 1976, a seminal documentary by Fenton Lawless. One of the earliest films to document NYC's graffiti culture, the project began in 1974-75 as a slideshow created by Lawless and producer Justine DiIanni and featured original photos as well as the track 'French Fry 97.' That song, along with other recordings from 1974 by Lawless and his band, now appear on this official soundtrack, which is previously unreleased. The music captures the raw thrill and creativity of a pivotal moment in underground culture so this is a vital piece of NYC history.
Undercover Of The Night (Stones unreleased instrumental 45 edit) (4:52)
Miss You (Stones unreleased instrumental 45 edit) (4:49)
Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.
Review: As the official soundtrack to Claire Sanford and Josephine Anderson's documentary Texada, New-York based composer Elori Saxl's latest record comes issued on a steadfast, standalone vinyl edition. Texada explores the evolving connection between people and the remote Texada Island, British Columbia, shaped by ancient limestone formations and industrial history. Saxl transforms these themes into sound, blending analog synthesizers, processed baritone saxophone (by Henry Solomon) and field recordings of water and rock. Her compositions evoke stone textures and the lunar-tidal motion of waves, with tracks like 'The Quarry' capturing the drive of resource extraction, and 'The Most Special Place' reflecting nostalgia and discovery, merging human and geological scales.
Review: 'Warlock' is the latest release to be pushed via Bob Stanley's Measured Mile imprint, and pulls two floor-friendly but still retrospective gems from the storied De Wolfe music library, based in the UK and widely known as the progenitor and originator of what has now become known widely as library music. To demonstrate the gestation times common to this corner of the music industry, these two tracks have never been heard before, and yet were recorded in 1983! First comes Reg Tilsley with 'Warlock', a full yet light-winged flight through linns of flute, funk bass and notes inegales. Meanwhile, 'Flashpoint' by Roger Jackson is a space-age tittup of booming, long-tailed proportions; it's tempered by the nagging nip of a clavichord and the formidable frown of the lowest piano note.
Kimi No Tamenara Shineru Kanzenban (Super Zunzun mix) (2:51)
Review: Originally released in 2004 to a hot reception, this iconic soundtrack from the beloved Sega game Feel the Magic XY/XX features Tokoi's unforgettable blend of eclectic, funky and also smartly experimental compositions. The music complements the game's quirky, surreal themes with catchy rhythms and vibrant colours. This anniversary edition offers remastered tracks with enhanced sound quality so is a guaranteed nostalgic journey for longtime fans or a superb introduction to the brilliance of Tokoi's work for new ears.
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