Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Nara Leao takes a reflective journey through her musical career with this stunning double album, originally released in 1971. Recorded in both Paris and Rio de Janeiro, it's an intimate collection of reinterpreted classics, showcasing Leao's gentle yet emotionally powerful vocals. The album features timeless tracks like 'Chega de Saudade', 'O Barquinho', and 'Corcovado', each stripped back to its essence with minimalist acoustic arrangements. Leao's voice shines throughout, capturing the nuances of these beloved songs with a delicate touch and heartfelt sincerity. The involvement of guitarist Tuca, known for her work with Francoise Hardy, adds another layer of depth to the recordings, her playing complementing Leao's vocals with sensitivity and grace.

Review: Dee C. Lee's debut solo album Shrine, released in 1986, showcases her soulful vocals and knack for 60s-styled ballads. Despite her success with the hit 'See The Day,' which reached #3 in 1985, the album itself failed to chart significantly. However, it remains a hidden gem, perfect for cool evenings with its New Wave/Pop Soul crossover style. This expanded reissue includes a bonus LP with 8 non-album tracks, including remixes like 'Wow Wow Mix' and 'Shrine (Club Mix).' Diane Catherine Sealy, who initially sang backup for Wham! and later joined The Style Council as a singer and Paul Weller's wife, shines on tracks like 'Shrine,' 'Hey What d' Ya Say?' and 'See the Day.' Cherry Pop's reissue offers a comprehensive collection of singles, B-sides, and remixes, showcasing Lee's talent beyond her hit. Overall, Shrine is a delightful album that deserves more recognition, offering a glimpse into Lee's artistry beyond her more well-known collaborations.

Review: A new compilation which looks to celebrate the unheralded period of hugely successful Isle of Wight pop/funk band Level 42, named that after their cult funk days in the early 80s and their chart-topping victories in the middle and end of the decade. Music on Vinyl helps celebrate their 90s years with this compilation that spans the albums Guaranteed (1991) and Forever Now (1994). Originally released in 2007, this limited edition 2xLP set, pressed on vibrant 180-gram yellow vinyl, highlights the band's unique blend of funk, pop and jazz influences, with a mix of infectious grooves and introspective lyrics. The first side opens with the title track, 'Past Lives', a slick funk-driven number that sets the tone for the compilation, followed by the energetic 'Guaranteed' and the introspective 'Overtime'. Tracks like 'My Father's Shoes' explore deeper emotional landscapes, while 'Forever Now' explores the band's ability to craft smooth, soulful anthems. Side three is a ideal, featuring the infectious 'Model Friend' and the jazzy 'Romance'. Meanwhile, 'One in a Million' is a perfect example of the band's ability to blend pop hooks with sophisticated arrangements. Side four closes the compilation on a high note with 'If You Were Mine', a catchy, uplifting finale. The four-page booklet provides context for this fruitful period in Level 42's career, and the limited yellow vinyl adds an extra layer of collectible charm.

Review: Living Colour's third album, Stain, marked a bold shift in musical direction for the NYC quartet. Following the success of their previous albums, the band delved into a heavier, angrier, and less accessible sound. True to form, Living Colour didn't shy away from socially conscious lyrics and thematic track groupings - see titles like 'Go Away,' 'Ignorance Is Bliss' and 'Leave It Alone'. The latter half of Stain is more diverse and experimental, with the industrial-tinged 'Auslander' standing out as one of the stronger cuts. Stain also marks the debut of bassist Doug Wimbish, replacing Muzz Skillings. The seasoned Tackhead veteran's bass is less prominent overall, but shines on the moody highlight 'Nothingness'. Vernon Reid's guitar work, while still spectacular, is more subdued compared to previous releases, demanding closer listening to appreciate its intricacies. Tracks like 'Postman' and 'This Little Pig' feature Reid's intense riffs, complementing the album's darker themes. For many fans of the band, Stain reaches the heights of their previous albums Vivid or Times Up in the way it makes a statement with the evolving times'.

Review: Living Colour's Time's Up (1990) stands as a powerful sophomore effort that remains deeply relevant. Following the success of Vivid (1988), the band sought to expand their funk rock sound while addressing pressing social issues. The result is an album both musically impressive and lyrically poignant. The title track, 'Time's Up,' showcases Corey Glover's soaring vocals, delivering urgent messages about environmental and social decay. Tracks like 'History Lesson' and 'Pride' tackle the African-American experience, using samples and lyrics to confront historical injustices and cultural appropriation. 'Type' and 'New Jack Theme' examine stereotypes and the glamourisation of drug dealing, respectively, while 'Someone Like You' reflects on lost innocence in urban landscapes. Musically, the album defies genre constraints, blending hardcore, jazz, soul, and hip-hop elements. 'Love Rears Its Ugly Head' stands out with its jazz blues vibe, while 'Elvis is Dead' features a guest appearance by Little Richard, critiquing the idolisation of Elvis Presley. The album's hopeful moments, such as 'Solace of You' and 'This Is The Life,' urge listeners to embrace life and strive for positive change. Time's Up is a testament to Living Colour's musicianship and social consciousness. Its timeless relevance is bittersweet, highlighting enduring societal issues, yet, it remains a musical marvel and a call to action, urging listeners to reflect, reassess and inspire progress.