Back catalogue: All genres

Review: You might think that you could cop a copy of New Order's seminal hit 'Blue Monday' fairly easily and cheaply given its ubiquity over the years. But no, copies in good condition still fetch around 50 quid, so this remastered reissue is well worth a cop. The single's iconic bassline and twitchy synth modulations very much soundtrack a generation, if not an entire youth revolution, but still enliven any dance floor many years later. What's more, the de-humanised vocals will always provide real singalong joy. On the flip is a 'The Beach', which is drenched in echo and reverb and general sonic filth.

Review: The remastered reissues of New Order classics continues with this 1984 gem 'Thieves Like Us' (the title is taken from the Robert Altman movie). It originally landed, of course, on Factory and like all that label's releases, comes with a Peter Saville designed cover, based on a painting by Giorgio de Chirico. It's the band's seventh single and the remastering job has been done from the original master tapes at Abbey Road Studios. The title track is a typically forlorn affair to start, but it erupts into a more joyous and life-affirming sing along. 'Lonesome Tonight' is as low key and wallowsome as the name suggests.

Review: New Order's 'Bizarre Love Triangle' stands as a hallmark of synth-pop, encapsulating the band's innovative spirit and leaving an indelible mark on their legacy. Featured on their fourth album, Brotherhood, this track, released in November 1986, is often celebrated by fans despite its initial lukewarm reception on the charts, leaving even the band members puzzled about its initial performance. The creation of 'Bizarre Love Triangle' began when New Order borrowed a Fairlight synthesiser, leading to a distinctive rhythmic bass line crafted by frontman Bernard Sumner. The song evolved into a high-energy electro-pop anthem, with an iconic chorus that captures listeners from the get-go. Despite its modest chart success compared to other hits like 'Blue Monday', the track played a crucial role in establishing the band's international appeal, especially in the American market. It quickly became a live favourite and a staple in New Order's performances, showcasing their knack for reinventing their classics. With remastered and reissued vinyl now available, 'Bizarre Love Triangle' continues to make new fans along the way while holding a special place in the hearts of 80s music lovers still. Its enduring charm is a testament to its brilliance as a pop masterpiece, inviting diverse interpretations and connections.

Review: If you're never been to Galway, Ireland, we implore you to head for Skyscanner airport immediately after ordering this latest EP from one of the city's most promising new(ish) outfits. Once you arrive it will quickly become apparent that, in so far as guitars go, the place is brimming with great artists and outfits, not to mention incredible ideas, with an abundance of incredible places to see those creatives at their best.

Suffice to say, labelling NewDad among the finest in G-Town, to use the colloquial, could never be a spurious statement given their peers. Combining, at various points, elements of Goat Girl, The Cure, and Slowdive, while comparing easily to none of the above, they paint vivid pieces with gradually emerging powerhouse tracks disguised as intimate meditations on highly emotional formative experiences.

Review: Cardiff-based troubadour Ali Lacey, AKA Novo Amor, began this musical project in the wake of a breakup, but things quickly became about much more than redemption and recovery. Not completely dissimilar in style to one of indie-folk's most famous heartbroken men, Bon Iver, both chaps share a penchant for falsetto vocal delivery, gentile but complex acoustic guitars, and rural America, with Lacey having spent a summer in upstate New York, memories of which were directly translated into his debut LP, Birthplace.

Four years on and he's still clearly finding inspiration in both the subtle beauty and tragedy of existence, offering four tracks here best - perhaps only - described as quietly powerful. From delicate emotions worthy of Sufjan Stevens running through 'Weather', to the gradually building, stop-you-dead 'From Gold', this is a name you won't forget after the first encounter.

Review: The National's Rome, is a 21-track live album capturing the band's June 3, 2024 performance at the stunning Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in - you guessed it - the Italian capital. Mixed by Peter Katis, the album spans over two decades of The National's career, featuring iconic tracks like 'Bloodbuzz Ohio', 'I Need My Girl' and 'Fake Empire', alongside newer material such as 'Eucalyptus' and 'Tropic Morning News'. The National, formed in 1999, are an American rock band known for their emotional depth and intricate songwriting. With Matt Berninger's baritone vocals and the instrumental prowess of brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, alongside Scott and Bryan Devendorf, the band has built a reputation for powerful live performances and critically acclaimed albums. Known for their introspective lyrics and rich, textured sound, The National continues to evolve after two decades. This live recording showcases the band's ability to transform their songs in the concert setting, offering refreshed renditions and hidden gems like 'Runaway' and 'Murder Me Rachael'. Known for their intense live shows, Rome immortalises the emotional and fiery energy The National brings to the stage.

Review: Nirvana still seems cool as fuck all these many decades after their frontman died. Their musical legacy lives on each time a new generation licks into the grunt chromes of the music, or each time we get a reissue or special limited edition picture disc album like the one. It is a very real and raw recording from their show at Hollywood Rock Festival which was actually held at Paca da Apoteose, Rio de Janeiro on 23rd January 1993. Plenty of the band's classics made the setlist and they sound as sleazy and gritty as ever on this recording.