EMI Schallplatten & CDs

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


Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.

Review: Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.

Review: The announcement of Johnny Cash's posthumous album Songwriter, has sparked a debate about the ethics of releasing music shelved during an artist's lifetime. The album, featuring 11 unreleased demos from 1993, sees Cash's vocals and acoustic guitar, with new instrumentation by musicians like Marty Stuart and Dave Roe. The first single, 'Well Alright,' exemplifies Cash's clever, humorous style, reminiscent of lesser-known gems like 'Country Trash.' Produced by Cash's son, John Carter Cash, and David Ferguson, this release aims to highlight Cash's songwriting. Some critics argue against releasing music the artist did not originally deem worthy. However, the album's timing during a commercially rough period and Cash's subsequent career reinvention suggests the demos' initial shelving wasn't due to quality concerns. One listen will confirm that - this is top drawer material from a master of the genre.

Review: Before the legendary Johnny Cash would embark on his mid-90s resurgence with the help of producer Rick Rubin, the country songsmith had already been hard at work on a collection of tracks recorded at LSI Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. These sessions were ultimately shelved in favour of the subsequent American Recordings, until three decades later, they were to be discovered by John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter. Stripping away the bells and whistles from the takes to get down to the core of Cash's sole vocal and acoustic guitar tracks, long-time producer David 'Fergie' Ferguson was tapped to help helm this accidental new project. Handpicking a collective of artists close to Cash, including guitarist Marty Stuart, the late bassist Dave Roe, drummer Pete Abbott, as well as a plethora of contributors such as Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys; the team retreated to the Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, known for being a place of solitude and inspiration for the timeless songwriter, in order to do these forgotten gems their due diligence. Aptly titled Songwriter, these are the resulting never-before-heard, and likely final newly released songs from a legend whose looming presence still continues to resonate to this day.

Review: Chase & Status and Stormzy coming together was always going to be huge. One rules the charts, the other the clubs, and between them they cooked up a massive single that got heard everywhere all summer long, including a special live performance of it in Ushuaia Ibiza. Now you can own it on a slab of vinyl that has been cut nice and loud, which is perfect for the tune - the bass is devastating, the bars from Stormzy are hard, the energy is dark and unrelenting and it's the perfect sort of jungle cross over sound that will continue to be heard everywhere well into 2025.

Review: Empire Of The Sun is set to mark a new chapter with their fourth album, Ask That God. This album signifies a significant evolution, embracing an infectious new sound while maintaining their roots. Following the recent single 'Changes,' the band has released 'Music On The Radio,' a breezy indietronica track that encapsulates their signature blissful electronica. Luke Steele's shimmering vocals blend seamlessly with a throbbing, elastic beat, creating catchy effect. Steele describes the song as a teenage rebellion against imaginary emotions, driven by Nick Littlemore's unique lyrical touch. The hypnotic groove of the bass is irresistible, showing the duo's talent for melodies and hooks. Ask That God represents a profound shift for the band, reflecting their journey and growth. This album promises to be a transcendent experience for fans, reaffirming Empire Of The Sun's innovative spirit.

Review: Gorgon City are masters of big room, feelgood and summer-ready house music. And that is exactly what they serve up here and then some with the new album Reverie on EMI. This record has already been proceeded by lead single 'Biggest Regret (with Bbyafricka)' and the club-ready 'You Know It' last month while 'All That You Need' has also become a ubiquitous anthem this season. Now we get the full thing complete with filthy basslines, bouncing synth top lines and distorted vocal melodies that are catchy and sure to bring the good times to the largest of festival crowds.

Review: Niall Horan's The Show: Live at Madison Square Garden captures the former One Direction member in his element, balancing earnest pop ballads with confident, crowd-pleasing anthems. The live performance feels personal yet expansive, with Horan's easy charm drawing listeners in from the opening notes. The show's strength lies in its ability to meld intimate moments, like the reflective 'Slow Hands,' with soaring, feel-good choruses, all while Horan delivers with sincerity and skill. It's a celebration of his evolution as an artist, proving his capacity for both catchy hooks and heartfelt delivery.

Review: The Libertines is a rather divisive band but we are firmly in the fan camp. It's great to have the pari of Carl Barat and Pete Doherty back working together as older, wiser men, but happily their music has lost none of the urgency it had when they were drug loving youths. They defined a specific period in UK music culture back at the turn of the millennium and are now back for more with All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, which according to frontman Pete Doherty happened "in a moment of rare peace". Lead single 'Run Run Run' has already performed well brings both lots of raw riffs, raucous energy and some of the superb songwriting they were famous for first time around.

Review: Record breaking, chart topping, Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter and top Canadian talent Shawn Mendes is back with a new self titled album, which is his fifth overall. When artists opt for the self-titled LP it often reflects a more honest and personal approach and that is the case here as Shawn, which was written and recorded over the past two years, is him at his most intimate. It was recorded across many sessions and locations which also helps add different perspectives and influences and was done with a small group of collaborators including Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Eddie Benjamin, Nate Mercereau, Ethan Gruska, Amy Allen and Chris Thile.

Review: Katy Perry's 143, here presented on silver vinyl, showcases her signature pop brilliance with a fresh, vibrant twist. This new album is marked by catchy hooks and infectious beats and delivers an array of upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads. Perry's vocal prowess shines throughout as she captures a range of emotions from love to empowerment. Standout tracks blend her classic sound with modern production and her own energetic vibe and lyrical depth make it a compelling listen for both longtime fans and new audiences.

Review: American pop icon Katy Perry's seventh studio album, 143, marking her first new music in four years. The album, crafted with the expertise of pop producers Max Martin and Stargate, promises a vibrant collection of buoyant, hedonistic, and meticulously produced tracks. Leading with the single 'Woman's World,' Perry returns with her signature blend of infectious hooks and empowering anthems. Fans can look forward to another round of smartly crafted pop tunes that capture Perry's playful yet insightful style. Available on blue vinyl, 143 is set to be a dazzling addition to Perry's discography, reaffirming her place at the forefront of the pop scene.

Review: The Queen I Collector's Edition is a comprehensive and remastered look at Queen's groundbreaking 1973 debut album. This x6CD + 1xLP box set presents 63 tracks, including 43 newly remixed versions, demos, live recordings and alternate takes, making it the most complete version of Queen I to date. For the first time, a Queen album has been given a full stereo remix, allowing listeners to experience the album the way the band originally intended. Key highlights include the restored running order, featuring the song 'Mad the Swine', which was left off the original 1973 release. CD1 delivers the 2024 remix of Queen I, while other discs offer demos from De Lane Lea Studios, unreleased sessions and backing tracks. CD5 features rare BBC recordings and CD6 presents live performances, including Queen's first-ever show at London's Imperial College in 1970 and tracks from their legendary Rainbow Theatre concert in 1974. The set is beautifully packaged with a 108-page book containing handwritten lyrics and rare memorabilia, alongside four photo prints and a fold-out poster. For Queen fans and collectors, this expanded edition provides an in-depth look at the band's early sound, showcasing their energy, creativity and unmistakable talent from the very start of their career.

Review: Sting's journey began in the industrial heart of Newcastle, a city long defined by its shipyards and coal mines, shaping the grit and resilience that would come to define his music. Growing up amidst the working-class challenges of the north, he found his voice both in the rough edges of his environment and in his natural affinity for jazz, reggae and punk. As a young man, he developed a passion for music, which would later merge with the intellectualism and protest anthems of his lyrics. It's this fusion of roots and ambition that propelled him from local gigs in the late 70s to becoming an international icon with The Police. Fast-forward to today, and his music continues to reflect this complex blend of influences. His latest offering, recorded during his latest tour, highlights this evolution with renewed energy, offering live renditions of some of his most iconic tracks. While the classics like 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Every Breath You Take' are as timeless as ever, there's an undeniable freshness in how Sting approaches them today. The intimacy of live performance allows for new emotional layers in songs like 'Fields of Gold' while the meditative live version of 'Be Still My Beating Heart' adds a deeper sense of reflection, demonstrating his ability to continuously reframe his sound and approach.

Review: Taylor Swift's latest double album delivers an expansive collection of 35 tracks, showcasing her signature storytelling and emotional depth while exploring fresh sonic territory. Featuring collaborations with Post Malone and Florence & The Machine, the album blends introspective ballads with vibrant anthems that highlight Swift's versatility. The record sets a reflective tone, delving into themes of loss, anger and resilience. Tracks like 'So Long London' provide a poignant narrative closure, paralleling earlier songs from her discography while embracing the bittersweetness of moving forward. 'I Can Do It With A Broken Heart' captures the juxtaposition of public strength and private vulnerability with upbeat production reminiscent of Midnights. Collaborations shine throughout; 'Fortnight' finds Swift and Post Malone harmonising beautifully over a wistful melody, while the lively 'Florida!!!' bursts with summer energy, enhanced by Florence Welch's dynamic vocals. The stripped-down 'I Look In People's Windows' emerges as a standout, pairing raw lyricism with delicate guitar work to convey profound grief and longing. The project is a testament to Swift's ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes. With its balance of experimentation and emotional candor, it marks a bold chapter in her ever-evolving career.

Review: American country star Morgan Wallen returns with his fourth full-length project: a sprawling, near two-hour showcase of pop, rock and acoustic balladry. While his sound remains rooted in Nashville tradition, the Tennessee-born singer taps into broader palettes hereidrawing on slow-burn storytelling ('Just in Case'), radio-friendly duets (like his Tate McRae collab), and swaggering pop-rock hybrids that veer into crossover territory ('I Ain't Comin' Back', with Post Malone). Wallen's lyrical themes stick to familiar territoryiheartache, small-town nights, self-reflectionibut the production, led by longtime collaborators Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, often elevates the material. Despite its length, the album keeps a steady rhythm, with highlights like 'Superman' offering a rare moment of emotional clarity. For fans, it's an unfiltered look at a man embracing vulnerability while doubling down on chart power. For everyone else, it's proof of Wallen's status as one of the most commercially magnetic voices in contemporary countryiand one who continues to expand his reach.

Review: Remi Wolf's latest single, 'Cinderella,' heralds the arrival of her upcoming second album, Big Ideas. The track is a vibrant blend of 70s nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities, reflecting Wolf's personal journey of emotional highs and lows. With Big Ideas, Wolf pushes the boundaries of pop music, embracing a funky soul-pop genre while seeking to innovate and redefine the sound of mainstream pop. Blending styles like dance music, funk, Soul into Pop music is quite a goal to have. Her first album in 2021 hinted at this direction while putting the singer on the map. This album is sure to garner tremendous radio play and accolades as Remi Wolf's career further unfolds.