Glass Note US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: It it ain't broke, don't bother thinking about trying to fix it. While the mantra clearly works for things like DIY jobs, or public transport routes, the same isn't always true of music. We've seen countless bands and artists claw their way to the top through grit, determination, and a trademark style, only to reach the summit and begin languishing in a sea of repetition. Doomed to repeat triumphs of the past as they slowly become missteps and mistakes.

French rock-fuzz dieux Phoenix certainly fit the 'doing what they do best' remit. Remarkably, though, across the six albums that preceded Alpha Zulu, they rarely came close to anything like boring. Those powerful, often complex hooks, the rousing vocal approach always seemed to hit. And here were are again, with a record that almost feels as original, timeless and essential as the debut, 2000's United.

Review: This Record Store Day 2019 exclusive finds Mumford and Sons at work in the famous Electric Lady Studios in New York. It was there that they decided to serve up four carefully reimagined versions of tracks from their acclaimed Delta album. Each one shows a different, incredibly tender side. 'Woman' is first with its gentle piano keys and closely mic-ed vocals soothing the soul, while 'Guiding Light' has more upbeat but still lo-fi guitar riffs and 'Wild Heart' is another showcase of the beautifully raw and emotive vocals of lead singer Marcus Oliver Johnston Mumford. 'If I Say' is a rousing, heart swelling closer.