Review: This is a deluxe reissue of a real pop classic from back in 1997. ABC is a group that traces its origins back to Vice Versa, a Sheffield band formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. They released the Music 4 EP after founding Neutron Records and Martin Fry, creator of the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewed Vice Versa before later joining as synth player. By 1980, the band transformed into ABC, with Fry assuming lead vocals. The lineup included Fry, Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17, and Keith Lowndes. Though their debut album received acclaim from critics, it didn't achieve widespread commercial success. Despite this, ABC's fusion of pop and electronic elements laid the groundwork for their future iconic sound.
Review: To the delight of the 80s synth-pop faithful holding on to the decade prior, Martin Fry revived ABC in 1997 after a five-year hiatus. It's noticeable that Fry wasn't interested in repeating old tricks though, as he took the band in a new direction alongside Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory without losing that keen sense of songwriting magic that made ABC so popular the first time around. Loaded with emotionally charged reflections on life, the universe and everything, this is a welcome pressing on blue and white marble vinyl which is limited to 1000 copies.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
The Affectionate Punch
Amused As Always
Logan Time
Paper House
Transport To Central
A Matter Of Gender
Even Dogs In The Wild
Would I Bounce Back
Deeply Concerned
A
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.
Review: From the first notes of the Talking Heads-esque opening of the title track, which has none other than The Cure's Robert Smith as guest backing vocalist, this album by the great Scottish post-punk legends The Associates has you hooked. It's littered with standout moments, but the wiry bassline which underpins the offbeat guitar on 'Amused As Always' is high up there. It manages to pull off being belligerently repetitive by offsetting any sense of monotony with sheer style. Meanwhile, frontman Billy MacKenzie - who tragically died before his time in 1997 - has a voice to rival that of Robert Smith himself in terms of tone. The Associates may not be as readily cited in the typical indie record collection - but they're probably your favourite band's favourite band. regardless, this album is going to challenge why you've resisted so long in not putting it at the heart of your collection.
Review: The Associates' Fourth Drawer Down, originally released in October 1981, is being reissued by Music On Vinyl as a limited edition, numbered 180g audiophile silver vinyl LP in a gatefold sleeve. This compilation album from the Scottish post-punk and new wave band collects the A and B-sides from their six singles released that year. Compared to their debut album, The Affectionate Punch, the tracks on Fourth Drawer Down delve into darker, more experimental territory. Noteworthy tracks include 'Tell Me Easter's on Sunday,'' driven by a sombre, pulsing beat and mournful guitar and 'Q Quarters,' is desolately beautiful. The inventive 'Kitchen Person' uses a rhythm from an electric typewriter and Mackenzie's vocals through a vacuum cleaner, while album's title refers to a drawer in their flat holding herbal relaxants. Inspired pop classiness from one of the most underrated bands of all time.
Hey DJ, I Can't Dance To That Music You’'re Playing (feat Betty Boo) (3:28)
Rok Da House (WEFUNK) (feat The Cookie Crew) (3:43)
Who's In The House? (feat MC Merlin) (3:59)
Ska Train (4:47)
Burn It Up (On The Groove Tip) (feat PP Arnold) (4:28)
Warm Love (feat Claudia Fontaine) (5:49)
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (5:14)
Dunno What It Is About You (feat Elaine Vassell) (3:46)
Burn It Up (feat PP Arnold - 7" mix) (3:21)
Night In Acton (4:42)
Make Me Feel (3:57)
Don't Stop The Beat (4:10)
Midnight Girl (5:02)
Sarayet-Sayam Sembtae (part 1) (5:14)
Acid Burn (3:45)
Review: Anywayawanna - The Best Of is a vibrant snapshot of The Beatmasters' trailblazing journey through late 80s/early 90s dance music. Known for their innovative fusion of house, hip-hop, and pop, this compilation encapsulates their most infectious hits with a who's-who of guest vocalists. Standout tracks like 'Rok Da House' with The Cookie Crew and 'Hey DJ/I Can't Dance' featuring Betty Boo showcase their knack for high-energy, floor-filling anthems. 'Burn It Up', with PP Arnold, and 'Who's in the House?' with Merlin MC, further cement their place in club culture history. The glossy orange vinyl edition adds a nostalgic touch, making this a great package of the era's UK dance scene.
Review: The self titled album by the late Laura Branigan was one of the biggest debuts by any female singer in the decade. Fuelled by the insanely popular hit single 'Gloria', which reached number two on the Billboard top 100, catapulted Laura to international stardom. The song would go on to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female in 1983 and would be the signature song for her career. Branigan comes in limited numbered copies and pressed 180 gram red vinyl.
Review: Cass Elliot, released in 1972, marked a significant moment in the career of the iconic vocalist, formerly of The Mamas & The Papas. Shedding her Mama Cass alias, Elliot embraced her real name for the first time on this album, which exudes the nostalgic glamour of 1930s Hollywood. Featuring songs by talented songwriters like Judee Sill, Bobby Darin and Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, the album showcases Elliot's unparalleled vocal strength. Each track shows her ability to captivate listeners with her emotive delivery and soulful interpretation. This limited edition reissue on silver-colored vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve, is a fitting tribute to Elliot's enduring legacy. With only 1000 individually numbered copies available, it's a must-have for fans and collectors alike, allowing them to experience Elliot's timeless talent in a new light.
Review: Debbie Gibson's debut album Out of The Blue made quite the fact when released in 1987. It was the start of a big career for Gibson who wrote all ten of the songs on the album despite being just 16 at the time. Pop, rock and dance tropes all feature as she showed a radices amount of early talent for composing. The album made both UK and US charts and went on to sell more than three million copies in the United States and five million worldwide.
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