Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Marking its 40th anniversary with a special new remaster, The Colour Field's seminal Virgins and Philistines by returns and shows a whole new generation why the band's sophisticated blend of new wave, pop, and introspective songwriting made such a mark, Originally released in 1985 and fronted by former Specials and Fun Boy Three vocalist Terry Hall, the album features standout tracks like the UK Top 20 hit 'Thinking of You', which alongside the rest of the originals have been taken from the original tape. However this edition also includes a bonus disc with early singles and B-sides appearing on vinyl for the first time making it a must-cop for '80s alternative pop fans.

Review: She might be more well known these days for her open letters to Miley Ray Cyrus or public struggles with mental health, but this So Far The Best of reminds us just why Sinead O'Connor is so famous in the first place. It brings together the very best tunes from her four albums and was originally released in 1997, so of course, includes her ubiquitous and global smash Number 1 'Nothing Compares 2 U' is included, as are earlier singles 'Troy' and 'Mandinka', all of which showcase her fearless style and a rich array of emotions. 'Heroine' and 'Just Like U Said It Would B' are included for the first time having in the past only been available on the US version.

Review: In the many-sided legacy Sinead O'Connor left in her wake, there were many surprises and anomalies which benefit from a fresh appraisal since her tragic passing. Her 1992 album Am I Not Your Girl? had a mixed reception on its release, as she paused on her contemporary dance-tinged pop production to indulge in big band and torch song covers. Similarly to Bjork tackling 'It's Oh So Quiet', it was a divisive move in a career full of them, but in the fullness of time these sincere pieces are but another vehicle for O'Connor's incredible voice, proving she was as versatile as she was forthright. A one of a kind talent, never to be repeated.

Review: The 40th Anniversary edition of In The Studio by The Special AKA celebrates one of the most unique and politically charged albums of the 1980s. Originally released in 1984, the album fused an eclectic mix of reggae, jazz, soul, and Arabic rhythms, with Jerry Dammers leading the band's bold shift in sound. Despite its modest commercial performance, In The Studio has since gained recognition as an underappreciated classic, thanks to its deeply reflective lyrics and innovative arrangements. The album's standout tracks, 'Free Nelson Mandela' and 'What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend', blended infectious energy with serious political messages. This newly remastered, half-speed mastered edition, overseen by Dammers, gives the album the sonic depth it deserves. With its themes of social unrest and global awareness, In The Studio feels as relevant today as it did four decades ago, a testament to its enduring power.

Review: More Specials is the second studio album from the Coventry band, originaly released in 1980 and reportedly splitting opinion among their fanbase, although it's come to be seen as a classic containing many of their best loved songs, from ska knees up 'Enjoy Yourself' to the deadpan reggae of 'Do Nothing'. Produced by the band's own keyboardist Jerry Dammers, it had a more eclectic and less obviously punk sound than its Elvis Costello-produced predecessor, with the band's constant disagreements on the direction of the sound proving a creative rather destructive force here, even if it would - barely more than a year later - cause them to eventually split.