Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Chicago's Live at 55 sees the legendary band celebrating over five decades of music with a performance full of energy and nostalgia. Featuring a mix of classic hits and deeper cuts, the set is a celebration of their enduring legacy. The performance builds with brass-heavy anthems like '25 or 6 to 4' and the smooth 'If You Leave Me Now', proving their ability to mix rock, jazz, and pop seamlessly. With guest appearances adding a fresh layer to the familiar sound, the album captures the essence of Chicago's rich musical history, while continuing to demonstrate their dynamic stage presence.

Review: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 captures a thrilling live showcase of guitar virtuosity, celebrating a return after a four-year hiatus. With Bill Murray as Master of Ceremonies, this event brought together an exceptional lineup, including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Santana, John Mayer and more. Across four discs, more than 50 tracks reveal electrifying renditions of blues classics, rock anthems and American Songbook standards, with Clapton himself frequently joining his peers onstage. Highlights include collaborations with the Del McCoury Band, Bradley Walker and stirring performances of 'Eight Miles High' with Roger McGuinn and 'Bluebird' with Stephen Stills. Spanning multiple genres and generations, the set offers a testament to the unifying power of the guitar, underscoring Clapton's influence in gathering top talents from across eras. This release not only chronicles a memorable night for fans but also reinforces the legacy of blues guitar as it finds fresh, dynamic life through each performer. Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 is essential for blues and rock fans alike.

Review: The new live album from Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 captures the magic of the event, boasting an elite lineup including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Eric Gales, H.E.R., John Mayer and Santana, among many others. Held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on September 23 and 24, 2023, the festival marked its return after a four-year hiatus, selling out both days. With Bill Murray as Master of Ceremonies, the setlist ranged from blues staples to rock 'n' roll anthems, reinvigorated by the powerhouse collective of guitar legends. Fans can now experience the electric performances on this beautifully packaged 6xLP to transport listeners back to the unforgettable event. This release is not just a live recording, but a celebration of guitar music's past, present, and future.

Review: David Hepworth has been writing, broadcasting, and speaking about music since the 1970 - often alongside Mark Ellen, with the pair currently hosting the Word In Your Ear podcast. He helped launch and edit Smash Hits and The Word amongst others, and was a presenter on BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test and an anchor for Live Aid in 1985. As such, he knows his stuff. Following the success of his Underrated Cuts From A Misunderstood Decade comes this follow up, which he has annotated track-by-track.From Roy Harper and Sandy Denny's folky shenangans to Status Quo. ZZ Top and proto-punks Eddie & The Hot Rods, this is Hepworth making a case that the 70s remains unmatched for music invention, and a strong case it is too.

Review: In 1962, a chance convergence of historical contingencies in Dartford, Kent, would set the stage for the formation of one of the world's best-known rock and roll bands, The Rolling Stones. After Mick Jagger and Keith Richards took inspiration from rock icons Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, not to mention the comparatively sentimental Chicago blueses of Brian Jones and Ian Stewart, the group's had laid the mac for their own sound. The Rolling Stones' love for early blues legends would define their success; this compilation The celebrates those roots, from Muddy Waters' 'Just Want to Make Love to You' through to Chuck Berry's 'Memphis, Tennessee' and Robert Johnson's 'Love In Vain'. Special bonus tracks include the jazz-infused 'Key To The Highway' by Jazz Gillum, further proving Jagger and company's far-reaching inspirations.

Review: On December 4, 1991, Van Halen staged a free show in Dallas, Texas as part of their For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge tour, causing the mass closure of streets and an estimated 50,000 fans turning up. This recording, with an electrifying setlist blending fresh tracks with fan favourites from 5150 and OU812 (and even the odd Sammy Hagar solo hit), opens with the hard-hitting 'Poundcake', with the anthemic 'Judgement Day' and 'There's Only One Way to Rock' showing the band's ability to balance technical skill with raw power. 'Panama' is a nostalgic fan favourite from their most popular era, while Hagar's 'I Can't Drive 55' fuels the crowd with unrelenting energy. Their versatility shines with more laid-back grooves like 'Finish What Ya Started' alongside arena rock staples such as Top of the World' and - naturally - and throughout, naturally, Eddie Van Halen's guitar wizardry is unmatched.

Review: Van Halen's third release, Women & Children First, showcases the band coming into their own after their meteoric rice to fame in the late 70s. Originally released in 1980, the album made the top ten and sold over three million copies with little radio play and not even a top 40 song. The album is also ranked #36 in the top 100 Heavy Metal records of all time. Released on limited numbered 180 gram at 45RPM Audiophile SuperVinyl with the UltraDisc One-Step process spread across two records. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab US's pressing is perhaps the ultimate copy to have for the discerning audiophile.

Review: A nostalgia-packed journey through one of pop music's most exciting years, featuring an impressive lineup of extended and remixed tracks from the decade's biggest stars. This four disc collection brings together a mix of chart-topping anthems, cult classics and dancefloor staples, each in its extended 12" glory. Things start with Wham!'s infectious 'Freedom' (long mix) and keeps the energy high with Culture Club's politically charged 'The War Song' (Ultimate dance mix). New Order's 'Thieves Like Us' and Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder's 'Together In Electric Dreams' add a synth-laden sheen, while Eurythmics' haunting 'Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four)' is a bold statement piece. As the tracklist moves on, iconic tracks like Frankie Goes To Hollywood's 'Relax' (New York mix) and Duran Duran's 'The Reflex' (dance mix) capture the decade's indulgent soundscape. Meanwhile, softer gems like Talk Talk's 'It's My Life' (extended mix) and Echo & The Bunnymen's 'Silver (Tidal Wave)' provide balance. Closing with Paul McCartney's heartfelt 'No More Lonely Nights' (extended) and the ever-catchy 'Somebody's Watching Me' by Rockwell, this compilation offers a comprehensive snapshot of 1984's pop brilliance. Having these extended versions together in one set is more than a greatest hits package - it's like having all the maxi singles together like an experienced DJ ready to rock a party.

Review: A new collection that documents a micro-niche of American baroque pop with a fresh new compilation. Diversifying the selection from, but still including, the most obvious figureheads in the style - Nico, Linda Rondstadt, even The Monkees - to also focus on the fulgurant but less visible sparks in the sound, such as Appaloosa and Eternity's Children, this is a record whose focus is on both greater and lesser objects of renown. The chamber orchestral instrumentation of the sound is made palpable; quaternary strings, harpsichords, woodwinds and autoharps abound, gelling neatly with the hip connotations of the genre's late 60s efflorescence.

Review: NOW's ongoing 'Yearbook' series, which offers a wealth of hits from a specific year across four action-packed discs, moves on to 1977 - a year when disco and punk were on the rise. There's plenty of the former showcased here - think Chic, Candi Staton, Donna Summer, the Trammps, Thelma Houston and Marvin Gaye - as well as classic and blue-eyed soul from the likes of Boz Scaggs and the Drifters. Punk and alternative rock of the period are relatively well catered for too, thanks to hits from the Ramones, the Stranglers, The Jam and the Clash. Throw in a host of familiar mainstream pop and rock favourites, as well as a clutch of curiosities (Mike Oldfield's 'Portsmouth') and you have a faithfully expansive reflection of what British pop fans were listening to in 1977.

Review: NOW Presents...12" 80s: Part One - 1980-1982 is perfect for fans of the era and collectors who like the best bang for the buck in a great package. This stunning 5xLP box set features 44 iconic 12", extended, and remixed versions of classic tracks from the early 80s, each pressed on a different vibrant transparent vinyl: red, yellow, green, blue and purple. Kicking off with Blondie's infectious 'Call Me', the collection encapsulates the essence of 1980-1982 with tracks that defined dancefloors, including Grace Jones' sultry 'Love Is The Drug' and Loleatta Holloway's 'Love Sensation'. The set also showcases beloved hits from artists like Olivia Newton-John, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Specials, alongside synth-pop staples from Soft Cell and Duran Duran. Each side of vinyl brings warmth and depth to these timeless tracks, the packaging is elegant, ideal for both display and enjoyment and with its limited edition status and a wealth of classic tracks, this box set is a serious celebration of 80s music. Getting these extended versions separate on vinyl would be quite a task to take on, but thankfully, NOW has done the hard work for us.

Review: On the label's latest deep dive into the margins of underground music culture, Soul Jazz Records has decided to take us back to the late 1970s and Britain's DIY 'powerpop' movement - a self-contained micro-scene whose obscure and proudly independent artists mixed elements of punk with (as the extensive liner notes put it) "melodically beautiful 60s pop and garage sounds". On offer is a predictably impressive, 150-track selection of self-released songs from bands forgotten by all but the most obsessive powerpop nerds. Highlights include the gravelly, ten-ton riffs and bawled vocals of 'London' by Gobblinz, the proto indie-jangle-goes-punk strut of Xdreamysts' 'Right Way Home', the bass-heavy post-punk joy of The Monitors' 'Compulsory Fun' and the post-punk reggae/blue-eyed soul fusion of 'Cry Myself To Sleep' by Cosmic Romance.

Review: NOW Yearbook 1977 takes listeners on a nostalgic trip through one of music's most diverse years. This 3x12" collection covers a broad spectrum of genres, blending rock, punk, disco, and pop. Iconic tracks like Queen's 'We Are The Champions'. Status Quo's 'Rockin' All Over The World', and Emerson, Lake & Palmer's majestic 'Fanfare For The Common Man' help headline the rock selections. Punk fans are treated to anthems from The Clash and The Stranglers, while disco enthusiasts will revel in Donna Summer's groundbreaking 'I Feel Love' and Chic's 'Dance, Dance, Dance'. Soft rock hits like Paul McCartney & Wings' 'Mull of Kintyre' and 10cc's 'The Things We Do For Love' add melody, alongside soul gems from Marvin Gaye and The Commodores. The collection also dips into pure pop joy with Boney M's 'Ma Baker' and 'Daddy Cool', plus novelty classics like Meri Wilson's 'Telephone Man'. With this sprawling lineup, NOW Yearbook 1977 encapsulates a defining year, highlighting the era's eclectic sounds and celebrating legendary artists across rock, punk, disco and pop.

Review: Secret Superstar Sounds, courtesy of Soul Jazz, offers an eclectic and excellent collection of oddball punk and powerpop rare cuts from little-known bands from the late 70s, including but not limited to The Squares, The Meanies, The Monitors, Plummet Airline, and Krypton Tunes. Falling between the cracks of punk, new wave and post-punk, these unfairly overlooked and forgotten to time gems came from a slew of DIY ethos purists inspired by the messaging of bands like The Desperate Bicycles, Sniffing Glue fanzine and early UK punk labels like Stiff, Chiswick and Rough Trade, recording everything in-house, then sending their recordings to the likes of John Peel and labels with hopes of some airplay or recognition, little of which came. A long-lost micro-genre of unfairly forgotten underground punk (but not punk) gems awaits.

Review: It's almost Christmas time which of course means we get inundated with plenty of brilliantly seasonal albums to add a touch of sonic warmth and festivities to your parties. This one is a mix of more modern-leaning collections of Christmas sounds from favourites like Ed Sheehan and Kelly Clarkson next to more traditional names like Michael Buble, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway and The Pogues. It does on four sides of vinyl and really will do the trick to get you in the mood while you over eat and drink too much for a good few weeks this December.

Review: NOW - Yearbook 1977 takes us back to a diverse and vibrant year in pop with 80 tracks across 4 CDs, presented in a special hardback edition with a 28-page booklet. The collection opens with Queen's iconic anthem 'We Are The Champions' and continues with hits like Status Quo's 'Rockin' All Over The World' and Elvis Presley's posthumous #1 'Way Down'. Punk and new wave shine on Disc Two with The Clash's 'White Riot', The Ramones' 'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker' and Elvis Costello's 'Watching The Detectives'. Other highlights include Paul Simon, Santana and the Yes ballad 'Wonderous Stories'. Disco dominates Disc Three, with Donna Summer's groundbreaking'I Feel Love', Boney M's debut 'Daddy Cool' and Chic's infectious 'Dance, Dance, Dance'. Soul classics from Marvin Gaye, Deniece Williams, and The Commodores' "Easy" round out this era-defining section. The final disc features Paul McCartney & Wings' mega-hit 'Mull of Kintyre' alongside smooth pop from Olivia Newton-John, Billy Ocean's 'Red Light Spells Danger' and easy-listening staples like Manhattan Transfer's 'Chanson D'Amour'. The collection closes on a nostalgic note with Mike Oldfield's 'Portsmouth' and the Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band's 'The Floral Dance'. A superb celebration of one of pop music's most exciting years.

Review: An illuminating double-disc compilation that attempts to trace the musical DNA of one of rock's most shape-shifting and enigmatic figures. Given Bowie's unparalleled ability to absorb, reinterpret and transcend genres, the concept of "influence" feels almost reductive. Yet, this collection highlights the artists he admired, spanning rock 'n' roll pioneers, avant-garde experimenters, and boundary-pushing contemporaries. The set opens with Little Richard's electrifying 'Shake A Hand (If You Can),' a nod to the flamboyant, high-energy showmanship that Bowie carried forward. Anthony Newley's theatrical croon on 'Who Can I Turn To' reflects the dramatic flair that seeped into Bowie's early work, while Ken Nordine & The Fred Katz Group's spoken-word jazz piece hints at his taste for the unconventional. The Stooges' 'No Fun' and Pixies' 'Debaser' showcase the raw, confrontational rock energy he admired, while Cream's 'I Feel Free' echoes the psychedelic textures of his late '60s output. Side-3 ventures into Bowie's electronic inspirations, featuring Air's sleek 'Sexy Boy' and Brian Eno's atmospheric 'Another Green World', a direct link to their Berlin-era collaborations. Scott Walker's brooding 'Montague Terrace (In Blue)' and Tom Verlaine's 'Kingdom Come' reflect Bowie's fascination with outsider figures and poetic lyricism. The final stretch ties in his art-rock sensibilities with Roxy Music's 'Virginia Plain' and the haunting, childlike innocence of The Langley Schools Music Project's take on 'Space Oddity.' While no compilation could fully define Bowie's influences, this one paints a fascinating portrait of the sonic palette that shaped a legend.

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


Secret Superstar Sounds, courtesy of Soul Jazz, offers an eclectic and excellent collection of oddball punk and powerpop rare cuts from little-known bands from the late 70s, including but not limited to The Squares, The Meanies, The Monitors, Plummet Airline, and Krypton Tunes. Falling between the cracks of punk, new wave and post-punk, these unfairly overlooked and forgotten to time gems came from a slew of DIY ethos purists inspired by the messaging of bands like The Desperate Bicycles, Sniffing Glue fanzine and early UK punk labels like Stiff, Chiswick and Rough Trade, recording everything in-house, then sending their recordings to the likes of John Peel and labels with hopes of some airplay or recognition, little of which came. A long-lost micro-genre of unfairly forgotten underground punk (but not punk) gems awaits.

Review: This soundtrack captures the electrifying energy and transformative power of Bob Dylan's early career, featuring a collection of iconic songs performed by the cast of 'A Complete Unknown'. Timothee Chalamet steps into Dylan's shoes, delivering captivating renditions of classics like 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' and 'Like A Rolling Stone'. The soundtrack also features performances from Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, each adding their own unique flavour to the mix. With its blend of classic folk songs, bluesy grit and rock 'n' roll energy, this soundtrack is a must-have for any Dylan fan or anyone who appreciates the power of music to capture a moment in history.

Review: American baroque pop, or chamber pop as it is also known, flourished from 1966 to the early seventies. It's a sound that blends string quartets, harpsichords and woodwinds to evoke a unique summer-into-autumn kind of melancholy. Far from the raw energy of early rock 'n' roll, this style often attracted musicians from folk backgrounds who were drawn to its acoustic richness. Linda Ronstadt's first band, the Stone Poneys, introduced the autoharp in 1965 while artists like Bonnie Dobson and Nico experimented with string arrangements as they sought new, post-electric directions. This era marked a shift toward intricate, orchestral textures that redefined the boundaries of pop and folk music and are explored in this superb and comprehensive collection.

Review: Featuring extended versions of iconic tracks from this vital year in pop, funk and new wave, the compilation kicks off with Queen's hard-to-find extended mix of 'I Want to Break Free' and moves on to Tina Turner's extended 'What's Love Got To Do With It' and Ray Parker Jr.'s 'Ghostbusters' remix. Disc two dives into the electro-disco world, featuring anthems like Sister Sledge's 'Lost in Music' and The Pointer Sisters' 'Jump (For My Love)', alongside cult classics such as Divine's 'You Think You're a Man' and Bronski Beat's 'Why?' The third disc shifts to more experimental sounds with tracks from Tears for Fears, Propaganda and Cocteau Twins, offering a rich blend of synth-pop and post-punk. The final disc brings the big hitters, with the Annihilation mix of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Two Tribes', Duran Duran's 'The Wild Boys' and the extended mix of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' A year rich with groundbreaking tunes, coupled with an emerging remix culture, make for some truly fascinating listening.

Review: The most eminent British rock opera of all time, The Who's Quadrophenia, released in 1973, hears Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Roger Daltrey conceive and narrate the angst of a young postroom worker, Jimmy, living in post-war Britain amid the schismatics of the mods and rockers, as they warred in converse step. Exploring rebellion, let-off steam, and alienation through music, the record firmly set the stage for the 1979 film adaptation of the same name, which popularised the thoroughfare connecting London-Brighton as a vital identificatory artery for a certain angst-ridden generation. The album features standout tracks like '5:15' and 'Love, Reign O'er Me', and remains one of The Who's most celebrated works. It's now reissued through Bespoke Editions, with two CDs of Pete Townshend's demos, and a 5.1 DVD-A remix of eight tracks, plus handwritten lyrics in a book and a 13,000-word essay from Townshend.