Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Originally released in 1973, the album shows the duo's eclectic mix of folk, rock, and soul influences, expertly crafted under the production of Arif Mardin. Tracks like 'When the Morning Comes' and 'Had I Known You Better Then' highlight Daryl Hall's and John Oates' songwriting ability and vocal harmonies, while 'She's Gone' stands out as a true classic with its emotive arrangement and memorable hooks.The reissue offers a fresh perspective on the album's enduring appeal, with remastered sound bringing out the nuances of the original recordings. From the subtle acoustic reggae vibe of 'When the Morning Comes' to the funky folk groove of 'Lady Rain,' each track showcases the duo's musical versatility and storytelling prowess. Overall, the reissue of Abandoned Luncheonette serves as a timely reminder of Hall and Oates' early brilliance and sets the stage for a new generation of listeners to discover and appreciate their timeless music.

Review: There has long been an obsession in rock circles with Jimi Hendrix's fourth, unreleased album, a set he imagined to be a double or triple set and recorded a wealth of tracks for in the New York studio he created, Electric Lady Studios, over ten months in 1969-70. This fantastic box set, comprising three CDs, a Blu-ray featuring a new documentary and 5.1 surround sound mixes, and a booklet full of contextualising liner notes, tells the story of Hendrix's final recording sessions in full. Some 29 tracks of the 38 on show - a mixture of studio demos, completed tracks, alternative versions and jams (including one astonishing, 26-minute medley) - have never been released before. Properly remastered and mixed, it offers an authoritative glimpse of what would have undoubtedly become a classic rock album.