Back catalogue: Rock

Review: The chemistry between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes, caught here live in AL in 1999, produces a dynamic performance that brings fresh life to classic rock anthems. Tracks like 'Celebration Day' and 'What Is & What Should Never Be' are delivered with incredible precision, each riff from Page cutting through the mix, while the Crowes' rhythm section provides a perfect backdrop. Chris Robinson's vocals are raw and commanding, particularly on 'Heartbreaker,' where he channels the energy of the original while adding his own emotive twist. The blues covers, like 'Sloppy Drunk' and 'Mellow Down Easy,' show off the band's versatility, giving a loose, electric vibe that contrasts beautifully with the more structured Zeppelin classics. A live performance that captures both the spirit of the originals and the fire of the setting.

Review: Originally bestowed upon fans and newcomers alike in 2007, Riot! is Paramore's second album and represented a real evolution in sound for the band at the time. While never straying from the emo-punk-pop blueprint that first garnered them love and attention, this iteration saw the troupe explore more experimental and abstract ideas, while still giving us all plenty to pogo-on-about.

Hence the high chart ranking, in the US at least, and multiple gold records from sales in global territories. Music aside, it may or may not have been at this point when many ears began to realise that - even in the most angsty and immature moments - Paramore's lyrics are well and truly a cut above most of the rest. The combination being an irrepressible power that can't help but go straight for the emotional heartstrings, whether that means creating positive energy or inward reflection.

Review: RECOMMENDED
The story behind No Code is one of resilience, rights, and division. First released in 1996, it arrived at a point in time when the band were still reeling from their troubled Vitalogy tour, in which they took a stand against Ticketmaster by boycotting the company, giving a sneak preview of the problematic relationship between bands, fans and ticketing platforms that would grow more visible in the following decade.

Once again, Pearl Jam struck it big here, with the record landing at number one in the Billboard 200 charts, making for the group's third consecutive number one album. However, the success was short-lived. Combining the alternative and grunge rock they were known for with elements of garage, experimental balladry and worldbeat, it's easily their most diverse, but that didn't suit everyone back then. Hit play today, though, and we're not sure anyone could argue against the depth and innovation at play.

Review: Sacred Summits were the first to reissue Luis Perez's timeless Mexican hymns, back in 2014, but the diligent Mr Bongo has decided to buy the rights to press some more copies up. To us, that's only good news because we absolutely love this album. First released in 1981, it has been an almost impossible record to get a hold of on vinyl, but it absolutely SHOULD be readily available to anyone - through vast landscapes of subtle electronic manipulations and organic instrument improvisation, we are immersed in an endless world of mysticism, where each new listen will unearth something new and wonderful. What a sublime LP. Warmly recommended.

Review: Pretenders' iconic album Learning To Crawl gets a crystal clear vinyl reissue here to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Retaining the original 1984 artwork and tracklist, this reissue boasts 2018 remastered audio by producer Chris Thomas which arrives on wax for the first time. Following a band hiatus marred by the tragic losses of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon, the album features various musicians before Robbie McIntosh and Malcolm Foster joined to solidify the lineup. Achieving Gold and Platinum status in the UK and US, the album peaked at #11 in the UK and #5 on the Billboard 200 and includes beloved tracks like '2000 Miles' and 'Back on the Chain Gang'.

Review: Prince's early career was marked by a fearless blending of musical genres, provocative lyrics, and an undeniable magnetism that propelled him into superstardom. One of the key moments in this trajectory was his Controversy tour in 1981-1982, which cemented his status as an innovative and trailblazing artist. The live album, Controversy At The Capitol: New Jersey Broadcast 1982, captures a crucial moment during this tour and now offers those who were there, or those who want toffee like they were, a glimpse into his artistry at a time when he was beginning to define his future legacy.

Review: A series of Prince albums are being reissued by Warner, including this one from 1994. By then the legendary funk artist's relationship with his label was hugely stringed and he had recently change his name, for the first of several times to [Love Symbol]. This album was one of a number that the Purple One wrote in a short space of time in order to free himself from his contract with the major label. Despite those circumstances, it is still a standout record that managed to get to Number One in the UK despite a lack of support from Prince himself upon release.

Review: Prince is a name that needs no introduction. The Vault ... Old Friends 4 Sale was originally released in 1999 , a full three years after being submitted to Warner Bros in 1996. Thus, it was recorded in 1994 and 1995 which in many fans' eyes, follows some of the best Prince work when he was known as the symbol. Stylistically, the album has Prince exploring more jazz elements while still remaining clearly a Prince album. Perhaps due to Prince not doing a world tour to support the album and lack of radio friendly singles, the album wasn't the chart success that the label hoped for but to fans it holds a special place in their Prince discography.

Review: Ace Records continue their series of compilations from Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, tapping into unique niches of British music culture under titles like English Weather and The Tears Of Technology to arrive at this latest joint, Fell From The Sun. This is a specific trip into the downtempo, after hours sounds prevalent in 1990-1991, as the acid house wave broke and Balearic selector ethics seeped into studio practice. The selections are absolutely on point, from The Orb's majestic remix of Primal Scream's 'Higher Than The Sun' to Saint Etienne's own moody roller, 'Speedwell'. It's bouncy and boundlessly optimistic as well as being supremely chill, absolutely of its time but still ringing with an eternal charm that feels ready for a revival. Let this compilation be your guide.