Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Jim Rafferty's long-awaited remastered version of 'I See Red' finally sees the light of day on a new 7" single, via Drag City. Known for his sophisticated, melodic style reminiscent of his brother Gerry Rafferty's work, Jim delivers a sleek pop gem with an irresistible hook. Originally penned for Frida's 1982 solo album, Jim's rendition outshines subsequent covers by artists like Clannad and even Gerry himself. On Side-2, 'Fear Strikes Out,' also gets its due, showcasing Jim's impeccable arrangement and sharp instrumentation. After decades in obscurity, these superior versions of Jim Rafferty's originals are a surprise and delight for fans of sublime pop music worldwide.

Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.

Review: Experience the long-awaited vinyl debut of a gem from the late, great Mick Ronson, a guitarist often overlooked despite his profound influence on generations of musicians. 'Angel No. 9' showcases Ronson's virtuosity and unique style, capturing a moment of brilliance from his tragically short solo career. This release on orange 7" vinyl is a must-have for collectors and fans, offering a glimpse into the sheer beauty and depth of Ronson's musical legacy. This piece is an important glimpse into Ronson's emotive performance, where his guitar work shines brightly, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. His impact on music, from his collaborations with David Bowie to his solo ventures, resonates through each note of 'Angel No. 9,' making this vinyl edition a poignant tribute to his enduring talent and influence.

Review: 'Warlock' is the latest release to be pushed via Bob Stanley's Measured Mile imprint, and pulls two floor-friendly but still retrospective gems from the storied De Wolfe music library, based in the UK and widely known as the progenitor and originator of what has now become known widely as library music. To demonstrate the gestation times common to this corner of the music industry, these two tracks have never been heard before, and yet were recorded in 1983! First comes Reg Tilsley with 'Warlock', a full yet light-winged flight through linns of flute, funk bass and notes inegales. Meanwhile, 'Flashpoint' by Roger Jackson is a space-age tittup of booming, long-tailed proportions; it's tempered by the nagging nip of a clavichord and the formidable frown of the lowest piano note.

Review: On April 17, 1994, Led Zeppelin's main songwriters reunited for the Alexis Korner Memorial Concert in Buxton, England. In August, they recorded performances in London, Wales, and Morocco featuring Egyptian and Moroccan orchestration of classic Led Zeppelin tracks along with four new songs. These performances were broadcast as a 90-minute MTV special UnLedded which led to a successful tour starting in February 1995. This newly reissued release captures an exceptional performance from that tour and includes both new material and Middle Eastern-influenced renditions of Zeppelin classics like 'Bring It On Home,' 'Ramble On,' 'The Song Remains the Same,' 'Black Dog' and 'Kashmir.'

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary with this lush black & red splattered vinyl reissue, Out Of The Cellar was the debut full-length from glam metal staple Ratt, often listed in the pantheon of pioneering hair-centric rockers along with Poison and Warrant. Their highest charting album, certified triple Platinum in the US, boasts easily their biggest hit single with 'Round & Round', while also offering some equally adored fan favourites such as 'Wanted Man' and 'Lack Of Communication'. This anniversary edition also comes complete with a bonus neon orange vinyl 7" featuring the unreleased B-side bonus track 'Reach For The Sky', recorded during the band's 1983 album sessions.

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


Lou Reed's Berlin is a visceral journey into the darkness of human relationships, now reissued on 180g vinyl. Initially overlooked upon its 1973 release, the album has since gained recognition for its journey into the toxic dynamics of a crumbling relationship, blending autobiographical elements with poetic flair. The album, produced by Bob Ezrin and featuring top-tier musicians like Steve Winwood and Jack Bruce, is a symphony of emotional turmoil set against rich, orchestral arrangements. This reissue, sourced from the original master tapes, brings the album's intricate details to life with unprecedented clarity. Reed's voice, raw and immediate, conveys the torment of his characters, while the musicians' contributions add depth and tension to the narrative. Tracks like 'Caroline Says II' and 'The Bed' explore themes of despair, violence, and regret with unflinching honesty. Berlin remains a haunting exploration of life's darker sides, made even more poignant by its lush, yet ominous, musical landscape, and is surely one of Reed's most impactful works.

Review: What you see before you ranks among the most mythologised live albums (n)ever released. Like the title suggests, it was originally recorded in 1972 at Parisian rock institution Le Bataclan, a legendary venue which would later gain notoriety after a group of armed gunmen opened fire on a crowd in 2015, killing 90 people. But that grisly recent history belies its status as one of the most respected concert halls in the French capital, and this not-quite-Velvet Underground show has contributed to that legacy. Showcasing the stop-you-dead qualities of Nico's staggering (and unique) vocal timbre, the surreal, immersive qualities of the Cale and Reed's legendary art-rock tones, this time capsule had been bootlegged and bootlegged until 2004, when it finally got an official release. Now it's back.

Review: Light In The Attic teams up with Laurie Anderson and the Lou Reed Archive for a thrilling retrospective, Why Don't You Smile Now: Lou Reed At Pickwick Records 1964-65. An expansive selection of songs all written by Lou Reed, during his mid-60s stint as the staff songwriter for the long-defunct label Pickwick Records, this is a rare glimpse of a master rock musician stepping out of the limelight over the course of 25 songs, yet still letting the form and contour of his voice and sensibility be heard. All this was achieved before Reed had at all launched his career with the Velvets; it may indeed be said that this pubescent 60s period was the firelighter to Reed's flame, as the label specialised in soundalike records that emulated the major pop hits of the day - it's no wonder Reed would absorb such emulations and take them in as his own, albeit with a Century-defining twist. Channelling everything from teenybopper pop to soul-inflected garage rock, whether byJeannie Larimore, The Hi-Lifes or The Hollywoods, we get a thorough look-in here as to what made Reed and his contemporaries tick, and what Reed made tick in turn, before the fame.

Review: Why Don't You Smile Now: Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964-65 offers a fascinating glimpse into Lou Reed's early work as a hired songwriter before his iconic days with the Velvet Underground. Released by Light in the Attic Records, this 25-song anthology captures the raw beginnings of Reed's journey in music. The double vinyl format showcases Reed's ability to navigate a range of styles, from the surf-infused doo-wop of the Hollywoods' 'Teardrop In The Sand' to the gritty garage-rock of the Roughnecks' 'You're Driving Me Insane.' This collection not only features Reed's contributions to Pickwick Records, a label known for its budget sound-alike recordings, but also includes the pivotal track 'The Ostrich,' a song that would eventually lead Reed to meet John Cale, laying the groundwork for the Velvet Underground. The anthology also highlights Reed's first collaboration with Cale on 'Why Don't You Smile,' which was later covered by Spiritualized. With detailed liner notes from Richie Unterberger and an essay by Lenny Kaye, this double vinyl release offers a deeper understanding of the roots of Reed's legendary career.

Review: REO Speedwagon's Hi Infidelity, released in late 1980, propelled the Illinois-based group to commercial success, becoming the biggest-selling rock album of 1981 in the US and was eventually certified ten times platinum. The album skillfully balances accessible pop rockers with heartfelt ballads, allowing the band's contemporary sound with roots rock elements to shine. Produced during a period of personal struggles for some band members, the album's cohesive bond is evident in its songs, composed by multiple songwriters facing similar experiences. Tracks like 'Don't Let Him Go' and the iconic 'Keep on Loving You,' REO Speedwagon's first #1 hit, demonstrate the album's chart-topping potential and musical depth. While the first side shines with hits like 'Take It on the Run,' the second offers highlights such as the energetic 'Shakin' It Loose' and the new-wave influenced 'Someone Tonight.' The album concludes with the dramatic 'I Wish You Were There,' featuring Kevin Cronin's impressive vocals and Gary Richrath's stellar guitar work. The success of Hi Infidelity marked the beginning of REO Speedwagon's 1980s pop stardom, paving the way for subsequent albums with a softer, ballad-centric approach. The band's revisiting of the album for reissue further solidified its status as a timeless classic in rock music.

Review: Emitt Rhodes' self-titled album, released in 1970, proves his pioneering approach to home recording: made in his home studio, it came at a time when union rules mandated that albums released by major labels had to be recorded in professional studios. Ergo, the fact that it was made at home couldn't be disclosed on the cover. Despite this, the original LP featured a playful message in the runout groove, stating "Recorded at Home" in humorous title case. Rhodes had initially intended to call the album Homecooking, but the label opted for his name instead. Using a four-track recorder, Rhodes forged the instrumental tracks before transferring them to an eight-track with which to add vocals, enhancing the sound with a higher-quality microphone - clearly that's as much as grandiose a story as we're getting on the BTS front. The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard chart, with 'Fresh As A Daisy' peaking at number 54 on the Hot 100, and 'Lullabye' finding its niche in the Wes Anderson film The Royal Tenenbaums.

Review: Laurin Rinder and W. Michael Lewis were amongst the most prolific producers of the disco era - a pair of jazz-trained eccentrics who not only embraced the disco sound, but did more than most to help develop it (they were particularly big fans of synthesisers, showcasing in their work as much as Giorgio Moroder and Patrick Cowley did). They also loved a concept - hence recording and releasing The Seven Deadly Sins, an album-length celebration of disco's sinful side, in 1977. As this Be With Records reissue proves, the album remains a rare beast: a largely instrumental disco album that sparkles from start to finish. For proof, check the seductive, electric piano-and-synth smothered grooves of 'Lust', the heavily electronic proto-techno of 'Gluttony', the solo-laden disco-funk heaviness of 'Pride' and the undeniably epic heaviness of 'Anger'.

Review: Ringo Starr's latest release offers a quiet reflection, pairing warm, analogue production with understated arrangements. Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, the record leans into rootsy textures, with pedal steel and harmonica adding depth to its introspective tone. Lyrically, Ringo explores the tensions of fame and solitude, balancing wistful recollections with a celebration of resilience. The songs feel like personal letters, intimate yet crafted with a universal appeal. This isn't about reinvention but rather a thoughtful evolution, proving that even after decades, Starr continues to surpriseinot with grandeur, but with his ability to remain sincere and grounded in his artistry.

Review: Ringo Starr returns with Look Up, a fresh country album produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett, with 11 original tracks that bring a new twist to Ringo's storied and much fabled career by blending his iconic style with Nashville's country roots. Starr, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and nine-time GRAMMY winner, not to mention being the drummer in the most famous band of all time, recorded these songs in both Nashville and Los Angeles, adding depth to his celebrated - and pretty much unrivalled - legacy.

Review: Rio 18's Radio Chevere is a vibrant, genre-defying musical experience that resists being neatly boxed in. Part mixtape, part radio show, it's a sprawling tribute to Tropical Music, bursting with energy, sincerity, and groove.
Guided by guest DJ Coco Maria, Radio Chevere embarks on a sonic journey across multiple continents. From the samba rhythms of Brazil to Venezuelan salsa and even Californian psychedelic disco, the album becomes a musical metaphor for migrationicelebrating the movement of people, sounds, and stories.Collaboration lies at the heart of this record. Brazilian legends the +2's appear on the soft samba ballad 'Oh Minha Querida', while transatlantic Yacht Rockers Young Gun Silver Fox bring laid-back charm to 'She's In LA'. Silvia Machete from Sao Paulo adds an infectious funk vibe to 'Maybe Man', and Venezuelan icon Luzmira Zerpa delivers rhythmic intensity on 'Padre Tiempo'. The album's linguistic variety is equally impressive, blending Spanish, Portuguese, Welsh, and English into one rich tapestry. Founder Carwyn Ellis, having explored Latin music since Rio 18's 2018 inception, takes a step back from singing on Radio Chevere, focusing instead on songwriting and production. With bold cover art by Colombian artist Yoda, Radio Chevere is a lively and heartfelt celebration of the diverse influences that make up its unique sound.

Review: This special live album from 966 captures The Rolling Stones at the height of their early rock 'n' roll frenzy. It is a legendary performance for those who know and showcases the band's raw energy and magnetic stage presence during their first-ever Hawaii concert. Recorded live for broadcast, the setlist is a thrilling mix of iconic hits like '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' and 'Paint It Black' as well as ':any Jane' and it's a wonderful example of their blues-driven sound and rebellious spirit. This special posing from Loco Motion offers fans a rare glimpse into the Stones' formative years while also immortalising a powerful, historic moment in their rise to becoming rock legends.

Review: Decca Records reissue the first Rolling Stones LP, simply titled the Rolling Stones, which first hit in April 1964, taking Decca by surprise as it reached number one in the UK charts on only the second week of release. The irony is that the Stones' chart staying power went against their Sisyphean name: instead of rolling down the charts as Sisyphus' boulder usually immediately did, the fearsome four led by Jagger proved an impressive ability to remain kings of the hill, their Stones balancing up there for an inordinate period of time; in fact it took a good 25 weeks for the Rolling Stones to exit just the third place. The result was that Decca had to struggle to fulfil demand, as its chart performance really did curtail expectations. Now reissued in 2024, hot on the heels of the Stones' Hackney Diamonds LP released this same year, we've no worries about demand fulfilment this time. Enjoy the original Stones record as intended from the go, from the version of standard 'Route 66' and Chuck Berry cover 'Carol' to the closing rendition of Rufus Thomas' 'Walking The Dog' - but expect this audiophile's stereo version to pleasingly contrast with the original mono.

Review: The Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds marks their liveliest work in decades, a testament to the band's enduring vitality. While not surpassing their late 70s peak, this album shows the Stones' strongest output since Tattoo You. Following the passing of drummer Charlie Watts, the Stones collaborated with producer Andrew Watt, who captured the signature interplay between Keith Richards and Ron Wood while maintaining a contemporary edge. The album's guitar-driven tracks like 'Angry' and 'Driving Me Too Hard' bring classic rock energy. A standout is 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven', with Lady Gaga's strong vocal contribution. Steve Jordan ably fills Watts' shoes, blending seamlessly into the Stones' timeless sound. The highlight, 'Live by the Sword', reunites Watts, Bill Wyman and Elton John, evoking the band's iconic rhythm. Closing with a raw version of 'Rolling Stone Blues', the album provides a fitting nod to the band's origins, offering a potential finale to their recording career. Ultimately, Hackney Diamonds reaffirms the Stones' ability to adapt while staying true to their roots, delivering a surprisingly spirited album that stands proudly in their vast catalog.

Review: The Rolling Stones' Welcome to Shepherd's Bush 2xCD + Blu-ray version captures a rare, intimate performance from June 8, 1999, when the band treated 1,800 fans to a set of deep cuts and classic hits. Announced as a surprise show ahead of two nights at Wembley Stadium, this performance at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire let fans experience seldom-played tracks like 'Melody' (performed live for the first time since 1977) and 'Moon Is Up', making its live debut. The band balanced gems like 'Some Girls' and 'Saint of Me' with beloved standards 'Brown Sugar' and 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'. Sheryl Crow, who opened the show, joined them for a memorable rendition of 'Honky Tonk Women'. The concert is mixed in Dolby Atmos for immersive sound quality. Welcome to Shepherd's Bush preserves an unforgettable night, blending the Stones' legendary energy with a setlist that shines with rare versatility.

Review: Welcome to Shepherd's Bush presents a unique 2xLP recording of The Rolling Stones' intimate concert on June 8, 1999, where an enthusiastic crowd of 1,800 was treated to a mix of hidden gems and well-loved hits. This surprise show served as a warm-up for their forthcoming performances at Wembley Stadium, allowing fans to enjoy rare tracks like 'Melody', which hadn't been played live since 1977 and 'Moon Is Up', making its live debut. Alongside these treasures, the band delivered crowd favorites such as 'Some Girls' and 'Saint of Me', complementing classics like 'Brown Sugar' and 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'. Sheryl Crow, the evening's opener, added a special touch by joining the band for 'Honky Tonk Women'. The concert has been expertly mixed in Dolby Atmos, providing an excellent listening experience which translates to vinyl wonderfully. Welcome to Shepherd's Bush encapsulates a memorable night, showcasing The Rolling Stones' iconic energy and a versatile setlist that highlights their remarkable legacy.

Review: This Rolling Stones live album, which became the first live record to reach number one in the UK, was recorded in New York City and Baltimore in November 1969. It came as they were gearing up for release of their eighth studio album Let It Bleed. The release was to be their last for Decca Records and the first tour that they had John Mayall's Bluesbreakers' former guitarist Mick Taylor on board. This allowed them to indulge more competently than ever before in their homage to their most beloved genre. The hits on here just keep coming - 'Jumpin' Jack Flash', 'Sympathy for the Devil', 'Honky Tonk Women'... It's almost like a best of and if the Stones had called it quits at this stage, we'd still be listening to them today. These are some of the best songs of all time and it's highly satisfying hearing versions that ramp up the blues more than the studio versions do.

Review: This newly reissued album is a second collection of classic singles from The Rolling Stones spanning a crucial time in their evolution, namely 1966 to 1971, when they made their transition from the experimental and psychedelic sounds of 'We Love You' and 'She's a Rainbow' to the rootsy, blues-based rock of 'Honky Tonk Women' and 'Wild Horses.' During this time, guitarist and founding member Brian Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor, marking the first lineup change since the group's inception. Despite stylistic shifts and internal turmoil, the Stones achieved seven Top Ten singles on both sides of the Atlantic, including four number ones.

Review: By the late 60s, The Rolling Stones had solidified their claim as the 'World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band.' As the grittier, blues-driven counterpart to The Beatles during the British Invasion, they pioneered a rebellious sound that shaped hard rock and since their explosive debut at London's Marquee in 1962, the Stones redefined rock's attitude by blending raw energy with groundbreaking music. This collection of hits has been restored and remastered from historic broadcasts so fully captures their legacy at the time with live performances from New York, Paris and Honolulu in 1966 to New York's Madison Square Garden in 1972 all featuring.

Review: The Rolling Stones celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Grammy-winning 1994 album, Voodoo Lounge, with a new reissue. The first album without bassist Bill Wyman, Voodoo Lounge features classics like 'You Got Me Rocking,' 'Out Of Tears,' and the UK top 20 hit 'Love Is Strong.' Produced by Don Was, with Darryl Jones stepping in for Wyman on bass, To many fans, this is one of their last excellent albums. Voodoo Lounge remains a strong album to the Stones' enduring appeal, reminding fans why they fell in love with the band in the first place.

Review: The eighth studio album by American folk and country rock singer Linda Ronstadt, Simple Dreams was the best-selling album of her otherwise long career, and at the moment of its release in 1977 was also the second best-selling album by a female artist of all time, second only to Carole King’s Tapestry. From the upbeat ‘It's So Easy' to the poignant 'Blue Bayou’, the album seamlessly weaves Ronstadt’s trademark rock, country, and folk influences while saliently attending us to her gripping alto; her distinctive flutter was emblematic of the great American folk sound of the ‘40s onwards. Spanning everything from ballads to line dances, the album is most notably marked by the lonesome lament ‘I Will Never Marry’, on which Ronstadt imparts the extent of her dreams’ simplicity, and her strength: “I expect to live single all the days of my life."

Review: Linda Ronstadt's Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind marks her return to pop with grandeur and power. Backed by a stellar lineup of session musicians, including Aaron Neville, Ronstadt delivers a collection of 12 quality songs by esteemed songwriters. The album's magnitude is evident in its lush orchestration and powerful arrangements, courtesy of the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. While the grand scale occasionally overshadows Ronstadt's vocals, her refined phrasing and vocal prowess shine through, particularly in her duets with Neville. Engineer George Massenburg's impeccable recording work elevates the album to near perfection, capturing every instrument with clarity and balance. Cry Like A Rainstorm not only heralds Ronstadt's return to pop/rock but also showcases her remarkable musical development, making it a strong contender for the best album of 1989.