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: '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: 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: 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 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.