Back catalogue: Rock

Review: ***B-STOCK: Box slightly torn and creased, but content in perfect condition***


Steely Dan are the kind of band where everyone has their favourite album, with a fanbase who might well get a little heated debating which phase of the band is superior. But when it comes down to it, everyone will agree Aja is their masterpiece, where that exacting studio process and the elevated songwriting hit some magical sweet spot that yielded the semi-mythical perfect album. The grooves are so slinky as 'Black Cow' opens the record up, they spring with joy out of 'Peg' and they lock down heavy on 'Josie', and there's so much more in between. This faithful reproduction from Analogue Productions is a limited audiophile edition for a band who were made for audiophiles.

Review: Santana's Amigos album from 1976 stands out as a Latin-infused rock masterpiece that often goes unnoticed due to the absence of their most popular hits. Nonetheless, it is regarded as one of their most captivating albums, resonating with listeners through its infectious energy and musical prowess. The opening track, 'Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana),' showcases Santana's exceptional guitar skills, complemented by a solid rhythm section that propels the melodies to new heights. The album features standout tracks like the heartfelt ballad 'Take Me With You,' the dynamic 'Let Me,' and the grandiose 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile).' With its recent reissue on vinyl, Amigos becomes essential for both loyal Santana enthusiasts and those discovering the band's music for the first time. Embracing the fusion of Latin rhythms and rock elements, this album continues to captivate audiences and solidify Santana's legacy in the realm of musical excellence.

Review: Gaucho was the seventh studio album from soft-pop-rock-jazzists and yacht rock pioneers Steely Dan. Released in 1980, they would embark on a tour to mark the record's arrival, and then vanish for 20 years. Or at least go on extended hiatus. That's not surprising, given the back story here, with widespread creative disagreements and a three-way legal battle with MCA and Warner Bros ensuing. And an original budget blown by the sheer scope of 42 musicians contributing to the work. The Lost Gaucho is almost an unplugged version of all that. These are the alternative versions recorded in the early sessions that led to the final LP. Broadcast on radio as part of the promotional campaign, they've been compiled on this joyfully smooth and seductive package, which fans need in their lives.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record sleeve damaged, product in working order***


The enduring appeal of Steely Dan never fades with time, and why should it? Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's relentless pursuit of perfection and blue-eyed soul gifted us a whole heap of stunning albums, and their fiercely devoted fanbase would fight tooth and nail over which one gets the top spot. Our money would be on Aja though, given its enduring influence, its rich extended life through a whole host of sampling and the quite simply flawless run of songs, composition, production and beyond. It's one of the greatest albums out there, and you'd do well to grab a copy if you don't own it already.