Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Santana's Abraxas stands as the definitive Latin rock masterpiece, capturing the band's vibrant and groundbreaking sound at its creative zenith. Released in 1970, this album showcases Santana's blend of psychedelic rock and Afro-Latin rhythms, a combination that moved audiences and earned Abraxas a lasting place in music history. The album features nine tracks that brilliantly highlight the talents of the band, particularly the 'Holy Latin Rock Trinity': Carlos Santana's emotive guitar work, Gregg Rolie's powerful Hammond organ, and the dynamic percussion of Jose "Chepito" Areas and Michael Carabello. Standout tracks include the chart-topping 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,' the dance-inducing 'Oye Como Va,' and the soulful 'Samba Pa Ti,' each a testament to the band's skill in blending diverse musical elements. The Mobile Fidelity reissue, sourced from the original analogue master tapes, brings exceptional clarity and depth to this classic, making it an audiophiles and Santana fans ideal version to get.

Review: Santana's Caravanserai, sourced from the original analogue master tapes, offers a definitive sound experience with Mobile Fidelity's 180g 33RPM LP, presenting superb detail, clarity, airiness and naturalism. Released in 1972, the album marks Carlos Santana's foray into jazz fusion, inspired by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, an adventurous move that paid off, establishing Santana as a visionary. Featuring tracks like 'Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation' and 'Song of the Wind,' the album blends rock, Latin, jazz and funk, creating a cosmic, hopeful, and liberating atmosphere. The production, led by Santana and drummer Mike Shrieve, is enhanced in this reissue, revealing microdynamics and an intimate presence. The record's metaphysical vibe is evident in songs such as 'All the Love in the Universe' and the epic 'Every Step of the Way.' Caravanserai is an album of cohesive focus, melody, and groove, demanding both heart and mind. It invites listeners into a harmonious universe, reflecting spiritual and soulful depth. The final Santana record to feature Neil Schon and Greg Rollie for over four decades, it shows the band's unified collective spirit, making this reissue an immersive adventure into both the known and unknown.

Review: Carlos Santana was one of the most prolific artists of the 1970s and 80s, and later in that period is when he released his fourth solo album. After a relentless pace of an average of more than an album per year since his band's 1969 debut, this Grammy-winning effort was his last release before a well-earned break in that run. The largely instrumental album showcases Santana's signature guitar tones with plenty of signature soulful energy and masterful control over his playing. He was supported by a stellar lineup including Tony Williams, Alphonso Johnson, Buddy Miles and Orestes Vilat and Mobile Fidelity's limited reissue presents the album with audiophile sound quality that reveals enhanced clarity and the intricate details of Santana's playing.

Review: Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends stands as a monumental achievement in music history, being a beacon of the late 1960s while exploring themes of relationships, identity, society, and mortality. This concept album transcends time, earning its place as one of the greatest records ever made. Mobile Fidelity's 180g SuperVinyl edition, mastered from the original analogue tapes, elevates the album's brilliance, offering a listening experience that magnifies the intricate details of its recording sessions. The album opens with the gentle 'Bookends Theme,' setting a reflective tone before plunging into the experimental soundscapes of 'Save The Life Of My Child,' which brilliantly incorporates dialogue, street noises and an eerie echo of 'The Sound of Silence.' 'America' stands out as a heartfelt narrative, seamlessly flowing into the melancholic 'Overs.' The poignant 'Voices of Old People' and 'Old Friends' evoke nostalgia and contemplation, with the closing Bookends theme urging listeners to cherish their memories. Classic tracks like 'Mrs. Robinson' and 'A Hazy Shade of Winter' showcase the duo's signature sound, combining evocative guitar work and harmonized vocals. This reissue reaffirms Bookends as a timeless masterpiece, worthy of rediscovery and celebration.

Review: Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water stands as a timeless masterpiece, effortlessly blending diverse musical styles with poignant lyrical themes. From the iconic title track to lesser-known gems like 'Keep the Customer Satisfied,' each song is a revelation of Simon and Garfunkel's musical evolution and collaborative spirit. The album's rich sonic details, highlighted by subtle remastering, brings out the instruments and vocals out like none other before. Bridge serves as both a reflection of its era and a timeless testament to friendship and musical innovation. As Simon & Garfunkel's swan song, it resonates with a poignant, bittersweet charm that transcends generations. This edition is released on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's limited numbered special Hybrid SACD. Consider this the best digital version possible that has ever been released.

Review: Styx and Foreigner and much-loved rock acts and they came together for an epic 'Renegades & Juke Box Heroes' tour recently. Nothing says summer like their feel-good anthems such as 'Come Sail Away,' 'Feels Like The First Time,' 'Renegade,' 'Juke Box Hero,' 'Mr. Roboto,' and 'I Want To Know What Love Is.' Foreigner's Mick Jones continues to drive the band with his signature songwriting and guitar hooks, while lead singer Kelly Hansen has rejuvenated the band for a new generation. Supporting members bring unmatched energy and help add to Foreigner's enduring appeal and Styx, with their extensive catalogue of hits and high-energy performances also impress. This is a great tribute to classic rock.

Review: Going on to become the biggest selling record in America in 1979, Supertramp's sixth album Breakfast In America is perhaps the quintessential historic example of a British album destined to "break the USA". As if forecasted in advance, 1979 heard the band take capital advantage of the bilateral "special relationship" formed between the two nations since the War, a principle which was of course thereafter reflected in the rock industry. After Led Zep but long before Sting, Supertramp would here spawn the likes of 'The Logical Song', 'Goodbye Stranger', and 'Take The Long Way Home', all of which were smash hits in the US but comparatively denervated back home, where they would only scrape the top ten in the Charts. Despite such an imbalance in successes, this show from the Pavillon de Paris captures the band back in Europe that year, both filmed and recorded in December 1979.