Back catalogue: Rock

Review: This brilliant 1980 debut release by the The English Beat set them on course to become one of the most influential groups to emerge from the British Two Tone Ska movement. This album is wall-to-wall bangers and showcases some of their very best tunes, with earworm melodies encasing punchy and irreverent lyrics. Opening cut, 'I Confess' is a case in point: "Just out of spite / I confess I've ruined three lives / Now don't sleep so tight." Musically, The English Beat had style, substance and the ability to baffle and challenge their heroes. Guitarist Dave Wakeling stumped guitar heroes with his "Dad-Odd" guitar tuning. It's said that Pete Townshend phoned Wakeling up and said: "I'm sitting here with David Gilmour and we're having a bit of trouble finding your tuning for 'Save It for Later'." A superb endorsement for The English Beat, who grew up inspired by The Who and Floyd.

Review: In October 1999, the Black Crowes joined Led Zeppelin's legendary guitarist Jimmy Page for shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Worcester, and that resulted in the live album Live at the Greek on TVT Records. Due to contractual issues with Columbia, however, the album didn't include any Crowes songs performed with Page. This collaboration led to a summer 2000 tour with Page and The Who and on July 10, 2000, they performed at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York, and served up what was considered one of the tour's standout shows. Featuring sixteen Led Zeppelin classics, Black Crowes tracks, and blues covers, this FM broadcast recording is a real must for fans of these rock icons.

Review: In October 1999, the Black Crowes performed with Led Zeppelin's legendary guitarist Jimmy Page in New York, Los Angeles and Worcester, leading to the live album Live at the Greek on TVT Records. However, due to contractual issues with Columbia, the album omitted Crowes' songs performed with Page. This collaboration sparked a summer 2000 tour with Page and The Who, highlighted by a standout show on July 10, 2000, at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, New York. Featuring sixteen Led Zeppelin classics, Black Crowes tracks, and blues covers, this FM broadcast recording is a must-have for fans of these rock legends.

Review: Bolan Boogie, released in May 1972, is a crucial snapshot of T. Rex at the height of their glam rock fame. This special reissue on blue and yellow vinyl 2xLP brings back the magic of the original compilation, which features singles, B-sides and album tracks from Unicorn and A Beard of Stars, with hits like 'Get It On' and 'Hot Love' defining the sound of Marc Bolan's rise to stardom. A must-have for fans, this edition captures the electric energy of T Rex's golden era.

Review: Marc Bolan's influence on rock music is huge. Everyone from Morrissey and Oasis to newcomers like Bobbie Dazzle worship the ground his stack heels walked on, not forgetting the break he gave The Damned by taking the band's original lineup on tour with him. It extends way beyond the obvious big hitting singles, as this less comprehensive, more completely exhaustive collection of B-sides corralled for RSD 2025 demonstrates. He's the master of the short, sharp pop track - no song reaches four minutes and most are under three - and just about anything here would qualify as A-sides in a lesser band's arsenal. From the folksy strumalong 'Sitting Here' to the electric shock guitar of 'Free Angel' and even a glorious cover of Otis Redding's 'Dock Of The Bay' featuring "The Queen of Northern Soul" Gloria Jones, this is yet more evidence of why the man was a huge, huge legend.

Review: Before Marc Bolan's untimely passing in 1977, T. Rex was a cultural whirlwind, an electric force that blurred the lines between glam rock and larger-than-life mythology. The band's influence during the early 70s reached levels that not only defined a generation but also cultivated the feverish phenomenon known as "Trextasy," rivaling even the mania of Beatlemania. Amid the hits that catapulted them into superstardom, hidden on the flipsides of their most famous singles, were some of Bolan's most vivid and unpredictable musical momentsitracks that now stand as an alternative narrative to the T. Rex story. This collection brings together 27 of these gems, charting a journey from the swaggering energy of 'Telegram Sam' to the reflective tones of 'Celebrate Summer.' These B-sides, often overlooked in favour of their A-side counterparts, show a different side to Bolan's genius. Many of these tracks, such as 'Cadillac,' 'Thunderwing,' and 'Lady,' could have easily stood on their own as hit singles, their impact only diminished by their position as B-sides. 'Born To Boogie' gets a newly discovered single mix, while 'Sunken Rags' offers an introspective side of Bolan that feels like a hidden treasure. The inclusion of Gloria Jones adds a fresh layer of soul to the proceedings, her voice a perfect foil to Bolan's otherworldly swagger. These tracks, strung together in one place, feel like an alternative history of T. Rex, highlighting the artistry that was often buried beneath the mainstream success. They not only reaffirm Bolan's stature as a visionary, but they also open up new pathways for the listener, offering an alternative lens through which to understand the full depth of his music.

Review: Once again, Vinyl Me, Please respond only to music fans' demand - it's their business model - in reissuing this long beloved T. Rex record. Their self-titled debut glam rock kickoff, entitled T. Rex, was the only record to feature both Marc Bolan and percussionist Mickey Finn centre stage (hence the two-figure album cover) as a duo, before Steve Currie and Bill Legend would join in 1971, making the outfit a foursome despite Bolan's predominance. Not as renowned as Electric Warrior or The Slider in the grand scheme, T. Rex nonetheless brought the band chart and commercial success, following a two-year comeup; this almost certainly resulted from its sophisticated, avant-blues pop sound and distinctive hyena vocals from Bolan, though Finn's percussions show remarkable restraint too. Add to this a dash of incredible electric rock stereo mixing; a pin-rolling of shock-rocky, flaired style; and a lengthy marinading in sex appeal; and voila, you've an unstoppable career.

Review: Marc Bolan and T. Rex defined the UK glam rock scene of the 70s with their swaggering rock & roll, infectious boogie rhythms and bold fashion. For a time, they were the biggest band in England, and though their stardom faded, their impact never did. Bolan's influence is evident across metal, punk, new wave, and alternative rock, even shaping the 80s new romantic movement. This vibrant collection captures the spirit and style that made T. Rex legendary. Fans of classic rock and collectors of vinyl will appreciate the bold presentation and timeless tracks that defined an era. Released in red vinyl that matches the cover nicely.

Review: This compilation offers a fresh perspective on the iconic T. Rex, delving into their extensive archive to unearth alternate versions and unheard material. 'The Alternative Album' shines a light on the band's cohesive "group" vibe, showcasing the interplay between Marc Bolan, Bill Legend, Mickey Finn and Steve Currie. The tracklist is a treasure trove for fans, with alternate takes of classics like 'Get It On', 'Children of the Revolution', and '20th Century Boy' offering new insights into the band's creative process. Rarities like 'Mystic Lady' and the 'Denmark' version of 'Buick Mackane' add further depth, while the inclusion of instrumental jams and alternate mixes provides a glimpse behind the curtain of their studio sessions. With insightful notes by drummer Bill Legend, this compilation is a must-have for any T. Rex aficionado, offering a fresh perspective on one of rock's most iconic bands.

Review: Released in May 1972, Bolan Boogie is a pivotal compilation album by T. Rex, capturing the height of T. Rextasy. Following Marc Bolan's departure from Fly Records to form his own label, this album was released by Fly as a collection of recent single A- and B-sides from 1970 and 1971, many of which had not appeared on previous albums. The compilation also includes tracks from the albums Unicorn (1969), A Beard of Stars (1970), and T. Rex (1970). With T. Rex at the peak of their popularity, Bolan Boogie quickly soared to number one on the UK Albums Chart, spending three weeks at the topimarking Bolan's last album to achieve this feat. The tracklist features some of Bolan's most iconic work, including 'Get It On,' 'Ride a White Swan,' and 'Hot Love.' This reissued 2xCD edition offers fans a chance to relive the glam rock magic of T. Rex during one of the most influential periods in the band's history, solidifying Marc Bolan's legacy as a cornerstone of the genre.

Review: On limited edition translucent red vinyl comes T Rex's The Slider LP, the then mad-hatted rock maven's seventh and most celebrated album. Known not only for its production by studio legend Tony Visconti, but also for its two lead singles 'Telegram Sam' and 'Metal Guru', The Slider is perhaps one of the best-skimmed creams of the 70s' glam rock era. The Slider caught the peak of what was soon to be dubbed "Bolanmania" and/or "T. Rextacy", owing to Bolan's then almost messianic onstage presence and fan fervour. 'Metal Guru', for example, takes after Bolan's invocation of a sort of rock musical "godhead" in his songwriting sessions; a demiurgic guru whose power compels him to loneliness despite the glamour. The record is also noted for its harder tone than his earlier records like Electric Warrior, with the likes of 'Buick MacKane' and 'Chariot Choogle' earning the cheeky label "Zep Rex", in reference to the zippier among his songs.

Review: This record from 1973 was T. Rex's their eighth since debuting as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968 and fourth under the T. Rex name. It was produced by Tony Visconti during the height of Bolanmania era and marked a shift in Marc Bolan's style by blending soul, funk and gospel influences alongside tracks reminiscent of The Slider. Highlights include 'Tenement Lady,' 'Bolan Boogie' and 'Mad Donna' and for this special edition, the cover art has been recreated by John Kosh, the original designer and former Apple Records creative director.

Review: Demon Records celebrates the 50th anniversary of Marc Bolan and T Rex's Light Of Love with a special edition release. Originally a US-only album from late 1974, it first appeared on the Casablanca Records label. This edition honors its historical significance and offers a glimpse into Bolan's evolving artistry. Light Of Love features eight tracks recorded in the US, initially intended for the band's 1975 UK album Bolan's Zip Gun. To cater to the American market, Bolan included three tracks from the yet-to-be-released Zinc Alloy album: 'Teenage Dream,' 'Explosive Mouth,' and 'Venus Loon.' Among the new tracks is 'Till Dawn,' notable for being Bolan's final collaboration with Tony Visconti, who provided a lush string arrangement. This anniversary edition is pressed on 140-gram orange vinyl and it comes in the original sleeve design, accompanied by a new inner sleeve. Light Of Love exemplifies Bolan's blend of glam rock and inventive musicality, offering a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience.

Review: Bolan Boogie is often considered one of the best compilations of T Rex's work and, for many, it feels like a main sequence album. Released in 1972, this collection of 14 tracks brilliantly captures the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex, offering both new listeners and long-time fans a comprehensive introduction to Marc Bolan's genius. From the mythical beauty of 'She Was Born to Be My Unicorn' to the electrifying power of 'Jewel,' every song on this album has a lasting impact. Tracks like 'Woodland Rock' and 'Raw Ramp' show the band's ability to merge rock with imaginative, almost otherworldly lyrics. 'Get It On,' one of Bolan's most popular songs, still sends shivers down the spine with its iconic riff, while 'Hot Love' captures the carefree spirit of T. Rex at their peak. Bolan Boogie is more than just a compilation; it's a journey through some of the most creative and memorable moments in T. Rex's history. For those looking to explore Marc Bolan's world, this album is an essential listen. Now available on 2x12 vinyl, it's a timeless celebration of a rock legend.

Review: Dudu Tassa's homage to his grandfather and the Al Kuwaiti Brothers, Dudu Tassa and the Kuwaitis, is a poignant and respectful revival of Iraqi musical heritage. Despite the family's forced migration to Israel, Tassa refuses to let their legacy fade into obscurity. Instead, he infuses their traditional melodies with his own rock sensibility, preserving their oud-driven dignity while injecting a contemporary energy. Tracks like 'Lo Thareeb Ana Wethroch' showcase Tassa's bold reinterpretation, blending speed and guitar burn with reverence for the original compositions. Importantly, he doesn't seek to erase or overshadow their Iraqi identity with Israeli influences but rather embraces and celebrates their cultural heritage. As one of Israel's prominent rock stars, Tassa's dedication to honoring his family's musical legacy has garnered international recognition, including performances at Coachella and tours with Radiohead. This reimagined album, featuring a live bonus track with Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead/The Smile, serves as a powerful example to the enduring influence of the Al Kuwaiti Brothers on contemporary music.

Review: Tears For Fears return with Songs For A Nervous Planet, their first-ever live album. This 22-track collection captures the band's iconic live performances from their 2023 tour, with recordings from a show at FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee. Spanning their career, it includes classics like 'Shout', 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World', 'Mad World', and 'Head Over Heels', as well as several tracks from their 2022 album, The Tipping Point. The album also features four new studio songs, including the lead single, 'The Girl That I Call Home'. Written by Roland Orzabal as a love song for his wife Emily, the track blends dreamy synths, soft drums, and tender vocals, showcasing the band's warmth and emotional depth. Curt Smith remarked, "Many don't realize we're a strong live band," while Orzabal noted, "This album is 40 years in the making."

Review: In June 1985, British synth-pop duo Tears For Fears aka Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, recorded a live set for the King Biscuit Flower Hour while at the peak of their success. Their acclaimed sophomore album, Songs from the Big Chair, had just launched, and the promotional tour included a great performance at London's Hammersmith Odeon. This concert recording features highlights from their debut album, The Hurting, alongside new tracks from their then-current hit release and it very much captures the essence of their mid-'80s new wave style. It is all enhanced by a bonus set from a 1983 Palais show nearby.

Review: Ten Years After's legendary performance at Woodstock in August 1969 remains a pinnacle moment in rock history, hailed as one of the festival's standout acts. Now, their complete hour-long concert, previously only part of larger compilations, is set for standalone release, one day before the 55th anniversary of their historic show. Led by guitarist Alvin Lee, the British blues rock band delivered an electrifying set featuring classics like Howlin' Wolf's 'Spoonful,' Sonny Boy Williamson's 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,' and the expansive 'I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes,' clocking in at 18 minutes. The set's climax, 'I'm Going Home,' a Lee original, cemented their place in Woodstock lore with its powerful performance captured in the iconic Woodstock documentary. Remastered from the original two-inch multitrack tapes, Woodstock 1969 offers a fresh mix of Ten Years After's raw energy and virtuosity, presented on a double 180-gram vinyl pressing in a gatefold sleeve, accompanied by new liner notes by Chris Welch. This release commemorates a defining moment for the band and a milestone in rock music history.

Review: Marking their first release since 2011's Super Delux, We Are Not Robots shows the band's signature raucous and eclectic style. The record opens with the punk-edged anthems 'Electrocuted' and 'The Night That Lemmy Died,' transitions to the foot-stomping pop-rock of 'Daydream,' and culminates in the singalong joy of 'Opposites Attract.' Each track reaffirms their legendary status and sets the stage for their explosive live shows. Wright's lyrics honour bands that forge their own path, reflecting Terrorvision's commitment to authentic rock. Formed in Bradford in 1988, Terrorvision's career has been marked by milestones like supporting The Ramones and Motorhead and opening for Def Leppard, not to mention commercial success with hits like 'My House,' 'Perseverance,' and 'Tequila.' After a hiatus, the band reunited periodically, culminating in their 25th-anniversary tour. We Are Not Robots, produced by Rick McNamara and mixed by Chris Sheldon, promises a 37-minute blend of pop hooks and hard rock. This album is sure to show off their ability to rock and entertain fans old and new.

Review: Acoustic Sessions marks the first Thin Lizzy album of unheard material in over 40 years, offering re-imagined acoustic versions of songs from their first three albums. This project is a unique fusion of the band's legacy with fresh acoustic interpretations that feature newly recorded guitar parts from original member Eric Bell and previously unheard vocals from the late Phil Lynott. Tracks like 'Whisky in the Jar'. 'Eire' and 'Mama Nature Said' are stripped back to showcase their lyrical and melodic strengths, while highlighting the group's songwriting roots. In an effort to capture the aura of their early recordings, Bell replays acoustic guitar parts he originally wrote for songs like 'Eire', using the same 12-string acoustic that defined the song's foundation. Paired with Brian Downey's original drum lines and Lynott's distinct vocals, Acoustic Sessions is both a tribute and a fresh look at the band's early work.

Review: Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak, released in 1976, emerged at a pivotal moment in rock history, bridging the gap between the fading giants of 60s rock and the rising stars of the heavier, more rebellious 70s. While bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin were beginning to feel dated, Jailbreak injected new life into rock, laying the groundwork for both heavy metal and punk. The album became Thin Lizzy's breakthrough in America, climbing to number 18 on the Billboard charts and breaking into the top ten in the UK. Tracks like 'Warriors' and 'Emerald' showcased the band's ferocity, while 'Fight or Fall' offered a quieter, reflective anthem. The title track, ''Jailbreak,' with its iconic riff and rebellious spirit, remains a classic. Jailbreak isn't just an album; it's a cultural touchstone, forever linked to moments of youthful rebellion and camaraderie. The band's no-nonsense approach to rock, led by the magnetic Phil Lynott, created a lasting influence that still resonates in the music of today's rock and metal bands. Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak stands as a timeless, powerful album that truly exudes the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Review: Johnny the Fox, Thin Lizzy's seventh studio album from 1976, followed the creative and commercial high point of Jailbreak, but it does stand out as a unique and compelling work in its own right. The band's evolving artistry is on full display here, maintaining Thin Lizzy's signature thunderous sound and Phil Lynott's soulful, poetic songwriting while exploring new, sometimes theatrical, directions. Tracks like 'Don't Believe a Word' and 'Borderline' highlight the album's strengths, delivering the electrifying performances that fans love. Despite its occasional narrative ambiguity and elliptical musical moments, Johnny the Fox captivates with its laid-back yet tight execution. The band's performance is confident without being overbearing, and the recording quality is superb, offering a natural, honest sound that feels both effortless and powerful. It may not be Thin Lizzy's most famous album, but it's a vital piece of their catalogue, reflecting the band's versatility and solidifying their status as one of Dublin's greatest musical exports.

Review: Seattle four piece Thunderpussy have always fought the feminist fight by being louder, brasher and more outrageous than any male band, proclaiming a love for LSD, crowdsurfing and unabashed titles - check their 'Greatest Tits' EP for further evidence. Latest album West sees Molly Sides laying down dramatic, swooping vocals over the classic-slanted rock whipped up by Whitney Petty [guitar], Leah Julius [bass] and Ruby Dunphy [drums] and delighting their fans on both sides of the gender divide.

Review: As the 50th anniversary of Robin Trower's iconic album Bridge of Sighs approaches, Chrysalis Records unveils a monumental reissue that promises an unmatched listening experience. Departing from Procol Harum, Trower's solo career soared with Bridge of Sighs, showcasing his mesmerizing guitar prowess alongside James Dewar and Reg Isidore. Recorded in a mere two weeks with producer Matthew Fisher and Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, the album's innovative recording techniques captured Trower's guitar in groundbreaking fashion. Tracks like 'Day of the Eagle' and 'Too Rolling Stoned' highlight Trower's guitar mastery, earning him acclaim as a guitar hero of his era. The reissue offers a comprehensive exploration, including remastered originals, a 2024 Stereo Mix, live performances, and bonus content. Accompanied by a 24-page booklet with liner notes, interviews and testimonials from music legends, this reissue celebrates Trower's enduring legacy and reaffirms Bridge of Sighs as a timeless masterpiece.

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Stay Hungry would serve as the third full-length from glam metal icons Twisted Sister. Certified triple Platinum in the US with over three million copies sold, the record is widely considered to be the crown jewel in the band's gaudy, opalescent crown while boasting their two biggest hits in the form of 'We're Not Gonna Take It' and 'I Wanna Rock'. Fully remastered in a new gatefold sleeve on translucent blood red vinyl, this anniversary edition comes complete with a bonus LP made up of a previously unreleased live album captured during the Stay Hungry tour in San Bernadino, California in 1984.