New releases last four weeks: Rock

Review: There's something timeless about the way this veteran UK singer carries himself and this 2010 album, now reissued on striking red vinyl, makes that all the more clear. It feels like a continuation of the Roxy Music legacy in spirit, mood and style, with that familiar air of suave detachment and immaculate detail, with a production styler that's lush and forward-thinking, bridging classic lounge-pop stylings with modern textures that still sound fresh over a decade later. The sleekness is no accident - every element is meticulously placed, from the glossy synths to the hushed guitars and orchestral flourishes. 'Shameless' is one of the more adventurous tracks, pulling in electronic flourishes courtesy of Roots Manuva. It's a bold move that actually works, blending suave vocals with a beat-driven framework that never feels forced. The real surprise, though, is the version of 'Song to the Siren' - a haunting, fragile take on the track made famous by Tim Buckley and This Mortal Coil alike, that shows just how much weight his voice can carry with minimal backing. Easily one of the most affecting covers in his catalogue. 'Tender Is The Night' rounds out the highlights with a melodic, romantic glow. There's an added layer of interest with Brian Eno - a Roxy member in its early days - contributing, creating a sense of full-circle collaboration. The sound of a seasoned artist evolving gracefully, without losing the qualities that made him magnetic in the first place.

Review: Fifty years after its original release, and over 20 since its first reissue, the quiet Beatle's landmark solo record All Things Must Pass has been punctiliously expanded once more, offering a complete sonic and archival overhaul. Spearheaded by Dhani Harrison and Grammy winner engineer Paul Hicks, the collection is a deluxe format-multiple, with one Uber Deluxe Box Set coming housed in a bespoke wooden crate and featuring 70 tracks. Alas, this CD edition is but a mere optical truncation, offering the humble and prudent listener a much sublimer curated experience: rooted in George Harrison's growing frustrations within the Beatles and a desire for artistic autonomy, 'Isn't It A Pity', 'Let It Down' and 'I'd Have You Anytime' still lie among the most enduring songs of Harrison's Tibetan Buddhist era, and with none other than compression master Phil Spector at the mix controls, you can be certain of a well-smoothened sonic experience from front to back.