Back catalogue: 50s/60s

Review: Madmua Records was so keen to reissue this 1966 gem from Spain's "national pop" scene that they spent a best part of a year tracking down the singer behind the record, Pilar Espi AKA Sonia. Listening to the title track, an infectiously funky, Spanish Language cover of Rolling Stones' favourite 'Get Off My Cloud', it's easy to see why. That track, a faithfully fuzzy, swinging-sixties interpretation, is undoubtedly the highlight, but there's plenty more fun to be found across the EP. Check for example the American girl group-influenced stomp of 1964's 'Si Tuviera Un Martillo' and '1,2,3', a horn-heavy chunk of Detroit soul-influenced Spanish pop that first featured on the flipside of the original 1966 release of 'Aqui En Mi Nube'.

Review: The Skullcap, not to be confused with funky US DJ duo Soulclap, are back with a series of new 7"s that serve up some of the key songs from their fourth album We're Rollin. Up first here is 'Thrill's Gone,' which features the smoky Latin r&b melody and Taiki N's vocals. On the flip is the brilliantly infectious jazz swinger 'When I Get Low,' which is of course a cover of Ella Fitzgerald's classic of the same name and is a well-known gem that has some extra funk and bounce in this version. Two playful and soulful sounds for sure.

Review: Originally released in 1974, Slow Dancer precedes his commercial breakthrough with Silk Degrees and highlights Scaggs' knack for catchy tunes. Produced by Johnny Bristol, the album blends urban soul with pop-rock, delivering an exciting and vibrant sound.Tracks like 'You Make It So Hard (To Say No)' and the title track 'Slow Dancer' feature Scaggs' smooth vocals and soulful style. Other gems include 'Angel Lady (Come Just in Time)' and 'Hercules.' The album's urban soul ambiance, combined with the yellow vinyl and included insert, make this a collector's delight. This luxurious reissue as a 50th anniversary edition is limited to 750 individually numbered copies on yellow 180-gram audiophile vinyl.

Review: On this new collectors' edition from Music On Vinyl, jazz and swing vocalist Frank Sinatra is honoured with glittering encomium, with a fine ABCD-side double vinyl cycling through the best breadth of his long discography. Recognised by the label as setting the standard for jazz vocalists ever since, Sinatra's influence is heard loud and wide today, in the laryngeal feats of every iterative pop cultural figure to take after him - from Michael Buble to Robbie Williams. The 31 recordings on Collected include not just his most famous songs, but also delves into some of his best album tracks and collaborations with Count Basie, Quincy Jones and his daughter Nancy, all showcasing the versatile artist Sinatra was.

Review: Celebrate the season with Christmas with Frank Sinatra, a timeless collection of holiday classics from Ol' Blue Eyes himself. With his smooth, unmistakable voice, Sinatra brings warmth and elegance to each track, making every note feel like a cozy fireside moment. His renditions of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town' are spirited and lively, while 'Silent Night' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' showcase his softer, heartfelt side. This album captures Sinatra's effortless swing on tracks like 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' and the sentimental charm of 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'. Each song is arranged with lush orchestration, enhancing the classic Sinatra sound that has made these songs perennial favorites. From festive tunes to reverent carols like 'Adeste Fidelis' and 'The First Noel'. Christmas with Frank Sinatra is the perfect soundtrack for holiday gatherings, bringing elegance and nostalgia to every moment. Tis' the season!

Review: Great American Songbook: The Standards Bob Sang celebrates Frank Sinatra's timeless contributions to vocal jazz and has been newly remastered for this limited edition 180-gram version. Revered for his impeccable voice and charismatic style, Sinatra's interpretations of classic standards define an era and this collection showcases his mastery of melody and emotion. From 'On A Little Street In Singapore' to 'Autumn Leaves' Sinatra's renditions resonate with elegance and sophistication as he captures the essence of each song with unparalleled finesse. With pristine audio quality, this compilation reaffirms Sinatra's status as an enduring icon of the Great American Songbook.

Review: Light In The Attic have taken it upon themselves to put together the ultimate collection of Nancy Sinatra songs. This definitive compilation takes in solo recordings, rarities and duets with Lee Hazlewood and has been specially remastered from the original analog tapes. The music comes with an extensive essay by Amanda Petrusich and never before seen photos from Nancy's own archive. It opens with 1966's huge hit 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' and includes the likes of the title track for James Bond's 'You Only Live Twice' as well as 'Sand,' 'Jackson' and 'Summer Wine.'

Review: The definitive reissue of Nancy Sinatra's 1967 album Country, My Way brilliantly show her unique fusion of pop and country, a sound she pioneered alongside producer Lee Hazlewood. Featuring the iconic singles 'Jackson' and 'Oh Lonesome Me', the album is a beacon to Sinatra's artistic evolution during a vibrant period in her career. This reissue also includes five bonus tracks, such as the non-album 1967 singles 'Love Eyes' and 'Until It's Time for You to Go', providing a richer context for Sinatra's artistic journey. Packaged in an expanded gatefold with a 20-page booklet, it features a Q&A with Sinatra and co-producer Hunter Lea, along with never-before-seen photos from her personal archive. Sinatra's legacy as a strong and savvy artist is evident in her ability to redefine genres and influence countless musicians, making this reissue not only a celebration of her past but a significant chapter in the ongoing story of female empowerment in music.

Review: Nancy Sinatra’s third album, originally recorded in 1966, is a compelling snapshot of her artistic evolution. Captured in a brisk three-day session at London’s Pye Studios—famed for hosting The Kinks, Petula Clark, and David Bowie—the LP immerses listeners in a distinctly British sound. The album’s highlights include the enchanting 'Summer Wine' duet with Lee Hazlewood and the playful, bittersweet 'Friday’s Child.' Sinatra’s choice of tracks like 'On Broadway' and 'Wishin’ and Hopin’' underscores her keen ability to blend timeless classics with a fresh, captivating twist. Sinatra's transformation during this period was striking. Gone was the demure image of her early career, replaced by a bold, fashion-forward icon with a commanding voice.This definitive vinyl reissue revitalizes the album with newly remastered audio. It includes four bonus tracks from the 1969 Mickie Most sessions, featuring the unreleased 'Colors Are Changing.' This reissue comes in a beautifully expanded gatefold LP with a 20-page booklet as well as blue & peach splattered vinyl to enhance and round out this excellent package.

Review: In 1967, Nancy Sinatra soared further into pop stardom with the 'You Only Live Twice' theme, the duet 'Some Velvet Morning' and her TV special Movin' With Nancy. That year, she also headed to Nashville to record Country, My Way at RCA Studios, blending her style with country music to create a unique hybrid sound. Producer Lee Hazlewood called it "hippie-billy". This album marked Nancy as a pioneer of contemporary country, paving the way for future female artists. Now reissued on gatefold red & white swirl vinyl, Country, My Way remains a timeless classic.

Review: This deluxe reissue of Nancy Sinatra's debut album celebrates the iconic 1966 release that made her a global sensation. Featuring Lee Hazlewood-penned hits like 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin' and 'So Long, Babe,' the album also includes covers of originals by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Its folk-rock vibe, jangly pop hooks and innovative arrangements by Billy Strange showcased Nancy's sassy charm, all of which was supported by The Wrecking Crew's stellar musicianship. This reissue adds two bonus tracks, the non-album B-side 'The City Never Sleeps at Night' and the previously unreleased gem 'For Some,' which help make this an even more crucial collector's piece.

Review: The 1967 album Country, My Way by Nancy Sinatra, reissued by Light In The Attic, highlights her distinctive blend of pop and country. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, the album shows Nancy's ability to fuse her own style with classic country elements. The album opens with the upbeat 'It's Such a Pretty World Today' and includes the hit duet 'Jackson' with Hazlewood, rivalling Johnny Cash and June Carter's version. Nancy's take on George Jones' 'Walk Through This World with Me' and Don Gibson's 'Oh Lonesome Me' prove her command of country ballads. The album's other great tracks also include the emotional 'When It's Over' and the joyous 'Lay Some Happiness on Me'. Remastered from the original analogue tapes by John Baldwin, the reissue adds five bonus tracks, including the James Bond theme 'You Only Live Twice' and the non-album single 'Tony Rome'. With its expanded gatefold jacket and a 20-page booklet featuring a Q&A with Nancy, this reissue pays homage to her pioneering musical contributions.

Review: Light In The Attic presents the latest in the Nancy Sinatra Archival Series with a deluxe reissue of Nancy's first album, Boots. The 1966 million-selling debut LP introduced the sassy, blonde, go-go booted icon; built around her Lee Hazlewood-penned hits 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' and 'So Long, Babe,' the folk-rock era milestone album features songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Hazlewood and more. The catchy and jangly pop hooks performed by famed Los Angeles session musicians The Wrecking Crew and Billy Strange's innovative arrangements provided the perfect sound to help Nancy capture the attention of the world. The new reissue includes two bonus tracks recorded during the album sessions, the non-album B-side 'The City Never Sleeps At Night' and the previously unreleased 'For Some.'

Review: Nancy Sinatra, with her strong, sultry voice and savvy approach, has been a pioneering force in music and business, shaping the path for future female artists while dropping many a great record. On a chilly spring day in 1966, a then twenty-five-year-old Sinatra recorded 'Strawberries, cherries, and an angel's kiss in spring...' for her third LP within four months at London's Pye Studios, known for having hosted The Kinks, Petula Clark, and David Bowie. The album, produced in just three days, features a distinct British flavour with tracks like 'On Broadway,' 'Wishin' and Hopin',' and 'This Little Bird' and also includes the classic Nancy & Lee Hazlewood duet 'Summer Wine.'

Review: Seattle label Light In The Attic Records is proud to present a reissue of material from Nancy Sinatra's most prolific period between 1965-1976, with 23 tracks including her revered collaborations with Lee Hazlewood. Sinatra's performance of 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' became her signature tune. The pair began a three year run of successful recordings, with 'Sugar Town,' 'Some Velvet Morning,', 'Summer Wine' as well as the James Bond theme 'You Only Live Twice' being just a few. She also worked with songwriter Mac Davis, producer Lenny Waronker and arranger/producer Billy Strange on the album.

Review: The definitive vinyl reissue of Nancy Sinatra's iconic 1967 album, Sugar, serves as a timeless tribute to her artistry and cultural impact. With hits like 'Sugar Town', 'In Our Time' and 'Coastin'', the album showcases Sinatra's sultry vocals, blending contemporary pop with 1920s compositions, all wrapped in producer Lee Hazlewood's innovative Dixieland jazz fusion style. This reissue, remastered from the original analog tapes, breathes new life into the tracks while maintaining their authentic charm. Featuring two bonus tracks, including the non-album single 'Leave My Dog Alone', this edition is beautifully packaged in an expanded gatefold LP format, complete with a 20-page booklet containing a Q&A with Sinatra and unseen personal photos. The eye-catching cover, featuring the groundbreaking Ron Joy photograph of Sinatra in a pink bikini, solidified her status as a fashion icon. Sinatra's confident delivery and playful, yet empowering lyrics redefined female pop music in the 1960s. As a pioneering artist, she established a unique identity that inspired generations, blending her personal struggles with a fierce independence that resonates today. This reissue not only celebrates the music of Sugar but also cements Nancy Sinatra's legacy as a trailblazer for female artists in the music industry.

Review: .Arriving with plenty of time for Halloween, as this weird and unarguably trippy record's release blurb explains, listeners should expect: "A crypt full of classic Spook Show promos and radio spots monstrously mashed together with fiendish rare surf and garage rock instrumentals." Best buckle up, then. Alongside a number of retro TV warnings about entering other dimensions, advertisements for movies with mummies in which we're told "theatre managers will stop the show anytime it becomes too scary", the music itself is kitsch but in the kind of way many people will be drawn to. Exotic, hypnotic, subtly sexy and surprisingly immersive, guitars croon and organs refrain between insane examples of just how up-front and in your face mid-20th Century commercials were.

Review: This special album allows you to experience sixteen pristine tracks by the Spencer Davis Group, captured in 1966 during BBC recordings. This collection includes rare songs not found on any studio album alongside smash hits like 'Keep On Running,' 'Somebody Help Me,' and 'Gimme Some Lovin'.' Witness a young Stevie Winwood's vocal and instrumental brilliance, foreshadowing his achievements with Traffic, Blind Faith, and his illustrious solo career. Enhanced sound quality eliminates DJ interruption and makes for a seamless listening experience that showcases the band's dynamic performances and Winwood's burgeoning talent.

Review: Spiders deliver a bold mix of classic rock & roll, garage rock grit and new wave flair in this dynamic release. Drawing inspiration from Gothenburg's underground venues and the rebellious spirit of icons like Debbie Harry, the music channels raw energy with a modern twist. The tracks are full of sharp riffs, commanding vocals, and relentless rhythm, weaving together nostalgic references with fresh creativity. With its edgy production and unrelenting attitude, this release showcases Spiders' knack for reinventing rock without losing its rebellious essence.

Review: Squirrel Nut Zippers' third studio album, Perennial Favorites, receives its first vinyl reissue since its original 1998 release, bringing back the infectious energy and eclectic blend of styles that characterized the neo-swing movement. What sets the band apart from its contemporaries is its ability to capture the genuine spirit of hot jazz, acknowledging the darker undertones and genuine hedonism of the era. Led by charismatic vocals and backed by a tight ensemble, the album delivers a mix of catchy hooks and loose-limbed glee. Tracks like 'Suits are Picking Up the Bill' and 'Fat Cat Keeps Getting Fatter display the band's knack for solid hooks and playful arrangements, while 'Ghost of Stephen Foster' and 'That Fascinating Thing' hint at the subtext that informed swing and hot jazz. Perennial Favorites stands out as a genuine and joyous celebration of the genre. The album effortlessly dabbles in various styles, from big-band swing to jazz crooning to klezmer, all while maintaining a sense of musical accomplishment and respect for history.

Review: Long Play Album was the first LP by the Dutch soundalike group Stars on 45. The concept of the record revolves around re-recording a head-spinning medley of hits from across the spectrum of popular music. There's an epic Beatles run which takes in no less than 11 of their most beloved tracks, not to mention appearances from the likes of 'Funky Town', 'Video Killed The Radio Star', 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' and countless other triggering favourites from village hall discos and package holiday cabarets. You just can't put a price on this level of nostalgia, and now it's lovingly repressed on limited edition, 180 gram audiophile white vinyl.

Review: If you've never seen Harold & Maude then we recommend doing something about it. Released in 1971, the movie follows the exploits of a young man, Harold, who is intrigued (obsessed?) with death. His detached mother wants one path for him, instead he picks another. Namely Maude, a 79-year-old Holocaust surviver whose memories of life in a Nazi concentration camp have catalysed an attitude that we should make the most of things while we are here.

It's a dark and existential comedy that's very rarely referenced, but worth digging out. Here Cat 'Father & Son' Stevens provides a fittingly thoughtful soundtrack that's very much of its time. A folk rock work of art, the keen-eared will recognise the anthem 'Tea For The Tillerman', which was reused more recently as the theme tune to Ricky Gervais' comedy, Extras, but there's much more to recommend here too.

Review: Destination '70s/'80s Belgium by way of '50s/'60s America and UK: the popcorn soul scene is a thriving subculture that's not dissimilar to the UK's northern soul scene but with much more of an emphasis on the slower, more smouldering big band motif. Here Jay Strongman compiles some of the biggest 45s of the era across this double vinyl collection. From Brook Benton's Bassey-referencing "Kiddio", Damita Jo's famous response to Ben E King "I'll Be There" to the steamy velvet curtain tugging swing of Dolly Lyon's "Palm Of Your Hand", popcorn will instantly resonate with all soul fans while offering a refreshing new context. See you at make out point.