Back catalogue:

Review: Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' has transcended mere holiday music, firmly establishing itself as a cultural touchstone since its release. As we celebrate its monumental 40th anniversary, this new collection gathers every iteration of this timeless classic. Fans can relish the previously unreleased live performance from George Michael at Wembley in 2006, alongside the 'Pudding' mix and the original instrumental. This festive release encapsulates the joyous spirit of the season, ensuring that 'Last Christmas' remains essential listening for both new and longtime admirers.

Review: While Wilco has often regarded EPs as secondary offerings, their latest release, 'Hot Sun Cool Shroud', defies that trend by presenting a cohesive artistic statement reminiscent of a full album. Unlike previous EPs, which were typically promotional in nature, this six-song collection embraces the format's potential, showcasing the band's versatility and depth. The opener, 'Hot Sun', blends sensations of pleasure and existential anxiety, as Jeff Tweedy questions his role in the face of climate change. Each track feels intentional, flowing smoothly into the next while exploring various facets of the band's identity. The two-part structure features instrumental pieces that punctuate the vocal tracks, showcasing a mix of melody and dissonance that reflects their eclectic sound. From the reflective 'Ice Cream' to the energetic chaos of 'Inside the Bell Bones', Wilco exhibits an impressive range, seamlessly blending elements of rock, country and experimentation. 'Hot Sun Cool Shroud' not only stands as a remarkable addition to their discography but also redefines the possibilities of the EP format in their artistic journey.

Review: It's never easy to have a huge breakthrough single and then keep the momentum. But Tom Walker, who shot to massive fame and acclaim through the 2018 hit 'Leave A Light On', seems to have managed it pretty well considering he's gone five years between first record, What A Time To Be Alive, and the September 2024 follow-up, I Am. That's an age in modern music's relentless march and production line gutter ethics. I Am is certainly a case of picking up where things left off on the last long form. The track list is a mixture of hyper emotional main stage acoustic-electronic pop balladry, and quiet piano-vocal solos seemingly poised over your bleeding body, ready to cut heartstrings with a love letter from the loss of your life. Elsewhere, EDM and hip hop-hued uptempo numbers make a similarly big impression. Comparisons to Ed Sheeran still ring true, then, but that's not to say there's nothing new happening here.

Review: Pink Floyd's Roger Waters recorded The Lockdown Sessions at home during the COVID lockdowns between 2020 and 2021. Of course, intrigue was bound to spark up as to what Waters would be doing in this time, so we're not surprised supply has matched demand. What ensues is a mixture of exclusive live originals (mastered for this EP of course), and a handful of new versions of old Floyd classics. The 2022 version of 'Comfortably Numb' falls into the latter category, appearing on the B-side. Meanwhile, brand new cuts like 'Mother' and 'Two Suns In The Sunset' appear on the A, acting as Waters' new reflections on a world driven mad; the songs were first streamed live to fans during the incipient, isolated phase of Zoom-calling and make-do music performances from inside musicians' homes.

Review: Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds - The New Generation revisits the 1978 classic with a fresh cast, packing a powerful punch. This updated version, like the original, evokes the feel of an old-style radio drama, now narrated by Liam Neeson. His softer Celtic tone contrasts Richard Burton's original sombre delivery, although his cues are sometimes overshadowed by repetitive music. Notable contributions include Gary Barlow's plaintive 'Forever Autumn,' Joss Stone's thoughtful 'The Spirit of Man,' and Ricky Wilson's fervent ''Brave New World.' The revamped instrumentation and eerie new Martian music add a modern twist, yet the piece retains its grandiose symphonic rock roots. The music recalls early Rice/Lloyd Webber and John Barry's film scores, blending nostalgia with innovation. The sound recording delivers a hefty impact, perfect for the UK tour celebrating H.G. Wells, the father of science fiction. Now available on double vinyl, this release honors the timeless appeal of Wells' visionary work while introducing it to a new generation.

Review: Bizarro World is a fictional world of opposites, born of the DC superhero universe, Superman most prominent among its bravers. Few know, however, that the English rock band The Wedding Present also briefly traversed Bizarro World, albeit not to fight alternate reality crime and/or vanquish nega-selves, but rather to bottle its antinomic essence, and of course to record a second album. Packing two of their best-loved hits, 'Brassneck' and 'Kennedy', among many more ingenious indie album curios, this reissue of Bizarro comes to orange biovinyl - a more environmentally sustainable product, as it doesn't contain any petroleum content - and throws us welcomingly back to 1989, in which ultrafast axe jangle, and deft, irreverent lyrics about apple pie and TV addiction predominated. The record is also noted for two furtherances of interest: a well-documented rerecord of 'Brassneck', and a cover of 'Box Elder', originally written by their then unknown indie peers, Pavement.

Review: The debut album Fantastic for Wham! put them on the map in 1983, setting the stage for superstardom with the follow up. Featuring four UK top ten songs - 'Wham 'Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)', 'Young Guns (Go for It)', 'Bad Boys' and 'Club Tropicana' - these songs and their accompanying videos made them MTV darlings and the most popular boy band of the early 80s, although there is a left-leaning political edge lurking beneath the pop sheen, esepcially on the earliest singles.

Review: Before George Michael went solo, he was of course one half of the mega popular duo Wham! Their debut album 'Fantastic' vaulted them to instant stardom and boy band of the generation status. The album featured four top ten songs in the UK alone and set the stage for George to become the household name and performer we came to enjoy. The singles included are Wham 'Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)', 'Young Guns (Go for It)', 'Bad Boys' and 'Club Tropicana'. This reissue comes on red vinyl.

Review: If the first Wham! album didn't make them popular enough, Make It Big definitely established the duo as pop superstars. The album would eventually sell over ten million records and attain the number one album in over a dozen countries. Nobody could escape this album for almost two years, owning the airwaves with such hits as 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', 'Careless Whisper', 'Freedom" and 'Everything She Wants'. All four of those top five hits in America with three of them number one chart topping blackbusters. The album would also launch George Michael's solo career. This reissue is true to the original release 40 years ago this year.

Review: WHAM!'s Make It Big is an iconic pop album that defined the 1980s music scene. Packed with infectious melodies, catchy hooks, and George Michael's soulful vocals, it's a timeless collection of feel-good hits. From the irresistible energy of 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' to the heartfelt balladry of 'Careless Whisper,' each track exudes youthful exuberance and infectious charm. With its slick production and memorable songwriting, the record remains a quintessential pop masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It's a testament to WHAM!'s enduring legacy and their ability to craft songs that transcend generations and has very much ensured their place in pop music history.

Review: John Williams' Home Alone soundtrack is a heartwarming classic that perfectly complements the holiday season. Known for his work on Star Wars, E.T.and Harry Potter, Williams brings the same orchestral magic to this beloved Christmas film. The score includes memorable tracks like 'Somewhere in My Memory,' a recurring theme throughout the film, and 'Star of Bethlehem,' which captures the festive spirit with choral and orchestral elegance. The standout track, 'Setting the Trap,' diverges from Williams' usual orchestral sound, incorporating electronics and percussion to enhance Kevin's creative showdown with the burglars. Alongside traditional Christmas carols like 'O Holy Night' and 'Carol of the Bells,' the soundtrack blends nostalgia with whimsy. Though the album repeats familiar motifs, its charm makes it a refreshing alternative to typical holiday music. The Home Alone soundtrack is available in a limited edition red and gold vinyl 2xLP, making it an essential for any festive playlist. Whether it's playing while decorating the tree or enjoying Christmas cookies, this release brings the holiday spirit alive.