Back catalogue: All genres

Review: As part of the ongoing celebrations of hip-hop's 50th birthday this year, many of its greatest records are back in print. This one is one of the most universally well-known, a formative record that set an early blueprint. Originally landing in 1982, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's The Message will always be best known for its title tune, which was one of the earliest tracks to have a potent social commentary as it depicts the stress of living day-to-day with inner-city poverty. The album as a whole is a great capsule of those exciting early times.

Review: Go To Heaven is a solid record musically, showing the band's musical evolution. The biggest change is the arrival of keyboardist Brent Mydland, who replaced the late Keith Godchaux and introduced a wide array of piano, organ, synth, and vocals, adding a fresh composition style. Produced by Gary Lyons, Go To Heaven merges elements from the band's previous styles, including jazz, prog-rock, and disco, while incorporating modern funk and synth motifs. Drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann provide consistent but reserved rhythms that anchor the album's diverse sounds. The album opens with 'Alabama Getaway,' a short blues rock jam, followed by Mydland's catchy rocker 'Far From Me.' Garcia's 'Althea' stands out with its bluesy slide guitar and buzzing bass by Phil Lesh. Bob Weir's co-written tracks with John Perry Barlow, such as 'Feel Like a Stranger,' bring funk/rock vibes with Mydland's wild analog synth. 'Lost Sailor' and 'Saint of Circumstance' add jazzy elements and upbeat pop, respectively. Mydland's 'Easy to Love You' offers smooth vocals reminiscent of Michael McDonald and the traditional 'Don't Ease Me In' closes the album with a bluesy, country-infused jam.

Review: The Grateful Dead's Reckoning, originally released in 1981, stands out among their many live albums for its completely acoustic set. This album captures the band's exploration of their roots in folk, country-western, and traditional music. Highlights include Garcia's heartfelt rendition of 'Been All Around This World' and the charming 'Monkey and The Engineer,' a nod to their jug band days. Tracks like 'Jack-A-Roe' showcase Garcia's emotive storytelling and guitar skills, while 'Dire Wolf' and 'Cassidy' bring an upbeat vibe and folk rush to the collection. The album closes beautifully with ''Ripple,' featuring Garcia's heart-felt vocals and flawless harmonies. Now reissued by Rhino Records, Reckoning offers a pristine version for both new listeners and longtime fans to enjoy.

Review: The esteemed Rhino stable is kicking off 2025 with a series of 26 limited edition reissues from rock giants like ZZ Top, Ramones, Fleetwood Mac and - in this case - Californian stoner icons Grateful Dead. Their second live album was originally released in 1971 and showcases them - in quintessential quintet form - blending rock 'n' roll energy, Bakersfield twang and psychedelic exploration. The album features a diverse setlist with a healthy hit of covers, from the hard-hitting version Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B Goode' and the Stones' 'Not Fade Away' to the heartfelt balladry of 'Me & Bobby McGee' and the cosmic depths of 'The Other One'.