Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The 2023 film Wonka has delighted audiences with its fantastic original soundtrack featuring performances by lead actor Timothee Chalamet and an exceptional ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, and Keegan-Michael Key. Composed by Joby Talbot and penned by songwriter Neil Hannon, the score captures the essence of the golden age of Hollywood musicals while paying homage to the beloved classics of the past. Director Paul King's vision of a prequel to the iconic 1971 film comes to life with enchanting melodies and vibrant arrangements, inviting listeners on a whimsical journey through the fantastical world of Willy Wonka.

Review: Francoise Hardy En Vogue - Best Of 1962-1967 captures the peak of Hardy's iconic career during her influential years on the Vogue label. Between 1962 and 1967, Hardy emerged as a symbol of French elegance and introspective pop, captivating audiences worldwide with her distinct charm and emotional depth. This compilation features her most enduring hits, like 'Tous les garcons et les filles', 'Mon amie la rose' and 'L'amitie', which embody the heartfelt sentimentality and existential undertones she brought to the French ye-ye scene. Hardy's songs, sung in French, English, Italian and German, highlight her international appeal and versatility, securing her place as a cultural icon from France to Japan. Her timeless melodies have been featured in contemporary films (including Wes Anderson's), TV series and ads, proving her enduring influence on music and style. Known for blending folk-rock, chanson and even touches of psychedelia, Hardy's work from these years reflects her unique voice in 1960s pop culture. This collection is essential for any fan of Hardy's atmospheric ballads and a perfect tribute to her role as a global ambassador of French sophistication.

Review: By the time Heart reentered the studio to record their self-titled eighth album for Capitol, their commercial momentum seemed to be fading. Early successes, such as Dreamboat Annie and its three follow-ups, had all climbed to the Billboard Top 20, but 1982's Private Audition and 1983's Passionworks struggled to crest so highly, the latter especially failing to go gold, marking the end of their contract with Epic. Tough bargains all round! Yet, signs of resurgence emerged: the band drew fresh traction from the Passionworks single 'Almost Paradise' after it was featured in the film Footloose, motivating the follow-up record Heart. Hard hair rock and arena-bound glam metal are distilled down to an essential T here, kicking off with the medusan 'If Looks Could Kill' before moving into the Lynn Wilson lead-up ballad 'What About Love'.

Review: A pivotal moment in the band's career. The album opens with 'Crushed by the Wheels of Industry,' a mix of industrial sounds and soulful vocals that sets the tone for the record's unique blend of artistry and social commentary. Tracks like 'Let Me Go' and 'Temptation' showcase the band's ability to craft catchy, poignant songs that transcend time, while 'Come Live with Me' stands out as a highlight, with memorable lyrics and infectious melodies. The album's closing track, 'The Best Kept Secret,' provides a fitting conclusion, echoing themes from earlier tracks and leaving a lasting impression. Overall, The Luxury Gap is a strong album for fans of 80s synth-pop. The reissue, with its half-speed mastering process, offers optimal fidelity and a chance to rediscover this classic album.

Review: Although not as lauded as its predecessor, the brilliant Anti-Thatcher masterpiece Penthouse and Pavement, The Luxury Gap remains Heaven 17's most commercially successful album. As this expanded reissue proves, it is also the Sheffield trio's most impeccably constructed and produced work - a successful attempt to fuse their love of soul, synth-pop and Black American dance music culture. It boasts a string of fan favourites - 'Crushed By The Wheels of Industry', 'Temptation', the TB-303 sporting 'Let Me Go', with its' proto-acid squelches and the Moroder-esque 'We Live So Fast' - with this edition also sporting a second disc of extended versions, re-recordings and dancefloor-focused 12" interpretations.

Review: First released in October 1983, a stunning debut that shows Heyward's songwriting finesse and pop sensibility post-Haircut 100. Produced by the legendary Geoff Emerick, the album merges bright melodies with sophisticated arrangements, resulting in a collection of timeless tracks that solidified Heyward as a solo force. Featuring hits like 'Take That Situation', 'Whistle Down the Wind', 'Blue Hat for a Blue Day' and 'On a Sunday', the album exudes charm and emotional depth. Heyward's knack for combining upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics shines throughout, creating a balance of warmth and wistfulness that resonates decades later. This new edition, mastered by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering, benefits from the precision of half-speed mastering. The process enhances groove detail and stereo imaging, bringing a natural clarity and vibrancy to every note. Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, the reissue is presented in its original gatefold sleeve, complete with an obi strip, a poly-lined inner sleeve and a two-page insert. North of a Miracle is more than a nostalgic revisitithis beautifully remastered edition breathes new life into a classic.

Review: Paris Hilton's return to music is a vibrant exploration of her personal journey, packed with introspective lyrics and catchy beats. The album talks about her resilience, as she bravely shares her experiences, from her ADHD diagnosis to navigating the complexities of love and fame. Tracks like 'Chasin'' showcase her growth, offering a deeper, more heartfelt side that resonates with listeners. Her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on 'BBA' adds an exciting dynamic, with a contagious rhythm that stands out. The album's production shines, especially in the upbeat and polished pop tunes, while the gatefold baby pink vinyl adds a charming, collectible touch to the release. While the album may not push boundaries, it's clear that Hilton's evolution as an artist is genuine, as she successfully blends personal reflection with catchy, accessible pop. For fans of pop music with an authentic heart, definitely an enjoyable listen.

Review: Niall Horan's The Show: Live at Madison Square Garden captures the former One Direction member in his element, balancing earnest pop ballads with confident, crowd-pleasing anthems. The live performance feels personal yet expansive, with Horan's easy charm drawing listeners in from the opening notes. The show's strength lies in its ability to meld intimate moments, like the reflective 'Slow Hands,' with soaring, feel-good choruses, all while Horan delivers with sincerity and skill. It's a celebration of his evolution as an artist, proving his capacity for both catchy hooks and heartfelt delivery.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Whitney's 1998 album My Love Is Your Love is one of a few being reissued right now and on several different formats. This one is a teal blue vinyl version that looks as good as it sounds. The album was a first in almost a decade for Whitney and one that she used to introduce some subtle hip-hop elements into her work. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide and was a particular favourite in Europe with the title track being one of its biggest tunes.

Review: Hozier's 'Take Me To Church' was the ineluctable indie pop staple of 2013, finding the Irish singer-songwriter explore gothic and religious themes, bringing a confessional feel to a tired relationship amid intrafaith discrimination. This was despite short shrift for Hozier himself, where at the time, Hozier's queerness unfairly barred him from full participation in life as an orthodox Catholic. With a turbulent music video complementing the song, Hozier's accompanying album was sure to ignite the sympathies and passions of many an indie rock fan, cementing the artist's career and earning him several nominations. This new reissue from UMR sheds light on that same moment over a full decade on.

Review: To mark its 15th anniversary, Hurts' debut album Happiness receives a long-awaited vinyl release as a rather special limited-edition picture disc. The synth-pop duo's breakthrough was originally released in 2010 and is revisited in full here with all the hits, featuring such as 'Better Than Love,' 'Wonderful Life' and 'Stay.' This debut vinyl pressing adds further value with a side of deluxe edition highlights including the festive fan favourite 'All I Want For Christmas Is New Year's Day' and Arthur Baker's remix of 'Wonderful Life.' It's a sleek and nostalgic listen that reminds of the moody glamour and melodic punch of Hurts' defining debut.