Back catalogue: All genres

Review: George Michael's timeless Careless Whisper is an iconic pop record which this year marks its 40th anniversary. It was released in 1984 and soon topped charts in 25 countries while also achieving multiple Platinum certifications globally. To celebrate the milestone, a limited edition Careless Whisper EP has been compiled and features all versions of the song in one exclusive release. This special 12" includes instrumental and extended mixes along with a previously unreleased live version recorded at Madison Square Garden, New York. It is an EP that reminds us of the late great Michael's skills and reworks the single in club ready format for DJs.

Review: George Michael's Careless Whisper 40th Anniversary Edition on CD is a nostalgic treasure for fans of one of pop's quintessential anthems. Released in 1984, the track's lush saxophone riff and Michael's emotive vocals made it an instant classic, topping charts worldwide and becoming a (slow) dancefloor staple. This commemorative CD presents four versions of the iconic song: the newly remastered original, an extended mix that amplifies its steamy appeal, a previously unreleased live performance from Madison Square Garden capturing its live charm and an instrumental version that highlights its exquisite musicality. While Michael himself was critical of the track's lyrical simplicity, viewing it as a minor achievement compared to his other work, the song's enduring appeal remains undeniable. This edition celebrates its lasting impact with a collection that offers fans both a trip down memory lane and a deeper appreciation of its musical legacy.

Review: To celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Michael's iconic hit 'Careless Whisper,' it is now releases as a single once again. The record features a previously unreleased live recording from his memorable Madison Square Garden concert on July 23, 2008. This performance marked his reunion with the New York audience after a 17-year hiatus, part of his monumental 25Live tour that captivated over 1.3 million fans worldwide. This special edition also includes newly mastered versions of the original single, extended mix and an instrumental. Written by George Michael and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, it topped charts in 25 countries in 1984. It is certified 7x Platinum in the US and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK, with Platinum and Diamond certifications in 20 other countries. This timeless classic, written when Michael was just 17, continues to be celebrated for its masterful songwriting and enduring legacy.

Review: A unique edition of an iconic track. Originally released in 1984, Careless Whisper has subsequently solidified its place as a pop masterpiece, topping charts worldwide and earning multiple platinum certifications. This limited-edition EP is cut at 45rpm half-speed for extra clarity and features a remastered version of the original hit, an extended mix enhancing its sultry allure and an intriguing live performance of it from Madison Square Garden, adding a new dimension to the track's timeless appeal. The EP also includes an instrumental version, allowing fans to appreciate the lush production and unforgettable saxophone solo in its purest form.

Review: "This 10" single reissue comes in celebration of the upcoming 30th anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne's 'No More Tears'. A new mashup sure to inspire only the best moshpitting and hair-flicking skills from every true hard rock head, this new track hears a the original Ozzy song mashed up with Motorhread's version. Never before released, it sounds like an alternate Dante eagerly cruising through the many layers of hell, as new drum reversings, stereo effects and soundscapes are peppered into this masterful musical jigsaw. The B-side also contains the two original, unremixed versions.

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Review: Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's hard hitting sophomore album Bandana has proven a real hit over the last five months. Now though, many fans get what they have been waiting for; an instrumental version that pairs things back to the essential beats. It makes for a record that covers plenty of grind - from sunny day and feel good instrumentals to much rawer, harder hitting beast that arm with attitude even without the explicit vocal deliveries. Plenty of the soulful samples remain in situ to help colour things and make this such a characterful record.

Review: The Welsh rock icons' first new studio album since 2021's The Ultra Vivid Lament Door To The River and - remarkably - their 15th studio album. Recorded at their studio in Newport and the legendary Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, produced by regular collaborators Dave Eringa and Loz Williams and mixed by Caesar Edmunds (Beach House/Suede/Wet Leg), the album captures Manics in their melodic prime. James Dean Bradfield's voice is one of the treasures of modern rock - somehow sounding as fresh and powerful as it did in the 90s. On the single 'Decline & Fall' you can hear the immediacy and synths and guitar sounds coming together like a fireworks display celebrating the opening of a new chapter. We even get, if not quite a diss track then certainly a retort song, to a certain Mr Morrissey in the shape of 'Dear Stephen', in which Nicky Wire concocts an imagined belated reply to a postcard he genuinely received from the Smiths singer back in the 80s. The Manics don't have anything to prove at this stage of their career, but the fact they keep knocking it out of the park is astounding. Long may they keep finding this type of form.

Review: This 15th album from The Manic Street Preachers sits snuggly with all the bands' previous releases. Hints of irony, at times it's anthemic, euphoric, one that's difficult to put down and a collection of music that offers hope and belief yet again that the world can and will become a better place. It's an album bookended by songs with Nicky Wire on lead vocals. On opening (title) track 'Critical Thinking' he tells us "It's OK to not be OK!" and to believe in ourselves. 'Decline and Fall' that follows could be one of the best songs the band have written for years. It reminds us of everything we've always demanded from the band, a rousing chorus ready for airing in large arena's (as do many of the songs on this album) and for a selection of music that may have started a little slowly, 'Brushstrokes of Reunion' continues the comforting audio experience these fifty somethings remain capable of providing after over three decades of their existence. This again boasts another infectious chorus you want to be singing long to after just a single listen. Then we're back with Nicky Wire singing on 'Hiding in Plain Sight', his best vocal performance on the album and 'Dear Stephen', a heartfelt message to Morrissey (but one 'with no moral judgement' according to the writer) inspired by a postcard sent from Morrissey in the early 1980's. The following track 'Being Baptised' boasts a guitar sounding not a million miles away from one Johnie Marr would have put his name to. The second half mirrors the first half dozen songs. 'My Brave Friend' and 'Out Of Time' Revival are certainly songs worthy of being a singles, 'Deleted Scenes' is another arena ready anthem and Late Day Peaks recognisers a decline in the creative industry ("So move indoors, be happy to hide, avert your gaze as the cinemas die") - All vintage Manics material that is just as identifiable as everything the band have provided us with in the past. Final track 'OneManMilitia' is a collection of soundbites that could easily have sat comfortably on Generation Terrorists. It's a great way to wrap up the album. Critical Thinking is an album you won't want to put down after first listen, it's the next chapter of the Manic's story, one that still doesn't feel as though it's about to end and there's nothing on this album gives you the feeling they're not ready to let anyone down just yet.

Review: While the critical reaction to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - officially the fifth film in the popular series - was mixed at best, some praise was given to composer Dario Marinelli for his sumptuous soundtrack. Building on the success of previous scores for Atonement (for which he won an Academy Award), Pride & Prejudice and Darkest Hour, Maranelli created a soundtrack that mixes swelling orchestration and emotive motifs with horror tropes, supernatural spookiness, and a few subtle nods to the synthesiser-heavy work of director-composer John Carpenter. It also includes some impressively dense and dystopian sound design of the sort often found in far more experimental releases.

Review: Lizzy McAlpine's third studio album, Older, is a poignant and emotionally charged collection of fourteen tracks that showcase her remarkable talent as a songwriter and vocalist. Delving into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of growing older, McAlpine's heartfelt lyrics and captivating vocals resonate deeply with listeners. The album opens with the enchanting 'The Elevator,' setting the tone for what's to come with its harmonious melodies and introspective lyrics. From there, McAlpine navigates through the highs and lows of relationships in tracks like 'Come Down Soon' and 'Like It Tends To Do,' where she grapples with insecurity and uncertainty. Throughout Older, McAlpine's songwriting prowess shines as she candidly explores her personal experiences, including the death of her father and her own struggles with mental health. Tracks like 'All Falls Down' and 'March' offer poignant reflections on grief and resilience, while 'Vortex' delivers a powerful climax with its haunting vocals and stirring instrumentation. With each track, McAlpine expertly crafts a sonic landscape that draws listeners in, weaving together lush instrumentals with her emotive voice. From the tender piano chords to the soaring violins, every element of Older feels purposeful and deeply evocative.

Review: Malcolm McLaren, probaly best known for managing the New York Dolls and the Sex Pistols, left a significant mark on pop culture as a writer, musician, and fashion designer. His 1994 album Paris, produced by Robin Millar (Sade, The Style Council, Everything But The Girl) on the French Vogue label, is now available on vinyl for the first time. The reissue coincides with the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, where the lead track 'Paris Paris' featuring Catherine Deneuve has been officially adopted and is expected to gain widespread attention. The album also includes collaborations with Francoise Hardy and Amina, making it a notable showcase of McLaren's eclectic artistry.

Review: When it was first released, George Michael's Older was something of a shock to those who were used to his chart-topping hits of yore. Certainly, 1990's Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was a mature and expansive album from one of pop's brightest talents, but six years later Older took a moodier turn on tracks like 'Jesus To A Child' and 'Spinning The Wheel'. There are of course some big bangers too, from the slinky funk of 'Fastlove' to 'Star People', but this was a turning point in Michael's career which finally delivered the creative freedom he'd always so vically called out for. This expansive special edition of the album comes with additional edits, remixes and unreleased tracks to complete the picture for a landmark slice of British pop music.

Review: When it was first released, George Michael's Older was something of a shock to those who were used to his chart-topping hits of yore. Certainly, 1990's Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was a mature and expansive album from one of pop's brightest talents, but six years later Older took a moodier turn on tracks like 'Jesus To A Child' and 'Spinning The Wheel'. There are of course some big bangers too, from the slinky funk of 'Fastlove' to 'Star People', but this was a turning point in Michael's career which finally delivered the creative freedom he'd always so vocally called out for. This expansive special edition of the album comes with additional edits, remixes and unreleased tracks to complete the picture for a landmark slice of British pop music.

Review: Listen Without Prejudice is George Michael's introspective masterpiece. It has been newly remastered by Sony for this release and plots his evolution as a musician and also a lyricist. Released in 1990, the album delves into his signature themes of love, identity, and societal issues with raw honesty and vulnerability. Michael's velvety vocals glide effortlessly over soulful melodies and intricate arrangements and tracks like 'Freedom! '90' and 'Praying for Time' still cut through as they did almost 35 years ago. The album as a whole serves as a poignant reminder to approach life and relationships with an open mind and heart. RIP to a real one.

Review: Modest Mouse's Good News for People Who Love Bad News marks its 20th anniversary with a reissue, offering fans a chance to rediscover the album's enduring brilliance. Originally praised for its unique fusion of rock, folk, and indie sensibilities, the album remains a standout in the band's discography. Featuring remixes from Poolside, Justin Raisen, MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden, and others, the expanded digital edition breathes new life into familiar tracks. Meanwhile, the vinyl reissue comes with a new eight-page booklet, adding depth to the listening experience. Good News showcases Modest Mouse's ability to craft anthemic yet introspective songs, as demonstrated by the timeless appeal of tracks like 'Float On' and 'Ocean Breathes Salty.' Despite lineup changes and the pressure to follow up their acclaimed predecessor, The Moon & Antarctica, the band delivers a cohesive and captivating album that stands the test of time. While some tracks may falter in comparison to the album's highlights, This reissue is a reminder of the band's enduring influence and their ability to consistently push the boundaries of their sound.

Review: There's been rather a lot of noise about Jaguar II, Victoria Monet's much-delayed full-length follow up to 2021's Jaguar mini-album. The hype is, in many ways, understandable - it did recently scoop the 'Best R&B Album' award at the GRAMMYs. More importantly, it's also very good, with the decorated songwriter-turned-pop star confidently serving up retro-futurist gems who's punchy 21st century r&b beats come cloaked in musical motifs that frequently offer nods to black American music of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. The plentiful highlights include Lucky Daye hook-up 'Smoke', the dancehall-fired excellence of 'Party Girls' (featuring Buju Banton), the Fugees-esque beauty of 'How Does It Make You Feel', and the glossy disco-soul dreaminess of 'Hollywood', where her young daughter Hazel and Earth, Wind and Fire both play starring roles.

Review: Back in 2019, American power-pop trio Muna swept in to save the day with their second studio album, Saves The World. In contrast to 2017's About U, their sophomore effort is more of a universal appeal to recovery than valentines' letter, dealing in themes of addiction, alienation, romantic desolation and cycles of abusive behaviour. Sonically, the palette is weird, dreamy and bright, working in Goldfrappy gated snares and stabs to candid pop and trap progressions. A beautifully glossy, clean but still left-of-field, uncanny record.

Review: This release marks the first offical vinyl outing for Gustavo Santaolalla and Mac Quayle's soundtrack. It is the highly anticipated 2020 sequel, The Last Of Us Part II and features stunning new artwork by Tula Lotay and liner notes by Co-Writer and Director Neil Druckmann. Musically it is a striking and emotive listen that takes in moments of bass heavy impending doom next to gentler tracks of acoustic guitar that soundtrack tearful moments. The dual narratives of revenge and differing perspectives of the game all shine through in beautiful fashion.

Review: Akira Yamaoka, Marcin Przybylowicz and PT Adamczyk's original soundtrack for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners hears original OST numbers written for the award-winning anime series set within the futuristic dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077, which originally spawned as the offshoot of the video game of the same name. Fitting for the music's breathy progressive house and electro oeuvre, which is interspersed with more traditional expressionist orchestral climaxes and builds, the Edgerunners series centres on a crack team of cyberpunk renegades, as they traverse the beastly underbelly of Night City, located in a futuristic vision of LA, navigating a world replete with corruption, gang violence, and cybernetic addiction. A note for fans: this vinyl edition includes unused, never-before-heard tracks composed by Yamaoka for Edgerunners, but which does not appear in the series.