Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The latest of Radiohead's reissues is an utter avalanche of material. 'Kid A Mnesia' itself is an 'album mashup' between their two albums Kid A and Amnesia; both projects are remastered and released side-by-side on the same LP. It doesn't stop there: for the fanatics, there's an exclusive third disc, Kid Amnesiae, which contains formerly unheard material both recording sessions, as well as Kid Amnesiette, a cassette of B-sides. This ultra-deluxe edition is, decidedly, one for the ultra-fans. Besides the radical electronic fever dreams making up both projects, this version contains the never-before-heard song 'If You Say The Word' on the bonus CD. Remastered on vinyl and cut at half the speed of the original LP, it's an audiophile's banquet. Also watch out for the exclusive booklet of drawings that come with the special edition of this special edition.

Review: Widely acclaimed Japanese rock band RADWIMPS has joined forces with German label Black Screen Records for the release of their latest studio long player Forever Daze on vinyl. It was released back in November of 2021 when it was their first new album for three years and now it makes its wax debut. It features 14 tracks, one of which is a new original version of 'Weathering With You' and was written throughout the pandemic yet still features a diverse group of collaborators who help to bring the experimental elements to life. Singles 'Blame Sumer' and 'Iron Feather' are amongst the highlights.

Review: Beyond his most famous work in The Velvet Underground and as a solo rock artist, Lou Reed lived many other lives in and outside of music. While he's not readily recognised as an ambient artist, his early foray into Metal Machine Music proved he was more than capable of leaving traditional song structures behind. The music on his final solo album, Hudson River Wind Meditations, was originally composed as a private soundtrack to his Tai Chi practice, until friends and fellow practitioners asked for copies and he rounded it out as a full album now faithfully presented on clear vinyl by Light In The Attic.

Review: Light In The Attic teams up with Laurie Anderson and the Lou Reed Archive for a thrilling retrospective, Why Don't You Smile Now: Lou Reed At Pickwick Records 1964-65. An expansive selection of songs all written by Lou Reed, during his mid-60s stint as the staff songwriter for the long-defunct label Pickwick Records, this is a rare glimpse of a master rock musician stepping out of the limelight over the course of 25 songs, yet still letting the form and contour of his voice and sensibility be heard. All this was achieved before Reed had at all launched his career with the Velvets; it may indeed be said that this pubescent 60s period was the firelighter to Reed's flame, as the label specialised in soundalike records that emulated the major pop hits of the day - it's no wonder Reed would absorb such emulations and take them in as his own, albeit with a Century-defining twist. Channelling everything from teenybopper pop to soul-inflected garage rock, whether byJeannie Larimore, The Hi-Lifes or The Hollywoods, we get a thorough look-in here as to what made Reed and his contemporaries tick, and what Reed made tick in turn, before the fame.

Review: Following on from the reissue of Rival Schools' first record, Run For Cover turns its attention to the band's landmark 2011 studio LP, which took two years to be released after the original recording sessions finished and a staggering ten years after the inaugural long player, United By Fate, had landed. Rooted in emo, pop rock, and post-hardcore, the main difference between episodes one and two was the comparatively lighter moods on the second, and an absence of distortion. In many ways, a more commercially-minded outing, at the time critics lauded Pedals for its comparative maturity, with many trumpeting the return as being slicker, more self-assured and altogether more grown up. Nevertheless, the tracks still tear from the blocks with the energy of youth and there's no denying these songs are the result of musicians with a real ear for writing infectious hooks.

Review: RUFUS DU SOL's forthcoming album Inhale Exhale is a masterpiece that transcends genres, reminiscent of Powderfinger's Odyssey Number 5 yet distinct in its own right. This Australian trio, brimming with talent, has truly outdone themselves, delivering an album where every track is a winner. Each listen reveals a captivating journey of synths and ingenious beats, with impeccable track ordering enhancing the experience. For newcomers, 'Pressure' is a standout that demands attention, showcasing a brilliant 80s-inspired bass hook. With a growing international following and an impressive discography, RUFUS DU SOL represents the pinnacle of contemporary Australian music.