Back catalogue: All genres

Review: From the grave, Prince is serving up a banger just in time for Christmas fun this year in the form of a one-sided 12" on Warner. It found him working with his trusty New Power Generation and features the 'damn near 10 min' mix of the song 'Gett Off' which is sure to fire up any dancefloor. It was originally a single - also served up as a one-sider - to promote Prince's new band with a cover that boldly declared that "Nothing can stop Prince and the New Power Generation" and was only issued on 1500 copies, so this is a great treat for fans to own all these years later.

Review: Elusive former Odd Future wordsmith Earl Sweatshirt celebrated the ten year anniversary of his seminal 2013 major label debut Doris back in August to a sold out crowd down the road from our offices in KOKO. Directly after the show had finished, the mass would march down to the Jazz Cafe for an exclusive club night where teasers were unveiled of the long-gestating collaborative album with esteemed, multi-generational hip-hop producer The Alchemist. Already streaming while vinyl currently sits on the presses, Voir Dire offers a reliably hazy, laid back yet subtly esoteric collection of forward thinking, muted bangers; breathing with the same sonic ambivalence of a project such as Madvillainy, while the mainstay features from Sweatshirt alumni MIKE and Vince Staples aid in grounding the work within the ever-expanding tapestry of Earl's output.

Review: Talk Talk are true totems of the British synth-pop tradition, and they certainly took an interesting path into experimental realms from the midpoint of their career, but it all began right here. The Party's Over is grandiose in all the best ways, capturing an era of exquisite songwriting which was groundbreaking and traditionally rooted at the same time. Like ABC, Talk Talk knew how to deliver bombast and sentimentality without losing the depth of their work, and now, 40 years on, this spectacular album is being given a reissue on white vinyl.

Review: Talking Heads: 77 marks the band's audacious entry into the music scene, brimming with quirky, infectious energy. It opens with 'Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town', a playful yet complex love song that introduces David Byrne's distinctive lyrical style and the band's adventurous spirit. With its upbeat tempo and unexpected steel drum accents, the track hints at the future explorations of rhythm by members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. The album's standout tracks, like 'New Feeling', showcase Byrne's abstract musings set against a tight, driving backdrop. This introspective yet rhythmic approach establishes a refreshing distance from typical rock conventions. Similarly, 'Tentative Decisions' displays a blend of mechanical and human elements, reflecting Byrne's unique perspective. Contrastingly, tracks such as 'Psycho Killer' present a darker tone, discussing sociopathy with catchy hooks, while 'No Compassion' conveys a menacing detachment, talking of the complexities of urban life in 1977 New York. The infectious simplicity of 'Who Is It' reveals the band's ability to flirt with mainstream sentiment without succumbing to cliche. Throughout the album, Talking Heads demonstrate their skillful manipulation of sound and structure, weaving vibrant sonic details into an engaging tapestry. This debut not only highlights their artistic vision but also lays the groundwork for the visionary work to come.

Review: Talking Heads proudly reintroduce their iconic debut album, Talking Heads: 77, with the extensive Super Deluxe Edition, available in a comprehensive 3xCD + Blu-ray + Book format. This edition features a fresh AAA remaster cut directly from the original master tapes, ensuring that the album's unique sound is presented in the best possible quality. This release documents the evolution of the band, originally formed by David Byrne, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth and later expanded with the addition of Jerry Harrison from the Modern Lovers. From the outset, Talking Heads: 77 distinguished itself within New York's vibrant CBGB scene, characterised by Byrne's distinctive, high-pitched vocals and the band's tightly wound yet dynamic instrumentation. Key tracks like the haunting 'Psycho Killer' and the upbeat 'Pulled Up' stand out. Spanning nearly three hours, the Super Deluxe Edition includes many rarities such as outtakes and unreleased alternate versions, along with a never-before-heard recording of their final CBGB performance on October 10, 1977. The accompanying Blu-ray features an immersive Atmos mix and various remastered formats. Housed in an elegant 80-page hardcover book, this edition includes new liner notes and rare photos, celebrating the band's influential legacy.

Review: Recorded live at the Rainbow Theatre in London on November 5, 1973 as part of Young's tour with the Santa Monica Flyers, this key show in Young's career finally gets pressed to vinyl thanks to Warner. The band - comprised of Young on vocals and guitar, Nils Lofgren (lead and rhythm guitar, piano, accordion, vocals), Ben Keith (pedal steel guitar, vocals), Billy Talbot (bass, vocals) and Ralph Molina (drums, vocals) - performed a series of standout shows following the release of their seminal album Tonight's the Night. Featuring too many classics to count, including 'Helpless', 'Don't Be Denied' and 'Cowgirl In The Sand', this show is regularly celebrated for its "completely spontaneous and high-revved performance".