Review: Few bands have undergone as profound a transformation as this British group, and this collection carefully traces that evolution. Spanning five albums, it highlights both their early synth-pop success and their later, more expansive sound. The journey begins with 'Talk Talk', a defining moment of the early 80s, followed by the powerful 'Today' and the reflective 'Have You Heard The News?'. 'It's My Life' remains a landmark, its reputation only growing over time, while 'Such A Shame' solidifies its status as an essential deep cut and cult favorite. The second half of the set balances the band's shift toward a richer, more organic approach. 'Life's What You Make It' bridges the transition, blending anthemic hooks with a more intricate sonic landscape. 'Living In Another World' and 'Give It Up' further explore this textured sound. By the time the collection reaches 'April 5th' and 'Time It's Time', the songwriting has taken on a deeper, more atmospheric quality. 'I Believe In You' stands as one of the band's most emotionally powerful moments, reflecting their ability to craft songs with immense depth. The final stretch features 'Eden' and 'Wealth', leading into 'New Grass'ia stunning closer from their final album, widely regarded as a masterpiece. Thoughtfully sequenced, this compilation works as both an introduction and a celebration. A perfect update to their best of - Natural History - from way back in 1990.
Review: To mark the 40th anniversary of Talk Talk's landmark album It's My Life, this special edition reissue is cut at half-speed by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios, with oversight from Talk Talk drummer Lee Harris and Charlie Hollis, son of the late Mark Hollis. Originally released in February 1984, It's My Life followed the band's debut with a more refined sound and greater international success. Tracks like 'Such a Shame' and the title track became staples, achieving top ten hits across Europe and entering the US Top 40. The reissue has been meticulously crafted, utilising an extensively modified Neumann VMS-80 lathe with an upgraded SX74 cutterhead, improved magnetics and a new pitch control system. Enhanced filtering and correction circuitry designed by James Kedwards ensure that this anniversary edition delivers unprecedented depth and clarity. Fans of the band and audiophiles alike will appreciate this expertly produced celebration of Talk Talk's influential second album.
Review: The always innovative Emma-Jean Thackray's second album continues her tradition of exploring the edges of standard genres with a bold exploration of grief, selfhood and resilience. Created entirely by Thackray in her South London flat, it meshes jazz, pop, soul, p-funk and grunge into a personal journey in which tracks like 'Wanna Die' contrast frenetic beats with raw emotion while tackling mental health with humour and vulnerability. Featuring collaborations with Reggie Watts and Kassa Overall, the album honours individuality and neurodivergence while processing profound loss and results in Thackray's most intimate and daring work to date-an honest, chaotic, and cathartic celebration of surviving and thriving through pain.
Review: Peter Tosh's Mama Africa album, now reissued on red vinyl, features the legendary reggae artist at his finest. Combining reggae with African musical influences, the album opens with a powerful ode to the motherland in its title track. Tosh's adaptation of Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B. Goode' is another standout, blending rock guitar with a reggae rhythm and relocating the lyrics to Jamaica, further cementing his crossover appeal. The Tamlins' backing vocals enrich three tracks and Donald Kinsey's impressive guitar work is featured throughout. Tosh revisits his Wailers days with a reworked version of 'Maga Dog' and the fan-favorite 'Stop That Train'. His militancy comes through on 'Peace Treaty'. a scathing critique adorned with sound effects of gunfire. Tracks like 'Not Gonna Give Up' aim to uplift Africa's people, while 'Feel No Way' is a minimalistic rub-a-dub tune with understated backing. Tosh's unrelenting advocacy for justice and his Rastafarian beliefs permeate the album, reflecting his rebellious spirit and commitment to social equality. His solo career, following the dissolution of The Wailers in 1974, was defined by a fearless approach to music and activism, until his life was tragically cut short in 1987. Mama Africa remains one of Tosh's most significant works.
Review: Jamaican reggae don Winston Hubert 'Peter Tosh' McIntosh was a core member of the Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, but he also had a successful solo career. This Greatest Hits compilation spans his entire Parlophone catalogue with iconic tracks from albums like Johnny B. Goode, Wanted Dread and Alive and Bush Doctor. Originally released in 1987 exclusively in Brazil, this reissue marks its global availability for the first time and it comes on striking red, green, and yellow tri-colour vinyl that helps showcase his powerful blend of reggae, rock and political activism. Tosh's revolutionary spirit and musical mastery were second to none, as this collection proves.
Review: Bush Doctor is a groundbreaking studio album by reggae legend Peter Tosh that was released in 1978. Featuring a fusion of reggae rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, the album stands as a powerful statement on global issues that are as relevant today as they were back then. From human rights to the legalisation of marijuana those issues come thick and fast on tunes like 'I'm The Toughest', 'Nosos - The Prophet' and 'Dem Ha Fe Get A Beatin'. Produced with a polished sound, it brought reggae to a wider audience and solidified Tosh's legacy as one of the genre's most influential voices. A true classic.
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