Back catalogue: Classical

Review: Gastr del Sol might have gone their separate ways some 25 years ago, but they have recently taken the time to dig back into their fine archives. As a result they now serve up an alternate view of their superb, boundary breaking and genre busting run between 1993 and 1998 with a title box set, We Have Dozens Of Titles, on Drag City. Returning like a reverberating bolt from the blue, this album reignites the essence of the group and immerses listeners back into the whirlwind of their transformative era. It comprises previously uncaptured studio recordings and meticulously preserved unreleased live performances that all offer a captivating glimpse into the band's journey.

Review: Star Trek has been on a tumultuous ride over the years. To paraphrase Wayne Campbell, of Wayne's World fame, in many ways The Next Generation was superior to the original series, but will always struggle to match the recognition of its source material. More recent shows in the franchise looked to expand the viewer base, following in the wake of the saga's modern films, but in doing so kind of lost the friendly, campish mild peril we love this universe for. Star Trek: Into Darkness was a case in point - it's not fun, it's not light, it's not particularly thoughtful. As a movie, it lives up to the promise of darkness. In terms of how this translates onto the score, expect seriously moody and atmospheric big screen compositions, rather than the jaunty soundtracks that once defined this institution.

Review: Katia and Marielle Labeque's latest album, Cocteau Trilogy, celebrates operatic works by Glass inspired by Jean Cocteau's films. This highly anticipated release completes Glass's operatic triptych with transcriptions from Orphee, La Belle et la Bete, and Les Enfants Terribles, arranged specifically for the Labeque sisters by Michael Riesman. The album continues the sisters' long-standing tradition of transcending musical boundaries, blending power and subtlety with remarkable precision. From the opening notes of the Orpheus Suite, the Labeques captivate with their dynamic control and signature flair. Their interpretation of Glass's complex harmonies and rhythmic structures is both intense and nuanced, offering a fresh perspective on the composer's work. The sisters' ability to transition seamlessly between forceful, vibrant passages and moments of delicate restraint brings a new emotional depth to these compositions. Cocteau Trilogy is a compelling tribute to Glass, showcasing the Labeque sisters at their best. It's a multifaceted album that not only honors the legacy of the composer but also cements the Labeques' status as masters of their craft, making it a standout release of 2024.

Review: The 1999 supernatural horror film The Haunting, gets a new life with its first-ever vinyl release of Jerry Goldsmith's unsettling score. This Deluxe Edition 2-LP set, featuring a Black/Gold/Gray swirl design, is adorned with fresh artwork by Sina Grace, adding a visually striking touch to the bone-chilling music. Goldsmith, a legendary composer with an extensive resume, was the ideal choice to create the film's soundscape. His music goes beyond typical horror tropes, weaving a tapestry of eerie, atmospheric tension that enhances the film's haunted narrative. Known for his work on iconic films like Alien, Chinatown, Star Trek and Poltergeist, Goldsmith brought his deep understanding of mood and emotion to The Haunting, crafting a score that feels both eerie and sophisticated. The score's haunting melodies and unsettling rhythms create a feeling of lurking danger, perfectly capturing the film's ghostly themes. Critics have praised the soundtrack for its ability to evoke fear and suspense without resorting to cliches. Having this soundtrack on vinyl, brings the soundtrack alive in an elevated way.