Italians Do It Better US Vinilo y CD

Review: After breaking a decade-long hiatus by releasing the Sad Cities album last year, Swedish disco mavericks Sally Shapiro have been on a roll through their association with Italians Do It Better. Jonny Jewel's label is the perfect home for their Italo-informed, pop-baiting sound, and now they're back with a new single called 'Rent'. It's another seductive excursion into the future-past of electronic disco, with the extended mix on the A-side complemented by the instrumental on the B-side and a team-up between NICOLAAS and Steve Moore for a remix. Meanwhile, Italoconnection step up for a version of Sad Cities track 'Believe In Me', rounding out another strong EP from Shapiro and Italians Do It Better alike.

Review: Sally Shapiro are actually a duo, and the name is actually a pseudonym. Besides, they are essentially in the business of blowing every other synthpop act out of the park by this point. Packed with emotion and swelling refrains, 'Sad Cities' is a universal lamentation for failed metropoli the world over. Opener 'Forget About You' sets the tone for the pair's home-recorded masterpiece, on which the lead singer's voice takes raspy centre stage. Regret seems to be the central theme, peronalising our collective suffering:

Review: Back in 2021, the superb Italians Do It Better label marked the birthday of pop queen Madonna by serving up a very special 20-track album of covers. It originally only came on digital and has since proved popular with collectors and DJs alike so now it makes its way to vinyl. Label head Johnny Jewel is behind it and it features 19 artists from ten countries. The original concept was to lift spirits during the pandemic and the music here still will make you feel good no matter whats going on in your world. Desire, Joon, Sally Shapiro and Love Object are amongst those who feature.