Parlophone Vinilo y CD

Review: One of the most successful British bands of the last 3 decades, Blur are back with their first new album in over 8 years: The Ballad of Darren. The album was produced by James Ford and recorded in Studio 13, London and Devon, and is the sound of a band at the very top of their game.

The Ballad of Darren is the band's ninth studio album, their first since the chart-topping The Magic Whip in 2015, with artwork featuring an image by British photographer Martin Parr.

Region code: ABC (universal)

Review: Soulful pop trio Gabriels hail from LA and the UK and make gospel-tinged electronic music that takes you to a higher plane. After some epic singles and a recent standout performance at Glastonbury which got everyone talking - not least because of the magnificent outfits of the lead singer - they have finally put together a debut album. The first part was widely acclaimed and this seance part is no different. The music has been produced by Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar collaborator Sounwave and as well as lead single 'Angels & Queens' this is a treasure trove of warm, soul fuelled sounds that draw on the sounds of legends like Prince and Luther Vandross to cook up a throng record that will blow you off your feet.

Review: When it comes to Christmas cheer in recorded form, no one does it better than a true pop diva. Mariah may wear the crown for some of her most iconic efforts, but who could ask for more than Kylie belting out a whole album's worth of seasonal classics? Australia's premier cultural export has the clout to call up some heavyweight collaborators, whether it's Frank Sinatra joining in on 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' or Iggy Pop joining in on 'Christmas Wrapping', but Minogue can carry most of these festive nuggets all on her own.

Review: Pet Shop Boys have so much respect for what they have done in dance music over the past 40 years. The best-selling duo in UK sales history in fact. Their 15th album in total and first in four years, Nonetheless will his shelves in late April of 2024. If the lead single 'Loneliness' is any indication, we expect a powerful blend of post-disco and pop dance music that should bring original fans many enjoyable listens. Their ability to create strong anthems that balance introspective ballads that always feature beautiful string arrangements is something no one can do better. We can't wait for the opportunity to listen to this in full. This Deluxe edition features an additional CD featuring new recordings of four of the best known PSB tracks - 'Heart', 'Being Boring', 'It's A Sin' and their cover of the Elvis classic 'Always On My Mind'.

Review: "Kind" is the eleventh full-length album from Welsh rockers Stereophonics, recorded in only eleven days. Produced by George Drakoulias (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Primal Scream), along with primary songwriter Kelly Jones, the 10 tracks across the album carry a strong folk and Americana influence, but are commandeered by Jones' observational and expressive lyrics. The result is an uplifting and endearing collection of tracks, which should win over newcomers as well as please long-time fans.