Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: You know what to expect from The Cramps - punk, rockabilly and garage rock colliding in a gloriously sleazy pile up of distorted twang and deviant attitude. The A-side is a trademark take on those late 50s/early 60s tunes dedicated to the twist dance craze, enough said. It comes backed with the garage-powered 'Confessions of a Psycho Cat' and the more pscyhobilly-slanted, thoroughly howling 'No Club Lone Wolf'. Capturing a raw energy that channels the rebellious spirit of classic rock & roll with gritty guitar riffs, infectious rhythms and an undeniable sense of fun, this is a standout late-career highlight.

Review: Blue Oyster Cult's Spectres, reissued on vinyl, shows the band at a pivotal point in their career. Known for blending hard rock with dark, atmospheric elements, this 1977 album contains some of their most memorable tracks. The iconic opener 'Godzilla' sets the tone, with its powerful riffs and cinematic imagery. Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser's guitar work shines throughout, particularly on tracks like 'Golden Age of Leather' and 'R.U. Ready to Rock'? What sets Spectres apart is its haunting mood, especially evident in songs like 'I Love the Night' and the eerie closer, 'Nosferatu'. These tracks sees the band's talent for creating chilling atmospheres with both vocals and instrumentation. The balladry of 'I Love the Night' is particularly striking, a standout even in a discography filled with dark gems. Spectres remains an excellent record that perfectly blends Blue Oyster Cult's signature sound with a more accessible, yet still shadowy, rock approach.

Review: On Your Feet Or On Your Knees was the band's first compilation and helped them shoot to stardom. With the rise of successful greatest hits albums, the label at the time pressured the young band to bring out a collection of previously released music, with then 12 songs featured here the result of collecting three songs per prior album that the band felt were their strongest. This album features some of the most beloved live songs by the band like 'Buck's Boogie'. For those that are new to the band, this is a great introduction to the history of BOC prior to their landmark hit 'Don't Fear The Reaper' smash the following year and this reissue comes on silver & black marbled vinyl.

Review: They may have been formed in 1967 in Long Island near New York, Blue Oyster Cult are synonymous with the 70s, scoring numerous hits and filling arenas with their neat fusion of Californian-style stoner rock and more pop/rock/metal influences. The title track of this 17 track best of is obviously their best known song, one that is almost universally known, from its weaving opening to its iconic cowbell-whacking. But there are plenty of hidden depths to the band's history revealed here. 'Shooting Shark', for instance, given a very 80s production job that goes heavy on the synths and Linn drums, is one of a number of collaborations with queen of New York punk Patti Smith. 'Godzilla', meanwhile, proves they can successfully inject an element of funkiness into their approach too, not a million miles from Frank Zappa's sublime 'I Am The Slime' in its feel. No better time to join the Cult.

Review: Fanny's 1970 debut album is a landmark in rock history, marking the first time an all-female band wrote, sang, and played their own songs with the same intensity as their male counterparts. Comprised of sisters June and Jean Millington, Alice De Buhr and Nickey Barclay, Fanny broke new ground as the first all-female band signed to a major label (Reprise), under the guidance of producer Richard Perry. Their energetic performances at the Whisky-a-Go-Go attracted rock's elite, although the press often dismissed them as a novelty act due to the lack of precedent. Despite this, Fanny became a reference point for future generations of female rockers, earning their place as the Godmothers of Chick Rock. Their sound, rooted in the mid-to-late 60s tradition, hints at the power pop of Big Star and the Raspberries while fitting comfortably alongside contemporaries like the Faces and Edgar Winter. Perry's production brings a warm, organic clarity, making Fanny's debut a textured, bass-heavy gem that commands both attention and respect.

Review: After emerging from Mike Sheridan and The Night Riders, Birmingham's The Idle Race sought a new guitarist in late 1966 and decided to hire local teenager Jeff Lynne. By the time they signed with Liberty Records, Lynne, younger than his bandmates, had become the frontman and showcased his talents as the chief songwriter and lead vocalist. Their debut album, The Birthday Party, came in October 1968 and combined Beatles-esque melodies with surreal, ambitious British pop and duly received critical acclaim. Despite this, it didn't sell well due to Liberty's decision not to release a supporting single but it is now recognised as a classic so gets reissued on nice heavy vinyl complete with a 24-page booklet of rare photos and a new essay.

Review: This reissue brings The Modern Lovers' eponymous debut album back to life, a record that captured the raw energy and poetic spirit of the burgeoning American punk scene at its earliest inception. Originally released in 1976, the album features a collection of iconic tracks, including the anthemic 'Roadrunner' - subsequently covered by everyone from the Sex Pistols to Sleaford Mods and Iggy Pop - the introspective 'Astral Plane', and the quirky ode to 'Pablo Picasso'. Raw and yet sophisticated, with influences ranging from the Velvet Underground to garage rock, this is a real treat.

Review: Message From The Country marks a pivotal moment for The Move in 1971, signaling changes on the horizon. The album showcases the band pushing their sound to its limits, incorporating intricate harmonies, lush arrangements, and Beatles-esque influences. Led by Jeff Lynne's songwriting and arranging, the record exhibits a charmingly ornate yet accessible blend of rock and pop-psych elements. Despite facing challenges as a reduced trio and shifting away from live performances, the Move delivered their most complex and cohesive album. From the post-psychedelic title track to the driving energy of 'Ella James' and the airy pop-psychedelia of 'No Time,' each song contributes to a unified and powerful listening experience. Message From The Country holds its own against the White Album with its blend of musical innovation and accessibility. While it may have been overshadowed by the emergence of Electric Light Orchestra, the album remains essential for fans of the Move, ELO, and Roy Wood alike.

Review: Quill were a Boston-based rock band that gained national attention after performing a standout show at the legendary Woodstock festival in August 1969 despite only having formed just two years before in 1967. The quintet played throughout New England and New York and soon earned praise for their high-energy rock infused with psychedelia, jazz, and elements of performance art. Brothers John and Dan Cole handled most of the songwriting and created complex compositions that fuelled their always dynamic live shows, which often featured heavy audience participation. Quill's innovative approach and unique blend of styles made them a standout act in the late 1960s rock scene and mean this album remains a favourite years on, which his why it now gets a welcome reissue.

Review: Released in 1974, Santana's Lotus stands as a defining live album that brilliantly showcases the band's unique blend of rock, jazz and Latin influences. Recorded during their Japan tour, the album features standout performances recorded over two nights in Osaka, featuring Carlos Santana's exceptional guitar work and the band's vibrant improvisations. Highlights include iconic tracks like 'Black Magic Woman', 'Oye Como Va' and the extended jam 'Toussaint L'Overture', which illustrate the band's remarkable ability to create a cohesive and powerful sound. Originally intended as a Japan-only release, Lotus gained international acclaim as an import, displaying Santana at a pivotal moment in their evolution, with a mix of original and new members. The album's elaborate packaging enhances its appeal, rivaling the artwork of other notable triple live albums. Musically, Lotus focuses on instrumental jazz-rock, with minimal vocal tracks, yet it captures the sheer joy and energy of the band's live performances. While some may find the lengthy drum solo a weak point, the musicianship throughout the album is outstanding, making it an essential listen for fans of the genre. Overall, Lotus remains a testament to Santana's innovative spirit and live prowess, celebrated for its high sound quality and dynamic artistry.

Review: The Zodiac's Cosmic Sounds is an album from November 1967 that very much reinvented the psychedelic rock blueprint. The basic idea for it was one by Elektra Records head honcho Jac Holzman who was inspired by the commercial success of the debut album from The Doors which was released on his label. He enlisted some top people to get involved with the record from composer Mort Garson to lyrics written by Jacques Wilson via produciton from Alex Hassilev of The Limeliters. Lots of spaced out Moog sounds define the record and some interspersed folk poems add another edge entirely.