Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: The beatdown summer of 1967 saw to many an album-length caramelisation, among them US rockers Vanilla Fudge's self-titled debut album, which saw the band take an unconventional route to psych rock pinnacling success, leaning heavily on slowed-down, dramatically reimagined covers as opposed to original songwriting. The record pairs three brief instrumental interludes with expansive versions of pop tracks, most famously their rework of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' (Holland-Dozier-Holland), which was released in an edited single version and charted in its own right. Despite some parts of the stereo LP being mixed in mono, the record climbed to number six on the US Billboard and found international success. Critics later noted its unorthodox structure: freeform intros, drawn-out vocal harmonies centred on the Hammond organ, and explosive closing jams. Polarising in style, we've a shiftless snapshot of late-60s American psych on our hands here, leaving us in no wonder as to why it was their most successful record.

Review: Legendary London label and record shop Rough Trade is celebrating its formative years from 1978 to 1993 the only way it knows how - with music. Founded in 1977, Rough Trade has consistently championed innovative artists from Metal Urbain to its current roster including Amyl and The Sniffers, Pulp and Jockstrap, always capturing the DIY spirit and musical daring that have defined its legacy for over 45 years. This limited-edition 7" singles boxset was curated by co-MDs Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis and feature some of their favourite singles from the label's early days, from reggae king Augustus Pablo - who launched the label - to Subway Sect, Stiff Little Fingers and on to Cabaret Voltaire. The collection is accompanied by new sleeve notes for added context and offers a personal reflection rather than a standard back-catalogue overview by highlighting hits, hidden gems and overlooked classics.