Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Featuring extended versions of iconic tracks from this vital year in pop, funk and new wave, the compilation kicks off with Queen's hard-to-find extended mix of 'I Want to Break Free' and moves on to Tina Turner's extended 'What's Love Got To Do With It' and Ray Parker Jr.'s 'Ghostbusters' remix. Disc two dives into the electro-disco world, featuring anthems like Sister Sledge's 'Lost in Music' and The Pointer Sisters' 'Jump (For My Love)', alongside cult classics such as Divine's 'You Think You're a Man' and Bronski Beat's 'Why?' The third disc shifts to more experimental sounds with tracks from Tears for Fears, Propaganda and Cocteau Twins, offering a rich blend of synth-pop and post-punk. The final disc brings the big hitters, with the Annihilation mix of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Two Tribes', Duran Duran's 'The Wild Boys' and the extended mix of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' A year rich with groundbreaking tunes, coupled with an emerging remix culture, make for some truly fascinating listening.

Review: NOW 12? 80s: 1983 - Part Two is a jam-packed for fans of extended mixes and 80s nostalgia. This 4CD set brings together 49 tracks, offering a mix of iconic hits and lesser-known gems, all in their extended or remixed forms. From Wham!'s energetic 'Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)' to the undeniable groove of New Order's 'Blue Monday', this compilation is filled with dancefloor-ready anthems. The set excels in its variety, mixing familiar chart-toppers like Spandau Ballet's 'Gold' and Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long' with deep cuts like Joe Jackson's atmospheric 'Steppin' Out' and Tracey Ullman's playful 'Breakaway'. Glamorous pop sits alongside punk-infused tunes, with bands like Public Image Limited and Echo & the Bunnymen adding a post-punk edge to the lineup. While the tracklist is dominated by pop and synth-heavy hits, the inclusion of disco classics like KC & The Sunshine Band's 'Give It Up' and Divine's 'Love Reaction' adds a touch of 80s dancefloor magic. This collection is a great snapshot of the era, featuring extended versions that give these songs even more room to shine. Affordable and well-curated, NOW 12? 80s: 1983 - Part Two is perfect for the fans of the deacde.

Review: NOW Music presents the sixth volume in the NOW That's What I Call 80s Dancefloor series, a two disc compilation pressed on blue and clear vinyl, featuring 30 essential synth-driven dance-pop tracks from the 80s. The collection kicks off with the iconic 'Blue Monday' by New Order, setting the tone for an era defined by the prevalence of synths in pop music. It continues with hits like Eurythmics' 'Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)', Propaganda's 'Duel' and Animotion's 'Obsession'. Notable tracks from Yello, Paul Hardcastle and Jan Hammer's 'Miami Vice Theme' also make an appearance, encapsulating the energy of early 80s dancefloors. Side two brings synth-pop royalty with Pet Shop Boys' 'Domino Dancing' and the unforgettable 'Together in Electric Dreams' by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder. Other highlights include Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Two Tribes', Dead Or Alive's 'My Heart Goes Bang' and tracks by Soft Cell, Spandau Ballet and The Human League. The collection closes with timeless gems like Harold Faltermeyer's 'Axel F', Colonel Abrams' 'Trapped' and Joe Jackson's synth-pop classic 'Steppin' Out', making this compilation ideal for fans of 80s dance music.

Review: You could probably write a dissertation, if not full thesis, on the symbolism of this album. The biggest name in British chart pop compilations, NOW, turns its hand to spotlighting less obvious tracks from the decade that gave birth to the entire franchise. What this reflects, in terms of what constitutes 'popular' music today, and the questionable relevance of the UK Top 40, is a fascinating train of thought.
Musically speaking, the curators have done a decent job in selecting a broad range of artists, bands and sounds from the fertile grounds of the 1980s. Plenty here are household names - The Stranglers, Devo, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Smiths, Eurythmics, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Nevertheless, you won't find 'Sweet Dreams' on the track list, and instead rarer archive material is allowed to shine: 'Vicious Games' rather than 'Oh Yeah' by Yello, The Cure's stunning 'A Forest' - we could go on.

Review: NOW's ongoing 'Yearbook' series, which offers a wealth of hits from a specific year across four action-packed discs, moves on to 1977 - a year when disco and punk were on the rise. There's plenty of the former showcased here - think Chic, Candi Staton, Donna Summer, the Trammps, Thelma Houston and Marvin Gaye - as well as classic and blue-eyed soul from the likes of Boz Scaggs and the Drifters. Punk and alternative rock of the period are relatively well catered for too, thanks to hits from the Ramones, the Stranglers, The Jam and the Clash. Throw in a host of familiar mainstream pop and rock favourites, as well as a clutch of curiosities (Mike Oldfield's 'Portsmouth') and you have a faithfully expansive reflection of what British pop fans were listening to in 1977.

Review: This compilation serves as a sonic time capsule, collecting the raw energy and diversity a 70s scene with its roots in the UK's suburban music scene. Across three LPs, it highlights punk, post-punk, new wave and ska with an expertly curated tracklist that celebrates both iconic anthems and underground gems. Kicking off with explosive tracks like 'London Calling' and 'Blitzkrieg Bop', the first side sets the tone with pure punk energy. From the urgency of The Undertones 'Teenage Kicks' to the melancholic beauty of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', it's a journey through the era's emotional spectrum. The inclusion of The Cure's 'Boys Don't Cry' and XTC's 'Making Plans For Nigel' shows the post-punk shift toward introspection and innovation. The second LP leans into eclecticism, blending punk-fueled energy to melodic classics. It captures the intersection of rebellion and refinement. Tracks like Martha And The Muffins' 'Echo Beach' and Pretenders 'Brass In Pocket' add a touch of sophistication with a broader palette of sounds. Finally, the third LP celebrates the ska revival and early synth-pop with The Specials 'Gangsters', English Beat's 'Mirror In The Bathroom' and UB40's 'Food For Thought', before transitioning into more futuristic sounds like Gary Numan's 'Are 'Friends' Electric?' and The Buggles 'Video Killed The Radio Star'. Ending with a nod to the dawn of a new musical era, this collection balances nostalgia with a depth not many others get close to.

Review: NOW - Yearbook 1977 takes us back to a diverse and vibrant year in pop with 80 tracks across 4 CDs, presented in a special hardback edition with a 28-page booklet. The collection opens with Queen's iconic anthem 'We Are The Champions' and continues with hits like Status Quo's 'Rockin' All Over The World' and Elvis Presley's posthumous #1 'Way Down'. Punk and new wave shine on Disc Two with The Clash's 'White Riot', The Ramones' 'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker' and Elvis Costello's 'Watching The Detectives'. Other highlights include Paul Simon, Santana and the Yes ballad 'Wonderous Stories'. Disco dominates Disc Three, with Donna Summer's groundbreaking'I Feel Love', Boney M's debut 'Daddy Cool' and Chic's infectious 'Dance, Dance, Dance'. Soul classics from Marvin Gaye, Deniece Williams, and The Commodores' "Easy" round out this era-defining section. The final disc features Paul McCartney & Wings' mega-hit 'Mull of Kintyre' alongside smooth pop from Olivia Newton-John, Billy Ocean's 'Red Light Spells Danger' and easy-listening staples like Manhattan Transfer's 'Chanson D'Amour'. The collection closes on a nostalgic note with Mike Oldfield's 'Portsmouth' and the Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band's 'The Floral Dance'. A superb celebration of one of pop music's most exciting years.

Review: The NOW - Yearbook 1987 offers a vibrant snapshot of a landmark year in pop music, spread across 43 tracks on a triple vinyl set of eye-catching Translucent Orange Vinyl. This collection, part of the ongoing Yearbook series, captures the heights of 1987, showcasing a variety of iconic hits and unforgettable moments in music history. Kicking off with George Michael's 'Faith,' the album sets the stage for a journey through 1987's most memorable singles. Pet Shop Boys' Christmas #1 'Always On My Mind' and New Order's 'True Faith' highlight the year's diverse soundscape, while M/A/R/R/S' Pump Up The Volume' marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of dance music. The collection also features tracks from Eurythmics, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders, blending chart-toppers with lesser-known gems. Other gems continue with the retrospective with George Michael's duet with Aretha Franklin, 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),' and Whitney Houston's infectious 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody.' The era's influence on dance and pop is further showcased by Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' and Mel & Kim's 'Respectable.' Closing with the timeless 'Fairytale Of New York' by The Pogues, this yearbook is a joyful celebration of 1987's rich musical diversity and creativity.

Review: NOW Yearbook 1977 takes listeners on a nostalgic trip through one of music's most diverse years. This 3x12" collection covers a broad spectrum of genres, blending rock, punk, disco, and pop. Iconic tracks like Queen's 'We Are The Champions'. Status Quo's 'Rockin' All Over The World', and Emerson, Lake & Palmer's majestic 'Fanfare For The Common Man' help headline the rock selections. Punk fans are treated to anthems from The Clash and The Stranglers, while disco enthusiasts will revel in Donna Summer's groundbreaking 'I Feel Love' and Chic's 'Dance, Dance, Dance'. Soft rock hits like Paul McCartney & Wings' 'Mull of Kintyre' and 10cc's 'The Things We Do For Love' add melody, alongside soul gems from Marvin Gaye and The Commodores. The collection also dips into pure pop joy with Boney M's 'Ma Baker' and 'Daddy Cool', plus novelty classics like Meri Wilson's 'Telephone Man'. With this sprawling lineup, NOW Yearbook 1977 encapsulates a defining year, highlighting the era's eclectic sounds and celebrating legendary artists across rock, punk, disco and pop.