Review: The 1975 made plenty of fans happy when they announced a series of 10th anniversary reissues and merchandise on the back of some top main stage performances at the likes of Leeds and Reading. Now art-stars with a global fan base, it is a full decade since their breakout self titled debut, a record full of their signature choruses, magical melodies and soaring grooves that draw on electro-grooves and alt-rock energy, all with plenty of dreamy moments in between to ensure the whole thing plays out like a real story telling album. As it should be. The album debuted at number one on the charts and remains a firm favourite today.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Last Night Reprise (feat Cautious Clay, Kaki King & Maeve Gilchrist - reprise)
Raat Ki Rani
Whiskey
Zameen (feat Chocolate Genius)
Review: Arooj Aftab's Night Reign is a stunning trip into the depths of the night, where inspiration thrives. Departing from themes of loss in her previous work, Aftab crafts an album rich with renewal and romance. Collaborations with artists like Cautious Clay and Moor Mother add layers to the lush soundscape, creating a cinematic experience. Each track, from the haunting 'Autumn Leaves' to the soulful 'Bolo Na,' weaves together to form a narrative of surrender and transformation. Aftab's voice, accompanied by intricate instrumentation, guides listeners through the darkness, offering moments of introspection and possibility. Night Train is a chance to throw yourself into the beauty and mystery of deep music, emerging renewed and transformed.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Them Bones (2:30)
Dam That River (3:08)
Rain When I Die (6:05)
Down In A Hole (5:32)
Sickman (5:24)
Rooster (6:10)
Junkhead (5:07)
Dirt (5:12)
God Smack (3:50)
Untitled (0:43)
Hate To Feel (5:16)
Angry Chair (4:40)
Would? (3:34)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Arguably one of the most integral tentpoles of the grunge movement, Alice In Chains' seminal sophomore effort, Dirt, changed the game upon its release in 1992. Featuring some of the band's most classic cuts such as, 'Them Bones', 'Down In A Hole', 'Rooster', and, 'Junkhead', to name but a few; the incomparable dynamic of Wayne Staley's iconic vocals and cryptic, yet brutally honest lyricism combined with guitarist Jerry Cantrell's mammoth riffs and delicate nuance, still resides high in the echelons of alternative rock three decades on. For lifers and newcomers alike, this 30-year anniversary edition serves as an ideal opportunity to revisit a genuine classic, far murkier and riddled with antagonistic depths than any of its would-be peers.
Review: London producer and singer Anaiis (formerly Anais) shares a new, cinematic r&b record, touching on notes of Brazilian soul and alternative pop, and continuing her emphasis on making music as a liberation entreaty for social justice. Following 2019's Darkness At Play and the 2017 EP 'Before Zero', this record marks a turn towards sombre vibrancy and chromic experimentation, building on a personal process of roots rediscovery in Brazil. With features from Grupo Cosmo and Luedji Luna, local Brazilian musicians with whom Anaiis felt a deep connection, this is a record born of sunned idleness, providing a holding space for a turbulent life transition on the artist's part. With dripping strings, slowmo MPB motifs and infused lo-fi and r&b tones, this is a record that strikes a fine balance of imperfection and delicateness.
Review: Angry Blackmen's The Legend of ABM is a visceral exploration of life in contemporary America. Through their gritty and unapologetic lyricism, Quentin Branch and Brian Warren confront the harsh realities of their existence with raw honesty and introspection. Produced by Derek Allen, the album's chaotic and distorted soundscapes provide a fitting backdrop for their narrative, capturing the ambient stress of navigating a society rife with systemic injustices. The album's tracks delve into themes of depression, existentialism, self-reflection and survival, offering a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by Black men in today's world. Branch and Warren's lyrical delivery is blunt and uncompromising, detailing their personal demons and experiences with searing clarity. From grappling with mental health issues to confronting generational trauma, their storytelling is both captivating and harrowing. While the production style may draw comparisons to noise rap, The Legend of ABM maintains a sense of accessibility and immediacy that sets it apart. Branch and Warren's chemistry is palpable as they effortlessly weave through intricate rhyme schemes and rapid-fire verses, infusing each track with a competitive intensity and undeniable energy.
Review: The world has long needed more Fiona Apple. An artist with a relatively slim body of work - 'Fetch...' is only her fifth album since debuting in 1999 - nevertheless her impact on music has been significant, spending a quarter century within corridors of the industry itself. Moreover, she represents all that's right about the business' uncompromising eccentricities, although sadly this now serves to remind us of all that's been lost in the sanitised and corporatised 21st Century model. Few who remember her MTV Video Music awards acceptance speech, calling bullshit on an entire industry, will be surprised at this latest work, then. From erogenous piano numbers, to percussion played with the bones of a dog, it's hardly by-numbers, never safe, and always on her own terms. Employing background clatter, worksong rhythms and alternative acoustic rock, the finished article is well worth the wait.
Review: Kevin Ayers serves up an intoxicating blend of folk, rock and avant-garde whimsy, his voice at once languid and commanding. With its rich, layered arrangements and a sense of playful irreverence, the album feels like a mischievous wink to listeners. Tracks range from the jazzy, free-form spirit of 'The Confessions of Dr. Dream' to the lush and introspective tones of 'Don't Let It Get You Down', showcasing Ayers' knack for both levity and depth. A record that's as enigmatic as it is charming, effortlessly bridging the gap between the eccentric and the sublime.
Take This Hammmer/Lost John/Five Foot High & Rising/Bear Cat Mama/Black Dog Blues/Right String/Wrong Yo Yo/Run For Your Life (3:00)
Friendship (3:38)
Tales Of Frankie Rabbit (1:55)
Deed I Do (2:11)
Oh! Darling (3:20)
Oh! Darling (2:41)
Oh! Darling (0:56)
Step Inside Love (En Espanol) (2:23)
Step Inside Love (2:36)
Lady Madonna (2:13)
The Long & Winding Roadd (2:05)
I Want You/She's So Heavy (5:37)
My Mushup (5:09)
Review: This new-old compilation from The Beatles is a fascinating collection of seldom-heard gems from the legendary Liverpool band. It offers fans a deeper dive into their iconic catalogue and features alternative takes, unreleased demos and rare live performances that showcase the group's unparalleled creativity and evolving sound. Highlights include unique interpretations of classics such as 'Step Inside Love (En Espanol)' as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses of their studio magic. This compilation shines a light on the band's lesser-known moments and reveals the depth of their artistic range and timeless appeal.
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