Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Following their 15 part BBC radio series Pop Go The Beatles, the legendary Liverpool group returned for a set of two-hour holiday specials titled From Us To You. The first was recorded on December 18 at the BBC Paris Studio and aired on Boxing Day, December 26, 1963. Somewhat randomly hosted by Australian television personality - turned national pariah - Rolf Harris, the show included a special performance where the Beatles joined him for his 1960 hit 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down.' Also featured was the group's favourite British rocker, Joe Brown, accompanied by his band, the Bruvvers, who brought an extra dose of British rock 'n' roll to the event.

Review: The second BBC bank holiday Beatles special From Us To You was recorded on February 28, 1964, at BBC Piccadilly Studios and it aired a month later on Easter Monday, March 30. Hosted by DJ Alan Freeman, the set featured The Beatles' debut performance of 'You Can't Do That,' which had been recorded just two days earlier. Initially considered for their next single, it was later placed as the B-side to 'Can't Buy Me Love,' which came in March of that year. Bonus tracks included here from the August 1964 show are 'Boys' and 'Long Tall Sally,' which serve to highlight the band's evolving repertoire and their energetic live performances during this period.

Review: Brian Wilson's transformative journey led to the creation of Pet Sounds, a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of production and composition. Inspired by The Beatles' Rubber Soul and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, Wilson crafted a cohesive masterpiece, employing session players and innovative instruments to achieve his vision. The album's meticulous production and seamless flow between tracks set a new standard for albums as cohesive art pieces. Its influence reverberated through music history, inspiring artists like The Beatles themselves. Wilson's genius shines through every aspect of Pet Sounds, cementing its place as one of the greatest albums of all time. Despite its toll on Wilson's mental health and the daunting challenge of following it up, Pet Sounds remains an enduring testament to his unparalleled talent and vision. This fantastic looking reissues comes on clear green vinyl.

Review: If you use the online network-cum-existential-need-to-know community Reddit, then it won't surprise you to learn there's a vast and almost unfathomably broad sub group dedicated to The Beatles. Within this, at least a handful of people have posed the question: "if the Beatles had done an MTV Unplugged concert in approx 1968 what stripped down classics might be in the resulting brilliant Unplugged Album?" Forgive the grammar - we took the speculative quandary verbatim from an internet that long-since descended into a linguistic void. Nevertheless, those stumped by this query will be delighted to know that such a record does exist for us to use as a touchstone. Albeit without the MTV bit. And what tracks made the cut? Well, 'Why My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Revolution', 'Julia', 'Cry Baby Cry', and 'The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill', among others.

Review: In honour of Record Store Day 2025, Canadian-American alt-rockers Big Wreck have decided to reissue one of their most popular albums, 2012's The Albatross. Available in limited numbers (only 1,000 of this CD version was pressed), it not only includes the freshly remastered original album in full, but also three alternate versions, rare bonus cut 'Fade Away', and a raucous live recording of title track 'Albatross'. The original album remains a timeless alt-rock classic where raw guitar riffs, bluesy solos and Ian Thurnley's distinctive lead vocals wrap around thickset bass and punchy drums. For proof, check standouts 'Wolves', 'Glass Room' and the rowdy 'The Rest of the World'.

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: Fandabidozi, the debut album from Bobbie Dazzle, led by singer Sian Greenway, is a joyful tribute to the glam rock of the 1970s. Drawing influence from icons like David Bowie, T. Rex, and The Sweet, the album manages to celebrate the past while still feeling fresh and vibrant. Opener 'Lightning Fantasy' kicks things off with a punch, featuring lyrics written by Greenway's father, offering a deeply personal touch. Tracks like 'Merry-Go-Round' and 'Revolution' channel the groovy, flamboyant spirit of glam rock, while 'Lady on Fire' delivers a heavier, guitar-driven edge reminiscent of 70s rock. The album is packed with energy, charisma, and a sense of fun, with 'Back to the City' and 'It's Electric' standing out as lively anthems. Greenway's powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation keep the momentum strong from start to finish. Fandabidozi is a bold and glittering ode to rock 'n' roll's most theatrical era, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary flair. It's an exciting introduction to Bobbie Dazzle's vibrant world.

Review: While not one of David Bowie's best-known achievements, masterminding the world's biggest-ever 'non-TV' satellite broadcast is undoubtedly an impressive one. It took place at London's Riverside Studios in 2003, with the Thin White Duke - accompanied by his regular backing band - performing then new album Reality in its entirety, live to 86 cinemas in 26 countries. This Record Store Day release presents the concert in its entirety (the encore was not broadcast at the time), delivering a superb document of a unique event. Of course, Bowie was in fine form, with the immersive sound mix by regular collaborator Tony Visconti capturing the legendary artist at the peak of his powers.

Review: It's 50 years since Diamond Dogs was released and it still sounds way ahead of the game. Not long after 1972 and the shock dissolution of the Spiders From Mars, this is the sound of Bowie discovering and developing both his most experimental side - see the spoken word dystopian opening 'Future Legend' or the sludgy spacerock workout 'Sweet Thing (Reprise)'- and a new groove-laden funkiness evident in the triumphant title track, the funk-inspired '1984' and the album's biggest hit, 'Rebel Rebel'. Bowie at the very height of his game, a place he would stay for quite some time after this tour de force.

Review: David Bowie's Rock 'n' Roll Star! chronicles the boy from Bromley's transformative journey that culminated in his Ziggy Stardust masterpiece. Spanning from February 1971 to the recording of 1972's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, this compilation presents 14 rare and previously unreleased tracks that trace Bowie's artistic metamorphosis. From early Ziggy Session takes to alternative versions and outtakes, this vinyl release offers an intimate glimpse into Bowie's creative process. Each track reveals a different facet of the artist, from the proto-glam of 'Hang On To Yourself' to the soaring balladry of 'Holy Holy.' The album culminates with two iconic performances: an energetic Top Of The Pops rendition of 'Starman' and an alternative version of 'John, I'm Only Dancing' that showcases Bowie's diverse musical talents. Mastered at half-speed, this black vinyl LP provides an immersive and nuanced listening experience.

Review: David Bowie's Diamond Dogs is a seminal album in his career, released in 1974 amid the glam rock era. The album plunges into a dystopian world, with Bowie adopting the persona of Halloween Jack, a feral survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Songs like 'Rebel Rebel' and 'Diamond Dogs' capture the album's raw energy and cynicism, while '1984' reflects Bowie's fascination with George Orwell's novel. Diamond Dogs remains a very important record to Bowie's artistic vision and musical prowess. While many remember the album as the transition period between Ziggy Stardust and The Thin White Duke, the music is equally as memorable. Its themes of alienation, rebellion, and survival continue to resonate with listeners today, making this anniversary edition a valuable addition to any Bowie fan's collection.