Back catalogue: Rock

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight creasing to outer sleeve, record slightly warped***


Permission To Land is the debut album by glam rockers The Darkness, originally released in 2003. True to their name, The Darkness were dark horses indeed, having been sorely underestimated by the guffawing gatekeepers at Sony, who failed to see any promise in the band after being deemed "uncool", perhaps due to their bombastic rock & roll sound and high vocal drawl from Justin Hawkins. Sony were easily knocked off their high horse, however, when the band later signed with Atlantic, after which the album would top the US Albums Chart, peaking at number two. For the fans, this reissue harks back to their earliest hits, such as 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love', and 'Growing On Me'.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks ***


Permission To Land is the debut album by glam rockers The Darkness, originally released in 2003. True to their name, The Darkness were dark horses indeed, having been sorely underestimated by the guffawing gatekeepers at Sony, who failed to see any promise in the band after being deemed "uncool", perhaps due to their bombastic rock & roll sound and high vocal drawl from Justin Hawkins. Sony were easily knocked off their high horse, however, when the band later signed with Atlantic, after which the album would top the US Albums Chart, peaking at number two. For the fans, this reissue harks back to their earliest hits, such as 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love', and 'Growing On Me'.

Review: This 1992 live album captures the iconic UK rockers as they toured their final album On Every Street, wielding a setlist that balances hits and deep cuts. Side-A kicks off with the iconic early breakthrough hit 'Sultans of Swing', instantly impressing listeners in Mark Knopfler's signature fingerpicking guitar work. The energy continues with the ever-joyful 'Walk of Life', its infectious rhythm bringing an undeniable feel-good vibe. 'Heavy Fuel' rounds out the first side with its gritty, tongue-in-cheek take on rock star excess. Side-B opens with the smooth jazz-inflected 'Your Latest Trick', complete with haunting saxophone melodies that add emotional depth to the performance. The epic 'Telegraph Road' follows, serving as a masterclass in dynamic storytelling through music, with Knopfler's guitar work shining throughout its extended runtime. The album closes with 'Solid Rock', a fittingly energetic finale that evidently leaves the 65,000-strong audience at the Bedfordshire stately home wanting more. As the years go by, Dire Straits set themselves aside as one of the most talented, versatile and different bands in rock music.