Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Cleopatra Records are no strangers to collectible 7"s from the archives of Iggy & The Stooges. In recent times we've had the likes of 'The Passenger', 'Scene Of The Crime' and even a live spot with David Bowie in 1977 thrown into the mix. Now comes something which feels so right tucked up tight on a 45 - a raucous live rendition of The Kingsmen's classic beat track 'Louie Louie', a song which would go on to be a lifelong staple in Iggy Pop's performance career. On the flip comes another rarity - a blistering version of The Stooges' own cut, 'Wild Love', all pressed up on purple vinyl for your listening pleasure.

Review: Now approaching a half-century of artistic life as the closest we have to a living personification of rock 'n' roll, Iggy Pop nonetheless also continues to carry himself with more class and style than most any lifer that springs to mind. Yet it has to be said that few were expecting the cadaverous king to make his greatest album for thirty of those years, and this is what 'Post Pop Depression' his collaboration with a dream team involving luminaries such as Josh Homme, Dean Fertita and The Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders is exactly that - a wry, restrained and ice-cool meditation on carnality and mortality without cliche or rehash, this album is all primal satisfaction and righteous revelation.

Review: The limited edition release of Iggy Pop's Pop Music is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. Presented on ash grey 180-gram audiophile vinyl and limited to 1500 numbered copies, this 1996 compilation showcases 20 of Iggy's best tracks from his BMG era (1979-1981). Highlights include 'Bang Bang,' 'I Need More,' 'I'm Bored,' 'New Values' and 'Five Foot One.' During this period, Iggy was associated with Arista Records, marking a departure from his raw punk roots into new wave experimentation. Iggy Pop became a legend because of his contributions made during this period in his career. This is a great example at those times.

Review: Iggy Pop, the avant-garde icon and punk pioneer, in his element, delivering a blistering performance at the 2023 Montreux Jazz Festival. Backed by a seven-piece band, he breathes new fire into Stooges classics like 'TV Eye' and 'I Wanna Be Your Dog', igniting the crowd with his raw energy and undeniable stage presence. The setlist spans his illustrious career, from the visceral punk anthems 'Raw Power' and 'Search and Destroy' to the infectious grooves of 'The Passenger' and 'Lust For Life'. Pop also showcases material from his recent album, 'Every Loser', with tracks like 'Modern Day Ripoff' and 'Frenzy' seamlessly integrated into the set. This recording is a testament to Pop's enduring legacy and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique blend of punk rock and avant-garde theatricality.

Review: Iggy Pop's performance at the 2023 Montreux Jazz Festival is a thrilling showcase of both his legendary past and revitalised present. Marking his third appearance at the prestigious event, Iggy delivers a fiery set with a seven-piece band, reinvigorating Stooges classics like 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' and 'T.V. Eye', while captivating the crowd with solo anthems such as 'Lust for Life' and 'The Passenger'. The show also features new material from his recent album Every Loser, including 'Modern Day Ripoff' and 'Frenzy', proving his ongoing relevance in the rock scene. Recorded with pristine multi-track audio and complemented by stunning 4K visuals, the concert blends the raw energy of vintage Iggy with the vitality of his current creative resurgence. This live recording captures a moment of remarkable musical power, reaffirming Iggy Pop as one of the most dynamic and enduring figures in rock music.

Review: Recorded in 1975 after the disintegration of The Stooges and eventually released, albeit in altered form, in 1977, the album saw Iggy recording his vocal contributions at weekends, on leave from the mental institution at which he was recovering from heroin addiction. With the addition of pianos, acoustic guitars and saxophones to the musical palate it's a different beast from the raw power - and Raw Power - of the Stooges, a bridge between his garage rock roots and the classier pop offerings he'd soon become known for. A fascinating document, regardless, it's well worth a listen.

Review: Marking its debut on vinyl, Jiro Inagaki's groundbreaking jazz-rock album introduces a bold fusion of new rock elements, featuring Inagaki's vocals alongside Sammy and Yasushi Sawada for the first time. Backed by a stellar lineup including Masahiko Sato, Kimio Mizutani, and Hiro Yanagida, this reissue by Nipponophone underlines Inagaki's status as a maverick in Japanese jazz. Originally released in 1971, the album blends heavy rock grooves with an enigmatic allure, resonating deeply with collectors of rare groove worldwide. Inagaki, renowned for his saxophone work and production skills, has left an indelible mark not only in jazz but also as a sought-after session player for legends like Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra. This reissue reaffirms his legacy, offering a glimpse into his influential jazz-rock era.

Review: Although Senjutsu is the 17th studio album from Iron Maiden, it's really not everyday you get to pen words about the legendary British heavy metal outfit, so let's make the most of this moment. Starting with one fundamental point - if you weren't into Iron Maiden, or the 16 full length records that have come along since, this one is probably not going to change your mind.

If, however, you love the iconic operatic tones of Bruce Dickinson and the guitar searing riffs this lot are known for, then buckle up for a thrill ride through some classic Maiden business. Highlights including the epic, searing guitar solos of 'Hell On Earth', the slow-but-heavy chorus on 'Darkest Hour', and 'Days of Future Past', which is packed with enough atmosphere to fill any of the stadiums the band still relentlessly play, several times over.

Review: San Francisco Days is Chris Isaak's fourth album, originally released in 1993. It presents a more upbeat sound compared to its predecessor, the darker Heart Shaped World featuring the breakthrough hit 'Wicked Game.' Though it didn't achieve the same level of commercial success, it was certified gold by the RIAA, and several tracks became live staples for Isaak. The album's 60s-styled cover art and design evoke a sense of timelessness. The collection is the most experimental Isaak had yet recorded, blending his clean, classic approach with newer musical touches and unique arrangements. Highlights include the barrelhouse piano on the title track, sassy female backing vocals on 'Can't Do a Thing to Stop This' and 'Move Along,' and the dark feedback rumble on 'Round N' Round.' Guest Jimmy Pugh's Hammond organ adds a quietly funky element to the album. Tracks like the gently loping 'Two Hearts' and the stripped-down 'Waiting' will appeal to fans of 'Wicked Game,' while the cover of Neil Diamond's 'Solitary Man' concludes the album on a high note. Overall,a a fantastic album from Chris Isaak that helped prove he was no one hit wonder.