Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Who doesn't love Toy Story? It's an on going classic with a heart of gold, some of The best animation in the film world and most loveable characters to ever make the silver screen. Whether young or old, snuggling down to watch this sone is always a treat, and now you can bring some of that magic onto your decks with the red vinyl compilation album. It brings together some of the best tracks and favourite musical moments of the movie such as, of course the most notable song of them all, 'You've Got A Friend In Me (Para El Buzz Espanol)' as well as 'I Will Go Sailing No More' and 'We Belong Together.'

Review: Caito Sanchez lives in New York but was born in Panama and is a dedicated drummer who has spent years as a sideman. He's been honing his craft since the early 2000s and has played with the likes of Charles Bradley, Lee Fields and Brian Jackson. Now he finally makes the big step of going it alone and this debut single shows what he is capable of. He takes care of drums, but also bass, guitar and lead voice on a pair of nuggets that are heavy and psychedelic Spanish rock tunes full of fresh new wave sounds.

Review: Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros' 'Johnny Appleseed,' now released on 45 rpm, is a standout track that blends Strummer's punk roots with a newfound warmth. The song opens with a soft acoustic guitar and evolves into a vibrant mix of shimmery organs, sprightly mandolins, and a rousing chorus. Unlike the raw energy of Strummer's Clash days, this track exudes a sunny, campfire vibe. Lyrically, Strummer's incisive commentary remains sharp. Lines like "if you're after getting the honey / then you don't go killing all the bees" and the poignant "Look there goes / Martin Luther King / notice how the door closes / when the chimes of freedom ring" showcase his enduring humanist spirit. The choruses, filled with joyous singalongs, transform the song's underlying grimness into an uplifting celebration of solidarity. 'Johnny Appleseed' masterfully marries Strummer's past and present, making it a compelling and joyful listen.

Review: This compilation brings together ten standout tracks from Jefferson Airplane's influential descendants, Starship and its predecessor. Opening with the smooth, soulful 'Miracles,' the collection spans the evolution from Airplane's psychedelic roots to Starship's polished rock anthems. Side-1 features the dreamy 'With Your Love,' the uplifting 'Count on Me,' and the classic 'Runaway,' offering a diverse glimpse into the bands' extensive catalog. The side concludes with the quintessential hit 'Jane'. Side-2 is dominated by Starship's most iconic tracks, including the anthemic 'We Built This City' and the rousing 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now,' both embodying the band's 80s rock ethos. The side also includes 'Find Your Way Back' and 'Sara', each track highlighting the band's ability to craft enduring pop-rock hits. The final track, 'It's Not Enough', wraps up the compilation with a dynamic flourish. The enduring legacy of Jefferson Airplane's and Starship can not be denied.

Review: Santana's 1977 album Moonflower captures the band's unparalleled blend of Afro-Latin rhythms, jazz-rock fusion, and raw passion. The album showcases Santana's electrifying energy and musicianship, particularly evident in spirited live performances. Highlighting standout tracks such as the medley featuring 'Carnaval,' 'Let the Children Play,' and 'Jugando,' the review praises Santana's dynamic stage presence and soulful guitar work. Studio tracks like 'I'll Be Waiting' and 'Zulu' display the band's versatility and creativity, while live renditions of classics like 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen' demonstrate their enduring appeal. Moonflower encapsulates everything that makes Santana - and their inimitable frontman Carlos Santana in particular - one of the best in jazzdom, showcasing their dedication to making good music together over decades.

Review: Mobile Fidelity's 180g 33RPM LP reissue elevates the album's sonic experience by sourcing it from the original analogue master tapes. Pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, the reissue boasts pristine sound, revealing the intricate details of Santana's dynamic arrangements. Carlos Santana's guitar work, rich in clarity and precision, soars with newfound definition, making his signature solos and leads stand out even more vividly. Inner Secrets, Santana's 1978 album, marked a significant shift towards the rock mainstream, featuring three Top 100 singles and showcasing a more focused, streamlined sound. This period saw Santana transition from their earlier fusion-heavy style to more accessible, radio-friendly material, packing complex passages and passionate performances into tighter song structures, with no track exceeding six minutes.Notable contributions from new band members, including Pete Escovedo on percussion and Chris Solberg on multi-instrumental duties, further shape the album's sound, complementing Graham Lear's sharp drumming and David Margen's groovy bass lines. Highlights include covers like Buddy Holly's 'Well All Right' and the Four Tops' 'One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)'. Greg Walker's raw, soulful vocals bring an edge to the music, embodying the "street and church" quality Carlos Santana admired. Inner Secrets serves as a powerful milestone in Santana's evolution.

Review: Released in 1974, Santana's Lotus stands as a defining live album that brilliantly showcases the band's unique blend of rock, jazz and Latin influences. Recorded during their Japan tour, the album features standout performances recorded over two nights in Osaka, featuring Carlos Santana's exceptional guitar work and the band's vibrant improvisations. Highlights include iconic tracks like 'Black Magic Woman', 'Oye Como Va' and the extended jam 'Toussaint L'Overture', which illustrate the band's remarkable ability to create a cohesive and powerful sound. Originally intended as a Japan-only release, Lotus gained international acclaim as an import, displaying Santana at a pivotal moment in their evolution, with a mix of original and new members. The album's elaborate packaging enhances its appeal, rivaling the artwork of other notable triple live albums. Musically, Lotus focuses on instrumental jazz-rock, with minimal vocal tracks, yet it captures the sheer joy and energy of the band's live performances. While some may find the lengthy drum solo a weak point, the musicianship throughout the album is outstanding, making it an essential listen for fans of the genre. Overall, Lotus remains a testament to Santana's innovative spirit and live prowess, celebrated for its high sound quality and dynamic artistry.

Review: Standing as one of Santana's most remarkable live albums, capturing the band's extraordinary chemistry and virtuosic performances during their 1973 tour. Originally released in Japan and not available domestically until much later, this triple LP remains a definitive document of the band's fusion period, blending Latin, Afro-Cuban, jazz, rock and psychedelic elements. The album showcases the thrilling improvisations and spiritual depth of the eight-piece lineup, featuring legendary tracks like 'Every Step of the Way', 'Toussaint L'Overture' and an incendiary 'Incident at Neshabur'. The reissue, sourced from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl, offers audiophile-quality sound, enhancing the clarity and balance of the performance. The dynamic range, rich bass and vivid percussion are rendered with exceptional presence, offering an immersive listening experience. With the inclusion of seven previously unreleased tracks, Lotus captures the band at its peak, delivering both precision and passion. This reissue is a stunning tribute to Santana's pioneering fusion era and in its most complete and unique packaging yet.

Review: Santana's Supernatural, turning 25, remains a landmark album despite its time-stamped sound. Released on blue vinyl, this Grammy-winning 1999 record catapulted Santana back into mainstream fame. The album's success is anchored by the ubiquitous hit 'Smooth' featuring Rob Thomas, whose infectious Latin rock groove still resonates. Tracks like 'Corazon Espinado' with Mana, and 'Migra' retain the classic Santana flair, blending Latin rhythms with rock elements. However, many guest-heavy tracks, such as 'Maria Maria' produced by Wyclef, feel more like a pop compilation than a cohesive album. While Supernatural may not be a favorite for fans of Santana's experimental 70s work, its commercial triumph allowed Carlos Santana the freedom to explore new musical territories in subsequent projects. This duality of artistic compromise and subsequent liberation makes Supernatural a pivotal album in Santana's illustrious career. One of the most successful albums of the past 25 years, this album is enjoyable regardless of what genre or style of music you like.

Review: Carlos Santana was one of the most prolific artists of the 1970s and 80s, and later in that period is when he released his fourth solo album. After a relentless pace of an average of more than an album per year since his band's 1969 debut, this Grammy-winning effort was his last release before a well-earned break in that run. The largely instrumental album showcases Santana's signature guitar tones with plenty of signature soulful energy and masterful control over his playing. He was supported by a stellar lineup including Tony Williams, Alphonso Johnson, Buddy Miles and Orestes Vilat and Mobile Fidelity's limited reissue presents the album with audiophile sound quality that reveals enhanced clarity and the intricate details of Santana's playing.

Review: Philip Sayce's highly anticipated new album, The Wolves Are Coming, is more powerful, unique, and brash than anything he has written or recorded to date. In Sayce's own words, the album came into focus during his darkest times, and represents a bridge - a connection between despair and hope - that invites broken spirits into transformation and healing. The likes of 'Oh! That Bitches Brew' and 'Backstabber' hit like hurricanes, while 'Lady Love Divine' explores light in contrast to darkness, deploying an uplifting, foot-stomping funk groove that lands its hooks in all the right places. Ballads like 'It's Over Now' and the magical instrumental 'Intuition' round out Sayce's signature fuzz tones and sledgehammer mountain- sized drum grooves with delicate, intimate, and dynamic performances.

Review: Michael Schencker recollects his years during the 70s as part of his time-vaunted band, UFO across two chunks of vinyl, with the Scorpions/MSG rock icon leader marking the 50th anniversary of the spacefaring UFO era. Schenker became a driving force behind some of UFO's best loved tracks, including 'Doctor Doctor', 'Rock Bottom' and 'Only You Can Rock Me'. Now we can relive these larger-than-life, out-of-this-world rock smackdowns for a second time.

Review: Shango is the name for the Yoruba 'Thunder God' in Nigeria and Ojo Okeji, the leader of the Shango Dance Band was all about injecting military power and warlike energy in his own strain of Nigerian highlife and afrobeat. However, apart from all of Okeji's cult-like stories involving him and his part in the Nigerian army during a time of civil unrest in the late 60's and through to the 70's, and his often troublesome relationship with the great Fela Kuti, the truly special aspect of the Shango Dance Band album is that it was never properly released following its production in 1974. Comb & Razor have done the right thing here and, without them, this magical LP would still be locked away in the never-ending vaults of Nigerian music. This is very personal, incredibly singular African jazz-dance with a raucous psychedelic edge that lifts it high and mighty above the competition. A truly special album - DO NOT MISS IT.

Review: Shinedown make just the kind of heavy electronic rock that could put Bring Me The Horizon to shame. Boundless and headbanging in scope, their new album 'Planet Zero' explores an American pre-apocalypse - "there might be no tomorrow" - inspired by the band's exasperation with the American political climate emergent over the course of the past few years and into the present. With the US referred to by the band as "planet zero", here's an emotive rock album that makes bittersweet do with the face of things.

Review: Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends stands as a monumental achievement in music history, being a beacon of the late 1960s while exploring themes of relationships, identity, society, and mortality. This concept album transcends time, earning its place as one of the greatest records ever made. Mobile Fidelity's 180g SuperVinyl edition, mastered from the original analogue tapes, elevates the album's brilliance, offering a listening experience that magnifies the intricate details of its recording sessions. The album opens with the gentle 'Bookends Theme,' setting a reflective tone before plunging into the experimental soundscapes of 'Save The Life Of My Child,' which brilliantly incorporates dialogue, street noises and an eerie echo of 'The Sound of Silence.' 'America' stands out as a heartfelt narrative, seamlessly flowing into the melancholic 'Overs.' The poignant 'Voices of Old People' and 'Old Friends' evoke nostalgia and contemplation, with the closing Bookends theme urging listeners to cherish their memories. Classic tracks like 'Mrs. Robinson' and 'A Hazy Shade of Winter' showcase the duo's signature sound, combining evocative guitar work and harmonized vocals. This reissue reaffirms Bookends as a timeless masterpiece, worthy of rediscovery and celebration.

Review: Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water stands as a timeless masterpiece, effortlessly blending diverse musical styles with poignant lyrical themes. From the iconic title track to lesser-known gems like 'Keep the Customer Satisfied,' each song is a revelation of Simon and Garfunkel's musical evolution and collaborative spirit. The album's rich sonic details, highlighted by subtle remastering, brings out the instruments and vocals out like none other before. Bridge serves as both a reflection of its era and a timeless testament to friendship and musical innovation. As Simon & Garfunkel's swan song, it resonates with a poignant, bittersweet charm that transcends generations. This edition is released on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's limited numbered special Hybrid SACD. Consider this the best digital version possible that has ever been released.

Review: Simply Red's Home is a classic from the early 2000s, featuring hits like 'Sunrise,' 'Fake,' and a memorable cover of The Stylistics' 'You Make Me Feel Brand New'. The album features Mick Hucknall's soulful vocals and the band's knack for catchy melodies at the height of their powers, and the special Anniversary Edition on 180g black vinyl is a treat for fans, with newly mastered tracks and a gatefold sleeve featuring lyrics, credits and a previously unseen photo. Home is a solid album that captures Simply Red's signature sound and whether you're a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, this Anniversary Edition will be a great addition to your collection.

Review: Simply Red's Love & The Russian Winter is one of many great modern soul albums from the flame-haired Mancunian and one that really captures his band's signature blend of soul, pop and jazz styles. Released originally back in 1999, the album is now a full quarter of a century old and features smooth melodies and rich instrumentation with Mick Hucknall's emotive vocals shining throughout. Tracks like 'The World and You Tonight' and 'Love Is a Long Road' highlight the group's ability to weave heartfelt lyrics with infectious grooves while the lush arrangements and sophisticated production create a warm atmosphere which makes it perfect for both relaxed listening and intimate gatherings. Overall, this one still sounds great and is a great testament to Simply Red's enduring appeal.

Review: For their second album, Slave To The Grind, rock behemoths Skid Row decided to go with a more harsh and raw sound. They also upped their lyrical game and found fresh new ground that swerved your more typical rock cliches. It paid off and the album that was originally released in 1991 became a classic with fans old and new. The heavy metallers now reissue it in all its original glory on orange and black marbled vinyl which means you can enjoy highlights like 'Livin' On A Chain Gang,' 'Slave To The Grind' and 'Get The Fuck Out' in a sonic quality never experienced before.

Review: Slade will probably always be best known for their eternal Christmas hit but they had plenty of others in their arsenal over the years too. As far back as 1973 they put out this collection of their sounds and it was certified Silver the same month and remained in the UK charts for an impressive six months. It is a glam rock masterpiece that actually came with a very different tracklisting in America. This UK version though features the band's eight hit singles up to the time of release and five tracks that came before they found their first commercial success. It's a fine testament to one of the UK's best loved bands of the era.

Review: Guns N' Roses' lead guitarist and vocalist Slash is an intermittent solo releaser, with his lone output beginning in 2019 with Living The Dream Tour. 2024's Orgy Of The Damned marks his fourth solo full-length, this time manifesting as a distinctly collaborative blues project, enlisting the help of a variety of legends in the style - and legends on Slash's speed dial - including Gary Clark Jr., Iggy Pop, Dorothy, Demi Lovato and Beth Hart. Recalling Guns 'N' Roses' early experimentations in the blues genre, albeit with an up-to-date, contemporary polish, this album of covers of the likes of Robert Johnson and Chester Burnett is sure to delight the diehards.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Guns N' Roses' lead guitarist and vocalist Slash is an intermittent solo releaser, with his lone output beginning in 2019 with Living The Dream Tour. 2024's Orgy Of The Damned marks his fourth solo full-length, this time manifesting as a distinctly collaborative blues project, enlisting the help of a variety of legends in the style - and legends on Slash's speed dial - including Gary Clark Jr., Iggy Pop, Dorothy, Demi Lovato and Beth Hart. Recalling Guns 'N' Roses' early experimentations in the blues genre, albeit with an up-to-date, contemporary polish, this album of covers of the likes of Robert Johnson and Chester Burnett is sure to delight the diehards.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Guns N' Roses' lead guitarist and vocalist Slash is an intermittent solo releaser, with his lone output beginning in 2019 with Living The Dream Tour. 2024's Orgy Of The Damned marks his fourth solo full-length, this time manifesting as a distinctly collaborative blues project, enlisting the help of a variety of legends in the style - and legends on Slash's speed dial - including Gary Clark Jr., Iggy Pop, Dorothy, Demi Lovato and Beth Hart. Recalling Guns 'N' Roses' early experimentations in the blues genre, albeit with an up-to-date, contemporary polish, this album of covers of the likes of Robert Johnson and Chester Burnett is sure to delight the diehards.

Review: Offering up a fly-on-the-wall earful of the legendary punk spoken word songstress at the peak of her prowess, First We Take Manhattan is a live LP captured at New York City's iconic CBGB's on August 11th 1979, whilst touring in promotion of the Todd Rundgren-produced Wave, which would mark the third and final album billed under the Patti Smith Group. Whilst receiving somewhat of a mixed reception upon release due its more radio-friendly oriented sound, longtime staples such as 'Frederick', 'Seven Ways Of Going' and 'Dancing Barefoot' all make appearances, exuding Smith's unbothered stance towards critical reception, while also making room for Easter deep cut 'Space Monkey', as well as a reliably hefty dose of material from her classic 1975 debut solo LP Horses, including 'Redondo Beach' and 'Kimberly'.

Review: A new Bruce Springsteen album is always exciting. The Boss' hardworking and hard-done-by fables, touching on the politics and socio-economics tearing America apart, still resonate. If anything, they have become more relevant in an age when class struggles have created deep cultural divides, meaning any reminder of the real enemy is a welcome release.

Save for 2014's collection of covers and alternative versions, High Hopes, Letter To You is Springsteen's first full length since 2012, and will delight die harders - this is what they've been waiting for. Opening with 'One Minute You're Here', gruff rock 'n' roll set among the railroad tracks of Nowheresville, post-industrial decline, sets the tone. This is the artist on full power, an orator of broken dreams and heartfelt promises, a guy who will always be there for us because it feels like he's one of us. The king is back, long live the king.

Review: Bruce Springsteen's iconic album, Born in the U.S.A., celebrates its 40th anniversary with a stunning limited edition release on translucent red vinyl. This timeless classic, originally released in 1984, shows Springsteen's departure from the sombre tones of Nebraska to a more hopeful and radio-friendly sound. The album's themes of the American Dream and the struggles of ordinary Americans resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, propelling it to become Springsteen's most successful album to date. With synthesised arrangements and a pop-flavored sound, Born in the U.S.A. captured the essence of the era while maintaining Springsteen's trademark authenticity. This special edition includes a faithfully reimagined gatefold sleeve, a new 12-page booklet featuring an essay from Erik Flannigan and a four-colour lithograph.

Review: Bruce Springsteen's celebrated debut album returns to stores, this time in a "hybrid" remastered form, which features both regular and "super audio" versions. Released way back in January 1973, the set announced the arrival of "the Boss" as a future great, received warm reviews (at the time, Rolling Stone critic Lester Bangs highlighted the dexterity and social commentary of Springsteen's lyrics), and is now considered one of the greatest debut albums of all time. It has certainly held up well, with Springsteen and has band delivering a mixture of bluesy rockers, semi-acoustic treats, surprisingly funky workouts, and songs that still sound as fresh and potent as they did half a century ago.

Review: Ace Records continue their series of compilations from Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, tapping into unique niches of British music culture under titles like English Weather and The Tears Of Technology to arrive at this latest joint, Fell From The Sun. This is a specific trip into the downtempo, after hours sounds prevalent in 1990-1991, as the acid house wave broke and Balearic selector ethics seeped into studio practice. The selections are absolutely on point, from The Orb's majestic remix of Primal Scream's 'Higher Than The Sun' to Saint Etienne's own moody roller, 'Speedwell'. It's bouncy and boundlessly optimistic as well as being supremely chill, absolutely of its time but still ringing with an eternal charm that feels ready for a revival. Let this compilation be your guide.

Review: Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs of Saint Etienne fame are the diggers behind this new rock assemblage which pays tribute to mid-afternoon set times at lesser-known festivals from years gone (well, the 70s) such as Deeply Vale, Bickershaw, Krumlin, Weeley, and Plumpton. They were just as important to those who attended as the more celebrated likes of Glasto' and this collection shows the sounds were just as good, too. The sounds - from big names liek Deep Purple, Hawkwind and Alan Parker & Alan Hawkshaw to lesser known acts like Jonesy, will appeal to hippies and bikers alike with big riffs, funky drumming and some psyched-out sounds.

Review: By 1968, disillusionment with the American dream had grown as urban riots, Vietnam, assassinations, and rising divorce rates rocked the nation. At one time it was only the youth who voiced dissent but by that time older generations were also questioning the state of the country. This superbly assembled album reflects that crisis with rare and forgotten tracks from major artists including the Beach Boys' '4th Of July' and Roy Orbison's 'Southbound Jericho Parkway' plus a classic from Elvis. The songs explore themes like divorce (Frank Sinatra's 'The Train') and institutional hypocrisy (Dean Martin's 'Do You Believe This Town') while Marvin Gaye's environmental anthem also echoes the era's growing awareness of issues which remain just as pressing today.

Review: Ringo Starr's Stop and Smell the Roses, originally released in 1981, has been celebrated for its star-studded contributions from music legends like Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood and Stephen Stills. This picture disc edition,includes a cardboard sleeve, a printed inner sleeve and an OBI side spine, making it an attractive addition for any collector or Beatles fan. Ringo's engaging pop and rock sensibilities with notable songs like 'Wrack My Brain', which became his last US top 40 hit and 'Private Property'. Initially titled Can't Fight Lightning, the album underwent significant changes following Starr's departure from Portrait Records, leading to a revamped tracklist and title. The album's eclectic mix highlights his collaborations and the creative energy of the era.

Review: Analogue Productions are the label to take on the task of producing high-end editions of Steely Dan's albums, given their obsessive approach to remastering, pressing and every single minute detail of the production process. After all, this was the band who popularised such an approach in the studio. Katy Lied was the fourth album from Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, and it's as sensational as any Dan album from the rollicking romp of 'Black Friday' to the slinky boogie of 'Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More'. This Super Audio CD version is surely the true audiophile's choice, free of any sonic interference and with every speck of sound rendered in crystal clear quality, just how the Dan would want it.

Review: Steely Dan's fourth studio album 'Katy Lied' was their 1975 standout moment, capturing a moment in time when the band had gained plenty of traction, and had already ridden the wave of fame for a good time. As a result, their music had grown in creativity and grandeur, expanding outwards from a mere prog rock outfit into a studio project, necessitating a steady stream of session musicians, highest-fidelity gear and lots of money. As ever, infectious guitar hooks and R&B funk structures make up most tracks here, making this an early party rock album if we've ever heard one. Katy may be a love interest or a sumptuous muse - but the title also alludes to a katydid, a species of insect related to grasshoppers or crickets.

Review: Did Steely Dan go Bisto on us and save the best for last? Maybe, just maybe. While Pretzel Logic didn't mark the end of all things The Dan, it was the final album to feature the full lineup - Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, and Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter (prior to the latter joining The Doobie Brothers). It was also the last to be released while the group were actively touring, and as such can be seen as something of a swan song. Perhaps Magnus Opus is a more appropriate turn of phrase. Critically acclaimed at the time, the record sees the jazz rockers opt to tone down the instrumentals that had cost them radio play with preceding LP, Countdown to Ecstasy, and instead focus on shorter, more direct and certainly catchier tunes. That's not to mean throwaway, mind, with praise lauded on the release at the time, when it was reissued in the late 1980s and remastered a decade or so later. Back again, it still has the same impact.

Review: Every Steely Dan album is a world within itself - part of a broader galaxy of planets that share the same energy source, but ultimately unique and never interchangeable. Can't Buy A Thrill was the very beginning of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's revered project, fabled for its exacting studio prowess and ruthless commitment to perfection. There's immediacy to the likes of stone-cold pop classics 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' In The Years', but this is still sublime and subversive music from a band who flew out of the gate fully realised. Now the album has been given a shiny fresh pressing so if you don't own it already, this is the time.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Did Steely Dan go Bisto on us and save the best for last? Maybe, just maybe. While Pretzel Logic didn't mark the end of all things The Dan, it was the final album to feature the full lineup - Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, and Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter (prior to the latter joining The Doobie Brothers). It was also the last to be released while the group were actively touring, and as such can be seen as something of a swan song. Perhaps Magnus Opus is a more appropriate turn of phrase. Critically acclaimed at the time, the record sees the jazz rockers opt to tone down the instrumentals that had cost them radio play with preceding LP, Countdown to Ecstasy, and instead focus on shorter, more direct and certainly catchier tunes. That's not to mean throwaway, mind, with praise lauded on the release at the time, when it was reissued in the late 1980s and remastered a decade or so later. Back again, it still has the same impact.

Review: Steely Dan are the kind of band where everyone has their favourite album, with a fanbase who might well get a little heated debating which phase of the band is superior. But when it comes down to it, everyone will agree Aja is their masterpiece, where that exacting studio process and the elevated songwriting hit some magical sweet spot that yielded the semi-mythical perfect album. The grooves are so slinky as 'Black Cow' opens the record up, they spring with joy out of 'Peg' and they lock down heavy on 'Josie', and there's so much more in between. This faithful reproduction from Analogue Productions is a limited audiophile edition for a band who were made for audiophiles.

Review: An end-of-year reissue campaign makes for a nice retrospective of the best works of American rockers Steely Dan, formed in part by this reissue of their seventh studio album, Gaucho. A monumental effort in ensemble recording, Becker and Fagen exploited the labour-power of over 42 different session musicians and supporting cast members for. this feat, notably exceeding the budget advanced to them by MCA. With a greater focus on rhythmic progression and atmospherics than songwriting compared to their earlier works, it made sense for the group to lay down just seven tracks, with the likes of 'Hey Nineteen' and 'Glamour Profession' standing out as luminaries of their ever-so-yachty corner.

Review: Steely Dan's Katy Lied, released in 1975, marks a pivotal point in the band's trajectory. Known for their meticulous approach to recording and their increasingly complex fusion of rock and jazz, the album sits at the crossroads of their evolution, representing both the height of their creative powers and the growing dissatisfaction of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen with their work. This album sees Steely Dan's transition from a traditional rock band to a more sophisticated, jazz-inflected studio project. The departure of guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and their decision to stop touring, freed Becker and Fagen to focus entirely on studio work. Without the need to accommodate a touring lineup, Katy Lied became a playground for an array of top-tier session musicians, including drummer Jeff Porcaro and vocalist Michael McDonald, who would go on to define yacht rock's lush sound. The album's opening track, 'Black Friday', encapsulates Steely Dan's knack for blending lyrical wit with biting social commentary. It's a jaunty rock tune about apocalyptic scenarios and cashing in on chaos, with Fagen's sly delivery making it unclear whether he's advocating rebellion or simply observing it with a smirk. This tension between cool detachment and grim humor runs throughout Katy Lied, lending the album its disorienting charm. Tracks like 'Bad Sneakers' and 'Doctor Wu' mix cryptic narratives with immaculate musicianship. 'Doctor Wu', one of Steely Dan's most beloved tracks, balances between a love triangle and drug addiction with a saxophone solo from jazz great Phil Woods that ties the song's knot of ambiguity into a gorgeous, bittersweet bow. While Katy Lied features some of Steely Dan's most intricate compositions, it also hints at the moral ambiguity that would become a hallmark of their later albums. Katy Lied holds up as one of Steely Dan's most interesting records, a liminal album that bridges the gap between the rockier early years and the slick perfectionism of later efforts like Aja and Gaucho. It captures Becker and Fagen still in the process of refining their vision, grappling with the frustrations of the studio, but channeling that tension into songs that remain sharp, enigmatic and unflinchingly human.

Review: Originally released in 1980, this limited audiophile vinyl 2xLP box set from Analogue Productions offers a superb listening experience of a masterpiece of jazz-rock fusion. The remastered audio is crystal clear, revealing every nuance of the band's intricate arrangements and Donald Fagen's wry lyrics. From the opening strains of 'Hey Nineteen' to the lush harmonies of 'Time Out of Mind,' this is a sonic journey that will transport you to another time and place. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, this box set is a must-have.

Review: Rhino introduce Al Stewart's Now Playing on brand new sea blue vinyl. Featuring standout Stewart classics like 'Year of the Cat' and 'Time Passages' - known for their intricate storytelling and folk-rock fusion - this benighted new playlist, a greatest hits compilation, offers an arresting journey through Stewart's narrative world and melodic sensibility. An instrumental part of the English folk rock revival of the 1960s, Stewart's (not) one-hit harker-backer 'The Year Of The Cat' will be the one that most listeners recognise here, regaling the tale of an unnamed protagonist chancing upon a gauzy romantic adventure after visiting an exotic bazaar.

Review: Rod Stewart's Foot Loose & Fancy Free, released in 1977, stands out as a definitive moment in his career. Opening with the energetic 'Hot Legs,' the album immediately hooks listeners with its rock 'n' roll vigour. The track 'You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)' showcases Stewart's knack for heartfelt ballads, blending tender lyrics with a captivating melody. 'I Was Only Joking' features storytelling at its best, with a blend of acoustic charm and electric intensity. The album also includes a soulful rendition of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' and a passionate cover of Luther Ingram's '(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right.' The band, featuring guitarists Jim Cregan and Gary Grainger, bassist Phil Chen, and drummer Carmine Appice, delivers a cohesive and dynamic sound throughout. Foot Loose & Fancy Free is a must-listen for any rock enthusiast, reaffirming Stewart's place in rock history with its blend of rockers and ballads, all beautifully produced by Tom Dowd. This reissued vinyl is a perfect addition to any collection.

Review: If you want classic heavy rock... you've got it. The 2024 Foreigner and Styx tour was a juggernaut in the truest sense, Stateside at least. The two stadium guitar outfits have done a lot together over the years, and their joint US tour was the last in a long history of collaborative efforts, with Foreigner using this as the final chapter in their mammoth farewell tour, bringing a 50 year on-stage career to an end. Styx apparently have no intention of following suit, with frontman Tommy Shaw quoted in at least one interview saying the group will bow out "when they drag me to the funeral home" - fitting given the outfit are named after the mythical Greek river that would transport the dead from this life to the next. All that aside, if you know either troupe you'll know what this historic package sounds like - big, emotional, packed with power chords and soaring solos. If you don't, we just told you.

Review: Styx and Foreigner and much-loved rock acts and they came together for an epic 'Renegades & Juke Box Heroes' tour recently. Nothing says summer like their feel-good anthems such as 'Come Sail Away,' 'Feels Like The First Time,' 'Renegade,' 'Juke Box Hero,' 'Mr. Roboto,' and 'I Want To Know What Love Is.' Foreigner's Mick Jones continues to drive the band with his signature songwriting and guitar hooks, while lead singer Kelly Hansen has rejuvenated the band for a new generation. Supporting members bring unmatched energy and help add to Foreigner's enduring appeal and Styx, with their extensive catalogue of hits and high-energy performances also impress. This is a great tribute to classic rock.

Review: Going on to become the biggest selling record in America in 1979, Supertramp's sixth album Breakfast In America is perhaps the quintessential historic example of a British album destined to "break the USA". As if forecasted in advance, 1979 heard the band take capital advantage of the bilateral "special relationship" formed between the two nations since the War, a principle which was of course thereafter reflected in the rock industry. After Led Zep but long before Sting, Supertramp would here spawn the likes of 'The Logical Song', 'Goodbye Stranger', and 'Take The Long Way Home', all of which were smash hits in the US but comparatively denervated back home, where they would only scrape the top ten in the Charts. Despite such an imbalance in successes, this show from the Pavillon de Paris captures the band back in Europe that year, both filmed and recorded in December 1979.

Review: Their sixth album, Supertramp’s most popular and successful work, Breakfast in America was released in March 1979, and reached Number 3 in the UK and Number 1 in the United States where it stayed on top for six weeks. It yielded the hit singles The Logical Song ( # 7 in March 1979 ) Take The Long Way Home, Breakfast In America ( # 9 in June 1979 ) and Goodbye Stranger ( # 57 in October 1979 ). This Deluxe Edition adds a second disc, Breakfast Around The World, containing 12 previously unreleased live recordings from Miami, London and Paris between October and December 1979. Mostly drawn from Breakfast In America, it also includes earlier stage favourites Rudy, Give A Little Bit and Even In The Quietest Moments.

Review: A brand new best of collection including all the hits and classic album tracks from the British glam-rock band's breakthrough in 1969, up until 1978. The collection is being released on beautiful transparent coloured vinyl featuring brand new liner notes after the recent release of 'Isolation Boulevard' - a reworking and reimagining of 1974s 'Desolation Boulevard'. An amazing tribute to the original Sweet, now that all three members have unfortunately passed away, with an incredible 1-2 punch on side C with 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and 'Funny Funny' back to back - just a short two track highlight, but truly covering the breadth and depth of the power of Sweet.