Back catalogue: Rock

Review: This limited edition neon-yellow LP captures the power of U2's historic performance at the RDS Arena, Dublin in August 1993, a highlight of their groundbreaking ZOO TV Tour. Pressed on vinyl for the first time, this release should be a coveted collectible for both fans and collectors. Opening with the dramatic 'Zoo Station,' the track sets a powerful tone, showcasing U2's innovative approach to live performance at the time. The energetic 'Mysterious Ways' follows, a standout hit from the Achtung Baby album, its infectious rhythm exemplifying the band's dynamic range. 'Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World' adds depth to the EP with its reflective and expansive feel, highlighting the band's ability to blend introspection with grandeur. 'Stay (Faraway, So Close!)' offers a poignant and often underrated ballad from the era, providing a softer contrast to the more intense tracks. Finally, 'Love Is Blindness,' a cult favorite also from Achtung Baby, brings a haunting and intense conclusion to the set. The 12" heavyweight vinyl is adorned with a gloss UV varnish on the outer sleeve, enhancing its visual appeal and making this release a striking addition to any collection.

Review: 15 studio albums, 84 singles and nine EPs. U2's legacy is up there with the biggest in rock & roll history. The original LP, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, is number 11 in the band's running order, and when it was released in 2004 it reflected the group doubling down on their transition away from more experimental and alternative rock sounds, into more mainstream aesthetics befitting their long-since earned stadium status. Here we are late-2024 and the Irish outfit bestow How To Reassemble An Atomic Bomb on their legions of loyal fans as a tie-in with both Record Store Day and Black Friday, and to mark the record's 20th anniversary. Not simply a re-release, but rather a revisit to ideas and tones of the time, even if you've got the previous versions this is well worth a punt.

Review: U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb gets a lavish 20th-anniversary treatment with this limited edition 8xLP super deluxe boxset. The collection revisits the Grammy-winning album and is newly remastered. The original album, featuring massive hits like Vertigo and City of Blinding Lights, is now paired with a fascinating companion piece titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb. This piece was a second album that was recorded at the same time as the main album with exclusive remixes by collaborators such as Hot Chip and Trent Reznor adding fresh perspectives on familiar tracks, while live enthusiasts can rejoice with the inclusion of the full Vertigo 2005: Live From Chicago performanceinow available on vinyl for the first time. The package's extras elevate this release into collector's territory. A stunning photography book by Anton Corbijn, complete with handwritten notes, captures the visual essence of the band, while special edition prints provide a tactile, artistic flourish.