New releases this week: Rock

Review: The Beatles: The Red Album: 1962-1966 encapsulates the iconic band's early years with a dynamic selection of tracks that have now all been remastered at half speed so they sound extra good. This compilation showcases the evolution of their sound from the exuberant energy of 'Love Me Do' to the groundbreaking creativity of 'A Hard Day's Night' and beyond. There are also timeless hits like 'Twist and Shout' and 'Yesterday,' which means this collection serves as a definitive journey through the first part of the The Beatles' legendary catalogue. Each song is a direct portal back to the 60s and to the vibrant era of Beatlemania at the peak of its powers.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River album from 2023 immerses listeners in a reflective journey through Americana's heartland. It is a typically poignant album from the rock icon that showcases his mastery of storytelling as it weaves together tales of life's trials and triumphs. With his distinctive guitar work and soulful vocals front and centre, Knopfler paints vivid landscapes of dusty highways and riverbanks at dusk on each track, from the introspective 'Beneath a Prairie Moon' to the bluesy swagger of 'Ride On Across.' With its timeless allure, One Deep River speaks of Knopfler's enduring legacy as a guitar troubadour of the modern age.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River album flows with the famously gentle current of his masterful storytelling and melodic guitar work. The title track, reminiscent of a serene waterway, navigates through Knopfler's trademark blend of folk, rock and blues and carries you on a journey through lyrical landscapes rich with imagery and emotion. With his distinctive vocals and intricate guitar licks ever present here, the Dire Straits talisman paints plenty of vivid portraits of introspection and contemplation that all speak to his enduring artistry and his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with the soul.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River delivers a steady stream of timeless classics, featuring his signature blend of poetic lyricism and exquisite guitar work. As the tenth solo album released on his own label, British Grove via EMI, Knopfler continues to captivate with his warm vocals and masterful compositions. The album's lead single, 'Ahead Of The Game,' sets the tone with a melancholic narrative, possibly autobiographical, over a classic Knopfler riff. Title track 'One Deep River' taps into Knopfler's emotional ties to his hometown of Newcastle, particularly the Tyne River. This connection to childhood memories imbues the album with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, echoed in each meticulously crafted song. Produced alongside longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher, the album exudes sophistication and depth, with Knopfler's guitar textures and evocative storytelling taking center stage.

Review: Mark Knopfler's 2023 album, One Deep River, is a written diary through the heartland of Americana. Demonstrating his mastery of storytelling, Knopfler intricately weaves tales of life's trials and triumphs, evoking a poignant reflection on the human experience. Each track showcases Knopfler's signature guitar work and soulful vocals, transporting listeners to dusty highways and riverbanks at twilight. From the introspective 'Beneath a Prairie Moon' to the bluesy swagger of 'Ride On Across,' Knopfler's ability to paint vivid landscapes through music is unparalleled. 'One Deep River' resonates with timeless allure, embodying Knopfler's status as a guitar troubadour of the modern era.

Review: Santana's Amigos album from 1976 stands out as a Latin-infused rock masterpiece that often goes unnoticed due to the absence of their most popular hits. Nonetheless, it is regarded as one of their most captivating albums, resonating with listeners through its infectious energy and musical prowess. The opening track, 'Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana),' showcases Santana's exceptional guitar skills, complemented by a solid rhythm section that propels the melodies to new heights. The album features standout tracks like the heartfelt ballad 'Take Me With You,' the dynamic 'Let Me,' and the grandiose 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile).' With its recent reissue on vinyl, Amigos becomes essential for both loyal Santana enthusiasts and those discovering the band's music for the first time. Embracing the fusion of Latin rhythms and rock elements, this album continues to captivate audiences and solidify Santana's legacy in the realm of musical excellence.

Review: Following on from 1989's majorly successful and admittedly more commercial sounding fourth full-length Intuition, Trondheim glam metal-tinged hard rock heroes TNT would find themselves on the radar and eventual roster of Atlantic Records, who in 1992, would distribute the band's fifth album and first on the major label, Realized Fantasies. Praised by fans for its exceptional production with ludicrously bombastic percussion the whole way through, the project saw a sonic retracing of their more hardened edges, so as not to lose sight of their creative prowess. That being said, cuts such as the cheerful 'Easy Street' and epic ballad 'Lionheart' seem like they were purposefully designed to keep snooting record label execs off their proverbial backs. Never mind what glassy eyed nostalgia-baters say, Realized Fantasies goes hard as hell while delivering barrages of riffage, melody and playfully epic grandeur.