Analogue Productions US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Originally released in 1972, Dr John's fifth album is an upfront tribute to his inimitable hometown of New Orleans. A collection of covers, tracks chosen from the almost-endless archives of classic blues, jazz and creole tracks that have come out of the Big Easy over the preceding century or so. It also marked something of a character and stylistic sidestep for the legendary Louisiana player. Building a cult following and rather unique reputation for his eccentric stage performances and often pretty left-of-the-middle songwriting and arrangements, by comparison Dr John's Gumbo plays it much straighter, making this an authentic and respectful tribute to rhythm and blues as it has long been played. That's no criticism - the same masterful musicianship remains very much intact, while the personality still shines through. Simply put, the songs have been done again and again, but this album could only be Dr John.

Review: Upon its release in 1970, Donny Hathaway's latest album was met with critical acclaim but modest commercial success. The LP showcased Hathaway's extraordinary versatility, blending gospel, jazz, blues and soul into a cohesive whole. It was a rich tapestry of influences, marked by Hathaway's stunning vocal prowess and his ability to craft arrangements that felt both intricate and organic. The album also set the stage for his subsequent works, cementing Hathaway as one of the most important voices of his generation. Tracks like 'The Ghetto' and 'Tryin' Times' revealed his commitment to addressing social issues, while songs like 'Thank You Master' and 'Je Vous Aime' showcased his personal and spiritual depth. In the decades since its release, Everything Is Everything has grown in stature, celebrated as a cornerstone of soul music.

Review: Henley-born British soul singer Dusty Springfield's time in Memphis marked a turning point in her careeriboth an artistic triumph and a personal gamble. By the late 60s, she had outgrown the UK's pop scene, craving the depth and authenticity of American soul. Recording in the same studios as her heroes, backed by Atlantic Records' finest, she delivered some of her most breathtaking performances. The smoky tenderness of 'Just A Little Lovin'' and the aching vulnerability of 'I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore' showcase her gift for storytelling, while 'No Easy Way Down' and 'I Can't Make It Alone' push her voice to extraordinary places, balancing control with raw emotion. But despite the album's brilliance, commercial success eluded it, deepening her self-doubt. Springfield was a perfectionist, often wracked with insecurity, yet here she sounds unshackledifully immersed in the music she loved, even at great professional risk. Decades later, its impact remains undeniable.

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: The SACD version of one of the most important progressive rock albums, which catapulted progressive rock from a experimental and avante garde genre into a well-respected style of rock music, while forging a path for symphonic rock pieces of longer expression to become commonplace. The enhanced clarity and depth highlight every intricate detail of the band's ambitious arrangements, making this the definitive digital edition. The album's tracks shine brighter than ever. 'Roundabout' bursts with energy, its iconic guitar intro and driving rhythm section sounding crisp and vivid. 'South Side of the Sky' reveals its layered complexity, with the interplay between piano, vocals and searing guitar more dynamic than ever. The atmospheric 'Heart of the Sunrise' benefits from the SACD's superior soundstage, emphasising its sweeping contrasts between serene melodies and thunderous intensity. Each member's contribution feels distinct yet perfectly integrated, with the enhanced fidelity highlighting the virtuosity of their performances.