Cherry Red Vinyl & CDs

Review: The recent, untimely death of David Lynch from emphysema possibly inspired this new Cherry Red compilation, mapping the career of the equally late musician Julee Cruise, who died in 2022. This new 2xCD set compiles the first phase of the unique and enigmatic chanteuse's recording career, which really begun not long after the infamous Twin Peaks songster penned the theme tune 'Falling', which finally put dream pop on the map after many years of general incubation. Of course, said Angelo Badalamenti benchmark production features centrally, but many more rapid-eyed reveries - such as 'This Is Our Night', 'Floating', 'Into The Night' and 'Summer Kisses, Winter Tears' - also document the washout pop passions of Cruise outside of the Lynchian paradigm, with Wim Wenders soundtrack cuts to original lounge-classical dirges all following in tow. Stylishly presented, and complete with an insightful sleevenote essay, 'Fall_Float_Love' demands a long overdue rediscovery

Review: Levitate - the post-punk legends' 19th studio album - has been scarcely available on vinyl so commands a high price usually. Cherry Red did press a limited-edition triple lp edition in 2018 to satisfy some of the demands. Thankfully, the esteemed indie label is doing fans a solid again by presenting the two-LP edition on transparent red vinyl for the first time. The reason for its scarcity being that the label that originally put this out in 1997 - Artful Records - is thought to have gone bankrupt, so it has been out of print over the years. Standouts from this eclectic record, artful album (there was seemingly no idea too out-there, with drum n' bass even slotting in there) include '4 1/2 Inch', 'Spencer Must Die' and 'The Quartet of Doc Shanley'. All of which are the only tracks recorded at Edwyn Collins' studio in London, with producers Keir Stewart and Simon Spencer at the controls. Meanwhile, the album is notable for being the last to feature two long-time Fall members, drummer Karl Burns and bass player Steve Hanley. Hanley, along with Joy Division's Peter Hook and Andy Rourke, is one of the all-time great bassists out of Manchester, and once described by the late, great Fall founder Mark E Smith as the defining element of the Fall's music. With the Fall's creative, viscerally entertaining back catalogue one of the most cited among new bands in the U.K. today, Levitate proves that being Fall-esque might mean very little as no one has made an album quite like this.

Review: A three-disc celebration of Hawkwind's thrilling live energy, capturing their September 2023 performance at London's legendary venue. The set blends tracks from their recent 2023 album, The Future Never Waits, with space rock classics spanning decades, proving the band's timeless appeal. Fans can expect explosive renditions of favorites like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age', 'Master of the Universe' and 'Assault and Battery'. Disc three features exclusive rehearsal recordings of tracks like 'Mask of Morning' and 'Frozen In Time', that is a unique glimpse into the band's creative process. Founding member Dave Brock is joined on stage by longtime members Richard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Thighpaulsandra. Arthur Brown's surprise guest appearance adds a cosmic flair, delivering spoken-word poetry between songs. This release is a testament to Hawkwind's enduring ability to push the boundaries of space rock. With There Is No Space For Us, their next studio album, slated for 2025, the band shows no signs of slowing down.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve slightly creased, slight surface marks on records***


Hawkwind's Live at the Royal Albert Hall captures their mesmerising September 29, 2023, performance at one of the world's most iconic venues. This triple vinyl release serves as both a celebration of their enduring legacy and a testament to their continued innovation in the space rock genre. Following their well-received studio albums The Future Never Waits (2023) and Stories From Time and Space (2024), the live setlist spans decades of brilliance, delivering both timeless classics and fresh favorites. The band electrified the audience with essential tracks like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age' and 'Master of the Universe', alongside newer gems such as 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the previously unreleased 'Underwater City'. Frontman Dave Brock led the lineup of seasoned musiciansiRichard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim Lewisithrough a masterclass in cosmic rock, their chemistry palpable throughout the night. Adding to the spectacle was Arthur Brown, whose evocative poetry readings and theatrical presence elevated the performance. This release is not just a live album but an experience, cementing Hawkwind's reputation as pioneers who bridge nostalgia with uncharted sonic adventures. Journey through Hawkwind's ever-expanding universe live with this excellent package!

Review: Hawkwind's Live at the Royal Albert Hall captures their mesmerising September 29, 2023, performance at one of the world's most iconic venues. This triple vinyl release serves as both a celebration of their enduring legacy and a testament to their continued innovation in the space rock genre. Following their well-received studio albums The Future Never Waits (2023) and Stories From Time and Space (2024), the live setlist spans decades of brilliance, delivering both timeless classics and fresh favorites. The band electrified the audience with essential tracks like 'Levitation', 'Spirit of the Age' and 'Master of the Universe', alongside newer gems such as 'Rama (The Prophecy)' and the previously unreleased 'Underwater City'. Frontman Dave Brock led the lineup of seasoned musiciansiRichard Chadwick, Magnus Martin, Doug MacKinnon and Tim Lewisithrough a masterclass in cosmic rock, their chemistry palpable throughout the night. Adding to the spectacle was Arthur Brown, whose evocative poetry readings and theatrical presence elevated the performance. This release is not just a live album but an experience, cementing Hawkwind's reputation as pioneers who bridge nostalgia with uncharted sonic adventures. Journey through Hawkwind's ever-expanding universe live with this excellent package!

Review: The sixth album from West Coast psychedelic indie warriors Mercury Rev had already been enhanced with a host of extra B-sides and other goodies on a limited edition version when it first dropped in 2005, but this new version sees it further expanding, like the brain of an innocent teenager dropping acid for the first time. The original core 13 tracks are pretty good in their own right, obviously, from the close harmonies of 'Moving On' sounding like a frazzled, baked Beach Boys and the grandiose opener 'Secret For A Song' they show they're capable of achieving multiple moods and rollercoaster dynamics. Luxuriate in that and spoil yourself further with a further 12 flip tracks and outtakes, including guest vocal appearances from Bonnie Kate Anthony on the rather Nilsson-sounding 'I Never Had It So Good' and 'Tennessee Blues' and intriguing experiments like the spaced out synth-and-voice effort 'Good Day'.

Review: In the latter half of the 1990s, the lines between indie-rock, Britpop and dance music became increasingly blurred, indie club DJs being blessed with all manner of heady, high-octane treats to enjoy - including notable big beat, trip-hop and techno reworks. This four-disc set from Cherry Red does an excellent job in celebrating this fertile musical period via a mix of chart-bothering faves (Norman Cook remixing Pierre Henry and Cornershop), heavy club revisions (the Chemical Brothers taking on Bomb The Bass and the Charlatans), bona-fide dance classics (Leftfield, Orbital, Basement Jaxx), quirky rock-rave (Black Grape, the Prodigy), big beat workouts (Indian Ropeman, Death In Vegas, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Lo Fidelity Allstars), and eccentricities (the All Seeing I, Jimi Tenor, Future Sound of London).

Review: Long after the 'Kids In America' and 'You Keep Me Hanging On', Kim Wilde has a brand new album, apparently a sequel to the 1988 smash hit Close. It hears the British singer continue to zoom in on the pop, new wave and rock-infused influenza of sound that earned her sucess initially, but adds a new, starlit electropop mood along with synthpop and hi-NRG influences on what is her sixth studio album. The raunchy and maximalist sound Wilde is known for is still on full blast here thouhg, albeit with a fresher modern varnish, with the likes of 'Trail Of Destruction' and 'Rocket To The Moon' proving especially audacious.