Chrysalis Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake is an upcoming album featuring over 30 artists covering the songs of Nick Drake - the reticent British singer-songwriter whose standout personality and lone talents lent him wide regard as one of the most influential solo rock musicians of his generation. A huge onslaught of covers from well established artists, all of whom owe a figurative debt to Drake in some way - Fontaines D.C., Guy Garvey, Aurora, Feist, Philip Selway, Let's Eat Grandma, Emeli Sande and Bombay Bicycle Club - cover Drake's many heartrenders and classics, such a 'Pink Moon', 'River Man', 'Northern Sky' and 'Fly', as well as lesser-known gems like 'Cello Song'.

Review: This new grey vinyl double album is a celebration of the musical influence of the great singer-songwriter Nick Drake on the many musicians who came after him. Over 30 of them in all got involved with The Endless Coloured Ways, a collection of songs of his performed and recorded from a whole mix of different backgrounds, genres, age groups and audiences. Each of them brings their own perspective and a timeless take on the original material with the likes of Fontaines D.C to Guy Garvey as well as many more all making the cut.

Review: Nick Drake's influence is enduring some 50 years after his tragically early passing. The fragile beauty of his songs have a rare quality which is no doubt why this compilation was able to draw on such a heavyweight cast of artists to lay down their own renditions of Drake classics. Pleasingly, there's a wide range of styles and approaches here - Fontaines DC bring a countrified punk twang to 'Cello Song' and Guy Garvey sings over a lop-sided electro-jazz deconstruction of 'Saturday Sun' from Mike Lindsay while John Parish & Aldous Harding bring a kosmische thrust to their interpretation of 'Three Hours'. The magic of the originals bestows the artists with more than enough golden material to apply their respective practices and create dazzling new versions.

Review: She might be more well known these days for her open letters to Miley Ray Cyrus or public struggles with mental health, but this So Far The Best of reminds us just why Sinead O'Connor is so famous in the first place. It brings together the very best tunes from her four albums and was originally released in 1997, so of course, includes her ubiquitous and global smash Number 1 'Nothing Compares 2 U' is included, as are earlier singles 'Troy' and 'Mandinka', all of which showcase her fearless style and a rich array of emotions. 'Heroine' and 'Just Like U Said It Would B' are included for the first time having in the past only been available on the US version.

Review: Seeing properly, well done reissues of classic material like 'This Is the Sea' has us proud to be in the business of selling vinyl. One of the most critically acclaimed albums of 1985, this became the highest selling and most enjoyed Waterboys albums in their storied career. Thanks in large part to the internationally successful song and heavily MTV rotated songs in 'Whole Of The Moon'. Singer and songwriter Mike Scott, was an all-time creative high when he wrote this album. The song even received an Ivor Novello Award six years after being written in 1991. Each song on this album took on a life of their own and most are featured on many of their best of compilations. Tracks like 'Bang the Drum' and 'This is the Sea' and 'The Pan Within' are dearly beloved by fans of the band. 'Old England' and 'Spirit' are great examples of the folk and pop blend the band perfected. 2025 will be the 40th anniversary of the album. Do not miss out on getting a copy of what Rolling Stone magazine reviewed as "...Spellbinding..."

Review: The 1985 boxset is a comprehensive collection of The Waterboys' musical endeavors during that year. It features a diverse range of materials, including unreleased tracks, demos, outtakes, and live recordings. The set also includes a remastered version of their acclaimed album This Is The Sea. The boxset offers a glimpse into the band's creative process, with numerous alternate versions, song sketches, and covers. It also showcases the band's eclectic musical influences, ranging from traditional Irish folk to experimental rock. Despite its length, the boxset is a cohesive and engaging listen. The remastered This Is The Sea is a highlight, with Tom Verlaine's guitar playing adding a new dimension to the classic album. Other standout tracks include the previously unreleased instrumental 'Meridian West' and a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Sweetheart Like You.' Overall, the 1985 boxset is a valuable addition to the collection of any Waterboys fan. It provides a comprehensive overview of the band's creative output during a particularly fertile period. The boxset also offers insights into the band's musical influences and their commitment to their craft.