Deram Vinyl & CDs

Review: David Bowie's first LP, released in 1967, remains a fascinating collection that offers a glimpse into his future career. Tracks like 'She's Got Medals' showcase early gender-bending themes, while 'Please Mr. Gravedigger' and 'Uncle Arthur' delve into dark, quirky narratives unlike anything else in his discography. 'We Are Hungry Men' foreshadows dystopian themes, depicting a world driven to cannibalism due to food scarcity. While some songs highlight human frailties with sharp observations, others like 'Love You Till Tuesday' and 'Maid of Bond Street' are irresistibly catchy despite their family-entertainment style arrangements. This album stands out in Bowie's catalogue for its uniqueness and the clear divergence from his later, more rock-oriented work. Now reissued on green vinyl, this LP invites a new generation to appreciate Bowie's early artistic exploration.

Review: The British Jazz Explosion series continues to shine a light on the finest records to come from the yesteryear of jazz in ol' Blighty. On this occasion we're taken deep into the folds of John Surman and John Warren's thrilling, high-drama opus Tales Of The Algonquin. It's a widescreen affair taking big band ensemble pieces like 'With Terry's Help' and more delicate, Gil Evans-inspired pieces like 'The Dandelion'. It's a bold and brilliant record, sounding all the better for a plush 180 gram pressing that helps the music truly leap from the grooves.

Review: Originally called The Take 5, Timebox hails from Southport, Lancashire. This quintet's use of organ and vibraphone helped to heighten their obvious love of soul and jazz influences which were always reflected in their repertoire. Before signing with Deram, they recorded a standout rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's 'Soul Source' for the Piccadilly label and here we get their superbly raw and direct 'Beggin' tune, a real piece of 60s gold. On the flip, The Quik's 'Ben's Apple Crumble' brings more brilliance to a crucial 45.