Review: 10 years on since their smash No.1 hit 'Pompeii', a song that has solidified itself in UK pop history in its own right, British singer-songwriter Dan Smith's brainchild Bastille's Bad Blood X still packs the same punch. It's easy to see why 'Pompeii' was such a runaway success, the insanely catchy hook and the dynamic vocal chants over that thudding drum beat...everybody knows it. To commemorate a decade since this defining record, Universal are producing a limited gatefold coloured LP, that will include a brand new 7" vinyl with two never-before-heard demos, 'RACING HEART' (Laura Palmer Demo) / 'POET' (Dan's Bedroom Demo) both recorded in Smith's parents' loft. Also in the package will be a 16-page 12×12 book featuring new, unreleased artwork, notes from each band member and handwritten annotations and a track list from Smith - as well as a 12×12 double sided insert with an alternative cover and more unarchived art. For Bastille fans old and new this is an undisputed must-have.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Green Room (3:16)
Jennifer's Body (2:37)
Fighting My Demons (1:47)
Singapore (feat Destroy Lonely) (0:52)
Lose It (4:41)
Hardcore (2:11)
Me N My Kup (3:53)
It's Over (1:34)
Succubus (2:28)
Paranoid (feat Destroy Lonely) (2:12)
Pots (1:33)
Like This (feat Lil Uzi Vert & Destroy Lonely) (0:37)
Overtime (3:11)
Vampire Hour (1:47)
Nightcore (5:37)
Nightcore 2 (3:05)
Rockstar Lifestyle (3:10)
I Need U (2:28)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.
Like This (feat Lil Uzi Vert & Destroy Lonely) (0:37)
Overtime (3:11)
Vampire Hour (1:47)
Nightcore (5:37)
Nightcore 2 (3:05)
Rockstar Lifestyle (3:10)
I Need U (2:28)
Review: Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.
Review: The announcement of Johnny Cash's posthumous album Songwriter, has sparked a debate about the ethics of releasing music shelved during an artist's lifetime. The album, featuring 11 unreleased demos from 1993, sees Cash's vocals and acoustic guitar, with new instrumentation by musicians like Marty Stuart and Dave Roe. The first single, 'Well Alright,' exemplifies Cash's clever, humorous style, reminiscent of lesser-known gems like 'Country Trash.' Produced by Cash's son, John Carter Cash, and David Ferguson, this release aims to highlight Cash's songwriting. Some critics argue against releasing music the artist did not originally deem worthy. However, the album's timing during a commercially rough period and Cash's subsequent career reinvention suggests the demos' initial shelving wasn't due to quality concerns. One listen will confirm that - this is top drawer material from a master of the genre.
Review: Before the legendary Johnny Cash would embark on his mid-90s resurgence with the help of producer Rick Rubin, the country songsmith had already been hard at work on a collection of tracks recorded at LSI Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. These sessions were ultimately shelved in favour of the subsequent American Recordings, until three decades later, they were to be discovered by John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter. Stripping away the bells and whistles from the takes to get down to the core of Cash's sole vocal and acoustic guitar tracks, long-time producer David 'Fergie' Ferguson was tapped to help helm this accidental new project. Handpicking a collective of artists close to Cash, including guitarist Marty Stuart, the late bassist Dave Roe, drummer Pete Abbott, as well as a plethora of contributors such as Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys; the team retreated to the Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, known for being a place of solitude and inspiration for the timeless songwriter, in order to do these forgotten gems their due diligence. Aptly titled Songwriter, these are the resulting never-before-heard, and likely final newly released songs from a legend whose looming presence still continues to resonate to this day.
Review: Chase & Status ride a new wave with their sixth album, honouring their long-held time in the limelight as two of the UK's most powerful bangercrafting hitmakers. While still managing to nod to times past, this limited new LP also works in brand new UK sounds - drill MCs Unknown T and Backroad Gee, for example, make standout appearance on the tracks 'Run Up' and 'When It Rains', while still retaining elements of creativity that are endemic to Chase & Status only. Meanwhile, UK dancehall maintains its strong standing, with Popcaan and IRAH featuring regularly throughout.
The Veldt (feat Chris James - 8 Minute edit) (0:50)
Fn Pig (8:52)
Professional Griefers (feat Gerard Way) (4:06)
Maths (6:58)
There Might Be Coffee (7:01)
Take Care Of The Proper Paperwork (7:10)
Closer (7:09)
October (7:21)
Sleepless (4:13)
Failbait (feat Cypress Hill) (4:52)
Telemiscommunications (with Imogen Heap) (3:59)
Review: Originally released in 2012, '> album title goes here <' is the sixth studio album by Canadian electronic music producer & composer Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman). The 13-track album features a handful of Deadmau5' biggest hits, including but not limited to: 'The Veldt' with Chris James, 'Professional Griefers' with Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, 'Channel 42' with Wolfgang Gartner, and 'Telemiscommunications' with Imogen Heap. Now reissued for an even-more contemporary audience, this latest coloured vinyl version provides a new window into the world of the helmeted muroid cynic, and the humorously updated progressive house sound he helped trailblaze.
Review: Empire Of The Sun is set to mark a new chapter with their fourth album, Ask That God. This album signifies a significant evolution, embracing an infectious new sound while maintaining their roots. Following the recent single 'Changes,' the band has released 'Music On The Radio,' a breezy indietronica track that encapsulates their signature blissful electronica. Luke Steele's shimmering vocals blend seamlessly with a throbbing, elastic beat, creating catchy effect. Steele describes the song as a teenage rebellion against imaginary emotions, driven by Nick Littlemore's unique lyrical touch. The hypnotic groove of the bass is irresistible, showing the duo's talent for melodies and hooks. Ask That God represents a profound shift for the band, reflecting their journey and growth. This album promises to be a transcendent experience for fans, reaffirming Empire Of The Sun's innovative spirit.
Review: Acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Jess Glynne is a GRAMMY award winner and chart-topping regular who has now unveiled her highly anticipated third studio album, JESS, slated for release via EMI Records. This latest offering is said to be her most personal yet. It is an album that enriches Jess' extensive catalog which already boasts over ten billion global streams and builds on her already remarkable achievements including being the sole British female solo artist to achieve seven number-one hits on the UK Singles Chart. Musically the record shows lots of growth to her artistry as well as plenty of the hooks she is known for.
Review: Niall Horan's The Show: Live at Madison Square Garden captures the former One Direction member in his element, balancing earnest pop ballads with confident, crowd-pleasing anthems. The live performance feels personal yet expansive, with Horan's easy charm drawing listeners in from the opening notes. The show's strength lies in its ability to meld intimate moments, like the reflective 'Slow Hands,' with soaring, feel-good choruses, all while Horan delivers with sincerity and skill. It's a celebration of his evolution as an artist, proving his capacity for both catchy hooks and heartfelt delivery.
Review: Brittany Howard's highly anticipated second studio album What Now is a bold exploration of identity, resilience and the human experience. The Alabama Shakes front-woman's sophomore effort delves deep into themes of self-discovery and social commentary to deliver a raw and visceral sounds that pairs her famously powerful vocals with instrumentation that draws on several different genre references such a soul, funk, rock and gospel. From the anthemic energy of 'Stay High' to the introspection of 'Tomorrow,' each track offers a glimpse into Howard's multifaceted artistry and they all show that Howard's evolution as an artist continues to make her one of today's most compelling voices.
Review: Kali Uchis is a globally renowned Columbian r&b and pop songstress who first rose to fame due to her frequent collaborations with alternative hip-hop wunderkind Tyler, the Creator. She has dropped a few great records ever since that bring her unique cultural heritage to r&b and result in hooky tunes, feel good grooves and plenty of great songwriting moments. Her critically acclaimed Red Moon In Venus LP from last year now gets followed up by the lush crooner here. Her Latino-heritage imbued compositions make for a second Spanish-language album, following 2020's Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), which is well worth hearing.
Review: The Killers have long-since divided opinion. Yes, tracks like 'Mr Brightside' will still fill dancefloors slick with WKD each and every Saturday night, beer boys and party girls and lost freaks and first-timers all joining together in one of the most memorable choruses of the century so far. But then their penchant for OTT pomp and pageantry has always been something of a stumbling block for many 'proper rock fans'. With that in mind, Pressure Machine could do wonders for breaking down barriers.
We're not in Kansas anymore, that's for sure, but instead Utah, and the small town of Nephi, where lead singer Bradley Flowers grew up. The album effectively takes us on a tour of what was and what probably still is, by way of a more salt of the Earth, somewhat intimate and narratively-driven collection of rock 'n' roll tracks that invoke a timeless sense of American guitar storytelling, albeit with some theatrics still intact.
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: The Libertines is one of those bands people either seem to love or hate, a bit like Radiohead, but for very different reasons. They certainly defined a specific period in UK music culture back at the turn of the millennium whether people like it or not, and after years apart they have reconvened as more mature men for a fourth album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, which managed, according to frontman Pete Doherty, to come together in "a moment of rare peace". Lead single 'Run Run Run' is a great indication of what to expect - some racuous energy with great songwriting.
Long Tailed Winter Bird (Damon Albarn remix) (4:08)
Josh Homme - "Lavatory Lil" (2:46)
When Winter Comes (Anderson Paak remix) (2:18)
Deep Deep Feeling (3D RDN remix) (11:26)
Long Tailed Winter Bird (Idris Elba remix) (2:43)
Review: McCartney III was the18th solo album by legendary musician and former Beatle Paul McCartney. Imagined is the remix version that came digitally back in April and now lands on vinyl. The artists chosen to remix were all selected by McCartney himself and are said to feature "friends, fans, and brand new acquaintances." The record has picked up plenty of positive reviews already and that should be no surprise given the heavyweights included. The likes of Beck, Khruangbin, Dev Hynes, Ed O'Brien, Damon Albarn, Josh Homme, Anderson .Paak, Robert Del Naja, and Idris Elba all make for a contemporary mix with diverse results.
Review: Record breaking, chart topping, Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter and top Canadian talent Shawn Mendes is back with a new self titled album, which is his fifth overall. When artists opt for the self-titled LP it often reflects a more honest and personal approach and that is the case here as Shawn, which was written and recorded over the past two years, is him at his most intimate. It was recorded across many sessions and locations which also helps add different perspectives and influences and was done with a small group of collaborators including Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Eddie Benjamin, Nate Mercereau, Ethan Gruska, Amy Allen and Chris Thile.
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