Elektra Vinyl & CDs

Review: Chapman's magnetic voice and stark storytelling create an atmosphere both intimate and politically charged on this, her 1988 self-titled debut, made famous by hit single 'Fast Car', but ultimately a far deeper affair. Songs like 'Talkin' Bout a Revolution' channel the protest spirit of folk legends like Woody Guthrie, delivering an anthem for those marginalised by economic inequality. Her blend of folk, blues and rock feels timeless, with lyrics that still moves listeners today. The haunting 'Behind the Wall', can move one to tears for its raw portrayal of domestic violence and the systemic failure of the police to intervene. Chapman's trembling contralto gives life to the repeated line 'Last night I heard the screaming', transforming it into a powerful condemnation of indifference. In contrast, 'If Not Now...' is a personal perspective, urging listeners to live and love in the present with its delicate acoustic arrangement. Chapman's storytelling is a triumph of nuance, balancing bleakness with hope. Decades later, Tracy Chapman remains a powerhouse in songwriting, deserving renewed attention. It is not just an album of its time but a work of enduring relevance, offering a poignant reminder that music can still be a catalyst for change.

Review: Here comes a reissue of Bruno Mars's much-loved debut album from 2010 on limited neon yellow vinyl. Doo-Wops & Hooligans set the signature sound for this now global pop favourite with its vibrant blend of pop, r&b, reggae and soul all of which helped to launch him into global stardom. Featuring iconic hits like 'Just the Way You Are,' 'Grenade' and the laid-back anthem 'The Lazy Song' the album is a great testament to Mars' knack for crafting catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics with production by The Smeezingtons that balances upbeat tracks with emotional ballads, infectious energy, smooth vocals and timeless pop goodness, which is why it won so many awards.

Review: This record, considered Zevon's masterpiece, features some of his most iconic songs. This album stands tall among the best music coming out of L.A. in the mid-70s, rivaling works by Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles. 'Desperados Under the Eaves' is often sighted as Zevon's greatest song, setting the scene at the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel, a place where Zevon often stayed and painting a vivid picture of personal and ecological apocalypse. Linda Ronstadt famously covered 'Mohammed's Radio' and 'Poor Poor Pitiful Me,' both of which are on this album. One of Zevon's all-time greats, 'Carmelita,' a haunting song about heroin addiction, also appears here. The album opens with 'Frank And Jesse James,' a tune Zevon wrote for the Everly Brothers, and it stands out as a brilliant start. Two of his most poignant ballads, 'Desperados Under the Eaves' and 'Hasten Down the Wind,' are also included. Conversely, 'The French Inhaler' is a scathing attack on an ex-lover, showcasing Zevon's biting lyrical strength. Zevon's tumultuous life, characterised by substance abuse and tumultuous relationships, is reflected in his music. His self-titled album, recorded after years of struggling and floundering in the L.A. music scene, marked a turning point in his career. Supported by friends and admirers like Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, the album's recording sessions were legendary for their intensity and wildness. Not an immediate commercial success, it's stood the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on rock music.