Liberation Hall US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Described as "one of the longest-lived groups of the punk era", London's own 999 originally formed in 1976, quickly developing a cult following through incessant gigging before landing a recording deal with United Artists around the same time as Buzzcocks off the strength of their debut single 'I'm Alive'. Fast forward through two seminal punk classics with their 1977 self-titled debut LP followed in 1978 with the phenomenal Separates, and we land at the iconic Old Waldorf (long shutdown and now a comedy club) for this recently unearthed live album. Emergency At The Old Waldorf 1979 offers a fly on the wall earful of the legendary punk act at the height of their prowess, tearing through some of their best known bangers including 'Hit Me', 'Homicide', and of course, 'Emergency', while this translucent ruby red vinyl edition comes complete with never before seen tour photos as well as liner notes penned by frontman Nick Cash.

Review: Samuel John Hopkins was born in 1912 into poverty in Centerville, Texas and discovered the blues early, apparently meeting Blind Lemon Jefferson at a church picnic. In 1946, he was scouted by Aladdin Records in Houston and brought to Los Angeles by Lola Anne Cullum. At Aladdin, he recorded solo and with pianist Wilson Smith, earning the nickname "Lightning" while Smith became "Thunder." Returning to Houston, Hopkins became renowned for his improvisational skill and guitar prowess. His influence extended widely; Jimmie Vaughan credited him with paving the way for Jimi Hendrix. This collection features previously unreleased live performances, blending acoustic soul with electric energy from venues like Los Angeles' Ash Grove and Palo Alto's In Your Ear Club.