PIAS Vinyl & CDs

Review: The fact that you have bands that also got their first break through Rough Trade, like Howler, Palma Violets and The Strokes, borrowing somewhat from The Feelies' playbook is testament to their stylish handling of handmade rock n' roll. Their first two records, released in the 80s, are largely considered classics, but this album released in 1991 is as strong as anything in their back catalogue. It's also a terrific parting gift to fans as they ended up taking a 17-year break after it, reforming in 2008 to play a gig with Sonic Youth and together ever since. This album is immaculately recorded yet true to their live sound, as they set up in the studio in much the same way that they set up on stage. It's a driving, propulsive yet inventive affair offering up as much for the cranium as it does the hips. The band are commonly compared to Velvet Underground and 'Find A Way' has a touch of the VU classic 'Heroin' about it. 'Decide', however, feels more Stones-y, while 'Real Cool Time' does justice and then some to The Stooges' original. That they bring to mind other great rock bands is testament to the fact they are in that league and not mere pastiche.

Review: Emitt Rhodes' self-titled album, released in 1970, proves his pioneering approach to home recording: made in his home studio, it came at a time when union rules mandated that albums released by major labels had to be recorded in professional studios. Ergo, the fact that it was made at home couldn't be disclosed on the cover. Despite this, the original LP featured a playful message in the runout groove, stating "Recorded at Home" in humorous title case. Rhodes had initially intended to call the album Homecooking, but the label opted for his name instead. Using a four-track recorder, Rhodes forged the instrumental tracks before transferring them to an eight-track with which to add vocals, enhancing the sound with a higher-quality microphone - clearly that's as much as grandiose a story as we're getting on the BTS front. The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard chart, with 'Fresh As A Daisy' peaking at number 54 on the Hot 100, and 'Lullabye' finding its niche in the Wes Anderson film The Royal Tenenbaums.