Parachute Vinyl & CDs

Review: A romantic snapshot in time from Roxy Music's 1976 Siren tour, 'The Thrill Of It All' captures the band at their peak, and bundles their restrained emotion into a burgeoning slice of 12" vinyl. Not to be confused with their compilation album of the same name, we get a glimpse into the performative habits of a band whose touring schedule had them visit Japan, Europe, Australia and the US. From the title track all the way through to 'Editions Of You', the band's 9-strong lineup on this live album is tireless, making their way through a gargantuan setlist with ease.

Review: Gaucho was the seventh studio album from soft-pop-rock-jazzists and yacht rock pioneers Steely Dan. Released in 1980, they would embark on a tour to mark the record's arrival, and then vanish for 20 years. Or at least go on extended hiatus. That's not surprising, given the back story here, with widespread creative disagreements and a three-way legal battle with MCA and Warner Bros ensuing. And an original budget blown by the sheer scope of 42 musicians contributing to the work. The Lost Gaucho is almost an unplugged version of all that. These are the alternative versions recorded in the early sessions that led to the final LP. Broadcast on radio as part of the promotional campaign, they've been compiled on this joyfully smooth and seductive package, which fans need in their lives.

Review: The legendary Talk Talk was one of a kind. Not only did they craft exceptional studio albums rich in melodic details but they were top in the live arena too. This sublime broadcast from 1984 finds them in Utrecht in the Netherlands playing for a live FM Broadcast recorded at the Muziekcentrum Vredenburg on 27th May. The group formed by Mark Hollis is in dynamic form and they worked through all their hits to date alongside cuts from the two albums which they had already put out at that time. Experimental rock, jazz and free improv all defined this most artful band.