Parachute Vinyl & CDs

Review: This is one of the very many classic David Bowie broadcasts out there. It was recorded on his Hours tour to support his 21st studio album of the same name, and was the last he did for the EMI sub-label. It was the first full album to be made available by a major artist for full internet download, a full two weeks before the physical release. The album makes use of many instruments and took Bowie away from electronica. Guitarist Page Hamilton played in the tour as did Mark Plati on lead and rhythm guitars, Gail Ann Dorsey on bass guitar, Sterling Campbell on drums, and Mike Garson on keyboards. This set was recorded in December 1999 at the London Astoria for FM broadcast.

Review: The Firm was a UK supergroup that formed in 1984. Singer Paul Rodgers was the man responsible for getting together with guitarist Jimmy Page and the group became one of the most successful rock outfits of their era. They released a brace of brilliant albums - the self-titled debut in 1985, then a year later Mean Business - and played across the UK and US in the years after. One of the best shows they did was at the Oakland Coliseum on 15th March. Their extraordinary energy and fine set list was recorded for live FM Radio Broadcast and now you can listen back to the whole thing on vinyl for the first time ever.

Review: If ever there was a pivotal year in the history of a band then Fleetwood Mac's 1977 was probably it. Having dived deep into the world of hard, blues-infused, psychedelic rock & roll for most of their previous albums, they turned to the self-titled debut, also known as Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, and its slightly poppier, more commercially saleable sound as a jumping off point here, but instead wound up making something that's hard to define in reductive terms like 'pop'. Selling over ten million copies within months of release, the three-way vocals and insanely catchy hooks resonated worldwide, and a global tour ensued. Their show at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan was a standout, and this live recording shows exactly why, presenting all facets of a band that have successfully cracked many sounds.

Review: Prog rock - even in its most shiny 80s pop incarnation - doesn't do thing by halves and so we shouldn't be surprised this double album is only one of two sprawling releases containing the 1986 LA gig by Genesis. This is the threesome in their Invisible Touch era, so there's plenty from that album here - yes, even their often overlooked electro-styled instrumental 'The Brazilian' - plus highlights from its eponymous predecessor (the Grandmaster Flash-referencing 'Mama', 'That's All') and other back catalogue big hitters such as 'Follow You, Follow Me' and 'Abacab'.

Review: Another instalment of Collins-era Genesis in live action in 1986, straddling the parallel worlds they inhabit, namely prog overlords ('In The Cage/In That Quiet Earth/Supper's Ready') and shiny pop wizards ('Invisible Touch'). While the hardcore fans will always point to the Gabriel era as the band's purple patch, even they would have to concede that the churning chords and rhythmic stomp of 'Turn It On Again', which closes this set, is always a heart warming listen.

Review: South London formed band Japan first came together in 1974, led by David Sylvian on vocals, guitar and keyboards with Steve Jansen and Mick Karn also forming the core trio that went on to be joined by Richard Barbieri and Rob Dean. It was in 1982 that Japan headed to, well, Japan, to play the last leg of their tour having achieved plenty of chart success including nine Top 40 UK hits. The recordings here capture their last ever live shows from December of that year and they were broadcast across the country on radio. They have never been on vinyl before now as the entire show is presented in two essential volumes.

Review: Live & Sexy: The Biggest Hits in Concert is a new collection of tunes from one of Thebes to ever do it. It comes on CD but why would you bother with that when you can also cop this gatefold pink vinyl version on 2 x 12"? It features nearly 80 minutes of live renditions of Madge's most iconic hits, all of which were in this form originally recorded for live radio broadcasts. Along the way, the record captures the essence of her career at key moments and so is a fine celebration of her enduring legacy in musical history.

Review: Prince's early career was marked by a fearless blending of musical genres, provocative lyrics, and an undeniable magnetism that propelled him into superstardom. One of the key moments in this trajectory was his Controversy tour in 1981-1982, which cemented his status as an innovative and trailblazing artist. The live album, Controversy At The Capitol: New Jersey Broadcast 1982, captures a crucial moment during this tour and now offers those who were there, or those who want toffee like they were, a glimpse into his artistry at a time when he was beginning to define his future legacy.

Review: When Prince first formed the New Power Generation - or NPG to fans - it was 1990 and the world was already had over heels with the Purple King. But nobody could imagine what was coming next. Drafting a press release, with typical modesty (ahem), the legendary pop icon described group as the "best band ever". Incredibly, there's a strong case for the fact he was bang on the money. In time, fans would co-opt the label "the funkiest band in the land", which is similarly accurate. This live recording really showcases what Prince, and the public, meant. It rocks out, it's sensationally soulful, and relentlessly danceable. Ultimately, then, it's an incredible listen, but one what also emphasises just how much was lost when this bonafide enigma tragically bowed out, long before his time.

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.