Radio Broadcast Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Clash are post-punk icons whose music still draws in new generations of anarchists some 40-odd years after the band peaked. Back in 1978, they were still at their very best and it was then that they recorded the BBC Sessions that now make up this new vinyl release. Alongside all the tunes from those recordings are a series of selections from their 1982 East Coast tour in the United States of America. All the classics are here such as 'London's Burning', 'I Fought The Law', 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' and many more along with some less-known gems.

Review: A fascinating collection of radio sessions throwing up expertly recorded alternate versions of songs from the end of the band's brief career, which was cruelly curtailed by the death of singer Ian Curtis in May 1980. Lovers of the band will recognise the tracklisting as mainly consisting of tracks from album number two Closer, where the experiments with electronics that would eventually change the world through New Order ultimately began, and the two versions of 'She's Lost Control' and an electronic drum-peppered 'Insight' for instance, show this process in progress. That said, the renditions of standalone singles 'Transmission' and 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', not to mention the funky but savage 'Sound of Music', show them simply in more straight forward guitar mode, but vastly sharpened up by constant touring compared to the band in evidence on their debut Unknown Pleasures.

Review: Amy Winehouse - The BBC Sessions captures the raw brilliance of the late British singer during her most formative years and across some magical sessions for the Beeb. The album compiles live performances from various radio shows, each of which showcases Winehouse's soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, and all recorded between 2004 and 2009. The sessions feature stripped-back renditions of her iconic tracks like 'Rehab' and 'Love Is A Losing Game' as well as covers that highlight her deep musical roots in jazz and soul. This is a fine behind-the-scenes look at the great artistry and emotion of one of the greats of the last 50 years.