Rhino Vinyl & CDs

Review: When Air's Moon Safari first landed on terra firma in 1997, it was a revelation that flipped the French touch boom on its head. Swapping discoid thrust for sensual lounge, Nicolas Jean Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel kept a certain sophisticated nostalgia in their sound which tracked with their compatriots, but they absolutely weaved their own spell with it. The hits caught on for good reason, from the dirty grind of 'Sexy Boy' to the swooning romanticism of 'All I Need' featuring Beth Hirsch on vocals, but the moments in between merely added to the spectacle, lodging Air in the hearts and minds of a whole generation. This special anniversary edition adds a second disc of B-sides, remixes and session tracks, plus a Blu-ray disc featuring the iconic videos and a documentary from the Moon Safari era.

Review: Benson's first album since rejoining Warner Music Group earlier this year, it was originally recorded in 1989 but was never released. It features the celebrated composer-arranger Robert Farnon and his orchestra and Farnon's lush arrangements beautifully complement Benson's soulful vocals and fluid guitar work on American standards like 'Autumn Leaves,' 'At Last,' and 'My Romance', as well as reimagined pop classics such as the Beatles' 'Yesterday' and Leon Russell's 'A Song For You.' The album was delayed and subsequently lost until recently rediscovered in Benson's archive and with the help of pianist, composer and arranger Randy Waldman, Benson has revived and remastered the recordings, adding new overdubs and choral arrangements. This release adds a new chapter to Benson's illustrious career, following his tenure with Warner Records from 1976 to 1993, during which he released 12 studio albums, including the triple-platinum Breezin'. Recognised as a jazz master by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in 2009, Benson continues to be a giant in both jazz and contemporary music.

Review: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 captures a thrilling live showcase of guitar virtuosity, celebrating a return after a four-year hiatus. With Bill Murray as Master of Ceremonies, this event brought together an exceptional lineup, including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Santana, John Mayer and more. Across four discs, more than 50 tracks reveal electrifying renditions of blues classics, rock anthems and American Songbook standards, with Clapton himself frequently joining his peers onstage. Highlights include collaborations with the Del McCoury Band, Bradley Walker and stirring performances of 'Eight Miles High' with Roger McGuinn and 'Bluebird' with Stephen Stills. Spanning multiple genres and generations, the set offers a testament to the unifying power of the guitar, underscoring Clapton's influence in gathering top talents from across eras. This release not only chronicles a memorable night for fans but also reinforces the legacy of blues guitar as it finds fresh, dynamic life through each performer. Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 is essential for blues and rock fans alike.

Review: The Doobie Brothers make a triumphant return with a revitalised lineup, uniting founding members Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald for their latest release. With a legacy built on infectious harmonies, impeccable musicianship and a genre-blending approach, the band has long been a staple in American rock and pop. Their newest project, produced by John Shanks, reflects both their storied past and evolving present. The album touches on personal themes of growth, recovery and a deepening understanding of life's essential truths, each track showcasing the band's uncanny ability to weave Americana, rock and soul into an expansive yet cohesive sound, while collaborationsiincluding a stirring appearance from Mavis Staplesiadd emotional depth. Tracks like 'Angels & Mercy' and 'Learn To Let Go' embrace themes of growth and recovery, while the title track, featuring Staples, offers a sense of hope and unity. As ever, the Doobies navigate complex emotions with timeless ease, proving that their distinct blend of optimism and introspection still resonates deeply, even after decades of musical evolution.

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FINAL TRACKLISTING & RUNNING ORDER TBC: 1 Joy Division - Transmission,
2 Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart, 3 Joy Division - Isolation,
4 Joy Division - She''s Lost Control, 5 Joy Division - Atmosphere, 6 New Order - Ceremony,
7 New Order - Temptation, 8 New Order - Blue Monday, 9 New Order - Thieves Like Us,
10 New Order - The Perfect Kiss, 11 New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle,
12 New Order - True Faith, 13 New Order - World In Motion, 14 New Order - Regret,
15 New Order - Crystal, 16 New Order - Krafty,
17 New Order - Hellbent (Brand New Recording),

OVERVIEW: Despite an incredibly short recording career Joy Division remarkably have stood the test of time in terms of influential British bands. Their dark, brooding sound has inspired more artists than could be listed and their continued adoration today is testament to the forward thinking yet inward projected music and lyricism of a young band on the brink of success yet unsure of how to deal with it. With the sad passing of Ian Curtis, from the ashes rose New Order; the same core band but with a new fresh approach to their chosen career path. Loud, colourful and full of life.

''Total'' is a chronological look at the two bands most important tracks, covering Joy Division staples such as Love Will Tear Us Apart, and the resonating Atmosphere. New Order bring to the table Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle and True Faith. Also included is a brand new never released New Order track ''Hellbent''.

PROMOTION: Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner will both be doing limited promo for this release. More information to come but aiming for BBC Breakfast, Radio 2, 6Music and key regionals.

PRESS: Full print campaign focussing on broadsheet titles and key music press. Also full online campaign focussing on broadsheet/magazine pages and key blogs.

RADIO: Manchester based regional radio advertising on XFM

TV: National TV ad campaign, commencing with approximately £40k spend in week one.

MARKETING: TV ads, Radio Ads, Press Ads, Online activity.

Review: Little Feat's Deluxe Edition of Feats Don't Fail Me Now celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic group's fourth studio album. Released on a triple CD set, this edition features newly remastered studio recordings alongside rare alternate versions and outtakes from the album sessions. Included in the collection is an exclusive unreleased live recording from Little Feat's 1975 performance in Paris, showcasing the band's dynamic energy on stage. Despite the challenges posed by the loss of session tapes from Blue Seas Recording Studio, where the album was originally recorded, this Deluxe Edition offers a treasure trove of previously unheard material. Feats Don't Fail Me Now highlights the classic lineup's talents, with standout tracks like Rock & Roll Doctor and Oh Atlanta, complemented by the funk-infused sounds of Tower of Power's horn section. Originally released in 1974, the album garnered critical acclaim for its funky grooves and reached gold status, marking a significant milestone in Little Feat's career as it climbed to #36 on the Billboard Top 200.With its wealth of unreleased content and enhanced audio quality, this Deluxe Edition promises to delight both longtime fans and newcomers to Little Feat's timeless music.

Review: Madge may be well past her musical best these days - though her army of dedicated fans would naturally disagree - but it shouldn't be forgotten that she's produced some of the standout pop moments of the last three decades. This 11-disc retrospective revisits that long and fruitful career, charting her rise from rebellious New York club babe to elder stateswoman of pop via fashion icon, film star and gas-pumping sex pest. Each of her 11 albums between '83 and '08 is here in remastered form, alongside a smattering of bonus cuts, extended mixes and forgotten B-sides. Her 1983 debut, partly produced by Nile Rodgers, Bernie Edwards and Jellybean Benetiz, still sounds great

Review: As the title suggests, this excellent collection gathers together tracks from three live sessions the Sisters of Mercy recorded at the BBC's Maida Vale studios between 1982 and '84, during the formative years of their lengthy career. The first session, recorded for John Peel in August 1982, contains a quartet of early live favourites, including their popular cover of the Stooges' '1969', while the second - a session for David 'Kid' Jenson' - boasts versions of tracks from the classic goth-rock EP The Reptile House (as well as a surprise Dolly Parton cover). Best of all though are the tracks from their 1984b Peel Session, which were laid to tape around the same time as the Leeds outfit was recording its debut album.

Review: WAR's The Collection 1977-1994 is a deep celebration of the band's legacy, featuring five remastered albumsiPlatinum Funk (1977), Galaxy (1'977), The Music Band (1979), Outlaw (1982), and Peace Sign (1994)ishowcasing WAR's evolution as a "sophisticated pop machine" with their signature fusion of funk, soul, and rock. The box sets commemorate WAR's 55th anniversary and follow the success of their The World Is a Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The previously rare Platinum Funk, which includes hits like 'L.A. Sunshine', and Outlaw, featuring classics such as 'Cinco De Mayo', highlight the band's diverse musical prowess. With over 50 million records sold globally, WAR's rich sound continues to resonate, solidifying their status as one of music's seminal groups. Fans can anticipate these releases as a treasure box of rhythm and history.

Review: This two-disc set captures groundbreaking band at the peak of their live performance powers. Known for their genre-blending mix of funk, jazz, soul and rock, the band shines in this energetic recording, showcasing their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence. The collection includes extended versions of fan favorites, with grooves that stretch and evolve in ways only possible in a live setting. Tracks like 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and 'The World Is a Ghetto' come alive with improvisational flair, while the interplay between the band members highlights their cohesive chemistry. The recording quality is excellent, preserving the raw energy of the performance while offering clarity that allows each instrument to shine. This live album serves as a time capsule of the era's musical innovation. Those who appreciate soulful, groove-laden live music, this is an essential band to have in your collection.