Sony Vinyl & CDs

Review: Was anyone ready for one of the most talked-about albums of the year to be Andre 3000 going ham on the flute? Probably not, but in a post-reality world New Blue Sun just slots right in. Of course the legions of Outkast fans are going to be split when an artist of such prominence takes a wild swerve into experimental musical pastures, but for those with an open mind or a pre-existing appreciation of ambient and leftfield music, this album is an easy sell. Teasing the tension between acoustic and electronic, ancient and hypermodern, grounded and ethereal, Andre has been bold and honest in presenting this album to the world and his gamble has paid off.

Review: Mariah Carey's Rainbow celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a vibrant reissue on rainbow-colored vinyl, marking a milestone for one of her most beloved albums. Originally released in 1999, Rainbow showcases Carey's versatility and enduring appeal with a mix of r&b, pop, and soulful ballads. This special edition not only captures the nostalgia of Carey's chart-topping hits like 'Heartbreaker' and 'Thank God I Found You,' but also includes memorable collaborations with Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Snoop Dogg. The album's blend of infectious melodies, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics continues to resonate with listeners, reaffirming Carey's status as a pop diva. This double vinyl pressing also features extra treats like her appearance on the VH1 Divas show in 2000. The choice of rainbow-colored vinyl adds a playful touch to the physical release, enhancing the album's celebratory spirit and visual appeal. For fans and collectors alike, this anniversary edition of Rainbow is a delightful homage to Carey's musical legacy, offering a colorful journey through her timeless hits.

Review: 30th Anniversary Expanded Edition; 36 tracks in total. Mariah Carey's latest compendium features the original album Music Box in its entirety with the noteworthy addition of 'Everything Fades Away' (previously available only as an international bonus track). It premieres a variety of previously unreleased tracks including 'Workin' Hard', "All I Live For (Extended Version)', 'My Prayer', 'Hero (2009 Version)', 'Anytime You Need A Friend (Extended Mix)', 'Music Box (A Capella)' and two live performances from Top of the Pops: 'Dreamlover' and 'Without You.' It also includes Mariah Carey's duet with Luther Vandross on 'Endless Love', as well as two brand new remixes from DJ Terry Hunter: 'I've Been Thinking About You' and 'Workin' Hard.'

Review: Released in 1969, Pink Floyd's Ummagumma is a double album that showcases the band's experimental edge. The first disc features live recordings from concerts in Birmingham and Manchester that highlight the group's dynamic stage presence with extended versions of tracks like 'Astronomy Domine' and 'Careful with That Axe, Eugene.' The second disc consists of solo compositions by each band member, revealing their individual creativity and eclectic styles. This album captures Pink Floyd's transition from their early psychedelic sound to a more avant-garde and progressive approach, making it a significant milestone in their illustrious career.

Review: Fear Inoculum brought a 13-year Tool hiatus to an end in typically dramatic, knock-your-socks-off and blow wind through your hair style. A fine example of what the group have always done so well - running with wolves like Mogwai, only with far more metal sensibilities, and a damn-sight bigger helping of experimentalism, when this bad boy arrived in 2019 it shot straight to the top of the US Billboard 200, the third consecutive record from the group to do so.

Of course, those charts don't necessarily mean as much in this age as they did when the preceding Tool LP dropped, but 270,000 album-equivalent units within the first week do not lie. Nor does the quality of work here. From the avant-garde percussion and awkward synths of 'Chocolate Chip Trip', to the almost-ethereal ambience of 'Legion Inoculant' and the riff and crescendo heavy 'Pneuma', it's a wild thing of beauty.