UMR Vinyl & CDs

Review: John Lennon's Mind Games album, released in 1973, reflects his introspective and philosophical exploration post-The Beatles. The title track is a standout with its catchy melody and introspective lyrics but Lennon's songwriting prowess shines in tracks like 'Out the Blue' and 'Aisumasen (I'm Sorry),' which blend personal reflection with social commentary. The album's production and arrangements are diverse and range from rock to soul influences that showcase Lennon's versatility. Mind Games remains a compelling chapter in Lennon's solo career, resonating with its messages of love, peace, and self-discovery, all of which make it a classic for fans of his distinctive voice.

Review: Nowadays regarded as the stuff of punk legend, the chaotic and ill-fated jaunt undertaken by the Sex Pistols across the US in January of 1978 was hindered by so many differing factors, it was almost as if they were set to fail. Plagued by poor management while trapped on a label with no real idea how to market such a tumultuous roster outlier, the band found themselves performing for those there out of mere curiosity more than their targeted audience or genuine fans, culminating in severe burn-out in real time, captured on these recordings. Finally, for the first time, several of these shows have been retooled to their correct sequencing with this collection reflecting the debaucherous live sets in all their feral glory that took place on January 5th at the South East Music Hall in Atlanta, Georgia, January 10th at the Longhorns Ballroom in Dallas, Texas, and January 14th at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California. Boasting all of the essential anthems from 'God Save The Queen' to 'Pretty Vacant' and 'Anarchy In The UK', behind the energy is the sound of a band imploding, while today not all wounds have healed with the surviving members currently enjoying a celebration of their iconic Never Mind The Bollocks LP with former Gallows frontman Frank Carter stepping in for MAGA man Jon Lydon, who continues to lob barbs at his former bandmates whenever given half the chance.

Review: Soft Cell's Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret was a groundbreaking album that encapsulates the hedonistic spirit of pre-AIDS queer life while delivering dark humor and timeless music. Tracks like 'Frustration' and 'Sex Dwarf' exude a blend of serrated wit and infectious beats, showcasing the duo's knack for repackaging taboo topics into catchy tunes. The album's standout hit, 'Tainted Love,' took on added meaning amid the looming epidemic, while the desperate ballad 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye' serves as a haunting closer. Despite their rapid success, internal pressures and substance abuse led to the band's dissolution in 1984. However, both Marc Almond and Dave Ball found success in their solo endeavors, with Almond exploring various musical styles and Ball pioneering electronic music. Soft Cell's influence on subsequent artists, from Nine Inch Nails to Fischerspooner, is undeniable, cementing their legacy as synth-based pioneers unafraid to push boundaries and challenge norms. Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret remains a timeless classic, offering a glimpse into a bygone era while leaving an indelible mark on the pop landscape. This double CD packages an extra treat for fans of the album with original outtakes and demos along with new and old remixes and a booklet, makes this a serious celebration of one of the most important albums in dance music.