Universal Vinyl & CDs

Review: There's a chance this Liverpudlian four piece will be familiar by now. This, their 11th studio outing, first unveiled as the 1960s slipped into the 70s, is a bonafide epic from an outfit that weren't lacking in epics; in many ways a culmination of their time together, marking the end of their active years and beginning of their legacy. By this stage, then, they've emerged from years spent on the inner journey and time on the outer, space cadeting to the hallucinogenic fuelled tones of "Sgt. Peppers" and "Revolver". Of course, there's still plenty of explorations happening, but the gritty blues rock of opening track "Come Together" really sets the tone. Five decades on, it still sounds great and maybe even better than you remember. Even if you own the original, this anniversary edition is worth having.

Review: Kendrick Lamarr has always been one of hip-hop's most thoughtful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising beats and backing tracks that often sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples. Even so, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamarr's first solo album for five years, is an arresting listen from start to finish. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation (including jazz pianos, orchestration, intriguing electronics, sparkling synths and punchy rhythms aplenty), it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings (something not enough rappers of his profile are comfortable doing) within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, white women and his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album all told.

Review: Paul McCartney & Wings' live performance captures the energy and charisma of a band at the peak of their powers. Opening with 'Venus and Mars', the crowd's excitement is palpable, setting the tone for a high-octane set. As the performance unfolds, McCartney's effortless musicianship is showcased across tracks like 'Live and Let Die,' where the band delivers a powerful, theatrical rendition that brings new life to the well-known hit. The performance also shines on 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' with McCartney's emotive vocals cutting through the atmosphere. It's a dynamic and engaging live show that confirms the enduring appeal of McCartney's legacy.

Review: Released in 1978, this compilation album encapsulates the essence of Paul McCartney's post-Beatles journey. It features a selection of tracks that highlight the band's evolution and McCartney's songwriting prowess. The album's remastered edition offers enhanced audio quality, bringing clarity to the intricate arrangements and emotive performances. This release serves as a comprehensive overview of the band's contributions to the rock genre.