Back catalogue: Pop

Review: There's a certain drama in the air when the beats kick in with an instant jolt of energy that doesn't let up. The tracks on the second album on Pete Burns-fronted crew are an exuberant mix of bold melodies and infectious rhythms, blending sharp pop with a cheeky edge. You'll know their massive SAW-produced SMASH 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)', but the group's unmistakable sense of theatre shines through, with each track feeling like a mini anthem. Whether it's the larger-than-life production or the slightly over-the-top flair, the sound remains unapologetically fun. It's pop at its most playful, wrapped in an unmistakable 80s glow that still carries weight today.

Review: This collection plunges into Godley & Creme's eccentric post-10cc years, a whirlwind of boundary-pushing pop and inventive production. Tracks like 'An Englishman in New York' burst with surreal humour and layered arrangements, showcasing their knack for storytelling through off-kilter melodies. Meanwhile, 'Snack Attack' plays with genre, blending funk-laden grooves and absurdist charm. These songs aren't just quirky diversions-they're windows into the duo's fearless approach to dismantling pop conventions. Packed with vocal harmonies, synth experiments, and a sprinkle of the absurd, this box set is a reminder of how Godley & Creme rewrote the rules for art-pop.

Review: Heaven 17's Penthouse and Pavement deluxe double CD album commemorates the iconic debut of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh after leaving Sheffield's Human League. Joined by Glenn Gregory, they formed Heaven 17, drawing their name from a list of bands favoured by the anti-hero of Anthony Burgess's 'A Clockwork Orange'. Their debut single, '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang,' stirred controversy and earned a BBC Radio 1 ban in March 1981. Released in September 1981, the Penthouse and Pavement album quickly achieved gold status and featured hits like 'Play to Win,' 'Penthouse and Pavement', and 'The Height Of The Fighting.' Disc One contains the original album, while Disc Two offers six non-album A and B sides, five original demos, and four 12" versions. Packaged in a new 7" deluxe gatefold with an eight-page booklet, this set includes album lyrics and credits, making it a very eye appealing package.

Review: This brand new 2xCD set celebrates Level 42's 1985 top three album World Machine, which was produced with Wally Badarou. The album reached #3 in early 1986 and features the hit singles 'Something About You' which peaked at #6, and 'Leaving Me Now' which went on to reach #15. In the U.S., a Shep Pettibone remix of 'Something About You' became their highest-charting single by hitting #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. CD1 includes the original album, while CD2 offers some fresh 7" edits, 12" extended versions, remixes and B-sides. The set also features a booklet with lyrics, photos and a foreword by Simon Carson and Paul Waller.