Review: It's album number three from Maya Hawke, daughter of Hollywood veteran Ethan, herself both an actress, a singer, musician and songwriter. Signed to New York indie Mom + Pop Music, which has offered a home to artists such as Alicia Keys, Tom Morello, Porter Robinson, and Tycho, among others, the pedigree of the imprint speaks volumes about Hawke's prowess in the studio. Landing late-May 2024, Chaos Angel sees the woman up top reunite with regular collaborators Christian Lee Hutson, Benjamin Lazar Davis and Will Graefe, names some will be familiar with from preceding LP, Moss. A warm, swoon-y trip into soft pop-rock, lyrically it's as sweet as it is reflective and heartfelt, while musically things range from twee folk-leaning chart stuff through to rawer garage guitar stylings.
Review: By the time Heart reentered the studio to record their self-titled eighth album for Capitol, their commercial momentum seemed to be fading. Early successes, such as Dreamboat Annie and its three follow-ups, had all climbed to the Billboard Top 20, but 1982's Private Audition and 1983's Passionworks struggled to crest so highly, the latter especially failing to go gold, marking the end of their contract with Epic. Tough bargains all round! Yet, signs of resurgence emerged: the band drew fresh traction from the Passionworks single 'Almost Paradise' after it was featured in the film Footloose, motivating the follow-up record Heart. Hard hair rock and arena-bound glam metal are distilled down to an essential T here, kicking off with the medusan 'If Looks Could Kill' before moving into the Lynn Wilson lead-up ballad 'What About Love'.
Review: Heaven 17's 1981 classic Penthouse and Pavement has been remastered at half speed for an even more fulsome listening experience. It blends synth-pop with socio-political commentary and effortlessly captures the essence of the early '80s sound. The album juxtaposes corporate greed and working-class struggles, with tracks like 'We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang' addressing political themes through catchy, danceable beats. Comprised of former Human League members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, along with Glenn Gregory, Heaven 17 crafted a distinctive sound characterised by lush synthesisers and sharp lyrics. Penthouse and Pavement therefore remains a seminal work, reflecting the era's tensions and innovations while maintaining a timeless appeal.
(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang (12" version)
I'm Your Money (12" version)
Play To Win (12" version)
Penthouse & Pavement (12" version)
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.
Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry (CD1: the luxury gap)
Who'll Stop The Rain
Let Me Go
Key To The World
Temptation
Come Live With Me
Lady Ice & Mr Hex
We Live So Fast
The Best Kept Secret
Let Me Go (US 7" version - CD2: A- & B-sides)
Let’s All Make A Bomb (New version)
Song With No Name (New version)
Let Me Go (instrumental)
Temptation (demo)
Let Me Go (12" version)
Temptation (12" version)
Who'll Stop The Rain (12" version)
Come Live With Me (12" version)
We Live So Fast (12" version)
Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry (Parts I & II)
Let Me Go (Endless version)
Review: Although not as lauded as its predecessor, the brilliant Anti-Thatcher masterpiece Penthouse and Pavement, The Luxury Gap remains Heaven 17's most commercially successful album. As this expanded reissue proves, it is also the Sheffield trio's most impeccably constructed and produced work - a successful attempt to fuse their love of soul, synth-pop and Black American dance music culture. It boasts a string of fan favourites - 'Crushed By The Wheels of Industry', 'Temptation', the TB-303 sporting 'Let Me Go', with its' proto-acid squelches and the Moroder-esque 'We Live So Fast' - with this edition also sporting a second disc of extended versions, re-recordings and dancefloor-focused 12" interpretations.
Review: A pivotal moment in the band's career. The album opens with 'Crushed by the Wheels of Industry,' a mix of industrial sounds and soulful vocals that sets the tone for the record's unique blend of artistry and social commentary. Tracks like 'Let Me Go' and 'Temptation' showcase the band's ability to craft catchy, poignant songs that transcend time, while 'Come Live with Me' stands out as a highlight, with memorable lyrics and infectious melodies. The album's closing track, 'The Best Kept Secret,' provides a fitting conclusion, echoing themes from earlier tracks and leaving a lasting impression. Overall, The Luxury Gap is a strong album for fans of 80s synth-pop. The reissue, with its half-speed mastering process, offers optimal fidelity and a chance to rediscover this classic album.
Review: First released in October 1983, a stunning debut that shows Heyward's songwriting finesse and pop sensibility post-Haircut 100. Produced by the legendary Geoff Emerick, the album merges bright melodies with sophisticated arrangements, resulting in a collection of timeless tracks that solidified Heyward as a solo force. Featuring hits like 'Take That Situation', 'Whistle Down the Wind', 'Blue Hat for a Blue Day' and 'On a Sunday', the album exudes charm and emotional depth. Heyward's knack for combining upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics shines throughout, creating a balance of warmth and wistfulness that resonates decades later. This new edition, mastered by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering, benefits from the precision of half-speed mastering. The process enhances groove detail and stereo imaging, bringing a natural clarity and vibrancy to every note. Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, the reissue is presented in its original gatefold sleeve, complete with an obi strip, a poly-lined inner sleeve and a two-page insert. North of a Miracle is more than a nostalgic revisitithis beautifully remastered edition breathes new life into a classic.
Review: This eagerly awaited album delves deeper into Becky Hill's passion for underground dance music, solidifying her position as a leading voice in the genre. It marks her debut on Astralwerks and follows her acclaimed 2021 album, Only Honest on the Weekend. Believe Me Now? features hits like the U.S. airplay chart-topper 'Side Effects' with Lewis Thompson, 'Disconnect' with Chase & Status, and her latest single 'Never Be Alone' featuring Sonny Fodera. Hill describes the album as reflective of her transition from her turbulent twenties to a more confident woman in her thirties. Drawing on influences from drum & bass, anthemic house, and techno, Hill infuses her powerhouse vocals, creating an album rich with personal integrity and global appeal.
Review: Paris Hilton's return to music is a vibrant exploration of her personal journey, packed with introspective lyrics and catchy beats. The album talks about her resilience, as she bravely shares her experiences, from her ADHD diagnosis to navigating the complexities of love and fame. Tracks like 'Chasin'' showcase her growth, offering a deeper, more heartfelt side that resonates with listeners. Her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on 'BBA' adds an exciting dynamic, with a contagious rhythm that stands out. The album's production shines, especially in the upbeat and polished pop tunes, while the gatefold baby pink vinyl adds a charming, collectible touch to the release. While the album may not push boundaries, it's clear that Hilton's evolution as an artist is genuine, as she successfully blends personal reflection with catchy, accessible pop. For fans of pop music with an authentic heart, definitely an enjoyable listen.
You Could Start A Cult (feat Lizzy McAlpine) (3:05)
The Show (feat John Legend) (3:16)
Heaven (live) (3:10)
If You Leave Me/Everybody Wants To Rule The World (live) (5:17)
Meltdown (Vevo extended Play) (3:39)
Save My Life (live) (3:09)
On A Night Like Tonight (Vevo extended Play) (3:37)
Science (live) (2:56)
Something In The Orange (live) (4:02)
Review: After debuting atop the charts in numerous countries with his third studio album, The Show, Niall Horan returns with The Show: The Encore - a deluxe edition featuring nine bonus tracks. Packed with the very same pedal-noting ballads coming in the crispest, pop-sheeny quality, such as 'The Show', the complementary Encore Version hears Horan team up with John Legend for a refrain reimagining. Niall also collaborates with Lizzy McAlpine on a new version of 'You Could Start A Cult'. The collection also includes new live recordings from the Electric Picnic festival and Spotify Studios, plus alternate versions of 'Meltdown' and 'On A Night Like Tonight' from Niall's Vevo Extended Play session.
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