Search results: Tony Jones

Review: Now's ongoing Yearbook series has reached 1973, a 12-month period in which saw an Oil Crisis, the opening of the World Trade Center in New York, and the withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam. Musically, as the four-disc set proves, pop was being pulled in different directions, with new stars emerging (David Bowie, Elton John, Roxy Music, David Essex and various members of the Osmond family) former 'Fabs' settling into their new solo careers (John Lennon, Paul Wings), Glam rock increasing in popularity (Mud, Sweet, Wizzard, T-Rex, Slade), and soul beginning to evolve into disco (the Spinners, Michael Jackson, the O'Jays, Diana Ross, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes). Throw in a few massive hits from megastars (Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley), and you have an on-point pop summary of 1973.

Review: NOW is proud to present the next instalment in its ongoing Yearbook series - and taking its longest trip back in pop history so far - 50 years. With 83 tracks on four CDs, it celebrates a landmark year of pop singles. Opening with the iconic 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' from Elton John and followed by Paul McCartney & Wings' Bond theme 'Live And Let Die', this epic beginning to this journey continues with a run of massive glam hits from T-Rex, Mud and Alvin Stardust and chart topping tunes from Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, 10cc, 'Cum On Feel The Noize' from Slade and Sweet's 'Blockbuster'.

Review: The UK's number one independent soul label Expansion Records commences each year with the label's most anticipated collection, Luxury Soul. The success of the series comes down to the quality of tracks sourced from independent soul artists, focusing on the major and emergent names of the year - this time including Will Downing, Con Funk Shun and Narada Michael Walden. For many of the 35 tracks featured on the compilation, this is the first time they'll have ever appeared on CD, having landed in the soul charts either at number one or in the top ten over the last 12 months. Further exclusives include The Requestors feat. Vivienne McKone, Kloud 9 feat. Kenya, and The Paradise Projex with an exclusive mix of 'Here & Now'. The release is to coincide with the Luxury Soul Weekender in January 2024, and includes tracks by three artists performing live at the event.

Review: Dark Horse Records unveils Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros' legendary Live at Acton Town Hall concert, meticulously remastered by Grammy Award Winner Paul Hicks. Available here on double vinyl, the November 15, 2002, performance, a benefit for striking firefighters, stands as one of Strummer's final shows before his passing. A poignant highlight includes a three-song reunion with Clash bandmate Mick Jones, their first in two decades. The gatefold sleeve showcases unseen concert photos, accompanied by liner notes from Fire Brigade Union Secretary Andy Gilchrist. This release marks the first comprehensive vinyl and CD availability of this historic concert.

Review: A month before he passed away in December 2002, Joe Strummer delivered what turned out to be his final performance - a benefit gig for striking firefighters at Acton Town Hall, where he was backed by his then band the Mescaleros. This must-have CD presents that performance in its entirety, including the infamous ending - where Strummer's former Clash bandmate Mick Jones emerged from the audience to join him on stage for performances of 'Bank Robber', 'White Riot' and 'London's Burning' (it was the first time the two had performed together since 1983). Recorded for a radio broadcast, the gig was undoubtedly special, with Strummer and his bandmates powering through classics including 'Police & Thieves', '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais' and 'I Fought The Law'.

Review: A posthumous Lee 'Scratch' Perry box set is here, designed to co-incide with the anniversary of the dub pioneer's passing, courtesy of the star's main advocates Trojan Records. Including a digital version, a CD and a 4xLP version, it also comes with a 50-page fully illustrated book written by Perry's official biographer David Katz. It contains rare and unreleased mixes and tunes alongside some of his best known work, with Junior Murvin's reggae staple 'Police And Thieves' and the Upsetters' boss reggae classic 'Return Of Django' numbering among the 109 tracks included .

Review: While lots has been written about the influence of Black American soul and R&B artists on Britain's most successful (white) bands of the 1960s, little focus has previously fallen on the music of black Britons - and others from elsewhere in the Commonwealth who called the UK home - during the same period. Gotta Get A Good Thing, which tells the story of black music in Britain in the "swinging sixties", is therefore long overdue. Musically, it skips through soul, rhythm & blues, ska, rocksteady and more besides, offering up tracks from both well-known names and overlooked artists. Throw in extensive liner notes - including an introductory essay from Fitzroy Facey of the Soul Survivors - and you have a genuinely essential compilation.