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Review: The classic 1977 album Aja by Steely Dan gets a deluxe reissue treatment from Analogue Productions, reminding us once more of its stellar jazz-inspired arrangements, complex harmonies, and impeccable composition. Known affectionately as a 'studio is an instrument' album, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were meticulous and uncompromising at the time of its crafting. It's for these reasons alone that Aja remains a masterpiece, in which titles such as Peg, Deacon Blues and Josie resounding again with blues-pop-rocky flair.

Review: The Beatles: The Red Album: 1962-1966 encapsulates the iconic band's early years with a dynamic selection of tracks that have now all been remastered at half speed so they sound extra good. This compilation showcases the evolution of their sound from the exuberant energy of 'Love Me Do' to the groundbreaking creativity of 'A Hard Day's Night' and beyond. There are also timeless hits like 'Twist and Shout' and 'Yesterday,' which means this collection serves as a definitive journey through the first part of the The Beatles' legendary catalogue. Each song is a direct portal back to the 60s and to the vibrant era of Beatlemania at the peak of its powers.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Box slightly damaged, slight surface marks, otherwise in perfect working order***


The 1971 classic album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, Blue is widely thought by many music lovers to be one of the best albums of all time. Already well into her career by the time of its release - it's her fourth album - it was certainly Mitchell's best yet, reflecting a period in her life where she took a break from touring and live performing to focus on creation. Its confessional and poetic lyrics, not to mention the distinctively groggy yet idyllic guitar and piano playing on songs like 'All I Want', 'River', 'A Case Of You', heard Mitchell encapsulate the various milestones, Renaissances and turning points of the contemporary rock landscape of the 1970s, into a singular LP.

Review: Santana's Amigos album from 1976 stands out as a Latin-infused rock masterpiece that often goes unnoticed due to the absence of their most popular hits. Nonetheless, it is regarded as one of their most captivating albums, resonating with listeners through its infectious energy and musical prowess. The opening track, 'Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana),' showcases Santana's exceptional guitar skills, complemented by a solid rhythm section that propels the melodies to new heights. The album features standout tracks like the heartfelt ballad 'Take Me With You,' the dynamic 'Let Me,' and the grandiose 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile).' With its recent reissue on vinyl, Amigos becomes essential for both loyal Santana enthusiasts and those discovering the band's music for the first time. Embracing the fusion of Latin rhythms and rock elements, this album continues to captivate audiences and solidify Santana's legacy in the realm of musical excellence.

Review: Mark Knopfler's 2023 album, One Deep River, is a written diary through the heartland of Americana. Demonstrating his mastery of storytelling, Knopfler intricately weaves tales of life's trials and triumphs, evoking a poignant reflection on the human experience. Each track showcases Knopfler's signature guitar work and soulful vocals, transporting listeners to dusty highways and riverbanks at twilight. From the introspective 'Beneath a Prairie Moon' to the bluesy swagger of 'Ride On Across,' Knopfler's ability to paint vivid landscapes through music is unparalleled. 'One Deep River' resonates with timeless allure, embodying Knopfler's status as a guitar troubadour of the modern era.

Review: Following on from 1989's majorly successful and admittedly more commercial sounding fourth full-length Intuition, Trondheim glam metal-tinged hard rock heroes TNT would find themselves on the radar and eventual roster of Atlantic Records, who in 1992, would distribute the band's fifth album and first on the major label, Realized Fantasies. Praised by fans for its exceptional production with ludicrously bombastic percussion the whole way through, the project saw a sonic retracing of their more hardened edges, so as not to lose sight of their creative prowess. That being said, cuts such as the cheerful 'Easy Street' and epic ballad 'Lionheart' seem like they were purposefully designed to keep snooting record label execs off their proverbial backs. Never mind what glassy eyed nostalgia-baters say, Realized Fantasies goes hard as hell while delivering barrages of riffage, melody and playfully epic grandeur.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record sleeve damaged, product in working order***


The enduring appeal of Steely Dan never fades with time, and why should it? Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's relentless pursuit of perfection and blue-eyed soul gifted us a whole heap of stunning albums, and their fiercely devoted fanbase would fight tooth and nail over which one gets the top spot. Our money would be on Aja though, given its enduring influence, its rich extended life through a whole host of sampling and the quite simply flawless run of songs, composition, production and beyond. It's one of the greatest albums out there, and you'd do well to grab a copy if you don't own it already.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River delivers a steady stream of timeless classics, featuring his signature blend of poetic lyricism and exquisite guitar work. As the tenth solo album released on his own label, British Grove via EMI, Knopfler continues to captivate with his warm vocals and masterful compositions. The album's lead single, 'Ahead Of The Game,' sets the tone with a melancholic narrative, possibly autobiographical, over a classic Knopfler riff. Title track 'One Deep River' taps into Knopfler's emotional ties to his hometown of Newcastle, particularly the Tyne River. This connection to childhood memories imbues the album with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, echoed in each meticulously crafted song. Produced alongside longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher, the album exudes sophistication and depth, with Knopfler's guitar textures and evocative storytelling taking center stage.

Review: Mark Knopfler's One Deep River album from 2023 immerses listeners in a reflective journey through Americana's heartland. It is a typically poignant album from the rock icon that showcases his mastery of storytelling as it weaves together tales of life's trials and triumphs. With his distinctive guitar work and soulful vocals front and centre, Knopfler paints vivid landscapes of dusty highways and riverbanks at dusk on each track, from the introspective 'Beneath a Prairie Moon' to the bluesy swagger of 'Ride On Across.' With its timeless allure, One Deep River speaks of Knopfler's enduring legacy as a guitar troubadour of the modern age.

Review: Billy Joel's fifth studio album The Stranger, turned Billy into a household name and a consistent multi-platinum seller for the next decade and more. The album reached number two on the US Billboard and ultimately sold to diamond certification in the United States alone. The album was lauded by critics and fans alike, landing on many people's best of the year lists. Included on Rolling Stone magazine's 500 albums you must hear before you die list, the album branded Billy Joel as one of the best songwriters of his day. This reissue is identical to the original 1977 release.

Review: Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze Live On Air captures the electrifying essence of the American's legendary performances. Released posthumously, this album offers a superb glimpse into his unparalleled talent and stage presence. From the iconic riff of 'Purple Haze' to the soulful improvisations elsewhere, each track showcases Hendrix's innovative guitar techniques and charismatic vocals. The raw energy and spontaneity of these live recordings cannot fail to transport you back to the height of 1960s counterculture and reaffirm Hendrix's status as a musical icon for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Review: Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, self-described "Adventure Metal" outfit Mega Colossus appear to have little interest in using the metal genre to craft sonic aggression. Utilising melodious leads, powerful vocals and technically impressive flashes of prog brilliance, their fourth full-length Showdown offers up a form of triumphant positivity and anthemic fantasy, harking back to the classic era of illustrious prog and classic rock with subtle nods to the likes of Rainbow, Deep Purple, and Kansas. It might not be 1978 anymore, just don't tell the band that.

Review: On Your Feet Or On Your Knees was the band's first compilation and helped them shoot to stardom. With the rise of successful greatest hits albums, the label at the time pressured the young band to bring out a collection of previously released music, with then 12 songs featured here the result of collecting three songs per prior album that the band felt were their strongest. This album features some of the most beloved live songs by the band like 'Buck's Boogie'. For those that are new to the band, this is a great introduction to the history of BOC prior to their landmark hit 'Don't Fear The Reaper' smash the following year and this reissue comes on silver & black marbled vinyl.

Review: Not be confused with UK rock act Quill featuring the legendary Jeff Lynne (ELO, Black Sabbath, The Move), Swedish stoner rock heroes The Quill have been an active entity within the realms of Scandinavian hard rock and metal since the early 90s. Returning with their highly anticipated 11th full-length and follow up to 2021's Earthrise, the current locked in line up of original vocalist Magnus Ekwall, who would depart the band in 2007 before rejoining in 2016, along with Christian Carlsson (Cirkus Prutz) on guitar, Roger Nilsson (Spiritual Beggars, Arch Enemy, Firebird) on bass, and drummer Jolle Atlagic (Hanoi Rocks, Electric Boys, Firebird), are at a stage where crafting the most sprawling variety of metallic magic is their primary concern, with Wheel Of Time conjuring elements of stoner rock, doom metal, psych, prog and even saccharine dollops of melodious AOR for all you Dad-Rockers out there.

Review: In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the groundbreaking self-titled album from GT Moore & The Reggae Guitars originally released on Charisma in 1974 is being reissued. This record, which bridged the gap between the 'Pub Rock' scene and the emerging sound of reggae music in the UK, arrived amidst the onset of "Reggae Fever." G.T. Moore, formerly of the legendary folk group Heron, emerged as the first white musician to authentically delve into reggae. The eponymous debut album from the Reggae Guitars featured session musician John 'Rabbit' alongside Tom Platt, who engineered the iconic 'Catch A Fire' album. With a mix of originals and covers, including tracks by Bob Dylan, Heptones, and Diana Ross, the album stands as a testament to the fusion of musical styles and influences during that era.

Review: On this fresh 7" from Columbia Records' Japanese division, we hear pressed to wax two key musical motifs (yes, there are two) from the TV anime Saint Seiya, 'Sentoshi Shinwa Soldier Dream', as well as its counterpart, 'Yume Tabibito'. With the anime concerning the travails and trials of a five-piece justice-league of Athenian intergalactic warriors - who each wear their own "Cloths", i.e. supernatural outfits that grant each protagonist special, demiurgic powers - you can expect each piece to be as rousing and galactic as that description suggests.

Review: The Beatles' EP From Us To You #3 captures a 1964 BBC session that encapsulates the band's early charm and infectious energy. Featuring a whopping ten tracks, it was recorded in the BBC's Paris Studios in Regent Street, London and fact fans will note that 'Honey Don't which was later included on the album Beatles For Sale and sung by Ringo, here features John on the vocals. Elsewhere the EP captures the band's irresistible melodies and tight harmonies with three of the tunes originally penned by the band's favourite rockabilly star Carl Perkins. Each song is a testament to The Beatles' enduring influence on popular music and overall serves as a timeless reminder of the band's unmatched creativity which continues to this day with new AI-produced singles that the much talked about one earlier in the year.