Låpsley – Through Water – XL Recordings “I’ve been working on myself while I’ve been away,” Holly Lapsley Fletcher sings on First, one of her second album’s prettiest songs. Indeed, having shaped…
Reissue review – Donna Summer: Encore boxset
The complete works of the first Queen of Disco are here. Do you need all 33 CDs? You might not be reading Classic Pop without her influence, so yes. Since her death…
New Release: Roger Eno & Brian Eno – Mixing Colours
This isn’t the first time, of course, that Roger Eno has paired up with older brother Brian. Though denied a headline slot, he can be found prominently on Eno’s classic…
Reissue review: The Human League – Octopus
The Human league’s first album Octopus as a trio gets expanded for its 25th anniversary – but which very different deluxe edition wins out? In the aftermath of the failure…
Review: Village People – The Album Collection 1977-1985
Not exactly known as an albums band, Demon’s new 9CD boxset shows Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo’s group had more going on than is generally assumed. Sure, the outfits ensured…
Reissues review: Split Enz – Mental Notes/Dizrhythmia
Split Enz: Mental Notes 6/10 Split Enz: Dizrhythmia 8/10 Mainly known as the Finn brothers’ band before Crowded House, Neil Finn had yet to join elder brother Tim in the…
Album review: The Dream Syndicate – The Universe Inside
Though they’re beloved Paisley Underground contemporaries of REM, The Dream Syndicate ’s third album since their 2012 reformation sounds nothing like the Athens quartet. On opener, The Regulator, an almost…
Reissue review: Kelis – Kaleidoscope (Expanded Edition)
Kelis’ debut is compromised after her recent claims (not commented on) that writer/producers The Neptunes ripped her off financially. Musically, its 20th anniversary is cause for celebration. Whatever their financial…
New album review: I Break Horses – Warnings
Missing since 2014’s Chiaroscuro, Maria Lindén announces her return in extravagant fashion with her third album’s opening track. Nine minutes long, it underpins breathy vocals, ethereal keyboard arpeggios and spooky…
Reissue review: Whodini – Whodini
Hip-hop pioneers in several fields, New York trio Whodini’s debut album from 1983 was notable for Magic’s Wand becoming the first rap video. That the single has a synth-pop groove is…