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…
New album review: Moby – All Visible Objects
Recently in the headlines for his “Vegan For Life” neck tattoo and dubious claims in his autobiography about Natalie Portman, Moby could do with a great album to return attention…
New album review: Wendy James – Queen High Straight
Wendy James’ renaissance is one of the happiest recent pop rebirths. At their peak, her pin-up status meant Transvision Vamp were undervalued: hits like I Want Your Love and Baby…
New Releases and Reissues: June 5
This week we’re taking a look at some of the releases you might have missed during lockdown, including a triumphant return from a New York band, and some anticipated reissues……
New album review: The Vapors – Together
There’s something pleasantly Spinal Tap about this: for the first time in 34 years, three of the four Vapors take the stage to perform their biggest hit for a charity…