The Bar-Kays began as a backing band and session musicians for the Stax label (most prestigiously for Otis Redding) before breaking out on their own. They were one of those…
Rae Morris – Someone Out There review
“These are new beginnings,” coos Blackpool native Rachelle Morris early on the follow-up to 2015’s hyped but nonetheless lukewarm Unguarded. “Find another name for me,” she continues, her voice giddy…
Jackie Moore – I’m On My Way review
The Jacksonville, Florida, singer Jackie Moore is another one of those artists whose chart forays span different eras. She had a gold-certified, million-selling single in 1970 with the gritty gospel/bluesy…
Leo Sayer – The Gold Collection review
Certain financial issues in the 90s and more recent reality TV debacles have somewhat tarnished his reputation, but Leo Sayer was a huge star in the 70s and, to a…
U.S. Girls – A Poem Unlimited review
It’s hard to know what to expect from a name like U.S. Girls, and even more confusing given it’s ostensibly one person, Meg Remy, who’s made it her business to…
The Monochrome Set – Maisieworld review
As the simultaneous release of a 6CD boxset testifies, The Monochrome Set’s Bid has been churning out quirky indie pop now for almost 40 years. Though the band’s line-up has…
Prosecco Socialist – Songs From Behind Bars review
It’s not just David Rotheray’s two decades as The Beautiful South’s guitarist and co-songwriter that ensure Prosecco Socialist’s debut is so entertaining. Obviously these help – especially musically – but…
Belle & Sebastian – How To Solve Our Human Problems review
Those stumbling upon Best Friend – a Supremes-like tune late in this compilation of the Scottish collective’s three recent EPs – might be forgiven for thinking the band are stuck…
Turin Brakes – Invisible Storm review
If, from time to time, Turin Brakes have previously appeared a little whey-faced, the quartet tackle that straight away with their eighth album’s opening track, the thrusting Would You Be…
John Oates – Arkansas review
If Steve Martin can make banjo albums, and Hugh Laurie can play the blues, there’s no reason John Oates – of blue-eyed soul duo Hall & Oates – can’t make…