Paul Weller Presents: That Sweet Sweet Music

Long-time soul fan Paul Weller, whose love of the genre has influenced his work in The Jam, Style Council and in his solo output, has curated a superb 26-track collection of his personal favourites for the Ace Records label, packaged to mimic his own album sleeve designs (see the jackets for Stanley Road and 66).

Included are familiar soul sensations including The Spinners, Richie Havens, Baby Huey, Betty Davis, and The Dells. Lesser-known but equally significant artists such as The Headhunters, Billy Stewart, Darrel Banks, and O.C. Smith feature alongside the giants. This is a pleasing cross-section of soul gems that covers a decade of the golden era of the genre-mid-1960s to early-to-mid ‘70s. All groovers, with that warmth of production sound found on the great records of the day.

This release features a 20-page illustrated booklet (also in large format for the vinyl edition) with extensive details, photos, and an essay by British music journalist Peter Paphides.

The Very Best Of Talk Talk

Talk Talk

Of the many Talk Talk compilations out there (and there are several, many of which have been available on compact disc only), this one (an update of an earlier CD collection) is one of the most concise collections of the band's output, from reluctant New Romantic/electro-pop hopefuls though grander work in their mid-period, to the later experimental but critically acclaimed final recordings.

Most of what you get on here is from the EMI/Parlophone period up to Spirit of Eden, but there is one Laughing Stock inclusion with the closing track 'New Grass'. No doubt the group's move to Verve/Polydor for the last album required some negotiation between labels, and one more selection would have been welcome, but the six tracks on Laughing Stock are lengthy. Still, credit to Parlophone for selecting the longest one!

I give it 4 stars because a vinyl box with more in the way of remixes and B-sides would have been welcome, but getting all of the essential tracks on two LPs for a reasonable pric

Emita Ox

Hello Mary

After last year's self-titled debut, expectations-which had been high even before that album's release-were were bound to put additional pressure on Hello Mary to deliver another alt-rock triumph, but the trio were up to it. The edgy indie-guitar rock employed on the debut informs much of the music on Emita Ox, but there's a satisfying sonic balance of delicate moments and the crunchy rock bits. One hears a similarity to boygenius in the record's extremes, as well as the harmonies. Other points of reference will take the listener to Stereolab territory, but fans of the debut album's abrasive elements will warm to this one instantly. In many ways, a much more accomplished album than the debut, and for these 20-something New Yorkers a genuine indie scorcher.

Afraid of Tomorrows＜限定盤/Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl＞

The Mysterines

For their second album, Liverpool's newest most promissing hopefuls have refined a bit of the edge established on Reeling but don't leave the listener any less satisfied. 'Sink Ya Teeth' is probably closest to the fury of their earlier material, but there is a growth and maturity on this, their sophomore long player, that takes them out of the confines of alternative rock to something broader and sweeping, much like one hears on the succession of albums that followed The Scream by Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Singer Liz Metcalfe delivers her lyrics with fire and conviction, and augmented by her bandmates' solid backing, the songs throw a lot of weight.

As progress goes, it'll be interesting to hear how the band's sound grows. For now, put this on your 2024 listening list. Afraid of Tomorrows begs many listens through, and does so convincingly.

This clear Coke bottle press is extra pleasing to have, but good old black will do the trick for those who miss getting a copy of this.

THE FUTURE IS OUR WAY OUT＜限定盤＞

Brigitte Calls Me Baby

It's as if this Chicago-based quintet has channelled the spirit of Roy Orbison and filtered it through the modern lyrical wit of Morrissey. There are certainly hints of the Moz influence here and there through the hazy crooning and melodies drawn from a bygone era. Have a listen to 'I Wanna Die In The Suburbs' and I dare you not recall The Smiths' 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out': 'Oh, I wanna die in your four-car garage/Turn out the lights, then send in the entourage...'

You can buy the E.P. This House Is Made Of Corners if you want to ease into them, but you get the same tracks on this long player, although the pink pressing of the E.P. is a nice little touch.

One of this year's finest albums, extremely catchy, and-yes-the retro-meets post-modern pop is a particular strong point on this debut. Watch these guys! There is a future, however firmly their feet are tapping in the past, for Brigitte Calls Me Baby!

Atta

Sigur Ros

Atta is the first Sigur Ros album of new material in ten years. It could also be the group's finest since Takk, albiet as a rather different record. It's a minimalist affair, with a 41-piece orchestra giving the album a wintery, cinematic atmosphere. Jonsi's vocals echo in restraint over his soaring past excursions, and the singing style suits the album well.

A beautiful record where empty spaces mean as much as the music that fills the rest. Stunning!

Starfish (Expanded Edition)

The Church

For many, Starfish was and remains The Church's high point, in that it is a perfect listen from start to finish, and boasts 'Under the Milky Way', which gave the Australian band significant airplay in North America. Of course, their psych-rock had its followers for several albums in, but this was the album that gave The Church much-deserved international fame.

This superb repress features an additional disk with bonus material, and is a quality 180 gram pressing.

A Bit of Previous ［LP+7inch］＜Black Vinyl/限定盤＞

Belle And Sebastian

Scottish twee pop at its finest. While this may not be quite at the level of The Boy With The Arab Strap, If You're Feeling Sinister, or The Life Pursuit, it's still a pleasant listen. Clever songwriting, as good as The Smiths and yet shockingly not quite as influetial. Still, quality, well-crafted pop.

Bonus 7", and chances are you might get a different cover, just to make the buying experience interesting!

Mantaray (Half-Speed Mastered/New Artwork)＜Transparent Red Vinyl＞

Siouxsie Sioux

Siouxsie's lone solo album is fianlly available again, and if you're quick enough, get the red vinyl. It's a beauty.

She's out on the road again, and with this reissue, one would hope she'd be inspired to record another solo LP. She was in fine form on this one, spinning her nightmarish psychedelia with all of her legendary charm. Mantaray does not stray a great deal from the goth template, but that's just fine, because what you get is classic Siouxsie doing what she does best.

This reissue features new cover art, although the original sleeve photo appears on the insert. remastering is tops, and it sounds as good as it did 16 years ago.

ジギー・スターダスト:ザ・モーション・ピクチャー ［2CD+Blu-ray Disc］

David Bowie

When Bowie decided to retire Ziggy, his fanbase was shocked, thinking perhaps David himslef, and not just the onstage persona, was finished. Fortunately, David returned; he was always keen to play the media as an effective attention-grabber, but he really didn't need to do it, because his music evolved and its influence spread far and wide.

With this anniversary package, you get the complete concert remastered for the first time since 2003, and along with the two CDs, there's a blu-ray with the final performance as it appeared 40 years ago. There are plenty of obvious musical highlights, from several Ziggy tracks to Jacques Brel, Velvets and Stones covers, and a bit of what was to come in the form of Aladdin Sane, as well as earlier compositions from Hunky Dory, Space Oddity, The Man Who Sold the World, and his own live take on the song he gave to Mott the Hoople, 'All the Young Dudes'.

A must for fans, and there've a gold vinyl if this set isn't enough for you!

End Of World＜限定盤/White Vinyl＞

Public Image Ltd.

PIL have seen grander days, and many still pine for the sound of the classic Lydon/Wobble/Levene lineup. However, while at times sounding a bit out of touch and curmudgeonly, John Lydon still has plenty to offer, and given that his wife Norah recently passed away, it's enough that we even have a new PIL album at all. Most fans will enjoy this. The double vinyl is cut at 45 rpm for maximum quality, so it's a nice analogue addition to any fan's collection.

Sunset 666

The Jesus & Mary Chain

The Mary Chain are in great form in this live perforamance supporting Nine Inch Nails. There's plenty to love here, with a string of solid classics going back to their Psychocandy era up to and including tracks from Damage and Joy. Isobel Campbell guests on a couple of tracks, and the overall sense is a band once hostile to live performance, now content to jsut play and please their fans.

This is a quality double pressing from Fuzz Club, housed in a durable gatefold sleeve with liner notes, and a download code. A very satisfying collection and presentation indeed!

マイ・ジェネレイション＜初回生産限定盤＞

The Who

Who fans will be delighted with this series of coloured vinyl Japanese pressings of '60s albums issued as they were in Japan by Nippon Grammophon, Polydor's Japanese distributor back in the day. My Generation appears in its Japanese alternative cover art, and the tracklisting is shuffled but all the UK tracks appear on this pressing. A thin paper sleeve sits on top of a generic white cardboard sleeve cut to reveal the labels, with tracklisting and release information on an attached sticker. Inside the this front sleeve, a lyric sheet is included.

The mastering is superb, and the pressings are all flat with no warping and little surface noise. For the price, which is a little hefty but in fact less than many vinyl imports, it is worth having this, as well as the other three releases in the series.

Beautifully done by Universal Japan!

Blue Velvet (Deluxe Edition)

Angelo Badalamenti

Beautiful clear marble blue vinyl double set, packaged in new artwork. This score by Angelo Badalamenti was my introduction to his work, and of course he went on to do more with David Lynch, most notably on the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

This is a beautful score for a very dark film, yet it perfectly suits the tone of Blue Velvet, with its atmospheric leanings. A gem among soundtracks!