Buyers Guide
Introducing: Cherry Red Records
I bought my very first Cherry Red Records release in 1980, when San Francisco punk legends, Dead Kennedys, released their second single, the seminal “Holidays In Cambodia”, their first of four 7” records for the label. Celebrating their 45th year with a slew of anniversary releases, formed in 1978, Cherry Red Records is a British independent record …
Feature: A Buyer’s Guide to DEVO
Devo is a band that seems destined to be eternally misunderstood, probably because of multi-faceted elements in the pot. Many adjectives and nouns spring forth – humorous, novelty, plastic, comedy, but dig beyond the superficial and you’ll find subversive, pioneers, provocateurs, innovators, and let’s not forget entertainers, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure to see …
A Buyers Guide to ZZ Top (The Warner Brothers Years)
It’s a long way from the dive bars of Texas to the global stadium circuit, yet somehow ZZ Top managed to navigate their way.
A Beginners Guide to Sparks
Sparks aren’t just any old pop band. Formed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael, the former child models were just too weird for the macho chest-beating alpha male loving American rock scene of the 70s, Sparks have always enjoyed far greater success in Europe. Following some tentative steps as Halfnelson, the brothers would form Sparks …
News: Farewell Bastard Song, By Toad – a celebration
A few days back Matthew Young who runs Song, By Toad Records let slip that he was calling it a day. While a decade of doing anything is a lot and it’s often better for everyone that people move on and do new stuff, Song, By Toad will be missed – not least by me. …
A Buyers Guide to Matt Berry on Acid Jazz
Although primarily known as an actor, comedy performer, and voice over artist, in recent years Matt Berry has received an increasing amount of attention for his music. Since 2005 Berry has released five albums, which although utterly charming, can also verge on the uncategorisable. Late 60s psychedelic folk seems to have been a significant influence, …
A Buyers Guide to 80s Live Albums
Although the heyday of the live rock album was the late 60s to the late 70s, there have been many live albums released since then that have captured the public’s imagination, topped the chats, or stood out as absolutely crucial releases within an act’s discography. Here then is the second instalment of what we hope …
A Buyers Guide to Crowded House (1986-1996)
Few acts have ever managed the career trajectory that Crowded House managed to pull off during their initial decade-long run from 1986 to 1996. Their debut album did solid business in the USA with their debut album on the back of a pair of big hit singles, while they struggled to make much of an …
A Buyers Guide to Electric Light Orchestra
The Move were one of those psyche-pop acts of the late 60s that were able to release great singles, but albums success always seemed to elude them. Originally formed in the middle of the decade from what were perceived to be the top guys from the best three or four local Birmingham beat groups, The …
A Beginners Guide to Ian Hunter & Mott the Hoople
Looking back, Mott the Hoople did it all as a rock band. From cult underground heroes, to chart bothering singles and albums, to glam rock superstars that no less a band than Queen supported. Formerly Silence, on signing to the Island record label, they were convinced to not only change their name, but replace their …