Half-Speed Master Vinyl Edition
David Bowie’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! Charts Bowie’s journey to Ziggy Stardust. Starting with early home demos, through radio sessions and live performances, to session recordings, outtakes and alternate versions from the recording of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust album.

The 1LP half-speed master which accompanies the 5CD+BR version features alternative takes and mixes including an alternative version of ‘Lady Stardust’, an unheard version of the deep-cut classic ‘Shadow Man’ and an up-tempo take of The Who’s ‘I Can’t Explain’, which he would later slow down and cover for the PIN-UPS album. 

5CD + 1 Blue-Ray Edition
David Bowie’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! is a 5CD and 1 Blu-Ray Audio set that explores David Bowie’s journey from February 1971 through the creation of the Ziggy Stardust character, the recording of the iconic The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars album, and captures the international mania that surrounded the Ziggy phenomenon in the form of UK radio sessions and TV performances, as well as live tracks from Ziggy and the Spiders’ 1st October 1972 show at the Boston Music Hall.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! contains 29 unreleased tracks, covers early songwriting demos, recordings from David’s band, The Arnold Corns, rehearsals at Bowie’s then-home, Haddon Hall, BBC sessions, singles, live performances, plus outtakes and alternative versions from the original album recording sessions, which have been newly mixed by original album producer, Ken Scott.

Unreleased highlights include an alternative version of ‘Lady Stardust’, an unheard version of the deep-cut classic ‘Shadow Man’ and an up-tempo take of The Who’s ‘I Can’t Explain’, which he would later slow down and cover for the PIN-UPS album.

The Blu-Ray includes a version of the Ziggy Stardust album called Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) taken from Trident Studio tapes dated 15th December 1971, which features an alternative running order and four songs that didn’t make the final album.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! also contains two books. The first is an extensive 112-page book with detailed liner notes, memorabilia, contemporary reviews and articles, rare photographs from Barrie Wentzel, Michael Putland, Mick Rock, Sukita and Alec Byrne, as well as brand-new notes and interviews with Ken Scott, Mark Carr Pritchett and David’s plugger from the time, Anya Wilson. Accompanying the main book is a 36-page compiled reproduction of David’s personal Ziggy Stardust era notebooks. 

TRACK LISTING

Half-Speed Master Vinyl Edition
Side 1
1. Hang On To Yourself (early Ziggy Session Take)
2. Star (Take 5 Alternative Version)
3. Lady Stardust (Take 1 Alternative Version)
4. Shadow Man (Ziggy Session Version)
5. The Supermen (Ziggy Session Version 2023 Mix)
6. Holy Holy (Ziggy Session Version Alternative Mix)
7. Round And Round (alternative Mix)
Side 2
1. Velvet Goldmine (Ziggy Sessions Outtake 2022 Mix)
2. Looking For A Friend (Ziggy Session Version)
3. It's Gonna Rain Again (Ziggy Sessions Outtake)
4. Sweet Head (Ziggy Sessions Outtake 2022 Mix)
5. Starman (Top Of The Pops Version 2022 Mix)
6. John, I'm Only Dancing (alternative Trident Studios Version)
7. I Can't Explain (Trident Studios Version)

CD/Blu-Ray Edition:
Disc 1
1. So Long 60s (San Francisco Hotel Recording) *
2. Hang On To Yourself (early Demo) *
3. Lady Stardust (demo)
4. Ziggy Stardust (demo)
5. Star (Aka Stars) (demo) *
6. Soul Love (demo And DB Spoken Notes) *
7. Starman (demo 1 Excerpt) *
8. Starman (demo 2) *
9. Moonage Daydream (The Arnold Corns Version)
10. Hang On To Yourself (The Arnold Corns Version)
11. Looking For A Friend (The Arnold Corns Version – Rough Mix) *
12. Haddon Hall Rehearsals Segue: Ziggy Stardust / Holy Holy / Soul Love *
13. Star (Aka Stars) (Haddon Hall Rehearsal) *
14. Sweet Head (Haddon Hall Rehearsal) *

Disc 2
Sounds Of The 70s: John Peel
Session Recorded On 11th January, 1972 And Broadcast On 28th January, 1972
1. Ziggy Stardust *
2. Queen Bitch *
3. Waiting For The Man *
4. Lady Stardust *
Sounds Of The 70s: Bob Harris
Session Recorded On 18th January, 1972 And Broadcast On 7th February, 1972
5. Hang On To Yourself
6. Ziggy Stardust
7. Queen Bitch
8. Waiting For The Man
9. Five Years
Old Grey Whistle Test Performance
Filmed On 7th February, 1972 And Broadcast On 8th February, 1972
Except ‘Oh! You Pretty Things’ Which Was Not Broadcast Until 1982.
10. Oh! You Pretty Things (take 1)
11. Queen Bitch
12. Five Years

Disc 3
Sounds Of The 70s: John Peel
Session Recorded On 16th May, 1972 And Broadcast On 23rd May, 1972
1. White Light/White Heat
2. Moonage Daydream
3. Hang On To Yourself
4. Suffragette City
5. Ziggy Stardust
Johnnie Walker Lunchtime Show
Session Recorded On 22nd May, 1972 And Broadcast From 5th – 9th June, 1972
6. Starman
7. Space Oddity
8. Changes
9. Oh! You Pretty Things
Sounds Of The 70s: Bob Harris
Session Recorded On 23rd May, 1972 And Broadcast On 19th June, 1972
10. Andy Warhol
11. Lady Stardust
12. White Light/White Heat
13. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide
Top Of The Pops Performance
Filmed On 5th July, 1972 And Broadcast On 6th July, 1972
14. Starman

Disc 4
1. Round And Round
2. The Supermen (Ziggy Session Version)
3. Holy Holy (Ziggy Session Version)
4. Velvet Goldmine (Ziggy Session Outtake)
5. Starman (original Single Mix)
6. John, I’m Only Dancing (original Single Version)
Recorded Live At The Music Hall, Boston.
Recorded On 1st October, 1972
7. The Supermen
8. Changes
9. Life On Mars?
10. My Death *
11. John, I’m Only Dancing

Disc 5
1. Looking For A Friend (The Arnold Corns Version 2022 Mix) *
2. Hang On To Yourself (early Ziggy Session Take) *
3. Star (take 5 Alternative Version) *
4. Lady Stardust (take 1 Alternative Version) *
5. Shadow Man (Ziggy Session Version) *
6. The Supermen (Ziggy Session Version 2023 Mix) *
7. Holy Holy (Ziggy Session Version Alternative Mix) *
8. Round And Round (alternative Mix)
9. It’s Gonna Rain Again (Ziggy Session Outtake) *
10. Looking For A Friend (Ziggy Session Version) *
11. Velvet Goldmine (Ziggy Sessions Outtake 2022 Mix) *
12. Sweet Head (Ziggy Sessions Outtake 2022 Mix) *
13. Starman (Top Of The Pops Version 2022 Mix)
14. John, I’m Only Dancing (alternative Trident Studios Version) *
15. I Can’t Explain (Trident Studios Version) * Bonus Mix
16. Moonage Daydream (2003 Instrumental Mix)

Blu Ray Audio
THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS
Original Album Mix (96khz/24bit Stereo)

THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS AND EXTRAS
2003 5.1 Mixes (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 - 96khz/24bit)

WAITING IN THE SKY (BEFORE THE STARMAN CAME TO EARTH)
Early Ziggy Stardust Album Tracklisting – December 1971 (96khz/24bit PCM Stereo)

THE SINGLES
(96khz/24bit PCM Stereo)

OUTTAKES AND ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS
(96khz/24bit PCM Stereo) 

On 24th May, 2024, the exact day of its Golden Jubilee, Diamond Dogs will be issued as a limited edition 50th anniversary picture disc LP, pressed from the same master as the half speed version. The first single from the album, ‘Rebel Rebel’, reached number 5 in the UK and the album would also reach similar heights on both sides of the Atlantic reaching number 1 in the UK and number 5 in the USA.

This new pressing of Diamond Dogs was cut on a customised late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. The half-speed was cut by John Webber at AIR Studios

The writing of the album was influenced by Bowie not being able to secure the rights for a theatrical production of George Orwell’s 1984 and the work of William S. Burroughs, whom Bowie had interviewed for Rolling Stone in November 1973. The songs on the album created an urban apocalyptic scenario with Bowie appearing on the cover as a controversial half-man, half-dog hybrid painted by the Belgian artist Guy Peellaert from photos by the world-renowned photographer Terry O’Neill. Since its release, tracks from Diamond Dogs have been covered by artists such as Beck, Tina Turner, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, Joan As Police Woman, Dead Or Alive and The Struts. 

TRACK LISTING

SIDE ONE
Future Legend
Diamond Dogs
Sweet Thing
Candidate
Sweet Thing (Reprise)
Rebel Rebel

SIDE TWO
Rock ’n’ Roll With Me
We Are The Dead
1984
Big Brother
Chant Of The Ever Circling Skeletal Family 

UK electronic pop icons Pet Shop Boys return with a brand-new studio album ‘Nonetheless’ on April 26, preceded by first single ‘Loneliness’.

Produced by James Ford, the music on ‘Nonetheless’ is both uplifting and reflective, mixing electronics, live instruments, and orchestral arrangements. The songs are very melodic and quintessentially Pet Shop Boys with a fresh, open sound, bringing together classic strands of PSB song-writing and moving them in new directions.

Having sold in excess of 50 million records, Pet Shop Boys are easily the most successful UK duo of all time. BRIT awards and Grammy nominations have been numerous, including in 2009 when Pet Shop Boys won the BRIT for outstanding contribution to music; in 2000 Pet Shop Boys’ song-writing was rewarded with the Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music - with over 70 hit singles spanning five decades, song-writing remains resolutely at the core of Pet Shop Boys’ continuing relevance and success.

TRACK LISTING

LP And Standard CD Tracklist:
1. Loneliness
2. Feel
3. Why Am I Dancing?
4. New London Boy
5. Dancing Star
6. A New Bohemia
7. The Schlager Hit Parade
8. The Secret Of Happiness
9. Bullet For Narcissus
10. Love Is The Law

Deluxe 2CD - Disc 2: Furthermore:
1. Heart (New PSB Version)
2. Being Boring (New PSB Version)
3. Always On My Mind (New PSB Version)
4. It’s A Sin (New PSB Version)

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

The band - comprised of former Maccabees duo Hugo and Felix White, their younger brother and solo artist Will White and drummer Jamie Morrison - will release You Don't Have To Be Yourself Right Now on 26th January. The title of the EP comes from the band's debut single, Worn Out Buildings, which will feature on the collection alongside the infectious Higher Love and two new tracks Spinning World and Dreaming

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Celebrate 15 years of Lily Allen's chart-topping album, "It's Not Me, It's You," with a mesmerizing Zoetrope pressing. Relive the magic of hit singles like "The Fear," "Not Fair," and "22" with a captivating twist. As the Zoetrope comes to life, witness the visual narrative unfold in sync with the infectious beats and razor-sharp lyrics that made these tracks timeless classics.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

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Demidevil is the debut mixtape by American singer-songwriter and rapper Ashnikko. It was originally released on January 15, 2021, through Parlophone and Warner Records. The mixtape was supported by four singles: "Cry" featuring Grimes, "Daisy", "Deal with It" featuring Kelis, and "Slumber Party" featuring Princess Nokia. Never previously reeased on vinyl - now released for RSD 2024 on coloured vinyl.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

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Black Vinyl 4 track EP A1. JENGI - BEL MERCY A2. SKIN ON SKIN - BURN DEM BRIDGES B1. BURNS - TALAMANCA B2. OBSKUR- BAYSIDE

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

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Gabriels will be releasing an exclusive Record Store Day LP - the 12" will include 5 live versions of tracks from recent Somerset House and Union Chapel gigs. 

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1. Private Dancer (Live From Somerset House)
2. Glory (Live From Somerset House)
3. Back To Life Feat. Jaila Simms-Garbutt (Live From Somerset House)
Side B
1. If You Only Knew (Live From Union Chapel)
2. Amazing Grace (Live From Union Chapel)

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Gorillaz release a special Record Store Day 2024 Deluxe Edition of their chart-topping 2023 album Cracker Island. The one-off release features 6 additional tracks that havenít been available on physical formats before and exclusive new album artwork by Jamie Hewlett. Cracker Island (Deluxe Vinyl Edition) is a limited run, pressed on double coloured vinyl (1 x pink disc, 1 x magenta disc) as well as 4 bonus tracks (Side C) and 2 remixes (Side D), plus a double-sided art print by Jamie Hewlett.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Interlude is a 1968 song written and composed by Georges Delerue and Hal Shaper and originally performed by American soul singer Timi Yuro. It is the title track for the 1968 film of the same name. In 1994, the song was covered in a duet by Morrissey and Siouxsie Sioux and released as a single in August of that year by EMI. It was presented under the banner of "Morrissey & Siouxsie".

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

blur - Parklife (30th Anniversary Zoetrope picture disc) Release date - Sat 20 April - Record Store Day Exclusive Format - half speed mastered, single vinyl zoetrope picture disc

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

The tracklisting for Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) runs differently from the Ziggy Stardust album and features four songs that didn’t make the final album.

On Side 1, in the place of ‘Starman’, one of the last three tracks recorded for the album in February 1972, is ‘Round and Round’, a Chuck Berry cover. The track was finally released on a single as the B-side to ‘Drive-In Saturday’ on 6th April, 1973. Initially, closing Side 1 of the album was Bowie's version of Jacques Brel’s ‘Amsterdam’, which would later appear as the B-side of ‘Sorrow’ on 12th October, 1973.

Side 2 of the 15th December, 1971 tracklisting features two long-time non-LP fan favourites, ‘Holy Holy’ and ‘Velvet Goldmine’. The former is a re-recording with The Spiders of David’s 1971 single. Again, this version of the track had to wait several years before surfacing as the B-side of ‘Diamond Dogs’ on 14th June, 1974.

The cover of Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) features a photo of David taken at an early Ziggy Stardust period session by Brian Ward, and the two sides of the inner bags are the fronts of the two Trident Studios tape boxes. The album’s title comes from the lyrics of ‘Starman’, which, along with ‘Rock ’N’ Roll Suicide’ and ‘Suffragette City’, had not yet been recorded when this variation of the album was compiled.

Waiting In The Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth) was cut on a customised late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original Trident Studios master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. The half-speed vinyl cut was by engineer John Webber at AIR Studios, London.

Silence Is Easy is the second studio album by English indie rock group Starsailor, released in September 2003. For the 20th anniversary, the album will be pressed on a limited edition 1LP Turquoise vinyl - the first time the album has been on vinyl since its original pressing in 2003. Alongside the vinyl will be a 2CD deluxe edition, featuring the original album and a bonus disc full of new tracks, unreleased demos, mixes, and live performances.

TRACK LISTING

CD Tracklisting:
CD1
1. Music Was Saved
2. Fidelity
3. Some Of Us
4. Silence Is Easy
5. Telling Them
6. Shark Food
7. Bring My Love
8. White Dove
9. Four To The Floor
10. Born Again
11. Restless Heart
CD2
1. White Dove (Demo Version)
2. At The End Of A Show
3. She Understands
4. Could You Be Mine?
5. A Message
6. Four To The Floor (Soulsavers Mix)
7. Four To The Floor (Thin White Duke Mix)
8. Four To The Floor (Live At Somerset House, 2nd August 2005)
9. Silence Is Easy (Live At Somerset House, 2nd August 2005)
10. Silence Is Easy (Live At Coronet, 27th May 2004)
11. Born Again (Phil Spector Demo)
12. Fidelity (Phil Spector Demo)

Vinyl Tracklisting:
Side A
1. Music Was Saved
2. Fidelity
3. Some Of Us
4. Silence Is Easy
5. Telling Them
6. Shark Food
Side B
1. Bring My Love
2. White Dove
3. Four To The Floor
4. Born Again
5. Restless Heart

October 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of David Bowie’s classic collection of cover songs, PIN UPS, originally released 19th October 1973 - a mere six months after the legendary ALADDIN SANE and three months after the infamous final Ziggy Stardust show at Hammersmith Odeon, where he put the Ziggy persona to rest along with The Spiders From Mars.

On 20th October 2023, one day after its Golden Jubilee PIN UPS will be issued as a limited edition 50th anniversary half-speed mastered LP. This new pressing of PIN UPS was cut on a customised late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. John Webber cut the half-speed at AIR Studios.

Recorded at Château d’Hérouville in France, where Bowie would later return to record the masterpiece LOW, PIN UPS was a collection of cover songs paying tribute to bands and artists that had inspired him and that he had seen at clubs such as The Marquee in London in the mid to late 60s. Artists he covered for the album included The Yardbirds, The Kinks, Pink Floyd, The Who, Pretty Things, The Easybeats and more. 

TRACK LISTING

SIDE ONE
Rosalyn – 2:27
Here Comes The Night – 3:09
I Wish You Would – 2:40
See Emily Play – 4:03
Everything’s Alright – 2:26
I Can’t Explain – 2:07
SIDE TWO
Friday On My Mind – 3:18
Sorrow – 2:48
Don't Bring Me Down – 2:01
Shapes Of Things – 2:47
Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere – 3:04
Where Have All The Good Times Gone – 2:35 

The six-track release is the band in their early raw form. Their sound developed over their illustrious 25-year career, but ‘Captain’ is a reflection of a band who, at the time, were disrupting a thriving indie scene with a unique edgier, more angular sound. Their live reputation preceded them, never failing to impress the fast-expanding fanbase. 'Captain' was recorded in October 1997 and was initially released on Deceptive Records in January 1998. The band signed to EMI shortly before the release of 'Captain'.

TRACK LISTING

Side One
1. Self Healer
2. Annihilate Now!
3. Captain
Side Two
1. Last Night I Missed All The Fireworks
2. Satan Polaroid
3. You Just Have To Be Who You Are

Returning with their 12th studio album, Chrissie Hynde and co are in fine form on this David Wrench produced album. The songwriting is great, as ever, and the mix of mid tempo rockers and ballads delivered with Chrissie’s distinctive style is classic Pretenders.

TRACK LISTING

01. Losing My Sense Of Taste
02. A Love
03. Domestic Silence
04. The Copa
05. The Promise Of Love
06. Merry Widow
07. Let The Sun Come In
08. Look Away
09. Your House Is On Fire
10. Just Let Go
11. Vainglorious
12. I Think About You Daily (w/ Jonny Greenwood) 

David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust, his most famous alter-ego, in front of 5000 stunned fans at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. Now, the fully restored film and soundtrack will be released for the first time for the 50th anniversary of the show. Renowned filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan - Don’t Look Back, Depeche Mode - 101) captured the momentous event by filming Bowie and The Spiders From Mars backstage and onstage.

Although filmed 50 years ago, the film was not widely seen for over a decade. However, the film and its soundtrack have been newly remastered with the medley of ‘The Jean Genie/Love Me Do’ medley and ‘Round And Round’ featuring the late legendary Jeff Beck reinstated - the latter track making its very first appearance anywhere. Both performances were newly mixed by long-time Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti.

The show featured Bowie’s famous speech just before the final encore, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide’, where he revealed that he was retiring the Ziggy Stardust persona. The shocking announcement came as a surprise to all in attendance – including members of his band and was the first proclamation of its kind in rock and roll.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
Introduction
Hang On To Yourself
Ziggy Stardust
Watch That Man
Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud
All The Young Dudes
Oh! You Pretty Things
Moonage Daydream
Side 2
Changes
Space Oddity
My Death
Cracked Actor
Time
Side 3
The Width Of A Circle
Let’s Spend The Night Together
Suffragette City
Side 4
White Light/White Heat
Medley: The Jean Genie / Love Me Do / The Jean Genie (feat. Jeff Beck)
Round And Round (feat. Jeff Beck)
Farewell Speech
Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide

One of the most successful British bands of the last 3 decades, Blur are back with their first new album in over 8 years: The Ballad of Darren. 

Produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13, London and Devon, The Ballad of Darren is the band’s ninth studio album, their first since the chart-topping The Magic Whip in 2015, with artwork featuring an image by British photographer Martin Parr.

STAFF COMMENTS

Liam says: The boys in Blur are back!!! 8 years on since 'The Magic Whip', 'The Ballad Of Darren' sees Blur with their most contemplative and inwards work to date. Whilst the cheeky chappie personas are firmly left in the 90s, this is still quintessentially and unmistakably Blur - with Damon and co.'s songwriting chops at full flex with some of their best sounding tracks ever! A stunning new era for the Britpop legends

TRACK LISTING

01. The Ballad
02. St. Charles Square
03. Barbaric
04. Russian Strings
05. The Everglades (For Leonard)
06. The Narcissist
07. Goodbye Albert
08. Far Away Island
09. Avalon
10. The Heights

Bonus Tracks On Deluxe CD
11. The Rabbi
12. The Swan

Angels & Queens - Part I was released back in September, picking up widespread acclaim across the globe. Its release was governed by the band’s desire to push through the release of new recordings this year, and release the record in two distinct chapters. The second chapter now concludes the full album’s tracklisting for a Spring 2023 release.

Angels & Queens incorporates a brand new recording of the band’s seminal debut single, Love & Hate In A Different Time, and songs that have already become staples of the band’s live set; Offering, Glory, and Great Wind.

A Deluxe CD version will also be made available with eight additional recordings, featuring four tracks from the band’s seminal Glastonbury set earlier in the Summer, a BBC Maida Vale session recording of Spanish Harlem, and a Greg Wilson and Che Wilson remix of Love and Hate in A Different Time.

TRACK LISTING

CD / Vinyl
1. Offering
2. The Blind
3. Angels & Queens
4. Taboo
5. To The Moon And Back
6. Professional
7. We Will Remember
8. Remember Me
9. If You Only Knew
10. Love And Hate In A Different Time
11. Glory
12. Great Wind
13.Mama

Deluxe CD Additional Tracks:
14.Love And Hate In A Different Time (Greg Wilson & Che Wilson Remix)
15. Blame (Live At Glastonbury)
16. Great Wind (Live At Glastonbury)
17. Professional (Live At Glastonbury)
18. We Will Remember (Live At Glastonbury)
19. Spanish Harlem (Live From Maida Vale)
20. Bloodline
21. Loyalty Ft. Ashley Sade

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2023 EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

40th anniversary of influential mini-album The Reptile House EP. Out of print on vinyl since 1983. Features the original line-up of Andrew Eldritch (vocals), Craig Adams (bass), Gary Marx (guitar), Ben Gunn (guitar) and Doktor Avalanche (drums).

TRACK LISTING

Side One
Kiss The Carpet [5:55]
Lights [5:51] |
Side Two
Valentine [4:44]
Fix [3:42]
Burn [4:50]
Kiss The Carpet (Reprise) [0:36] 

TWO SPECIAL VINYL RELEASES TO CELEBRATE THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF ALADDIN SANE TO BE RELEASED 14th APRIL, 2023.

April 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of David Bowie’s ALADDIN SANE, which was released only ten months after his breakthrough album THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS. The title track and songs such as ‘Panic In Detroit,' ‘Lady Grinning Soul’ and ‘Time’ marked a significant musical progression from its predecessor, adding brass, woodwind, soulful backing vocals and the distinctive piano playing of Mike Garson.

On 14th April, 2023, one week before its Golden Jubilee ALADDIN SANE will be issued as a limited edition 50th anniversary half-speed mastered LP pressed from the same master.

This new pressing of ALADDIN SANE was cut on a customised late Neumann VMS80 lathe with fully recapped electronics from 192kHz restored masters of the original master tapes, with no additional processing on transfer. The half-speed was cut by John Webber at AIR Studios.
The album was preceded by two singles ‘The Jean Genie’ and ‘Drive-In Saturday’, peaking in the U.K. singles chart at numbers 2 and 3 respectively, and was the first time he topped the U.K. album charts. It also marked Bowie’s debut on the U.S. charts reaching the top 20 album chart there, where an edited version of ‘Time’ was released as a single.

The cover of ALADDIN SANE has become one of the most striking and memorable images in rock n roll history and was rumoured to be the most expensive produced up to that point. The cover photograph was taken by Brian Duffy, who would also shoot the sleeves for 1979’s LODGER and 1980’s SCARY MONSTERS (AND SUPER CREEPS) and features Bowie with the iconic red and blue lightning bolt make-up, an image which has staked out an indelible spot in the planet’s cultural lexicon.

Bowie described ALADDIN SANE as ‘Ziggy Goes To Washington: Ziggy under the influence of America’. The album was to be Ziggy Stardust's last stand, and the persona was laid to rest three months after the album's release in July 1973 at the infamous final show with the Spiders From Mars at London’s Hammersmith Odeon.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE ONE
Watch That Man – 4:30
Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?) – 5:06
Drive-In Saturday – 4:33
Panic In Detroit – 4:25
Cracked Actor – 3:01
SIDE TWO
Time – 5.15
The Prettiest Star – 3:31
Let’s Spend The Night Together – 3:10
The Jean Genie – 4:07
Lady Grinning Soul – 3:45

An Introduction To Syd Barrett, is a reissue of the 2010 collection that brought together for the first time the tracks of Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett on one compilation.

David Gilmour, who originally worked on Syd Barrett's two solo albums, as co-producer of The Madcap Laughs and as producer of Barrett, was the executive producer for the album. Damon Iddins and Andy Jackson at Astoria Studios remixed five tracks including ‘Octopus’, ‘She Took A Long Cool Look’, ‘Dominoes’ and ‘Here I Go’, with David Gilmour adding bass guitar to the last track. Pink Floyd's ‘Matilda Mother’ also received a fresh 2010 Mix.

The album features the original 24-page booklet and graphics plus all lyrics, and was designed including the cover art by long time Pink Floyd associate the late Storm Thorgerson and his estimable studio.

An Introduction To Syd Barrett provides a handy overview of this visionary talent, this madcap genius whose star shone brightly yet burnt out all too quickly.

Parlophone Records proudly announces DAVID BOWIE DIVINE SYMMETRY, a four-CD, one blu-ray box set. This collection celebrates the twelve months running up to the release of the album HUNKY DORY in December 1971 via home demos, BBC radio sessions and live and studio recordings.

DIVINE SYMMETRY contains 48 previously unreleased tracks/demos from the period, and new alternative mixes of HUNKY DORY tracks by original co-producer Ken Scott.

Two books accompany DIVINE SYMMETRY, a 100-page hardback book featuring exclusive memorabilia and photos alongside a 60-page replica composite of Bowie’s notebooks from the era featuring handwritten lyrics, costume drawings, recording notes and set lists. The sleeve notes have been written for the release by Bowie expert Tris Penna, along with contributions from HUNKY DORY co-producer Ken Scott, lifelong Bowie friends Geoff MacCormack and George Underwood, singer Dana Gillespie, guitarist Mark Pritchett, Friars Aylesbury promoter David Stopps, publisher Bob Grace and photographer Louanne Richards.

‘KOOKS’, recorded by Bowie and guitarist Mick Ronson for the BBC’s Sounds Of The 70s presented by Bob Harris is available now for download and streaming single. It was recorded at Kensington House, Shepherds Bush, London, Studio T1 for BBC Radio on 21st September, 1971 and broadcast on 4th October, 1971. 1971 was a pivotal year for Bowie. He signed a record deal with RCA, he met Andy Warhol, Lou Reed, and Iggy Pop while in New York, became a father and penned the song ‘KOOKS’ as a show of paternal pride, played live for the first time that June with Mick Ronson, Woody Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder, the band that would later be christened the Spiders From Mars and recorded the classic album HUNKY DORY.

TRACK LISTING

Tracklist 4CD
* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
CD 1: THE SONGWRITING DEMOS PLUS
1 Tired Of My Life (demo) *
2 How Lucky You Are (aka Miss Peculiar) (demo) *
3 Shadow Man (demo)
4 Looking For A Friend (demo) *
5 Waiting For The Man (San Francisco Hotel Recording) *
6 Quicksand (San Francisco Hotel Recording) *
7 King Of The City (demo) *
8 Song For Bob Dylan (demo) *
9 Right On Mother (demo) *
10 Quicksand (demo)
11 Queen Bitch (demo) *
12 Kooks (demo) *
13 Amsterdam (demo) *
14 Life On Mars? (demo) *
Bonus Acetate Dubs:
15 Changes (demo) *
16 Bombers (demo) *

CD 2: BBC RADIO IN CONCERT: JOHN PEEL
David Bowie And Friends
(mono)
1 Queen Bitch *
2 Bombers
3 The Supermen *
4 Looking For A Friend
5 Almost Grown
6 Kooks
7 Song For Bob Dylan *
8 Andy Warhol *
9 It Ain't Easy
David Bowie And Friends (stereo)
10 Queen Bitch *
11 The Supermen *
12 Looking For A Friend *
13 Kooks *
14 Song For Bob Dylan *
15 Andy Warhol *
16 It Ain't Easy *

CD 3:
BBC RADIO SESSION AND LIVE
1 The Supermen
2 Oh! You Pretty Things
3 Eight Line Poem
4 Kooks *
5 Fill Your Heart *
6 Amsterdam *
7 Andy Warhol *
8 Introduction*
9 Fill Your Heart*
10 Buzz The Fuzz*
11 Space Oddity*
12 Amsterdam*
13 The Supermen*
14 Oh! You Pretty Things*
15 Eight Line Poem*
16 Changes*
17 Song For Bob Dylan*
18 Andy Warhol*
19 Looking For A Friend*
20 Round And Round*
21 Waiting For The Man*
Recorded Live To 2 Track Tape.

CD 4:
ALTERNATIVE MIXES, SINGLES AND VERSIONS
BOWPROMO Mixes
1 Oh! You Pretty Things
2 Eight Line Poem
3 Kooks
4 Queen Bitch
5 Quicksand
6 Bombers – Andy Warhol Intro. 
7 Lightning Frightening (aka The Man)*
8 Amsterdam (early Mix)
9 Changes (mono Single)
10 Andy Warhol (full Length Mono Single)
11 Amsterdam (single B-side Mix)
12 Life On Mars? (2016 Mix)
2021 Mixes
13 Changes (2021 Alternative Mix)
14 Life On Mars? (original Ending Version)*
15 Quicksand (2021 Mix – Early Version)*
16 Fill Your Heart (2021 Alternative Mix)*
17 Bombers (2021 Alternative Mix)*
18 Song For Bob Dylan (2021 Alternative Mix)*
19 The Bewlay Brothers (2021 Alternative Mix)*

Tracklist (Blu-ray Audio)
* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
HUNKY DORY 2015 REMASTER
1 Changes
2 Oh! You Pretty Things
3 Eight Line Poem
4 Life On Mars?
5 Kooks
6 Quicksand
7 Fill Your Heart
8 Andy Warhol
9 Song For Bob Dylan
10 Queen Bitch
11 The Bewlay Brothers

A DIVINE SYMMETRY (AN ALTERNATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH HUNKY DORY)
1 Changes (2021 Alternative Mix)
2 Oh! You Pretty Things (BOWPROMO Mix)
3 Eight Line Poem (BOWPROMO Mix)
4 Life On Mars? (original Ending Version)*
5 Kooks (BOWPROMO Mix)
6 Quicksand (2021 Mix – Early Version)
7 Fill Your Heart (2021 Alternative Mix)*
8 Bombers (2021 Alternative Mix)*
9 Andy Warhol (original Mix)*
10 Song For Bob Dylan (2021 Alternative Mix)*
11 Queen Bitch (BOWPROMO Mix)
12 The Bewlay Brothers (2021 Alternative Mix)*
Bonus Mix
13 Life On Mars? (2016 Mix)

SOUNDS OF THE 70S: BOB HARRIS
14 The Supermen
15 Oh! You Pretty Things
16 Eight Line Poem
17 Kooks*
18 Fill Your Heart*
19 Amsterdam*
20 Andy Warhol*

Originally released on 14th October, 1977, “Heroes" was David Bowie’s eleventh studio album. To celebrate its 45th anniversary, Parlophone is proud to announce a special limited edition ‘bricks & mortar’ outlet-only grey vinyl pressing of the album.

"Heroes" was a commercial success, peaking at #3 in the U.K. and #35 in the U.S., with NME and Melody Maker both naming it album of the year. The title track is now widely recognised as a classic and as one of Bowie’s most beloved songs, having been used in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and critically acclaimed films such as Moulin Rouge and Jojo Rabbit. It has also become one of Bowie’s most covered songs with interpretations by artists such as Prince, Coldplay, Motörhead, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga, King Crimson and The Wallflowers.

After releasing the ground-breaking Low in January 1977, Bowie toured and recorded playing keyboards in Iggy Pop’s band. He returned that summer to the Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin to begin work on a new album. Unlike the rest of the so-called ‘Berlin Trilogy’, “Heroes” was the only Bowie album recorded there in its entirety. Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, the central band from the Low album returned, this time joined by King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE 1
Beauty And The Beast
Joe The Lion
“Heroes”
Sons Of The Silent Age
Blackout
SIDE 2
V-2 Schneider
Sense Of Doubt
Moss Garden
Neuköln
The Secret Life Of Arabia

Ahead of a coveted slot at this year’s Glastonbury, The Snuts have announced their highly-anticipated new album Burn The Empire, out on Parlophone Records. The album follows their acclaimed, number 1-selling debut album, W.L and today sees the fourth taste of the record with new single ‘The Rodeo’.

One of the most exciting acts in the UK right now, The Snuts deliver 11 slices of sonic brilliance on Burn The Empire. Produced by longtime collaborators Detonate and Clarence Coffee Jr the album continues the band’s evolution both sonically and lyrically. A voice for the next generation lead singer Jack Cochrane attacks subjects affecting the youth of today. Opening with the album’s title track, a no holds barred protest against the corrupt corporations and politicians, the album delves into the negative effects of social media on ‘Zuckerpunch’ and ‘13’ tackles the lack of mental health services and the lethal effects of poverty across Britain and its impact on society.

“The universe delivered us time to create a record where we finally felt we could address some of the topics, be it societal or spiritual, that we have been dying to scream out,” lead singer Jack Cochrane said of the album. “There are songs about the highs & lows, stuff we really want to talk about and things we cannot help but feel, but have just never made the space to.”

Infectious, euphoric, heartfelt and packed to the brim with hooks, Burn The Empire is the work of a band living in the moment, with an eye to the future. Armed with a chart-topping album and an arsenal of adoring fans up and down the country, these four lads from Whitburn, West Lothian, are well on their way to being one of the most vital bands of recent years.

TRACK LISTING

1. Burn The Empire
2. Zuckerpunch
3. The Rodeo
4. 13
5. Knuckles
6. End Of The Road (feat. Rachel Chinouriri)
7. Pigeons In New York
8. Hallelujah Moment
9. Cosmic Electronica
10. Yesterday
11. Blah Blah Blah

Originally released in 1998 in Japan-only, this compilation features remixes of tracks from their 1997 eponymously titled, number one album.

Originally only available as a 2-CD set including a Radio 1 John Peel session, only a handful of copies made their way over to the UK on import.

Bustin’ + Dronin’ features nine remixes (note: no Peel Session) by William Orbit (tracks 1, 6, 7 & 9), Adrian Sherwood (2 & 8), Moby (4), Thurston Moore (5) and John McEntire (7).

Please note unlike the RSD edition the 2LP Black vinyl will not include the original OBI-strip or replica insert. The CD will feature an 8-page booklet along with a blur sticker sheet.

TRACK LISTING

A.
1. Movin’ On (William Orbit Mix) - 08:00
2. Death Of A Party (Well Blurred Remix) - 06:46
3. On Your Own (Crouch End Broadway Mix) - 03:32
B.
1. Beetlebum (Moby's Mix) - 06:43
2. Essex Dogs (Thurston Moore's Mix) - 09:01
C.
1. Death Of A Party (Billy Whiskers Mix) - 04:47
2. Theme From Retro (John McEntire's Mix) - 05:43
3. Death Of A Party (12” Death) - 07:08
D.
1. On Your Own (Walter Wall Mix) - 15:00

"Black Tie White Noise" can now be seen as the album that helped David Bowie rediscover the inspiration of his earlier career and redefine his future one. After the abortive mismatch that was the Tin Machine this 1993 album was a breath of sophisticated, white-soul funk. Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bowie's co conspirator /partner in crime Reeves Gabrels gave an urgency and focus to the recording sessions and Bowie rose to the occassion by producing some of his best music of the 90s.

TRACK LISTING

The Wedding
You've Been Around
I Feel Free
Black Tie White Noise (featuring Al B. Sure!)
Jump They Say
Nite Flights
Pallas Athena
Miracle Goodnight
Don't Let Me Down & Down
Looking For Lester
I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday
The Wedding Song

The twentieth album by David Bowie, originally released in 1995. The album saw Bowie hook up with producer Brian Eno once again, creating a diverse and experimental album incorporating art rock, jazz, ambient, industrial and electronica. Inspired by Twin Peaks as well as outsider art and artists, the album has a concept following detective Nathan Adler's murder investigation in world where art crimes and concept muggings happen.

TRACK LISTING

Leon Takes Us Outside
Outside
The Hearts Filthy Lesson
A Small Plot Of Land
Baby Grace (A Horrid Cassette)" (segue)
Hallo Spaceboy
The Motel
I Have Not Been To Oxford Town
No Control
Algeria Touchshriek (segue)
The Voyeur Of Utter Destruction (as Beauty)
Ramona A. Stone/I Am With Name (segue)
Wishful Beginnings
We Prick You
Nathan Adler (segue)
I'm Deranged
Thru' These Architects Eyes
Nathan Adler (segue)
Strangers When We Meet

'Earthling' was the 20th studio album by David Bowie, released in February 1997. The album showcases an electronica-influenced sound partly inspired by the industrial and drum & bass culture of the 1990s like Prodigy and Underworld. This was the first album Bowie self-produced since 1974. Recorded in just two and a half weeks right after returning from the 'Outside'  tour, the album is a snapshot of what Bowie was going through musically at the time. Making extensive use of sampling their own material on high BPMs, the album was the first Bowie album to be recorded digitally.

TRACK LISTING

Little Wonder
Looking For Satellites
Battle For Britain (The Letter)
Seven Years In Tibet
Dead Man Walking
Telling Lies
The Last Thing You Should Do
I'm Afraid Of Americans
Law (Earthlings On Fire)

'Toy' is a posthumously released album from David Bowie. Recorded in mid-2000 in New York with members of his touring band, with a mixture of new and unreleased old material rehearsed quickly for the purposes of what would have been a surprise album, it was shelved by Virgin/EMI, an act leading to Bowie's departure from the label.

TRACK LISTING

I Dig Everything
You've Got A Habit Of Leaving
The London Boys
Karma Man
Conversation Piece
Shadow Man
Let Me Sleep Beside You
Hole In The Ground
Baby Loves That Way
Can't Help Thinking About Me
Silly Boy Blue
Toy (Your Turn To Drive) 

‘Hours...’ is the 21st studio album by David Bowie, released in 1999. It was the first complete album by a major artist available to download over the Internet, preceding the physical release by two weeks.

A lot of the material that ended up on ‘Hours...’ was originally used, in alternate versions, for the video game Omikron: The Nomad Soul, which also featured two characters based on Bowie, as well as one on his wife Iman, one on ‘Hours...’ collaborator Reeves Gabrels, and one on bassist Gail Ann Dorsey.

TRACK LISTING

Thursday's Child
Something In The Air
Survive
If I'm Dreaming My Life
Seven
What's Really Happening?
The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell
New Angels Of Promise
Brilliant Adventure
The Dreamers

Pink Floyd release two physical versions of their first newly recorded music in over 25 years, ‘Hey Hey Rise Up’. The single, which was initially released digitally in April in support of the people of Ukraine and was #1 in 29 countries, is available on 7” and CD single. Both formats also feature a newly reworked version of ‘A Great Day For Freedom’ from the band’s 1994 album, The Division Bell. The track sees David Gilmour and Nick Mason joined by long time Pink Floyd bass player Guy Pratt, with Nitin Sawhney on keyboards and a lead vocal by Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Ukrainian band Boombox. It also has vocal harmonies by Romany and David Gilmour

When the track was first recorded at the end of March, Andriy, who left his band’s US tour to return home and fight for his country, was in a hospital bed in Kyiv recovering from a shrapnel injury. Proceeds for the physical release and the ongoing digital proceeds will go to Ukraine humanitarian relief.

For this limited edition release, David Gilmour revisited The Division Bell track ‘A Great Day For Freedom’. He has reworked the song using the original tapes which, as well as David, feature Nick Mason on drums and Richard Wright on keyboards, along with backing vocals from Sam Brown, Claudia Fontaine and Durga McBroom. The artwork for the track ‘The Sunflower Look’ features a painting of the national flower of Ukraine with a twist by the Cuban artist Yosan Leon. The cover is a direct reference to the woman who was seen around the world giving sunflower seeds to Russian soldiers and telling them to carry them in their pockets, so that when they die sunflowers will grow.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2022 EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

100g, 5 track 10" EP black. The 10" vinyl and CD TOY E.P. ("YOU'VE GOT IT MADE WITH ALL THE TOYS") features the previously unheard "SHADOW MAN (VOCAL AND PIANO MIX)", an alternative stripped back mix of the TOY album track, along with the unreleased live versions of "I DIG EVERYTHING" and "THE LONDON BOYS" recorded at the final Glastonbury warm-up show at the Roseland Ballroom, New York on 19th June, 2000. The E.P. also contains three tracks "YOU'VE GOT A HABIT OF LEAVING" (RADIO EDIT), "SILLY BOY BLUE" (ALTERNATIVE ENDING MIX) and "CAN'T HELP THINKING ABOUT ME" (LIVE MARK RADCLIFFE SHOW BBC RADIO 1 SESSION), previously only available as streaming singles and which are making their physical debut.

Parlophone Records is thrilled to announce the release of Iron Maiden’s 17th studio album Senjutsu, their first in 6 years. It was recorded in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Steve Harris.

For Senjutsu – loosely translated as ‘tactics & strategy’, the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai themed cover artwork, based on an idea by Steve Harris. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Iron bloody Maiden eh? They return for their SEVENTEENTH LP and you know what? It's great! It's a lot more of a proggy affair than during their heyday, but there is an absolute wealth of undeniable hooks and brilliantly hefty songwriting. Dickinson's voice is in top athletic form too.

TRACK LISTING

Senjutsu (8:20)
Stratego (4:59)
The Writing On The Wall (6:13)
Lost In A Lost World (9:31)
Days Of Future Past (4:03)
The Time Machine (7:09)
Darkest Hour (7:20)
Death Of The Celts (10:20)
The Parchment (12:39)
Hell On Earth (11:19)

This week sees the 50th anniversary of the original U.K. release of The Man Who Sold The World David Bowie’s landmark entry into the 1970s. The album not only began the collaboration with guitarist Mick Ronson that would continue with such Bowie classics as Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, it kicked off a 10-year run of indispensable albums stretching through 1980’s Scary Monsters.

The 2020 re-release of The Man Who Sold The World restored the album’s intended title Metrobolist, while featuring a new mix by original producer Tony Visconti. Taking its name from the album’s opening track, which was named after a painting by Bowie’s friend George Underwood, the new two-CD set The Width Of A Circle acts as a complementary piece to that album. Its 21 tracks feature non-album singles, a BBC In Concert l session, music for a TV play and further Visconti remixes wrapping up David’s recordings from 1970 and revealing the first sonic steps toward Hunky Dory.

TRACK LISTING

CD 1:
THE SUNDAY SHOW INTRODUCED BY JOHN PEEL
Recorded On 5th February, 1970 And Broadcast On 8th February, 1970
1. Amsterdam *
2. God Knows I’m Good *
3. Buzz The Fuzz
4. Karma Man
5. London Bye, Ta-Ta
6. An Occasional Dream
7. The Width Of A Circle*
8. Janine
9. Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud
10. Unwashed And Somewhat Slightly Dazed*
11. Fill Your Heart
12. The Prettiest Star
13. Cygnet Committee*
14. Memory Of A Free Festival*

Performed By David Bowie And The Tony Visconti Trio (a.k.a. The Hype)

CD 2:
THE LOOKING GLASS MURDERS AKA PIERROT IN TURQUOISE:
1. When I Live My Dream
2. Columbine
3. The Mirror
4. Threepenny Pierrot
5. When I Live My Dream (Reprise)

SINGLES
6. The Prettiest Star (Alternative Mix)
Single Mix Released On 6th March, 1970 On Mercury Records MF 1135. This Is The Unreleased Alternative Mix Created For Promotion In The US Market.

7. London Bye, Ta-Ta*
Originally Recorded And Rejected As The Follow Up Single To ‘Space Oddity’. This Mono Mix Was Finally Released On The Sound & Vision Box Set In 1989.

8. London Bye, Ta-Ta (1970 Stereo Mix)*
This Stereo Mix Of The Above Remained Unreleased Until The Reformatted Reissue Of The Sound & Vision Box Set In 2003, Replacing The Mono Mix.

9.Memory Of A Free Festival (Single Version Part 1)*
10. Memory Of A Free Festival (Single Version Part 2)*
The Re-recorded Electric Version Of The Closing Track From The David Bowie (aka Space Oddity) Album Released As A Single On Mercury Records 6052 026 On 26th June, 1970.

11. Holy Holy*
This Non-album Single A Side, Backed By The Album Version Of ‘Black Country Rock’ From The Man Who Sold The World Album, Was Released On Mercury Records 6052 049 On 15th January, 1971.

SOUNDS OF THE 70’S: ANDY FERRIS SHOW
Recorded On 25th March, 1970 And Broadcast On The 6th April, 1970.

12. Waiting For The Man
13. The Width Of A Circle
14. The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud*
15. The Supermen (Bowie At The Beeb Vinyl Only)*
Performed By David Bowie And The Hype

2020 MIXES
16. The Prettiest Star (2020 Mix)
17. London Bye, Ta-Ta (2020 Mix)
18. Memory Of A Free Festival (Single Version - 2020 Mix)
19. All The Madmen (Single Edit 2020 Mix)
Holy Holy (2020 Mix)

(*denotes Previously Released) 

To celebrate what would have been the 74th birthday of David Bowie on the 8th January, two previously unreleased cover versions John Lennon’s MOTHER and Bob Dylan’s TRYIN’ TO GET TO HEAVEN will be released as a very special limited edition 7” single.

Originally recorded by Lennon for his 1970 album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Bowie's version of MOTHER was produced by Tony Visconti in 1998 for a Lennon tribute that never came to fruition. Bob Dylan’s original TRYIN’ TO GET TO HEAVEN was released on his 1997 Album of the Year GRAMMY winning Time Out Of Mind. David’s version was recorded in February 1998 during the mixing sessions for the live album.

TRACK LISTING

A/ Mother
AA/Tryin’ To Get To Heaven (single Edit)

Gorillaz started the year with Episode 1 - ‘Momentary Bliss ft. slowthai and Slaves’ - of Song Machine, a whole new concept from one of the most innovative bands around. Now, six episodes in, Noodle, 2D, Murdoc and Russel have visited Morocco and Paris, London and Lake Como, as well as travelling all the way to the moon, and Gorillaz is ready to bring you the full collection titled Song Machine: Season One - Strange Timez, out on 23rd October 2020.

Song Machine is the ongoing and ever-evolving process which has seen Gorillaz joined by an expanding roster of collaborators captured live in Kong Studios and beyond. The result is an expansive collection of tracks embracing a myriad of sounds, styles, genres and attitudes from a breath-taking line-up of guest artists including Beck, Elton John, Fatoumata Diawara, Georgia, Kano, Leee John, Octavian, Peter Hook, Robert Smith, Roxani Arias, ScHoolboy Q, Slaves, Slowthai, St Vincent and 6LACK.
To date the project has seen over 100million streams on all tracks already and the band’s biggest period of sustained growth across both listenership and fanbase growth. All this before the album has even been announced!

Virtual band Gorillaz is singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, guitarist Noodle and drummer Russel Hobbs. Created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, their acclaimed eponymous debut album was released in 2001. The BRIT and Grammy Award winning band’s subsequent albums are Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (2011), Humanz (2017) and The Now Now (2018). A truly global phenomenon, Gorillaz have achieved success in entirely ground-breaking ways, touring the world from San Diego to Syria, winning numerous awards including the coveted Jim Henson Creativity Honor.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: You will have heard a few of these already, but it's nice to finally have all of the disparate releases compiled into one handy to pop-on collection. The deluxe CD has even more of these fruitful collaborations with some of the most recognisable names in modern music. It's a diverse and entertaining selection, and one that will have fans keen for a follow-up.

TRACK LISTING

1. Strange Timez (feat. Robert Smith)
2. The Valley Of The Pagans (feat. Beck)
3. The Lost Chord (feat. Leee John)
4. Pac-Man (feat. ScHoolboy Q)
5. Chalk Tablet Towers (feat. St Vincent)
6. The Pink Phantom (feat. Elton John And 6LACK)
7. Aries (feat. Peter Hook And Georgia)
8. Friday 13th (feat. Octavian)
9. Dead Butterflies (feat. Kano And Roxani Arias)
10. Désolé (feat. Fatoumata Diawara) [Extended Version]
11. Momentary Bliss (feat. Slowthai And Slaves)

Deluxe CD And Deluxe Vinyl Box Set Tracklist:
Disc 1
1. Strange Timez (feat. Robert Smith)
2. The Valley Of The Pagans (feat. Beck)
3. The Lost Chord (feat. Leee John)
4. Pac-Man (feat. ScHoolboy Q)
5. Chalk Tablet Towers (feat. St Vincent)
6. The Pink Phantom (feat. Elton John And 6LACK)
7. Aries (feat. Peter Hook And Georgia)
8. Friday 13th (feat. Octavian)
9. Dead Butterflies (feat. Kano And Roxani Arias)
10. Désolé (feat. Fatoumata Diawara) [Extended Version]
11. Momentary Bliss (feat. Slowthai And Slaves)

Disc 2
12. Opium (feat. EARTHGANG)
13. Simplicity (feat. Joan As Police Woman)
14. Severed Head (feat. Goldlink And Unknown Mortal Orchestra)
15. With Love To An Ex (feat Moonchild Sanelly)
16. MLS (feat. JPEGMAFIA And CHAI)
17. How Far? (feat. Tony Allen And Skepta)

With its iconic Emil Schult sleeve, Kraftwerk release their international breakthrough album. The symphonic title track, an epic ode to the joys of motorway travel, wraps a mesmerising motorik rhythm around a sampled collage of car horns, engine noise, whirring tyres and radio crackle. In edited form, it becomes a revolutionary hit single around the world. Elsewhere, in wordless industrial folk music, the band reveal both their light and dark sides – "Mitternacht" is all creeping midnight shadows, while "Morgenspaziergang" is fresh with morning dew and birdsong. Two versions of "Kometenmelodie", one a starkly gothic prowl, the other a sunny electro boogie, provide further instrumental sound paintings. Pure and strong and bold, Kraftwerk compose cinema for the ears. The pop world falls in love with them. 

Kraftwerk embrace the atomic age with mixed emotions. Surfing on sine waves, scanning the stratosphere for stray radio signals, they plug themselves into a buzzing grid of energy and communication. From the stately eco-angst anthem "Radioactivity" to the synthetic Gregorian chants of "Radio Stars" and the melancholy machine processional of "Ohm Sweet Ohm", a sombre but engrossing monumentalism dominates. With heavily processed vocals in both German and English, Kraftwerk go global with depth and majesty. If factories and power stations are the new cathedrals, they write liturgies for a new industrial epoch. 

A bold new look, sound and concept for Kraftwerk. Over supple processed rhythms which predate the rise of European techno and trance, they address automation and alienation, space travel and engineering, the seductive allure of urban landscapes and the vacant glamour of celebrity. Clipped and funky, "The Robots" adds another dimension to Kraftwerk's ultra-dry sense of humour. Behind its intoxicating melodic pulse, "The Model" is a highly prophetic satire on the beauty industry, so ahead of its time that it only becomes a UK chart-topper by accident three years later. And "Neon Lights" is Kraftwerk's most achingly romantic song to date, a sci-fi lullaby for cities at twilight. Pure magic. 

Kraftwerk beam themselves into the future by writing about home computers, online dating and globalised electronic surveillance years before these phenomena truly come into being. A journey into the bright hopes and dark fears of the booming microchip revolution, "Computer World" is a serenely beautiful and almost seamless collage of sensual melodies and liquid beatscapes. Tracks like "Numbers" and "Pocket Calculator", with their weightless bleeps and elastic beats, predict the silky rhythms of Chicago house and inspire a generation of Detroit techno artists. Kraftwerk's fanfare for the silicon age still sounds ageless, timeless and throbbing with invention. 

Kraftwerk's first fully digital album confirmed their clubland credentials and reworked 11 of their best-loved tunes for a new generation. Painstakingly reconstructed and sequenced in the band's Kling Klang studio, new versions of tracks like "The Robots", "Trans Europe Express" and "Home Computer" now feature more funky rhythms and cleaned-up, liquid-crystal sounds. A stark warning about pollution at Sellafield is added to the glistening overhaul of "Radioactivity", sparking a war of words with British Nuclear Fuels. But most of all, "The Mix" is a career-spanning collection of legendary electro anthems and a classy acknowledgment of the two-way traffic between Kraftwerk and club culture. 

The year 2003 marked the centenary of the Tour de France, the conceptual starting line for Kraftwerk's first album for over a decade. Although it features an immaculate new version of a 20-year-old former single, the exquisitely graceful "Tour de France", pop nostalgia is not on the menu. From the chunky cyber-funk of "Vitamin" to the restless metallic shimmers of "Aéro Dynamik", this is emphatically the sound of 21st century techno visionaries. 

Dinosaur Pile-Up return with their fourth album Celebrity Mansions, a collection of songs that sizzle with big melodies, skewered through with raw, intoxicating emotion. To mark the album’s announcement the band have released the incendiary ‘Thrash Metal Cassette’, their most punk rock and in-your-face track to date.

DPU have long been talked about as one of British music’s most consistently exciting outfits, with singer/guitarist Matt Bigland forging a reputation as one of rock music’s finest songwriters. So having spent the best part of a decade building a fiercely loyal fanbase, and a stellar live reputation, now’s the time to prove it.

TRACK LISTING

01. Thrash Metal Cassette
02. Back Foot
03. Stupid Heavy Metal Broken Hearted Loser Punk
04. Celebrity Mansions
05. Round The Bend
06. Pouring Gasoline
07. Black Limousine
08. K West
09. Professional Freak
10. Long Way Down

Never Let Me Down is the 17th studio album by David Bowie. Originally released on 20 April 1987, this vinyl edition is newly remastered.

TRACK LISTING

1. Day-In Day-Out
2. Time Will Crawl
3. Beat Of Your Drum
4. Never Let Me Down
5. Zeroes
6. Glass Spider
7. Shining Star (Makin’ My Love)
8. New York’s In Love
9. ’87 And Cry
10. Bang Bang

A brand new studio album from Gorillaz titled The Now Now will be released by Parlophone Records on 29th June.

The Now Now is 11 all-new songs from the World’s Most Successful Virtual Act, produced by Gorillaz, with James Ford and Remi Kabaka, and recorded in London, in February this year.

The album sessions for The Now Now saw the band largely eschewing guest stars, taking it back to the core creative crew: blue-haired, sweet-natured dreamer 2D on vocals; whip-smart Japanese badass Noodle on guitar; not forgetting Brooklyn-born philosopher and the meat–behind-the-beat Russel Hobbs on drums. And with Murdoc Niccals temporarily indisposed, bass duties on the new album have been taken up by erstwhile Gangreen Gang member Ace.

TRACK LISTING

1. Humility (feat. George Benson)
2. Tranz
3. Hollywood (feat. Snoop Dogg & Jamie Principle)
4. Kansas
5. Sorcererz
6. Idaho
7. Lake Zurich
8. Magic City
9. Fire Flies
10. One Percent
11. Souk Eye

David Bowie In Bertolt Brecht’s Baal features Bowie performing five songs that were written for German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s 1918 play “Baal.” Bowie recorded this EP with Visconti at Hansa Studios in Berlin in November 1981.

Recently, all five songs were re-released as part of the exclusive Re:Call 3 compilation that accompanied the boxed set, A New Career In A New Town (1977-1982). This new limited edition 10” vinyl reissue comes in a six-panel sleeve that replicates the original 1982 packaging and is available exclusively at “brick and mortar” retail stores. 

The four studio albums ‘Low’, ‘‘Heroes’’, ‘Lodger’ and ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ have not been available as standalone vinyl LPs for over 25 years and this is the first time on vinyl for Stage (2017), which has 5 additional tracks to the original 1978 double LP release including The Jean Genie and Suffragette City.

"On the surface, Lodger is the most accessible of the three Berlin-era records David Bowie made with Brian Eno, simply because there are no instrumentals and there are a handful of concise pop songs. Nevertheless, Lodger is still gnarled and twisted avant pop; what makes it different is how it incorporates such experimental tendencies into genuine songs, something that Low and Heroes purposely avoided. "D.J.," "Look Back in Anger," and "Boys Keep Swinging" have strong melodic hooks that are subverted and strengthened by the layered, dissonant productions, while the remainder of the record is divided between similarly effective avant pop and ambient instrumentals. Lodger has an edgier, more minimalistic bent than its two predecessors, which makes it more accessible for rock fans, as well as giving it a more immediate, emotional impact. It might not stretch the boundaries of rock like Low and Heroes, but it arguably utilizes those ideas in a more effective fashion." - Allmusic.

The four studio albums ‘Low’, ‘‘Heroes’’, ‘Lodger’ and ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ have not been available as standalone vinyl LPs for over 25 years and this is the first time on vinyl for Stage (2017), which has 5 additional tracks to the original 1978 double LP release including The Jean Genie and Suffragette City.

"Repeating the formula of Low's half-vocal/half-instrumental structure, Heroes develops and strengthens the sonic innovations David Bowie and Brian Eno explored on their first collaboration. The vocal songs are fuller, boasting harder rhythms and deeper layers of sound. Much of the harder-edged sound of Heroes is due to Robert Fripp's guitar, which provides a muscular foundation for the electronics, especially on the relatively conventional rock songs. Similarly, the instrumentals on Heroes are more detailed, this time showing a more explicit debt to German synth pop and European experimental rock. Essentially, the difference between Low and Heroes lies in the details, but the record is equally challenging and groundbreaking." - Allmusic.

The four studio albums ‘Low’, ‘‘Heroes’’, ‘Lodger’ and ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ have not been available as standalone vinyl LPs for over 25 years and this is the first time on vinyl for Stage (2017), which has 5 additional tracks to the original 1978 double LP release including The Jean Genie and Suffragette City.

The powerful reach of Bowie's masterpiece, the first part of the much feted 'Berlin Trilogy' created with the aid of Brian Eno, is still being felt strongly almost 30 years on. Air's wonderful four hour Essential Mix began with this album's opener "Speed of Life", Q Magazine rated the album #14 in it's Greatest British Albums Ever, and Pitchfork, the New Testament for the New Indie generation, recently decreed "Low" as the #1 album of the 1970's. Side A (or tracks 1-7 for those more familiar with the CD format) are classic Bowie ("Sound and Vision", "Be My Wife"), although dealing with the unfamiliar and slightly darker topics of lethargy, depression and estrangement, highlighting Bowie's overcoming of his cocaine addiction. Over on Side B the album's true colours really come through - four ambient tracks, originally rejected for the soundtrack to "The Man Who Fell To Earth" (the source of Low's iconic cover image), which see Bowie pay homage to Can, Neu! and Eno himself. The word 'timeless' was invented for such moments as these.

2017, marks the 40th anniversary of Paul Weller’s first album, “In The City”, which he released with The Jam in May 1977. For most artists such a landmark would be greeted with extensive retrospective celebrations: lavish reissues and all that jazz. But Paul Weller is not like most artists, instead releasing a new studio album, because releasing new albums is what Paul Weller does. Always moving forwards, almost clinically averse to nostalgia or checking his progress in the rear-view mirror.

And so, continuing his never-ending creative peak, Paul Weller releases his eagerly awaited 13th studio album “A Kind Revolution” on Parlophone Records.

Weller started work on “A Kind Revolution” immediately after finishing 2015’s “Saturns Pattern”, first tickling out the funky strut of “New York” and the beautiful slow-mo gospel of “The Cranes Are Back” - a song that ties in the changing face of London with the power of nature. The album’s title is taken from a line in the aforementioned song.

Musicians on the album feature most of the touring band faithful with Andy Crofts and Ben Gordelier being the top mainstays. Steve Cradock and Steve Pilgrim also feature on several tracks. Opening track “Woo Sé Mama” sees legendary soul singers PP Arnold & Madeleine Bell supply their distinctive vocal skills while the exceedingly funky “One Tear” features the unmistakable voice of the one and only Boy George. Paul even managed to lure Robert Wyatt out of retirement to sing and play trumpet on “She Moves With The Fayre”. Finally, and once again, The Strypes’ guitarist Josh McClorey has been drafted in to add his magic to 3 tracks.

“A Kind Revolution” features ten absolute classic modern Paul Weller songs. By “modern Paul Weller songs” we mean, instantly recognisable but in no way predictable. He doesn’t make a “kind of” album, he fits together all his influences - rock, R&B, soul, jazz, funk, folk…whatever - and builds a song from them, delivering something that drifts through genres unselfconsciously and at ease. Two great examples of this are two of the most reflective, contemplative songs, “Long Long Road” and “Hopper”, which in lesser hands might have been delivered as ballads, but Weller adds so much texture and colour to each that they defy categorisation. With great age comes great wisdom…

Written and recorded at de facto HQ, Black Barn Studios in Surrey, “A Kind Revolution” was produced and arranged by Jan ‘Stan’ Kybert and Paul himself.

TRACK LISTING

LP / Standard CD / Special Edition 3 CD Set, CD1 
1. Woo Sé Mama
2. Nova
3. Long Long Road
4. She Moves With The Fayre
5. The Cranes Are Back
6. Hopper
7. New York
8. One Tear
9. Satellite Kid
10. The Impossible Idea

Special Edition 3 CD Set, CD2
1. Woo Sé Mama (Instrumental)
2. Nova (Instrumental)
3. Long Long Road (Instrumental)
4. She Moves With The Fayre (Instrumental)
5. The Cranes Are Back (Instrumental)
6. Hopper (Instrumental)
7. New York (Instrumental)
8. One Tear (Instrumental)
9. Satellite Kid (Instrumental)
10. The Impossible Idea (Instrumental)

Special Edition 3 CD Set, CD3
1. Alpha
2. She Moves With The Fayre (Villagers Remix)
3. New York (Nightwatch) [Prof. Kybert]
4. Nova (Toy Remix)
5. One Tear (Club Cut) [Prof. Kybert]
6. Hopper (White Label Remix)
7. Satellite Kid (Syd Arthur Remix)
8. She Moves With The Fayre (Breakdown Inst.) [Prof. Kybert]
9. Woo Sé Mama (E&TC Remix)

The Gorillaz return for their newest offering since 2010's 'Plastic Beach'. Having amped up the guest-factor on this release, there is a whole host of influence from all over the musical spectrum. The Peven Everett number, 'Strobelite' for instance is a luminescent dancefloor house number, complete with soaring vocals and thumping bassy rolls, lots of filters and clanging sweeps, all topped with a smooth-as-silk string synth overlay. 

Move along to 'Charger' though and we get the scary/alluring big baddie vox of disco-not-disco legend Grace Jones, before sweeping spookily into Albarn's dulcet Gorillaz voice. Backed by an industrious clanging synth sweep and charged percussives, it slowly segues into anthemic swirl of grooving disco before fading into the solemn follower, 'Andromeda'.

By integrating a diverse selection of supplimentary talent, Gorillaz have managed to increase the scope of their already venerable musical palette, and absorb all sorts of influence along the way. 'Humanz' is littered with references to classic electronic music in all it's forms but still relies heavily upon that good old-fashioned songwriting we're all so keen on, providing their most diverse offering yet, whilst not sacrificing the cohesion and flow that has set them in such good stead so far. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Intro: I Switched My Robot Off
2. Ascension (feat. Vince Staples)
3. Strobelite (feat. Peven Everett)
4. Saturnz Barz (feat. Popcaan)
5. Momentz (feat. De La Soul)
6. Interlude: The Non-conformist Oath
7. Submission (feat. Danny Brown & Kelela)
8. Charger (feat. Grace Jones)
9. Interlude: Elevator Going Up
10. Andromeda (feat. D.R.A.M.)
11. Busted And Blue
12. Interlude: Talk Radio
13. Carnival (feat. Anthony Hamilton)
14. Let Me Out (feat. Mavis Staples & Pusha T)
15. Interlude: Penthouse
16. Sex Murder Party (feat. Jamie Principle & Zebra Katz)
17. She's My Collar (feat. Kali Uchis)
18. Interlude: The Elephant
19. Halleujah Money (feat. Benjamin Clementine)
20. We Got The Power (feat. Jehnny Beth)

Bonus Tracks On Special Edition CD
1. Interlude: New World
2. The Apprentice (feat. Rag‘n’Bone Man, Zebra Katz & RAY BLK)
3. Halfway To The Halfway House (feat. Peven Everett)
4. Out Of Body (feat. Kilo Kish, Zebra Katz & Imani Vonshà)
5. Ticker Tape (feat. Carly Simon & Kali Uchis)
6. Circle Of Friendz (feat. Brandon Markell Holmes)

VANT release their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘DUMB BLOOD’ on Parlophone. The fiery punk and visceral alt-rock that pulsates throughout ‘DUMB BLOOD’ is music that incites moshpit bedlam and their lyrics demand discussion – on environmentalism, inequality, racism, religion, social media isolation and the all-out self-destruction of mankind. 

“Each song is an exhilarating, blood-pumping punk thriller. This is a band on a rapid upswing, ascending at lightning speed, and the world will have to do their bit to be able to keep up.” – DIY – review of 29/11/16 Scala gig.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Crashing full-force melodic punk anthems, replete with fuzzed-out guitars, snarling vocal delivery and lo-fi solos. Melodic, dynamic fist-pumping anthemic rock, pushing through with a combination of catchy hooks and hefty production. Highly recommended.

The follow up to  "Kid A" finds Radiohead continuing their experiments of the previous album but with added structure and a stronger 'song' base. This all adds up to a phenomenal album of vision and depth that will disappoint no one.

TRACK LISTING

1 Packt Like Sardines In A Crushed Tin Box
2 Pyramid Song
3 Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors
4 You And Whose Army?
5 I Might Be Wrong
6 Knives Out
7 Morning Bell/Amnesiac
8 Dollars & Cents
9 Hunting Bears
10 Like Spinning Plates
11 Life In A Glasshouse

Two Door Cinema Club return with Gameshow, their first album since the no. 2 LP 'Beacon' in 2012 and their first album for the Parlophone label. Gameshow incorporates a wide and varied range of styles and influences that perfectly marries the band’s pop sensibilities and hooks, with a continued sonic invention. It’s a real statement of intent, introducing their dedicated fan base to Two Door v2.0 – it’s a sound that’s ambitious, but never alienating – off-kilter, but always danceable

TRACK LISTING

1. Are We Ready? (Wreck)
2. Bad Decisions
3. Ordinary
4. Gameshow
5. Lavender
6. Fever
7. Invincible
8. Good Morning
9. Surgery
10. Je Viens De La

Deluxe Formats Include 5 Bonus Tracks Including Two New Songs, Two Remixes And A Live Recording Of The Album’s Title Track.

The album, produced by Tony Visconti (bar "Space Oddity" itself which was produced by the late Gus Dudgeon), was a giant leap forward in terms of songwriting for Bowie compared to his eponymous debut, and can be considered as the first truly essential David Bowie album. Noted for a list of collaborators, including session players Herbie Flowers, Tim Renwick, Terry Cox and Rick Wakeman, the album delves into psychedelic folk-rock, as well as prog, with its genre-defying template creating a blueprint of what would become over the next decade and more, one of the most inimitable British artists.

TRACK LISTING

1 Space Oddity 5:11
2 Unwashed And Somewhat Slightly Dazed 6:12
3 (Don’t Sit Down) 0:44
4 Letter To Hermione 2:36
5 Cygnet Committee 9:35
6 Janine 3:25
7 An Occasional Dream 3:01
8 The Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud 4:52
9 God Knows I’m Good 3:21
10 Memory Of A Free Festival 7:10

"Even though it contained no hits, The Man Who Sold the World, for most intents and purposes, is the beginning of David Bowie's classic period. Working with guitarist Mick Ronson and producer Tony Visconti for the first time, Bowie developed a tight, twisted heavy guitar rock that appears simple on the surface but sounds more gnarled upon each listen. The mix is off-center, with the fuzz-bass dominating the compressed, razor-thin guitars and Bowie's strangled, affected voice. The sound of The Man Who Sold the World is odd, but the music is bizarre itself, with Bowie's bizarre, paranoid futuristic tales melded to Ronson's riffing and the band's relentless attack. Musically, there isn't much innovation on The Man Who Sold the World - it is almost all hard blues-rock or psychedelic folk-rock - but there's an unsettling edge to the band's performance, which makes the record one of Bowie's best albums." - Allmusic.

TRACK LISTING

The Width Of A Circle 8:07
All The Madmen 5:38
Black Country Rock 3:33
After All 3:52
Running Gun Blues 3:12
Saviour Machine 4:27
She Shook Me Cold 4:13
The Man Who Sold The World 3:58
The Supermen 3:39

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2014 EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

Limited to 300 copies.

TRACK LISTING

1. Nothing Stays The Same (Home Recording)
2. Greatest Lovers (Home Recording)

Parlophone are thrilled to announce that the third Babyshambles album Sequel To The Prequel. The album was recorded at Question Du Son, Paris and mixed in The Bunker, London, with producer/mixer and long time 'Shambles collaborator Stephen Street.

Filled with hooks and humour, the album features some of the band’s finest ever lyrics ranging from the tender to the downright hilarious. Musically it has already been called their most accomplished and collaborative work to date.

As Peter Doherty told the NME recently, “I don’t want this to be half arsed, I want to get up there and really fu*king smash it out. Babyshambles aren’t back, this band has always been here”.

The album - featuring sleeve artwork by Brit-art icon Damien Hirst - is released on CD, and on heavyweight 12" clear vinyl LP (including a CD of the album, plus artwork poster).

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Proper songs and a solid production make this a surprisingly coherent effort from the erstwhile Libertines man.

TRACK LISTING

1. Fireman
2. Nothing Comes To Nothing
3. New Pair
4. Farmer's Daughter
5. Fall From Grace
6. Maybelline
7. Sequel To The Prequel
8. Dr. No
9. Penguins
10. Picture Me In A Hospital
11. Seven Shades
12. Minefield

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. I Saw Her Standing There (2009 - Remaster)
2. Misery (2009 - Remaster)
3. Anna (Go To Him) (2009 - Remaster)
4. Chains (2009 - Remaster)
5. Boys (2009 - Remaster)
6. Ask Me Why (2009 - Remaster)
7. Please Please Me (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. Love Me Do (2009 - Remaster)
2. P.S. I Love You (2009 - Remaster)
3. Baby It's You (2009 - Remaster)
4. Do You Want To Know A Secret (2009 - Remaster)
5. A Taste Of Honey (2009 - Remaster)
6. There's A Place (2009 - Remaster)
7. Twist And Shout (2009 - Remaster)

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. Love Me Do (Original Single Version) (2009 - Remaster)
2. From Me To You (2009 - Remaster)
3. Thank You Girl (2009 - Remaster)
4. She Loves You (2009 - Remaster)
5. I'll Get You (2009 - Remaster)
6. I Want To Hold Your Hand (2009 - Remaster)
7. This Boy (2009 - Remaster)
8. Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand (2009 - Remaster)
9. Sie Liebt Dich (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. Long Tall Sally (2009 - Remaster)
2. I Call Your Name (2009 - Remaster)
3. Slow Down (2009 - Remaster)
4. Matchbox (2009 - Remaster)
5. I Feel Fine (2009 - Remaster)
6. She's A Woman (2009 - Remaster)
7. Bad Boy (2009 - Remaster)
8. Yes It Is (2009 - Remaster)
9. I'm Down (2009 - Remaster)

Side 3:
1. Day Tripper (2009 - Remaster)
2. We Can Work It Out (2009 - Remaster)
3. Paperback Writer (2009 - Remaster)
4. Rain (2009 - Remaster)
5. Lady Madonna (2009 - Remaster)
6. The Inner Light (2009 - Remaster)
7. Hey Jude (2009 - Remaster)
8. Revolution (2009 - Remaster)

Side 4:
1. Get Back (2009 - Remaster)
2. Don't Let Me Down (2009 - Remaster)
3. The Ballad Of John And Yoko (2009 - Remaster)
4. Old Brown Shoe (2009 - Remaster)
5. Across The Universe (2009 - Remaster)
6. Let It Be (2009 - Remaster)
7. You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (2009 - Remaster)

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. Drive My Car (2009 - Remaster)
2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (2009 - Remaster)
3. You Won't See Me (2009 - Remaster)
4. Nowhere Man (2009 - Remaster)
5. Think For Yourself (2009 - Remaster)
6. The Word (2009 - Remaster)
7. Michelle (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. What Goes On (2009 - Remaster)
2. Girl (2009 - Remaster)
3. I'm Looking Through You (2009 - Remaster)
4. In My Life (2009 - Remaster)
5. Wait (2009 - Remaster)
6. If I Needed Someone (2009 - Remaster)
7. Run For Your Life (2009 - Remaster)

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. Yellow Submarine (2009 - Remaster)
2. Only A Northern Song (2009 - Remaster)
3. All Together Now (2009 - Remaster)
4. Hey Bulldog (2009 - Remaster)
5. It's All Too Much (2009 - Remaster)
6. All You Need Is Love (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. Pepperland (2009 - Remaster)
2. Sea Of Time (2009 - Remaster)
3. Sea Of Holes (2009 - Remaster)
4. Sea Of Monsters (2009 - Remaster)
5. March Of The Meanies (2009 - Remaster)
6. Pepperland Laid Waste (2009 - Remaster)
7. Yellow Submarine In Pepperland (2009 - Remaster)

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. Help! (2009 - Remaster)
2. The Night Before (2009 - Remaster)
3. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (2009 - Remaster)
4. I Need You (2009 - Remaster)
5. Another Girl (2009 - Remaster)
6. You're Going To Lose That Girl (2009 - Remaster)
7. Ticket To Ride (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. Act Naturally (2009 - Remaster)
2. It's Only Love (2009 - Remaster)
3. You Like Me Too Much (2009 - Remaster)
4. Tell Me What You See (2009 - Remaster)
5. I've Just Seen A Face (2009 - Remaster)
6. Yesterday (2009 - Remaster)
7. Dizzy Miss Lizzy (2009 - Remaster)

Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork, the 14 albums return to their original glory with details including the poster in The Beatles (The White Album), the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s cut-outs, and special inner bags for some of the titles.

The titles include The Beatles’ 12 original UK albums, first released between 1963 and 1970, the US-originated Magical Mystery Tour, now part of the group’s core catalogue, and Past Masters, Volumes One & Two, featuring non-album A-sides and B-sides, EP tracks and rarities.

Since it was recorded, The Beatles’ music has been heard on a variety of formats – from chunky reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track cartridges to invisible computer files. But there has never been a more romantic or thrilling medium for music than a long-playing twelve-inch disc. We ‘play’ records. The process of carefully slipping the disc out of the sleeve, cleaning it and lowering the stylus provides a personal involvement in the reproduction of the music.

In September, 2009, The Beatles’ remastered albums on CD graced charts around the world. Seventeen million album sales within seven months was resounding evidence of the timeless relevance of their legacy. Through five decades, the music of The Beatles has captivated generation upon generation.

For producer Rick Rubin, surveying The Beatles’ recorded achievements is akin to witnessing a miracle. “If we look at it by today’s standards, whoever the most popular bands in the world are, they will typically put out an album every four years,” Rubin said in a 2009 radio series interview. “So, let’s say two albums as an eight year cycle. And think of the growth or change between those two albums. The idea that The Beatles made thirteen albums in seven years and went through that arc of change... it can’t be done. Truthfully, I think of it as proof of God, because it’s beyond man’s ability.”

There has always been demand for The Beatles’ albums on vinyl. Indeed, 2011’s best-selling vinyl LP in the United States was Abbey Road. Following the success of The Beatles’ acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning 2009 CD remasters, it was decided that the sound experts at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios should create new versions of The Beatles’ vinyl LPs. The project demanded the same meticulous approach taken for the CD releases, and the brief was a simple one: cut the digital remasters to vinyl with an absolute minimum of compromise to the sound. However, the process involved to do that was far from simple.

The first stage in transferring the sound of a master recording to vinyl is the creation of a disc to be used during vinyl manufacture. There were two options to consider. A Direct Metal Master (DMM), developed in the late seventies, allows sound to be cut directly into a stainless steel disc coated with a hard copper alloy. The older, alternative method is to cut the sound into the soft lacquer coating on a nickel disc - the first of several steps leading to the production of a stamper to press the vinyl.

A ‘blind’ listening test was arranged to choose between a ‘lacquer’ or ‘copper’ cut. Using both methods, A Hard Day’s Night was pressed with ten seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each side. This allowed not only the reproduction of the music to be assessed, but also the noise made by the vinyl itself. After much discussion, two factors swung the decision towards using the lacquer process. First, it was judged to create a warmer sound than a DMM. Secondly, there was a practical advantage of having ‘blank’ discs of a consistent quality when cutting lacquers.

The next step was to use the Neumann VMS80 cutting lathe at Abbey Road. Following thorough mechanical and electrical tests to ensure it was operating in peak condition, engineer Sean Magee cut the LPs in chronological release order. He used the original 24-bit remasters rather than the 16-bit versions that were required for CD production. It was also decided to use the remasters that had not undergone ‘limiting’ - a procedure to increase the sound level, which is deemed necessary for most current pop CDs.

Having made initial test cuts, Magee pinpointed any sound problems that can occur during playback of vinyl records. To rectify them, changes were made to the remasters with a Digital Audio Workstation. For example, each vinyl album was listened to for any ‘sibilant episodes’ - vocal distortion that can occur on consonant sounds such as S and T. These were corrected by reducing the level in the very small portion of sound causing the undesired effect. Similarly, any likelihood of ‘inner-groove distortion’ was addressed. As the stylus approaches the centre of the record, it is liable to track the groove less accurately. This can affect the high-middle frequencies, producing a ‘mushy’ sound particularly noticeable on vocals. Using what Magee has described as ‘surgical EQ,’ problem frequencies were identified and reduced in level to compensate for this.

The last phase of the vinyl mastering process began with the arrival of the first batches of test pressings made from master lacquers that had been sent to the two pressing plant factories. Stringent quality tests identified any noise or click appearing on more than one test pressing in the same place. If this happened, it was clear that the undesired sounds had been introduced either during the cutting or the pressing stage and so the test records were rejected. In the quest to achieve the highest quality possible, the Abbey Road team worked closely with the pressing factories and the manufacturers of the lacquer and cutting styli.

An additional and unusual challenge was to ensure the proper playback of the sounds embedded in the ‘lock-groove’ at the end of side two of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Requiring a combination of good timing and luck, it had always been a lengthy and costly process to make it work properly. In fact, it was so tricky, it had never been attempted for American pressings of the LP. Naturally, Sean Magee and the team perfected this and the garbled message is heard as originally intended on the remastered Sgt. Pepper LP.

Highly-skilled technicians have worked long and hard to make The Beatles on vinyl sound better than ever. All we need to do is listen to the results of their dedicated labour on the remastered LPs. Handle with care. But most of all, enjoy the music.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1:
1. Magical Mystery Tour (2009 - Remaster)
2. The Fool On The Hill (2009 - Remaster)
3. Flying (2009 - Remaster)
4. Blue Jay Way (2009 - Remaster)
5. Your Mother Should Know (2009 - Remaster)
6. I Am The Walrus (2009 - Remaster)

Side 2:
1. Hello, Goodbye (2009 - Remaster)
2. Strawberry Fields Forever (2009 - Remaster)
3. Penny Lane (2009 - Remaster)
4. Baby, You're A Rich Man (2009 - Remaster)
5. All You Need Is Love (2009 - Remaster)

The last of The Beatles be-suited, writing-to-order, perfect pop albums, this was a brilliant collection of songs from the film Help!, and other newies, that includes the superb "Ticket To Ride", "Yesterday" and of course, the title track itself. Albums in this era, up until about 1965, were simply collections of songs that could have been singles; there was no real concept of 'the album as a statement', as a piece of art in its own right. This was just pop music: short, simple, catchy, and in the case of The Beatles, brilliant!

Tracklisting
1. Help!
2. The Night Before
3. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
4. I Need You
5. Another Girl
6. You're Going To Lose That Girl
7. Ticket To Ride
8. Act Naturally
9. It's Only Love
10. You Like Me Too Much
11. Tell Me What You See
12. I've Just Seen A Face
13. Yesterday
14. Dizzy Miss Lizzy
15. Help! Documentary

The biggest band in rock history sees their original catalogue digitally remastered for the first time with improved packaging, including extra rare photographs, expanded and new essays and all enhanced with a video mini-documentary on the making of each album in the Beatles own words.


1. A Hard Day's Night
2. I Should Have Known Better
3. If I Fell
4. I'm Happy Just To Dance With You
5. And I Love Her
6. Tell Me Why
7. Can't Buy Me Love
8. Any Time At All
9. I'll Cry Instead
10. Things We Said Today
11. When I Get Home
12. You Can't Do That
13. I'll Be Back
14. A Hard Day's Night Documentary

TRACK LISTING

1. A Hard Day's Night
2. I Should Have Known Better
3. If I Fell
4. I'm Happy Just To Dance With You
5. And I Love Her
6. Tell Me Why
7. Can't Buy Me Love
8. Any Time At All
9. I'll Cry Instead
10. Things We Said Today
11. When I Get Home
12. You Can't Do That
13. I'll Be Back
14. A Hard Day's Night Documentary