News/The Collection: Iron Maiden "50th. Anniversary Studio Album Collection Part One 1980-1992"

Iron Maiden will release a 10LP coloured vinyl box set in December as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

50th Anniversary Studio Album Collection Part One: 1980-1992 features the band’s first nine studio albums in the following coloured vinyl configurations:

• Iron Maiden – 1980 (Gold Vinyl)
• Killers – 1981 (Red Vinyl)
• The Number of the Beast – 1982 (Silver Vinyl)
• Piece of Mind – 1983 (Yellow Vinyl)
• Powerslave – 1984 (Gold Vinyl)
• Somewhere in Time – 1986 (Oxblood Vinyl)
• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son – 1988 (White Vinyl)
• No Prayer for the Dying – 1990 (Olive Vinyl)
• Fear of the Dark (2 LP) – 1992 (Blue + Yellow Vinyl)

50th Anniversary Studio Album Collection Part One: 1980-1992 will be released on 11 December 2026.

News: Morrissey And Johnny Marr Have Worked On A New Rare Vinyl Released From The Smiths

 

Morrissey and Johnny Marr have both helped to create a rare new seven-inch release from The Smiths, as part of an upcoming Rough Trade boxset.

The legendary London independent label will release its second volume of newly printed classic singles, titled ‘Rough Trade 45s: Volume 2’, on October 30. It will comprise tracks from The Fall, Aztec Camera, Mazzy Star, Scritti Politti, Robert Wyatt and more, and the boxset will be limited to just 1000 copes, released on October 30. 

Among them is a new release from The Smiths, with "The Headmaster Ritual" on the A-side, and "I Want The One I Can't Have" on the flip side. Both songs originally appeared on the band’s second album "Meat Is Murder" in 1985, but they were never released as a single on Rough Trade.

Now, they will be available as a single for the first time, with Morrissey and Marr both requesting the two tracks. Morrissey has also overseen the creation of the new artwork, choosing a 1939 image of the American actor Billy Halop. It follows in the tradition of The Smiths' artwork throughout their career, with Morrissey having previously selected the likes of Truman Capote, Candy Darling, Alain Delon and Elvis Presley.

Both Morrissey and Marr have also both contributed sleeve notes for the release, and the booklet will also include writing from Elvis Costello, Stewart Lee, Green Gartside, Jonathan Richman and The Go-Betweens' Robert Forster.

You can pre-order here: Rough Trade 45s 

The Compilation/News: Rough Trade Announced 45s Volume 2 Boxset

 

Rough Trade Records announced the release of their Volume 2 of seven-inch singles boxset. The legendary London Label will release a second volume of their acclaimed boxset series tracing some of the key seven-inch singles in the independent label's history on 30 October.

Following the first set which came out last year and focused on the indie's first few years of existence, Volume 2 will feature nine seven-inch singles from the 1980s to the early 1990s, marking the period when Rough Trade came of age as a label.

Nine disc set includes repressings of handpicked 1980s and 1990s releases from The Fall, Scritti Politti, Robert Wyatt, Aztec Camera, The Go-Betweens, Jonathan Richman, The Sundays and Mazzy Star Additionally The Smiths' The Headmaster Ritual becomes a Rough Trade single especially for this release at Morrissey and Marr's request, with unique b-side plus new artwork from Morrissey

Sleeve notes feature new interviews with Rough Trade co-MDs Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis, plus contributions from Elvis Costello, Harriet Wheeler, Anton Corbijn, Stewart Lee and more.

Handpicked by Rough Trade’s co-MDs, Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis, the tracks represent a mix of key releases and personal favourites. Starting with The Fall's 1980 Totally Wired, Scritti Politti's The Sweetest Girl, Robert Wyatt's Shipbuilding, Aztec Camera’s Oblivious, The Go Betweens' Cattle and Cane, Jonathan Richman's That Summer Feeling and The Sundays' Can't Be Sure have all been repressed on seven-inch, including b-sides, as they were released by the label at the time.

Mazzy Star's cover of Love’s Five String Serenade, which appeared on Rough Trade's single's club in 1993, appears as the original release, but its b-side has been switched at Lee and Travis' request for David Roback and Hope Sandoval’s version of Slap Happy’s Blue Flower to create a unique “covers release”.

In addition to these original releases, Volume 2 also boasts a ninth,  "new" single which has been created at the request of members of The Smiths, and will only be available in this edition. Although it was released in Netherlands, The Headmaster Ritual had never been an official Rough Trade single until now. At Morrissey and Marr's request the track from Meat Is Murder is backed by I Want The One I Can’t Have as its b-side, while Morrissey has overseen the creation of brand new artwork for the seven-inch.

Both band members have contributed to the sleeve notes that accompany Volume 2, which also includes contributions from Elvis Costello, Stewart Lee, Roddy Frame, Green Gartside, Jonathan Richman, The Sundays’ Harriet Wheeler, David Gavurin and The Go-Betweens' Lindy Morrison and Robert Forster. Plus, there is a brand new, extensive interview with Travis and Lee, who discuss the label during the 80s and 90s, the music and their collaborations with the artists featured.

The sleeve notes also contain memorabilia and imagery from the Rough Trade archive, along with contributions from Anton Corbijn, Laura Levine, Paul Slattery, David Corio and more, who photographed the artists at the time.

Like its predecessor Volume 1 – which included singles from Augustus Pablo, Young Marble Giants, Cabaret Voltaire, The Raincoats and more – this second Rough Trade seven-inch boxset is strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide.

Rough Trade 45s Volume 2 Box Ser Tracklisting:

 

7" -  RT056 - 1980

The Fall - "Totally Wired"
B-Side: "Putta Block"

7"   -  RT091 - 1981
Scritti Politti - "The Sweetest Girl"
B-side: "Lions After Slumber"
 
7"  RT115 - 1982
Robert Wyatt - "Shipbuilding"
B-Side "Memories of You"
 
7"  -  RT122 - 1983
Aztec Camera - "Oblivious"
B-Side "Orchid Girl"
 
7"  - RT124 - 1983
The Go Betweens - "Cattle and Cane"
B-Side: "Heaven Says"
 
7" -  RT152 - 1984
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - "That Summer Feeling"
B-Side: "This Kind of Music"
 
7" -  RT0507S - 2026
The Smiths - "The Headmaster Ritual"
B-Side "I Want the One I Can't Have"
(Originally released in the Netherlands 1985 with B-side Oscillate Wildly - new B-side for this release selected by the band)
 
7" - RT218 - 1989
The Sundays - "Can't Be Sure"
B-Side: "I Kicked a Boy"
 
7" -  45rev19x – 1983
Mazzy Star "Blue Flower"
B-Side: Mazzy Star  Five String Serenade
(the single was originally released with B-side Under My Car, but has been changed at Rough Trade’s request for this edition)

News: Pink Floyd/Live From Los Angeles Sports Arena Soon To Come Out

Pink Floyd’s 1975 concert at the Los Angeles Sports Arena was first released on blu-ray last year on the Wish You Were Here 50th anniversary reissue. It's soon to come out on vinyl, via the previously announced 4LP set for Record Store Day but is now confirmed as a 2CD set in late April.

The performance was never professionally recorded so the origins of this recording is via the late bootlegger Mike "Mike the Mic" Millard, whose tapes from concerts across Los Angeles in the 1970s became renowned for their surprisingly clear sound quality. To conceal his recording equipment from venue security, Millard would often pretend to be disabled and arrive to concerts in a wheelchair.

The performance opened with early versions of songs initially titled as "Raving and Drooling" and "You've Got To Be Crazy", which later evolved into "Sheep" and "Dogs" which ended up on Animals.  "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" in its two parts bookended another new composition, "Have A Cigar". Following these new compositions, the band performed The Dark Side of The Moon in full, with "Echoes" as an encore.

Meticulously restored and remastered by Steven Wilson, this is as good as it’s going to get in terms of a live recording of Pink Floyd’s 1975 tour.

The 4LP clear vinyl edition is released on Record Store Day on 18 April, and the 2CD edition is released six days later on 24 April 2026.

Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena - 2CD/4LP set Track List: 

 

1. Raving and Drooling (Live bootleg – Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

2. You’ve Got To Be Crazy (Live bootleg – Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

3. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (1-5) (Live bootleg – Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975 )

4. Have a Cigar (Live bootleg – Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

5. Shine on You Crazy Diamond (6-9) (Live bootleg – Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

6. Speak to Me (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

7. Breathe (In The Air) (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

8. On the Run (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

9. Time (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

10. The Great Gig in the Sky (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

11. Money (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

12. Us and Them (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

13. Any Colour You Like (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

14. Brain Damage (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

15. Eclipse (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

16. Echoes (Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 1975)

News: Midge Ure Will Released A New Double Album

Midge Ure will release a new double album "A Man Of Two Worlds" in May, his first album of new material in 12 years sees the former Ultravox frontman divide the offering into two parts. The first half, World One: Music, consists of eight instrumental pieces, while the second half, World Two: Songs, features eight ‘proper’ songs (with vocals).

The first half, World One: Music, lets the melodies walk around without language leaning on them, and that choice gives the album a kind of open air. These instrumentals do not beg for attention; they gather it by moving with patience and poise, letting space do some of the talking.

Then World Two: Songs steps in and the atmosphere changes, not with a thud, but with the pressure of weather rolling over. Ure turns his gaze outward and finds a planet full of broken speech, moral collapse, public fraud, private weariness, and the daily insult of watching power perform stupidity with a straight face.

This concept is said to be partly inspired by the time Midge spent during lockdown listening to instrumental music, and some of the work he heard whilst presenting THE SPACE on Scala Radio. He began writing what became a selection of instrumental pieces — "music shaped by reflection, uncertainty, and a strange kind of quiet". 

The eight vocal songs which form the second part of the album, are described as "incredibly sparse and meditative", with some songs dealing with the frailty of the human condition, underlying many songs is a reflection of Midge's concerns for the discord infecting world today. You can preview lead tracks ‘Just Words’, above.

Speaking about the album, Midge says: "Almost every album I've made over the past 40+ years has featured at least one instrumental track. For this album I wanted to explore this further, showing two sides of what I do".

 

The album is available as a deluxe 2CD media book set with 20-page booklet and as a double vinyl.

 

A Man Of Two Worlds will be released on 8 May 2026 via Chrysalis.

 

A Man Of The Worlds Track List:  

 

CD 1 / LP 1 – World One: Music

 

1. A Different View

2. The Space In Between

3. Hearing The invisible

4. Just Below The Surface

5. The Dimming Light

6. The Other Side

7. Blues and Greys

8. The Pictures You Carry With You

 

CD 2 / LP 2 – World Two: Songs

 

1. Just Words

2. World Away

3. Shouting To The Moon

4. Caught In The Middle

5. Ordinary Man (Precious Moments)

6. Somewhere Out There

7. The Man Who Stole Your Soul

8. Fan The Flame

The List: Compilations & Reissues Of 2025

Now's the chance to check the best compilations and reissues of 2025, featuring remastered classics and especial collections to bring alive classic and timeless tunes, hidden tracks, and interesting rare stuff, hope you love our annual selection: 

 

1. Happy Mondays   "The Factory Singles"   (London Records)

 

Celebrating 40 Years of one of Britain’s most iconic and era-defining bands, The Factory Singles is the definitive tribute to a group that reshaped the sound of UK music. This fully remastered 2CD collection brings together their landmark singles from 1985–1992, capturing the raw energy, innovation, and fearless creativity that made them a cornerstone of the Factory Records and Madchester legacy. From underground club anthems to crossover hits, every track showcases their unique fusion of attitude, electronic experimentation, and dancefloor-ready grooves. These singles not only defined an era but also laid the foundations for the alternative dance and indie scenes that followed.

 

2. The Style Council   "Café Bleu Especial Edition Box Set"   (UMC Polydor)

 

When The Style Council's debut album Café Bleu was released in 1984, Weller and wing-man Mick Talbot unveiled a cosmopolitan blend of jazz, soul, and pop that felt effortlessly sophisticated and daringly fresh. Café Bleu was more than a debut—it was a statement of intent, redefining what British pop could sound like in a new decade. The Café Bleu Special Edition is a treasure trove for Style Council devotees and music lovers alike - an immersive journey into one of the most inventive eras of Paul Weller’s career. This lavish release unveils a wealth of previously unheard material, including early demos, alternate takes, and unreleased songs that showcase the band’s restless drive for experimentation and evolution.

 

3. NOW   "Yearbook '89"   (Now Twic)

 

NOW Music proudly presents 60 more essential singles from the magical year of Pop that was 1989. This final Yearbook for the decade we like to call ‘the Eighties’ starts with Queen's ‘I Want It All’ and ends with Band Aid II’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ (the ‘unofficial’ Band Aid single according to a revisionist Bob Geldof!). In between are 76 other tracks including hits from Simple Minds, Soul II Soul, Neneh Cherry, Fine Young Cannibals, Kylie, Jason, Holly Johnson, New Order, Bros, Transvision Vamp, Roachford (“there’s no fog!”), The Beautiful South, Living in a Box, Tears For Fears, R.E.M., Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, The Cure, Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians, Sam Brown, The Bangles, Simply Red and many more. 

 

4.  Bryan Ferry   "Bête Noire"   (BMG)

 

Bête Noire was the follow up to 1985’s Boys and Girls and was co-produced with Patrick Leonard. Johnny Marr was amongst the contributors to Bête Noire, whose singles were ‘The Right Stuff’, ‘Kiss and Tell’ and ‘Limbo’. Only ‘The Right Stuff’ troubled the UK top 40, peaking at No 37 For the 2025 reissue Bête Noire is released as a 2CD deluxe edition and on purple vinyl. The second disc of the 2CD set offers remixes and edits from the original singles. 

 

5. NOW That's What I Call An Era   "Such A Good Feeling 1980-1995"   (Now Twic)

 

NOW Music proudly presents the latest release in the Now That’s What I Call An Era series - Such A Good Feeling: 1988-1995 - a celebration of a truly transformative time in music, when dance culture reshaped the mainstream, soundtracked a generation, and lit up the charts across the UK and beyond. This 4CD dive into the golden years of house, rave, and club anthems features 82 essential tracks spanning the late '80s to the mid '90s, bringing together the biggest hits and most iconic names that defined the era. 82 tracks across four discs - An unforgettable journey through the sounds that defined an era - NOW That’s What I Call An Era - Such A Good Feeling: 1988-1995 — the definitive celebration of a golden age of dance music.

 

6. Danny Wilson   "Complete Danny Wilson 5CD Box Set"   (Cherry Red) 

 

Complete Danny Wilson' is a 5CD boxset bringing together the group's two albums as well as all their b-sides, mixes and a complete live show (some of which has never been heard before). The band have been involved in all aspects of the release and have been interviewed extensively for the booklet providing an insight into their history.

 

7. James   "Nothing But Love: The Definitive Best Of"   (UMC-Mercury)

 

Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of is a comprehensive, career spanning highlights collection from James. The release documents the band’s journey through their singles as well as fan favourites and selections made by the band. The 3CD takes fans on a chronological journey from the beginning of the band’s releases up until the present day. The deluxe set features two new tracks, "Wake Up Superman" and  "Hallelujah Anyhow". Additional highlights include "Laid", "Sit Down",  "She's A Star" and "Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)" as well as tracks from James’ most recent number 1 album, Yummy. The 3CD includes an accompanying booklet which contains exclusive track commentary from members of James.

 

8. Hot Chip   "Joy In Repetition"   (Domino)

 

Joy In Repetition is the first ever anthology of some of the best of Hot Chip. It covers the band’s work, from their landmark EMI/DFA debut, The Warning, and traces their artistic evolution up to the present day. Packed with stone-cold bangers from across their career: "Ready For The Floor," "I Feel Better," and "Flutes," to name a few. Alongside, new track, "Devotion", which sees the band in full voice, merging pop hooks with their unique dancefloor mentality. Joy In Repetition highlights the consistency of their stellar career so far and cements their status as one of the most important British groups in the last two decades. To complement this, the album comes housed in a cover designed by legendary British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, mastermind behind the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band artwork. 

 

9. Simply Red   "Recollections Box Set"   (Music On Vinyl)

 

Simply Red celebrate four decades of music with 'Recollections' - 40 glorious, newly recorded versions of their classic songs. Produced with long-time collaborator Andy Wright, the collection delivers beautiful yet faithful takes on timeless favourites including "Money's Too Tight To Mention," "Holding Back The Years," "Stars," "Fairground" and many more. Mick Hucknall explains: "As a way of celebrating 40 years of Simply Red, we thought it apt to release these takes. Andy Wright set about capturing the atmosphere and sonics of the originals and has done a magnificent job. This has enabled us to come full circle and celebrate our 40 years with you."

 

10. Pet Shop Boys   "Disco 5"   (Polygram UK)

 

Disco 5 is the latest instalment of Pet Shop Boys’ continuing ‘Disco’ album series, which started in 1986. The 12-track collection features ten Pet Shop Boys’ recent remixes of songs by artists including Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Primal Scream, Paul Weller, Tina Turner, Claptone, Wolfgang Tillmans and more, as well as a remix of their own track ‘Dreamland’ featuring Olly Alexander.  

News: R.E.M. Releases Limited Edition "Radio Free Europe 2025" At Independent Record Stores

Following the announcement of Radio Free Europe 2025, a five-track benefit EP celebrating the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), R.E.M. celebrates the official arrival of their limited-edition ten-inch orange vinyl, available now exclusively at independent record stores and REMHQ.com. 

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was established by the United States 75 years ago and currently broadcasts news and information in 27 languages to 23 countries where a free press is either banned by the government or under threat. Throughout the Cold War and continuing today, RFE/RL is often the only lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship.

Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band. "We love journalism, we love freedom of speech, and we love the world…. We have a song that I wrote when I was 20, it was our first ever single, and this is a good time to celebrate the actual Radio Free Europe… It's important to democracy and it's important in the fight against authoritarianism that they remain."  said Michael Stipe.

There's no doubt that Radio Free Europe's journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you're doing your job when you make the right enemies.  adds Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of R.E.M.

The release is led by the never-before-released 2025 remix of "Radio Free Europe" from longtime collaborator and Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee. Completing the package are Mitch Easter's original 1981 recordings—the sought-after Hib-Tone single mix of "Radio Free Europe," its flip-side "Sitting Still," the "Wh. Tornado" demo, and Easter's long-rumored, never-before-released 1981 remix "Radio Free Dub."

The Reissue: Different Class 30th., Anniversary Edition

Pulp are to reissue Different Class next month, 30 years to the week since the original album was released.

The new 2CD and 4LP edition adds Pulp’s full headline performance from Glastonbury in 1995, four months before the album was released. It’s the first time their entire Glastonbury show has been issued, with ‘Common People’ the only previously issued song from the performance.

Overseen by Jarvis Cocker and Mark Webber, the main album has been remastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road, who mastered the original version in 1995. Although Different Class has been repressed on vinyl regularly since 2011, the new 4LP set is the first time the original studio album has been pressed on two LPs, rather than just one, despite its 53-minute runtime.

Cocker said of the new pressing: "This 45rpm double album version of Different Class will make it sound a whole lot better. We were obsessed with the fact that this was our ‘Pop’ album. (We had finally achieved some ‘popularity’ when ‘Common People’ was a hit.) As everyone knows, all pop albums have 12 songs on them: six tracks per side."

The only problem: this took the running time of the record to 53 minutes. We were told this would compromise the audio quality of the vinyl record – but we were more bothered about not compromising the quality of our Pop Dream. Now, 30 years later, we are finally ready for Different Class to be heard in all its glory. Different class indeed.

The vinyl and CD editions both include a 28-page booklet featuring new interviews with the band discussing the making of the album, plus previously unseen photos by original sleeve photographers Rankin and Donald Milne.

Housed in a slipcase, the 4LP set also recreates the original 1995  "Choose your own sleeve" design, featuring six double-sided sleeve inserts of alternative cover options.

Initially a B-side of ‘Mis-Shapes’/’Sorted For Es And Wizz’, the 1995 Glastonbury performance of Common People was also previously part of Different Class’ only previous expanded reissue, when a 2CD was released in 2006. Its second CD housed 11 additional tracks, including demos of four unreleased songs, plus Mile End from the soundtrack of Trainspotting, the B-sides PTA and Ansaphone, a cover of Whiskey In The Jar and Nick Cave's remix of Disco 2000.

Cocker’s statement on the reissue concluded: "The Glastonbury performance in June 1995 will always be the most significant concert of Pulp's career. Three weeks after Common People hit No 2 in the national charts, the band filled in for The Stone Roses at the last minute. We played Sorted For Es & Wizz, Mis-Shapes and Disco 2000 – all receiving their live debut. This is first time the whole concert (including the long, drone-based intro) has been made available. Your chance to relive an historical moment."

Different Class is released on 24 October 2025, via UMR/Island. 

CD 1: Different Class (remastered)

1.  Mis-Shapes

2. Pencil Skirt3) Common People

3. I Spy

4. Disco 2000

5. Live Bed Show

6. Something Changed

7. Sorted For Es And Wizz

8. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.

9. Underwear

10. Monday Morning

11. Bar Italia

 

CD 2:  Live from Glastonbury 1995

 

1. Common People (Drone Intro)

2. Do You Remember The First Time?

3. Razzamatazz

4. Monday Morning

5. Underwear

6. Sorted For Es And Wizz

7. Disco 2000

8. Joyriders

9. Acrylic Afternoons

10. Mis-Shapes

11. Pink Glove

12. Babies

13. Common People

 

LP 1: Different Class (remastered)

 

Side one

 

Mis-Shapes

Pencil Skirt

Common People

 

Side two

 

I Spy

Disco 2000

Live Bed Show

 

LP 2: Different Class (remastered)

 

Side one

 

1. Something Changed

2. Sorted For Es And Wizz

3. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E

 

Side two

 

1. Underwear

2. Monday Morning

3. Bar Italia

 

LP 3:  Live from Glastonbury 1995

 

Side one

 

1. Common People (Drone Intro)

2. Do You Remember The First Time?

3. Razzamatazz

4. Monday Morning

 

Side two

 

1. Underwear

2. Sorted For Es And Wizz

3. Disco 2000

4. Joyriders

 

LP 4:  Live from Glastonbury 1995

 

Side one

 

1. Acrylic Afternoons

2. Mis-Shapes

3. Pink Glove

 

Side two

 

1. Babies

2. Common People

The Reissue: Blur/The Great Escape 2LP

 

Blur will reissue their 1995 album The Great Escape on 2LP vinyl, in December. The 2LP set will be pressed on coloured vinyl (one LP is yellow, one turquoise) and has all-new front cover artwork (touch of Duran’s Paper Gods, going on there!).

The first LP is the album while the second features the B-sides from the various singles released at the time. This is a gatefold package with a gloss UV finish.

The Great Escape will be reissued on 12 December 2025, via Parlophone.

 

The Great Escape Track List:  

 

LP1: The Great Escape

 

Side A 

 

1. Stereotypes

2. Country House

3. Best Days

4. Charmless Man

5. Fade Away

6. Top Man

7. The Universal

 

Side B

 

1. Mr Robinson’s Quango

2. He Thought Of Cars

3. It Could Be You

4. Arnold Same

5. Globe Alone

6. Dan Abnormal

7. Entertain Me

8. Yuko And Hiro

 

LP 2: The Great Escape B-sides

 

Side A

 

1. One Born Every Minute

2. Ultranol

3. Tame

4. No Monsters In Me

5. To The End (La Comedie) (featuring Françoise Hardy)

 

Side B

 

1. The Horrors

2. Ludwig

3. A Song

4. St. Louis

5. The Man Who Left Himself

6. Eine Kleine Lift Musik

The Collection: Oasis "The Comple Studio Album Collection"

Oasis have today announced 14LP and 8CD editions of a career-spanning box called Complete Studio Album Collection.

This features their seven studio albums – 1994's Definitely Maybe to 2008’s Dig Out Your Soul – as well as the 1998 B-sides compilation The Masterplan. On CD this is an 8CD set and on vinyl it’s a 14LP package.

Amazon has gold vinyl LP and gold CD exclusives for this title – everywhere else is stocking standard black vinyl and normal CDs.

Complete Album Collection is being released on 22 August 2025, via Big Brother Recordings. 

 

The Complete Studio Album Collection Content:

 

8CD Set Albums Included:

 

1. Definitely Maybe

2. (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?

3. Be Here Now

4. The Masterplan

5. Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

6. Heathen Chemistry

7. Don’t Believe The Truth

8. Dig Out Your Soul

 

8LP Vinyl Box Albums Included: 

 

1. Definitely Maybe (2LP)

2. (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? (2LP)

3. Be Here Now (2LP)

4. The Masterplan (2LP)

5. Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

6. Heathen Chemistry (2LP)

7. Don’t Believe The Truth

8. Dig Out Your Soul (2LP)

The Compilation: Now Yearbook '89

Now Music is finally finish off the 1980s episode with their last Yearnook series focusing now on 1989.

This final Yearbook for the decade starts with Queen's "I Want It All" and ends with Band Aid II's "Do They Know It's Christmas" the 'unofficial' Band Aid single according to a revisionist Bob Geldof!.

In between are 76 other tracks including hits from Simple Minds, Soul II Soul, Neneh Cherry, Fine Young Cannibals, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan,  Holly Johnson, New Order, Bros, Transvision Vamp, Roachford (“there’s no fog!”), The Beautiful South, Living in a Box, Tears For Fears, R.E.M., Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, The Cure, Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians, Sam Brown, The Bangles, Simply Red and many more.

The familiar formats are available: deluxe hardcover book 4CD edition, 3LP coloured vinyl in pink color with 42 tracks and the standard card sleeved 4CD set. NOW Yearbook 1989 will be released on 25 April 2025.

NOW Yearbook 1989 Track List:  

CD 1

1. Queen – I Want It All

2. Billy Joel – We Didn’t Start The Fire

3. Tina Turner – The Best

4. Cher – If I Could Turn Back Time

5. Belinda Carlisle – Leave A Light On

6. Deborah Harry – I Want That Man

7. Chris Rea – The Road To Hell Part 2

8. Mike + The Mechanics – The Living Years

9. Simple Minds – Belfast Child

10. Gladys Knight – Licence To Kill (From “Licence To Kill” Soundtrack)

11. Lisa Stansfield – All Around the World

12. Soul II Soul & Caron Wheeler – Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)

13. Neneh Cherry – Buffalo Stance

14. Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy

15. Roxette – The Look

16. Holly Johnson – Love Train

17. Jason Donovan – Too Many Broken Hearts

18. Kylie Minogue – Hand On Your Heart

19. Bananarama – Help! (feat. Lananeeneenoonoo)

 

CD 2

 

1. Marc Almond & Gene Pitney – Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart

2. Jimmy Somerville Featuring June Miles Kingston – Comment Te Dire Adieu

3. Donna Summer – This Time I Know It’s For Real

4. Sonia – You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You

5. Bros – Too Much

6. Debbie Gibson – Electric Youth

7. London Boys – Requiem

8. Liza Minnelli – Losing My Mind

9. New Order – Round & Round

10. Kon Kan – I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You A Rose Garden)

11. Transvision Vamp – Baby I Don’t Care

12. Roachford – Cuddly Toy

13. Roy Orbison – You Got It

14. Sydney Youngblood – If Only I Could

15. Bobby Brown – On Our Own

16. New Kids On The Block – You Got It (The Right Stuff)

17. UB40 – Homely Girl

18. The Beautiful South – Song For Whoever

19. Living In A Box – Room In Your Heart

20. The Christians, Holly Johnson, Paul McCartney, Gerry Marsden & Stock Aitken Waterman – Ferry ’Cross The Mersey

 

CD 3

 

1. Tears For Fears – Sowing The Seeds Of Love

2. Duran Duran – All She Wants Is

3. Electronic – Getting Away With It

4. R.E.M – Orange Crush

5. The Cure – Lullaby

6. Yello – Of Course I’m Lying

7. Pet Shop Boys – It’s Alright

8. 808 State – Pacific 707

9. The Beloved – The Sun Rising

10. The Stone Roses – Fools Gold

11. The Cult – Edie (Ciao Baby)

12. Alice Cooper – Poison

13. Then Jerico – Big Area

14. Shakespears Sister – You’re History

15. Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – What I Am

16. Martika – Toy Soldiers

17. Will To Power – Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird (Free Baby)

18. Boy Meets Girl – Waiting For A Star To Fall

 

CD 4

 

1.  Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan – Especially For You

2. The Bangles – Eternal Flame

3. Sam Brown – Stop

4. Holly Johnson – Americanos

5. Paula Abdul – Straight Up

6. Donna Summer – I Don’t Wanna Get Hurt

7. Black Box – Ride On Time

8. Coldcut feat. Lisa Stansfield – People Hold On

9. Technotronic – Pump Up The Jam

10. The Beatmasters feat. Betty Boo – Hey DJ / I Can’t Dance (To That Music You’re Playing)

11. Kym Mazelle And Robert Howard – Wait

12. Malcolm McLaren & The Bootzilla Orchestra – Waltz Darling

13. Neneh Cherry – Manchild

14. Soul II Soul & Caron Wheeler – Keep On Movin’

15. Milli Vanilli – Girl I’m Gonna Miss You

16. Simply Red – If You Don’t Know Me By Now

17. Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting

18. Gloria Estefan – Don’t Wanna Lose You

19. Cliff Richard – I Just Don’t Have The Heart

20. Jason Donovan – When You Come Back To Me

21. Band Aid II – Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Film: The Great And Beloved "High Fidelity" Turns 25

Now this film has the distinction of celebrating two anniversaries. Nick Hornby's bestselling novel, published in 1995, is celebrating 30 years and the film, released on 28 March 2000, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. And just like Rob Gordon says: books, records, films -- these things matters, actually this novel and film matter.

High Fidelity is about Rob, a failing record store owner in Chicago, and how he must grapple with the reality of adulthood after his long-term girlfriend breaks up with him. The soundtrack and plot is amazing for anyone who has a deep appreciation for music. 

Actually the film is a time capsule wrapped in the essence of the '90s, capturing a generation caught between love, music, and the precariousness of growing up, this film became more than a mere cinematic experience – it resonated like a mirror reflecting my own uncertainties, passions, and quest for understanding.

Based upon the Nick Hornby novel of the same name, the movie follows Rob Gordon played by John Cusack, a record store owner and music enthusiast, as he navigates through a series of failed relationships. Facing a breakup with his girlfriend Laura, Rob reflects on his past romances and compiles a list of his top five worst breakups. Through introspection and revisiting these old flames, Rob grapples with the complexities of love, personal growth, and his fear of commitment – all set against a backdrop of eclectic music and fueled by Rob's self-deprecating humour.

It isn't just about Rob's struggle with relationships though; it's exploring the complexities of identity, growth, and the insecurities that accompany young men into adulthood. Cusack's portrayal of Rob – a music-obsessed, introspective, and flawed character – is not entirely sympathetic, but his wit, self-deprecation, and moments of vulnerability makes him very relatable.

Now the film's soundtrack is another thing, it becomes more than just background music; it is a character in itself. The melodic narrative stitched together by tracks from Bob Dylan, The Kinks, and other legends echoes the emotional highs and lows of Rob's life. It isn’t just a collection of songs; it is the heartbeat of the movie, the soundtrack of our lives, as the film explores its themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the messy realities of adult relationships..

Rob’s journey is messy, distortioned, and definitely human, his humour and candid introspection resonate. His realisation that life doesn’t follow a script and that closure isn’t always neatly packaged leads to understanding that life’s messiness can result in the most profound moments of growth. And I personally think this is the reason why the film keeps resonating with us all this time.

Twenty-five years later, looking back, High Fidelity remains as a cult relic – a film that not only captures the zeitgeist of its time the 90's. The narrative of the film itself that continues to resonate, offering solace and wisdom with each revisit, like a conversation with an old friend. Its lessons on love, self-discovery, and the profound impact of music.

The Reissue: Pet Shop Boys Will Reissue "Discography" In Blue Coloured Vinyl

The Pet Shop Boys will reissue Discography: The Complete Singles Collection, their 1991 singles or best of, on 2LP blue coloured vinyl, this May.

Originally released in 1991, this collection was the band's first greatest hits and was released between 1990's Behaviour and before 1993's Very. It features all the band's UK singles up to that point in proper seven-inch form except for  "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?" because that single was a double A-side with "Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)" the U2 mash-up cover that was included.

Discography also introduced to two new songs back then "DJ Culture" and "Was It Worth It?" Both were released as singles before and after Discography, respectively.

This collection was issued as a 2LP set on black vinyl at the time,  CD and cassette, but doesn’t appear to have been reissued on the LP format at all in the last 34 years. This new edition pressed on blue vinyl and features the 2023 remasters.

Discography: The Complete Singles Collection will be reissued on 30 May 2025, via Parlophone.

Discography The Complete Singles Collection Track List:  

 

LP 1

Side A

    1. West End Girls

    2. Love Comes Quickly

    3. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)

    4. Suburbia

Side B 

    1. It’s A Sin

    2. What Have I Done To Deserve This?

    3. Rent

    4. Always On My Mind

    5. Heart

LP 2

 

Side C

 

    1. Domino Dancing

    2. Left To My Own Devices

    3. It’s Alright

    4. So Hard

 

Side D

    1. Being Boring

    2. Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)

    3. Jealousy

    4. DJ Culture

    5. Was It Worth It?