The chorus of Courteeners’ recent single Better Man summarises singer Liam Fray’s attempts at self-improvement and the imposter syndrome he feels about his band’s status as one of the last rock & roll…
Review: Village People – The Album Collection 1977-1985
Not exactly known as an albums band, Demon’s new 9CD boxset shows Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo’s group had more going on than is generally assumed. Sure, the outfits ensured…
Reissues review: Split Enz – Mental Notes/Dizrhythmia
Split Enz: Mental Notes 6/10 Split Enz: Dizrhythmia 8/10 Mainly known as the Finn brothers’ band before Crowded House, Neil Finn had yet to join elder brother Tim in the…
One Hit Wonder: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians– What I Am
The tuneful hoarseness of Brickell’s vocals on What I Am are so good that they manage to stand out on an upbeat song that works on every level. Edie Brickell…
Album review: The Dream Syndicate – The Universe Inside
Though they’re beloved Paisley Underground contemporaries of REM, The Dream Syndicate ’s third album since their 2012 reformation sounds nothing like the Athens quartet. On opener, The Regulator, an almost…
DJ and producer Dario G is releasing a third album
Platinum-selling DJ/producer Dario G is set to release his third album, Hola, on 26 June. With 7 UK Top 40 hits under his belt, Dario G is returning with his first studio album…
Street Fighting Men: Simple Minds interview
With Simple Minds’ 1989 album Street Fighting Years getting the reissue treatment and a new studio LP harking back to their dancey roots taking shape, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill tell John Earls about…
Reissue review: Kelis – Kaleidoscope (Expanded Edition)
Kelis’ debut is compromised after her recent claims (not commented on) that writer/producers The Neptunes ripped her off financially. Musically, its 20th anniversary is cause for celebration. Whatever their financial…
New album review: I Break Horses – Warnings
Missing since 2014’s Chiaroscuro, Maria Lindén announces her return in extravagant fashion with her third album’s opening track. Nine minutes long, it underpins breathy vocals, ethereal keyboard arpeggios and spooky…
Reissue review: Whodini – Whodini
Hip-hop pioneers in several fields, New York trio Whodini’s debut album from 1983 was notable for Magic’s Wand becoming the first rap video. That the single has a synth-pop groove is…