Last year Tesco became the first UK supermarket to reintroduce vinyl records into their stores with a limited run of Iron Maiden’s ‘The Book of Souls’. Sainsbury’s have decided to go one better and will begin selling a select range of vinyl from March 21st. The LPs they plan to stock mostly consist of classic albums from the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, as well as some more recent bestsellers such as Adele and Amy Winehouse. With the vinyl due to be sold in 171 locations, Sainsbury’s will soon have more record outlets than any other UK retailer.
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Must Own Albums: St. Patrick’s Day
U2 – The Joshua Tree
This is the album that made U2 one of the most famous and commercially successful bands of all time. The album’s big hits ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘With or Without You’ came to define their sound and was one of the best opening trios of songs on an album.
Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous
The greatest Irish rock band were always destined to produce one of the world’s best live albums. Charismatic frontman Phil Lynott, and the duelling guitars of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, go on a whirlwind our of some the band’s biggest hits including ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ and ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. One of the most underrated bands at their peak.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
“Van The Man” took a radical step away from the big hits such as ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ for his second album. His tender yet powerful vocals, his hypnotic stream of consciousness style lyrics and his blend of folk, rock, soul and jazz made it one of the most daring and enchanting albums ever made. Although often overlooked, he has deeply influenced so many incredible artists in a way that few other artists have.
The Pogues – Rum, Sodomy & the Lash
Shane MacGowan and the gang have always been unique, blending punk, traditional Irish folk music and a “fuck it” attitude. Equal parts brash and romantic, this was the bands finest hour. Featuring the hits ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘A Pair Of Brown Eyes’ it is an album from a band that remain quite unlike anything else, and yet are quintessentially Irish.
Album Review: Gavin James – Bitter Pill
Gavin James – Bitter PillAlbum Review: Matt Corby – Telluric
Matt Corby – TelluricKeith Emerson passes away
There has been yet another tragic loss to the world of music as prog legend Keith Emerson has sadly passed away aged 71. Rising to fame through Emerson, Lake & Palmer he was one of the most talented and innovative keyboardists in music history. Known for his flamboyant performances and wide array of equipment, he pioneered the use of synthesizers and was the first ever artist to tour with a Moog as part of his setup. He made a lasting impact on music history and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Album Review: Ray LaMontagne – Ouroboros
Ray LaMontagne – OuroborosGeorge Martin passes away
Legendary producer Sir George Martin has passed away aged 90. Commonly referred to as the “fifth Beatle”, he signed the fab four to Parlophone after other labels had turned them down. He produced all but one of their albums, played piano on a number of tracks and constantly pushed them to be as innovative as possible on albums such as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The most famous and most successful music producer in history, he has also worked with Cilla Black, Elton John and Jeff Beck and has produced two Bond themes. Few people have ever contributed so much to our culture and yet not be in the limelight. His work will live on as the lasting legacy of a great man.
AC/DC tour grinds to a halt
The rock legends have had to reschedule the final 10 dates of their Rock or Bust Tour due to medical reasons. Frontman Brian Johnson has been told by doctors that carrying on would risk total hearing loss. The rescheduled concerts later in the year will most likely involve a guest vocalist, but given this latest development in a long list of misfortunes the future of the band has been called into question.
Album Review: Wintersleep – The Great Detachment
Wintersleep – The Great DetachmentSpotlight!: Eryn Allen Kane
Soul music has started making a long overdue comeback. In it’s heyday it was some of the most powerful and emotional music ever recorded, so it’s no surprise that a new generation of talented people are trying to relive the glory days. One such rising star is this Detroit born singer/songwriter. She started out just writing simple arrangements, with percussion on laundry baskets and singing the parts of other instruments, working towards the day when she had a real band behind her. Her spellbinding voice on songs like ‘Honey’ and ‘Slipping’ and her compelling lyrics on ‘Have Mercy’ and ‘How Many Times’ make her one of the most enchanting new singers around. She was even personally chosen by Prince to provide vocals on his protest song ‘Baltimore’, and there are few recommendations better than that!
Any fans of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone should definitely check out Eryn’s two Aviary EPs.
Belwood Music 