Music

The fifth and final album from English post-rockers Talk Talk is a hidden gem. Michael Vámos says Laughing Stock is the band’s finest and one of the best albums ever!

• Michael Vámos
• Jul 2024

Although the double bass is a majestic instrument, it’s rarely used in solo jazz albums. According to Jason Kennedy, Kham Meslien’s stunning album is the exception to prove the rule.

• Jason Kennedy
• Jul 2024

Howard Jones is celebrating 40 years in the music business with a four-CD collection of his finest music. Sean Hannam talks to the ‘80s pop star and pioneering electronica artist.

• Sean Hannam
• Jun 2024

The London Jazz scene is extremely diverse as this fascinating mashup of Jazz with Hip-Hop, Grime, Dubstep ably demonstrates. Shaun Marin is wowed by this powerhouse of a double LP.

• Shaun Marin
• Jun 2024

One half of 1990s pop superheroes Carter USM, Jim Bob’s back with a new solo album. Sean Hannam caught up with him just after the coronation of King Charles III.

• Sean Hannam
• Jun 2024

There are dozens of recorded versions of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos. Reference Recordings’ latest surround SACD version of Garrick Ohlsson at the Grand Teton Music Festival always sounds relaxed and mature.

• Jimmy Hughes
• May 2024

The latest in ECM’s Luminessence series of vinyl repressings, The New Quartet was Gary Burton’s second album for the label. Jason Kennedy loves the vibes from this classic from 1973.

• Jason Kennedy
• May 2024

Stephen Duffy of The Lilac Time thinks that Dance Till All The Stars Come Down is the best album they've ever made. Sean Hannam believes he might just be right!

• Sean Hannam
• May 2024

Pioneers of electronica Depeche Mode long since abandoned their synth-pop roots and their latest album is less about dancing and more about death, pain, and suffering. Sean Hannam gets happy!

• Sean Hannam
• Apr 2024

English bassist Jah Wobble has been making music inspired by influences from all over the globe for almost half a century. Sean Hannam met him, to discuss his four-CD compilation.

• Sean Hannam
• Mar 2024

Sean Hannam talks to Don Reedman. 45 years after his platinum first album, Don has returned to his orchestral rock roots in London’s Abbey Road Studios for Classic Rock Renaissance.

• Sean Hannam
• Mar 2024

Alan Sircom says the Hartnoll brothers are back with their 10th album of electronica, this time with more of a collaborative feel and even some angry ranting from Sleaford Mods.

• Alan Sircom
• Mar 2024